Posts

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – What is the Ego? – Inspirational Educative Articles

What is the Ego? What is the ego? Is it something real? You need to understand the nature of the ego. Your thoughts, your mind and your body are real. Ego is not real; it is a false attachment to the body and the mind. The wall you have built around yourself is the ego. The imaginary wall that gives you a sense of false comfort that you are safe is the ego. Your name, fame and wealth are all part of your ego. Meditation is just a way of breaking these walls. Many people are confused and are afraid to try meditation, because they fear that they will lose their mind in the process. The language that is used to describe the process of meditation can be a little confusing. When you hear "Drop your mind and drop your body" you’re probably thinking, “I don’t want to drop my mind. Why would I want to drop my mind? That’s the only thing that I have, and don’t even come near my body. What do you mean drop the body?” Any sane person would say, “Are you mad? This is my life… this is my body… this is my mind. I love my life. Teach me something that can help me to relax, and I’ll practice it. But what do you mean, drop the body?” Even if you go to the deepest layers in meditation, you will not drop your body, or your mind. You will drop the false association, that false identification with your body. You will also drop the false identification with the mind. You will realize there is a third entity to your reality apart from the mind and the body. You are not the mind, the body, or the ego - you are something different. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 7th March 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 7th March 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Suspension of Members of Lok Sabha Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Governance In News: Seven Congress members were suspended, for the remainder of the Budget Session, which ends on April 3, for unruly behaviour in the Lok Sabha. Rules under which MPs in Lok Sabha can be suspended Rule Number 373 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business – Here Speaker may direct the member of House to withdraw from proceeding for the remainder of day’s sittings Rule 374 – Member named by speaker for suspension and the same needs to be passed by motion of the House. The member will thence be suspended from the service of the House for a period not exceeding the remainder of the session. Rule 374A - It is invoked by Speaker for automatic suspension of member of the House – for five consecutive sittings or the remainder of the session, whichever is less in the event of grave disorder occasioned by a Member  While the Speaker is empowered to place a Member under suspension, the authority for revocation of this order is not vested in her. It is for the House, if it so desires, to resolve on a motion to revoke the suspension SC order on Land Acquisition Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Governance In News: SC upheld Section 24 (2) of Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act of 2013 (LARR-2013) The 2013 Act replaced the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and provides for higher compensation to those deprived of land by the government for both public and private sector projects. It also mandates consent of a majority of land-owners and contains provisions for rehabilitation and resettlement. What did the section 24(2) of LARR-2013 deal with? It dealt with land acquisition compensation awards made five years “prior or more” to the coming of existence of the 2013 Act The provision said that in such cases, if the physical possession has not been taken “or” the compensation is not paid, the acquisition proceeding is “deemed to have lapsed”.  The government, if it so wishes, would have to initiate fresh acquisition proceedings under the new Act of 2013, which provides for fair compensation What did SC rule? The land acquisition proceeding under Section 24(2) would only lapse if the authorities have neither taken physical possession nor paid the compensation due to the landowner for five or more years prior to January 1, 2014.  In Other words, an “or” in the Section was “interpreted” as an “and”. Thus, there is no lapse if possession has been taken and compensation has not been paid. Similarly, there is no lapse if compensation has been paid and possession not taken of the land. Indian Ocean Commission (OC) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- International Affairs In News: India joined IOC as an Observer State  IOC is five-nation grouping in the Western Indian Ocean, which includes Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, Mauritius and French Reunion. Significance of IOC: For its geographical location, as the islands sit around a “key choke-point” in the Indian Ocean — the Mozambique Channel This channel is being watched more closely as the U.S.-Iran tensions threaten the Strait of Hormuz.  Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 7th March 2020  Pic Source Did You Know? In December 2019, the Ministry of External Affairs decided to include Madagascar, Comoros and Reunion as part of the IOR (Indian Ocean Region) desk along with Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles China was made an observer of IOC in 2016  International Organisation of the Francophonie (the 54-nation French-speaking collective), the European Union (EU) and Malta became observers of IOC in 2017 Solar Charkha Mission Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Polity & Governance In News: It was launched by Ministry of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) in 2018. Solar Charkha units is an innovative way of cotton production by using solar energy. They have been classified as Village Industries.  The mission will oversee the implementation of 50 Solar Charkha Clusters across the country with a budget of Rs.550 crore for the year 2018-19 and 2019-20. The scheme is envisaged to generate direct employment nearly to one lakh persons in the approved clusters. Objectives of the scheme To create awareness about Khadi by bringing up the sales from Rs. 26,000 crores to Rs. 1 lakh crores. To have an eco-friendly environment. To revitalize the cotton industry. To extend self-employment in rural and urban areas. To make cotton generation a reliable and profitable business. Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 7th March 2020 Pic Source: India.Com Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Polity & Governance In News: INCOIS is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). It is located in Hyderabad & was established in 1999. It is mandated to provide the best possible ocean information and advisory services to society, industry, government agencies and the scientific community through sustained ocean observations and constant improvement through systematic and focused research. It is a unit of the Earth System Science Organization (ESSO), New Delhi. ESSO operates as an executive arm of MoES (MAINS FOCUS) Science and Technology Topic: General Studies 2 & 3: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
 Awareness in the field of IT Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Regulations Context: SC lifts Ban on virtual currencies that was imposed by RBI Virtual Currency There is no globally accepted definition of what exactly is virtual currency.  Basically, virtual currency is the larger umbrella term for all forms of non-fiat currency being traded online. Virtual Currencies are mostly created, distributed and accepted in local virtual networks. Virtual currency also includes Cryptocurrencies that have an extra layer of security, in the form of encryption algorithms CryptoCurrency It is a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange that uses strong cryptography to control the creation of additional units, to secure financial transactions and verify the transfer of assets These transactions are verified by network nodes and recorded in public distributed ledger called blockchain  They are being transferred, stored or traded electronically. Thus, Crypto Currencies are type of unregulated digital money.  They are neither issued by central bank/public authority, nor is necessarily attached to fiat currency, but is used and accepted among the members of a specific virtual community  Blockchain Technology: Block chain is a decentralised digital ledger  It was invented by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008 for use in the cryptocurrency bitcoin  Blockchains achieve consensus among distributed nodes, allowing the transfer of digital goods without the need for centralized authorisation of transactions. Its working can be represented through the below diagram.  Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 7th March 2020 The Internet allows computers to exchange information; Blockchain allows computers to record information. Both use a lot of computers (nodes). The technology thus allows transactions to be simultaneously anonymous and secure, peer-to-peer, instant and frictionless.  Dinesh Sharma Committee It was an inter-disciplinary committee set up in April 2017 by Finance Ministry to look into cryptocurrency legitimacy. The committee recommended a total ban on cryptocurrency in India  Subhash Chandra Garg committee It was formed in Nov 2017 to draft regulations for cryptocurrencies. It also recommended banning cryptocurrencies in India, citing risks and volatility in prices It recommended heavy penalties of up to Rs 25 crore and a jail term up to 10 years for anyone who mines, generates, holds, sells, transfers or issues cryptocurrency. Criticism of Crypto Currencies: Highly speculative nature of assessing their value. For ex: the cryptocurrency traded at a peak of $20,000 in mid-2018 before crashing to $3,000 by the end of the year. It is not backed by any central institution but derives trust from its intricate blockchain ledger system.  Bitcoins, with their assured anonymity is used in illicit transactions over the “dark web”. Merits of cryptocurrencies  Cryptocurrencies have now been adopted by international trading firms for use in lending, raising funds for other cryptoprojects  It facilitates easier cross-border payments European Union has not out rightly banned the instrument but have sought to regulate its functioning.  The 2019 Bill on Cryptocurrency even proposed the creation of a “digital rupee” as official currency.  Arguments made by Petitioners in SC against RBI ban The ban choked the agencies that sought to provide a platform to facilitate trading in cryptocurrencies by cutting them off from banks.  This had a chilling effect on the fledgling cryptocurrency exchanges industry in India and went against their entrepreneurial right to operate a business enshrined in Article 19(1)(g). Article 19(1)(g) states that all citizens of the country will have the right to practise any profession, or carry on any occupation or trade and business. Key Highlights of the Supreme Court Judgement The court found the ban did not pass the “proportionality” test as mentioned in Article 19(2)  Besides, RBI had not considered the availability of alternatives before issuing the order i.e. achieving the same objective by imposing a less drastic restraint. Till date, the RBI has not come out with a stand that any of the entities regulated by it have suffered any loss or adverse effect directly or indirectly, on account of VC exchanges. Conclusion It is now imperative on authorities to find the right “regulatory balance” on cryptocurrencies, task that is easier thought than done, considering their ever-evolving nature due to technological innovation. Connecting the dots Applications of Block Chain Technology in other sectors (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q 1. Consider the following statements about suspension of MP The Speaker of Lok Sabha is empowered to place a Member under suspension, however, the authority for revocation of this order is not vested in her Unlike the Speaker, however, the Rajya Sabha Chairman does not have the power to suspend a Member Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q 2. Consider the following statements about Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) INCOIS is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). It is located in Hyderabad & was established in 1999 Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q 3. Solar Charka Mission is a scheme by which Ministry ? Ministry of Textiles Ministry of Power Ministry of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Q 4. Which of the following are the member countries of Indian Ocean Commission? Madagascar Reunion Island Mauritius India Seychelles Select the correct answer from the codes given below 1,2 and 3 Only 1,2,3 and 4 Only 1,2,3 and 5 Only  1,2,3,4 and 5 ANSWERS FOR 06 March 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 C 3 D 4 C 5 C 6 B Must Read About Judiciary: The Hindu About Delhi Violence: The Hindu About Bailout of Yes Bank: The Hindu

RSTV Video

India - Myanmar Ties – The Big Picture – RSTV IAS UPSC

India - Myanmar Ties Archives TOPIC:  General Studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests In News: India and Myanmar exchanged 10 agreements in a number of fields ranging from infrastructure, energy, communication and health. The agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed and exchanged after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Myanmar President at Hyderabad House. The two leaders held discussions on a wide range of bilateral issues.  In line with its Act East and Neighbourhood First policies, India has laid emphasis on boosting its cooperation with Myanmar.  India is the fifth largest trading partner of Myanmar and the current bilateral trade stands at US $ 1.7 billion. Myanmar is the only ASEAN country bordering India which provides a gateway to South East Asia.  India-Myanmar relations are rooted in shared historical, ethnic, cultural and religious ties. Myanmar is seen as a crucial partner in the fight to end insurgency in India’s north-east, as a gateway to South-East Asia and a key component of Modi’s vision for South and South-East Asian regional cooperation. It is also a neighbour that is increasingly being wooed by China. A large population of Indian origin (according to some estimates about 2.5 million) lives in Myanmar. MoUs inked during the current visit between India & Myanmar Bilateral relations Emphasized that regular high level interactions have added momentum to the bilateral relations Welcomed the synergies between Myanmar’s independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy and India’s ‘Act East’ and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policies Reaffirmed their commitments to further strengthen partnership, explore new avenues of cooperation in order to expand bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries and peoples. Boundary issues Demarcation: Both sides reiterated their mutual respect for the already- demarcated portion of the boundary between the two countries and affirmed their commitments to settle pending issues through the existing bilateral mechanisms, such as the Joint Boundary Working Group Meeting. Projects: The two sides emphasized the centrality of connectivity in their relationship and reaffirmed their commitments to expedite the completion of the various India-funded projects presently underway in Myanmar, with Myanmar’s continued support and facilitation towards their execution. Welcoming the opening of the two land border crossing points at Tamu-Moreh and Rihkhawdar-Zowkhawthar as international border gates, they noted the need to further facilitate the easy movement of passenger and cargo traffic by streamlining procedures and expeditiously developing infrastructure.  Both sides agreed to work together for the earliest commencement of the project. The two sides committed to the early conclusion of discussions on the pending bilateral Motor Vehicles Agreement to facilitate cross border movement of vehicles. Both sides welcomed the MoU between their respective private operators to launch a Coordinated Bus Service between Imphal and Mandalay. Well-being of people: Both sides agreed to commence the establishment of the border haats, with a priority to carry out a pilot project, which was previously agreed by both sides in accordance with the MoU signed in 2012.  Development Programmes: Both sides also expressed satisfaction at the success of the Myanmar-India Border Area Development Programmes in providing infrastructure and socio-economic development in Chin State and Naga Self-Administered Region through the Indian grant-in-aid projects. Under this, 43 schools, 18 health centres and 51 bridges and roads have been constructed in the above areas over the last three years. Both sides acknowledged with satisfaction that 29 additional projects under the 4th year’s tranche of assistance of US$ 5 million, will be implemented in 2020-21. Transportation Both leaders took note of the positive developments related to the Sittwe Port and the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project. Once operational, this port will contribute to the economic development of the region and benefit the local people.  Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to the early completion of the Paletwa-Zorinpui road – the final leg of the Kaladan project. Once completed, the road will connect Sittwe Port to North-East India, generating more traffic for the Port.  India appreciated Myanmar’s cooperation and efforts in facilitating the movement of project personnel, construction material and equipment for the construction of the road component of Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project across the Mizoram border through Zorinpui southwards towards Paletwa. The two leaders took positive note of the progress of work on Kalewa - Yargyi road section of the Trilateral Highway, the work on which is expected to be completed by 2021. India reiterated its commitment to the early upgradation of the 69 bridges on the trilateral highway, with Myanmar agreeing to facilitate this. Education & Capacity Building Myanmar appreciated India’s assistance in the area of capacity building and training. Both sides agreed to jointly make flagship projects, such as Myanmar Institute of Information and Technology (MIIT) and Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education (ACARE), sustainable on a long-term basis.  Both leaders looked forward to the earliest upgradation of the Women’s Police Training Centre at Yamethin after finalization of modalities of the project.  Both sides acknowledged the role which the Myanmar-India Industrial Training Centres at Pakokku and Myingyan, established with Indian grant assistance, are playing in imparting skills to Myanmar youth to enhance their employability. They noted efforts to build two new Centres at Monywa and Thaton which are progressing well. Displacement India reiterated its commitment to support Myanmar’s efforts for promoting peace, stability and the socioeconomic development in Rakhine State through the Rakhine State Development Programme.  Myanmar appreciated India’s provision of 250 pre-fabricated houses and relief materials for displaced persons in northern Rakhine in 2019.  Both sides agreed to expedite the implementation of a set of 12 projects under the second phase of the Rakhine State Development Programme and to further strengthen their development cooperation within the framework of High Impact Community Development Projects and Quick Impact Projects under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation mechanism. In this regard, they welcomed the signing of the Agreement on Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of Quick Impact Projects (QIP) during the State Visit. India reaffirmed its support for the recent steps taken by the Government of Myanmar to address the challenges in Northern Rakhine.  India also expressed its support for the bilateral agreements signed between Myanmar and Bangladesh for the repatriation of the displaced persons from Rakhine State and hoped that Myanmar and Bangladesh would continue to work together for voluntary, sustainable and speedy repatriation of displaced people currently in the Cox Bazar area of Bangladesh to Myanmar in accordance with their bilateral agreements Bilateral trade and economic engagement The two sides noted the need to make efforts to enhance bilateral trade and economic engagement to their full potential. They noted that steps such as improving connectivity, market access, easing financial transactions, facilitating business-to-business connect and enabling bilateral and regional trading agreements would contribute to socio-economic development of both sides. Both sides agreed to work together to enable the launch of India’s RuPay Card in Myanmar at the earliest, noting that National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) needs to adhere to Myanmar laws and regulations and that the launch of RuPay Card would stimulate the economy of Myanmar and facilitate tourism and business from India. Agreed to explore the creation of an India-Myanmar digital payment gateway which would help expand options for cross border remittance between the two countries. Expressed interest in exploring a bilateral mechanism for settlement in local currency with the aim to boost cross border trade. In this regard, the two sides agreed to expeditiously convene the existing mechanism of India-Myanmar Joint Trade Committee meetings. Energy Both sides recognized the mutual benefit of greater integration in the energy sector between the two countries. India and Myanmar agreed to cooperate in the field of petroleum products, inter alia, for cooperation in refining, stockpiling, blending and retail through a Government-to-Government Memorandum of Understanding.  Both sides agreed to encourage and facilitate cooperation among oil and gas companies of India and Myanmar for development of petroleum products, including enhancing trade and investments in this area.  Both sides welcomed investments by Indian oil and gas Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in Myanmar’s upstream sector and agreed that efforts would be made to explore opportunities to export to India a portion of the output from such projects where investments have been made by Indian oil and gas PSUs. Defence and security Both sides reiterated that defence and security cooperation remains one of the key pillars of Myanmar-India bilateral relations. They commended the positive momentum in exchanging visits of defence personnel.  MoU on Defence Cooperation, signed in July 2019, had set the path for closer cooperation. The Indian side reiterated its commitment to assist Myanmar in the capacity building of the Myanmar Defence Services and enhance cooperation to address mutual security concerns.  Both sides reiterated their commitment to peace and stability along the border areas in order to promote the prosperity of the local people, the two countries and the region. They reiterated their commitment of not allowing any negative elements to use their respective soil for hostile activities against the other side. Welcomed the enhanced maritime cooperation between the two countries. They also recognized the importance of addressing maritime challenges and strengthening maritime security. Both leaders acknowledged the signing of an MoU on Maritime Security Cooperation (MSC), conduct of a first meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) in September 2019 and commencement of exchange of white shipping data, as important steps in the area. Emphasizing the importance of building a comprehensive legal framework for addressing mutual concerns on matters related to security, the two sides agreed to continue negotiations on various pending treaties such as a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty on Civil and Commercial Matters and the Extradition Treaty. They reiterated their commitment for an early conclusion of these. India welcomed the decision by Myanmar to extend Tourist Visa on Arrival for Indian citizens in Myanmar till December 2020. Healthcare The Myanmar side appreciated India's offer of providing medical radiation equipment "Bhabhatron-2" for treatment of cancer patients. Both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in healthcare sector. Peace and stability India reaffirmed its support for Myanmar’s efforts towards national reconciliation, peace process and democratic transition to establish a democratic federal union.  The two sides expressed satisfaction over the various ongoing trainings , capacity building programmes, exposure visits and lecture series offered by India for Myanmar civil servants, sportsmen, parliamentarians, judicial and electoral officers and security personnel. India announced the extension of its National Knowledge Network (NKN) to Myanmar Universities.  The Indian side also reiterated its readiness to support Myanmar in the establishment of the Myanmar Diplomatic Academy. Myanmar also noted with thanks India’s offer of providing technical assistance to the national ID project of Myanmar, based on India’s "Aadhar” project. Political ideology India also reaffirmed its support for Myanmar’s efforts toward national reconciliation and democratic transition to establish a democratic federal union. The Prime Minister of India expressed full support for Myanmar’s peace process, which is being pursued through a dialogue between the Government, Military and Ethnic Armed Groups under the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement framework. Both leaders underlined the importance of stability and peace in pursuing the shared national goal of development in the region. Terrorism Recognizing the threat posed by terrorism, both sides agreed to cooperate in countering terrorist groups and their actions.  Condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasized the need for stronger international partnership in countering terrorism and violent extremism, including through increased sharing of information and intelligence. They agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in this regard. International Relations Further, the two sides agreed to  Continue their close cooperation at international fora such as the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations Cooperate within other regional frameworks such as ASEAN, BIMSTEC, Mekong-Ganga Cooperation.  Myanmar supported India’s efforts for becoming a permanent member in an expanded and reformed UNSC.  The two sides reaffirmed their commitments to maintain a peaceful border and to promote the principles of openness, inclusiveness, transparency, respect for international law and ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific region, which embraces all in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity.  Myanmar committed to take necessary steps to ratify the amendment to the Framework Agreement of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) at an early date, as part of an effort to enable all UN Member States to join the ISA and advance cooperation in the field of solar energy.  Further, India reiterated the relevance of the Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) for disaster prone countries like India and Myanmar and encouraged Myanmar to consider joining the CDRI. India welcomed the inclusion of Bagan in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The two sides welcomed the commencement of a first phase of work by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to restore and conserve 12 pagodas under the first phase of a project to restore and conserve 92 earthquake-damaged pagodas in Bagan. Myanmar agreed to extend all necessary support to the ASI team, for undertaking this preservation work. Connecting the Dots: A stable Myanmar is very crucial in order to realize the potential of act east policy of India. Discuss. Analyse the security challenges associated with Indo-Myanmar border What is the Rohingya Muslims issue? How is it affecting India’s interests and relations with Myanmar? Examine.

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- IAS Prelims Test Series 2020 ENVIRONMENT & CURRENT AFFAIRS [Day 6]

Hello Friends,  https://www.youtube.com/embed/x5ldu2jV8N0 ARCHIVES OF 60 DAYS The 60 Days Training has finally begun:) DAY 6 is here! Before any competition, there is a preparatory phase. That phase involves a lot of sessions on strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the preparatory phase, the athletes train in a gradual manner. In the last phase, just before the actual competition, the training is done so as to sharpen their skills. This training requires complete focus and dedication. In this phase, the athletes do not try anything new or train in a new fashion rather focus on the sharpening of skills, focusing on strength and precision. Similarly, the upcoming 60 days, is like the last phase (training session), just before the actual competition. Here, the focus should be on sharpening the concepts, consolidating the knowledge base and solidifying the learning with loads and loads of revision. You will come across many distractions in between in the name of sources and resources (exclusive and inclusive), beware of them. Be alert and objective in selecting your companions in this preparation. Trust your effort and revise more than falling prey to multiple resources and doing nothing in the end. Everything that seems attractive is not productive. You should always go for productivity.  Let us pledge to make it a big game-changer (better than last year) in the next 60 days! 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) An ecosystem consists of both biotic and abiotic factors. Which of the below are abiotic factors? Protists  Light Water Soil or substrates Choose the correct option from below 1 only 1, 2 and 4only  2 , 3 and 4 only 1 ,3 and 4 only Q.1) एक पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र में जैविक और अजैविक दोनों कारक शामिल होते हैं। नीचे दिए गए अजैविक कारक कौन से हैं? प्रजीव (Protists) प्रकाश  जल  मृदा या अधःस्तर (substrates) नीचे से सही विकल्प चुनें केवल 1  केवल 1, 2 और 4  केवल 2, 3 और 4 केवल 1, 3 और 4 Q.2) Ecology focuses on the larger scales in biology, from the individual organism through populations, communities, ecosystems, and the Biosphere. Match the levels with their properties given below 1. Population Inter - breeding groups of individuals of the same species, generally living in the same contiguous habitat. 2. Communities Interacting populations of different species. 3. Ecosystem They contain both the broad biological community and all the physical processes 4. Biosphere Includes all the biological and physical processes that allow for and influence life on Earth. Which of the above is/are correctly matched? 1 only 1, 2 and 4only  1, 2 and 3 only All of the above Q.2) पारिस्थितिकी, जीव विज्ञान में, जनसँख्या, समुदायों, पारिस्थितिक तंत्र और जैवमंडल के माध्यम से व्यक्तिगत जीव से बड़े पैमाने पर केंद्रित है। नीचे दिए गए उनके गुणों के साथ स्तरों का मिलान करें 1. जनसंख्या (Population) एक ही प्रजाति के जीवों के अंतर-प्रजनन समूह, जो आमतौर पर एक ही सन्निहित निवास में रहते हैं। 2. समुदाय (Communities) विभिन्न प्रजातियों के जीवों के मध्य अंतःक्रिया। 3. पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र (Ecosystem) इनमें व्यापक जैविक समुदाय एवं सभी भौतिक प्रक्रियाएं शामिल होती हैं 4. जैवमंडल (Biosphere) पृथ्वी पर जीवन के लिए अनुमति देने और प्रभावित करने वाली सभी जैविक और भौतिक प्रक्रियाएं शामिल होती हैं। उपरोक्त में से कौन सा सही ढंग से सुमेलित है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1, 2 और 4  केवल 1, 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.3) Natural selection is the driving force of adaptation and evolution, Consider the following statements: Natural selection occurs only on the scale of the individual organism Natural selection means that those heritable traits that increase the fitness of an individual organism have a greater probability of being present in future generations within the population Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 None of the above Q.3) प्राकृतिक चयन (Natural selection), अनुकूलन और विकास की प्रेरक शक्ति है, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: प्राकृतिक चयन केवल व्यक्तिगत जीव के स्तर पर होता है प्राकृतिक चयन का अर्थ है कि वे गुणात्मक लक्षण, जो किसी व्यक्तिगत जीव की अनुकूलता को बढ़ाते हैं, जनसँख्या में भविष्य की पीढ़ियों में मौजूद होने की अधिक संभावना होती है। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.4) Level of organisation is important in study of ecosystem, Arrange the following in increasing order in organisation of ecosystem Individual Community Population Biome Ecosystem Biosphere Choose correct option from below: 1-2-3-4-5-6 1-3-2-4-5-6 1-3-2-5-4-6 1-2-3-4-5-6 Q.4) पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र के अध्ययन में संगठन का स्तर महत्वपूर्ण है, पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र के संगठन में बढ़ते क्रम में निम्नलिखित को व्यवस्थित करें व्यक्तिगत (Individual) समुदाय जनसँख्या (Population) बायोम (Biome) पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र जैवमंडल (Biosphere) नीचे से सही विकल्प चुनें: 1-2-3-4-5-6 1-3-2-4-5-6 1-3-2-5-4-6 1-2-3-4-5-6 Q.5) Consider the following statement about Ecotone: Ecotone is a zone of junction between two or more diverse ecosystems It is non-linear as it shows progressive decrease in species of incoming community from the outgoing species Some organisms in ecotone may be totally different from the adjoining communities Which of the above statement is/are incorrect? 1 only 2 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.5) इकोटोन (Ecotone) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथन पर विचार करें: इकोटोन दो या अधिक विविध पारिस्थितिक तंत्रों के बीच संयोजन का एक क्षेत्र है यह गैर-रैखिक (non-linear) है क्योंकि यह आने वाले समुदाय की प्रजातियों में, बाहर जाने वाली प्रजातियों से प्रगतिशील कमी दर्शाता है इकोटोन में कुछ जीव समीपवर्ती समुदायों से बिलकुल भिन्न हो सकते हैं उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन गलत है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 केवल 1 और 3 ऊपर के सभी Q.6) Natural ecosystems have been misused by the human being as a result of which the biodiversity and wild life has been threatened. Consider the methods that can be used to protect natural ecosystems Humans should move towards sustainable utilisation of resources Introduction of the species from the other parts of the world and the human interference should be reduced to minimum into natural ecosystems. Making buffer zones or transitional zones around the protected area. Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.6) प्राकृतिक पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र का मानव द्वारा दुरुपयोग किया गया है जिसके परिणामस्वरूप जैव विविधता और वन्य जीवन को खतरा पैदा हो गया है। उन तरीकों पर विचार करें, जिनका उपयोग प्राकृतिक पारिस्थितिक तंत्र की रक्षा के लिए किया जा सकता है मनुष्य को संसाधनों के सतत उपयोग की ओर बढ़ना चाहिए विश्व के अन्य हिस्सों से प्रजातियों का परिचय तथा प्राकृतिक पारिस्थितिक तंत्र में मानवीय हस्तक्षेप को कम से कम किया जाना चाहिए। संरक्षित क्षेत्र के आसपास बफर जोन या संक्रमणकालीन क्षेत्र बनाना। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.7) Ecosystem services are the direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human well-being, Consider the following pairs: 1. Provisioning services   Benefits obtained from the ecosystem processes such as water purification and waste management, pollination or pest control. 2. Regulating services    Products obtained from ecosystems such as food, fresh water, wood, fiber, genetic resources and medicines 3. Habitat services       Highlight the importance of ecosystems to provide habitat for migratory species and to maintain the viability of gene-pools. 4. Cultural services       Include non-material benefits that people obtain from ecosystems such as spiritual enrichment, intellectual development, recreation and aesthetic values. Which of the above pair is/are incorrect? 1 and 2only 2 and 3only 1 2, and 3 only 1,2, 3 and 4 Q.7) पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र सेवाएं मानव कल्याण के लिए पारिस्थितिकी प्रणालियों का प्रत्यक्ष और अप्रत्यक्ष योगदान हैं, निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार करें: 1. व्यवस्थिकरण सेवाएं  पारिस्थितिक तंत्र प्रक्रियाओं से प्राप्त लाभ जैसे कि जल शोधन और अपशिष्ट प्रबंधन, परागण या कीट नियंत्रण। 2. विनियमन सेवाएं पारिस्थितिक तंत्र से प्राप्त उत्पाद जैसे भोजन, ताजा जल, लकड़ी, फाइबर, आनुवंशिक संसाधन और दवाएं 3. आवासीय सेवाएँ प्रवासी प्रजातियों के लिए आवास प्रदान करना तथा जीन-पूल की व्यवहार्यता बनाए रखने के लिए पारिस्थितिक तंत्र के महत्व पर प्रकाश डालना। 4. सांस्कृतिक सेवाएं गैर-भौतिक लाभों को शामिल करना जो लोग पारिस्थितिक तंत्र से प्राप्त करते हैं जैसे कि आध्यात्मिक संवर्धन, बौद्धिक विकास, मनोरंजन और सौंदर्य मूल्य। उपरोक्त युग्मों में से कौन सा गलत है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3 केवल 1 2, और 3 1,2, 3 और 4 Q.8) Food chain and food web play crucial roles in functions of ecosystem, Consider the following statements about them. The distinction between Grazing food chain and Detritus food chain is the source of energy at the first level Grazing and detritus food chains are not interlinked. Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.8) खाद्य श्रृंखला और खाद्य जाल, पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र के कार्यों में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाते हैं, उनके बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। चराई (Grazing) खाद्य श्रृंखला और अपरद (Detritus) खाद्य श्रृंखला के मध्य का अंतर पहले स्तर पर ऊर्जा का स्रोत है चराई और अपरद खाद्य श्रृंखला अंतर्संबंधित नहीं हैं। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.9) Consider the following statements with respect to flows in ecosystem: Energy flow in decomposition is bi-directional, where energy is recycled by decomposers The number and energy of organisms gradually decrease with each trophic level in grassland ecosystem. Pyramid of biomass is always upright  Which of the above statement is/are incorrect? 1 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.9) पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र में प्रवाह के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: अपघटन में ऊर्जा का प्रवाह द्वि-दिशात्मक (bi-directional) होता है, जहां ऊर्जा का पुन:उपयोग अपघटकों द्वारा किया जाता है चरागाह पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र में प्रत्येक पोषण स्तर के साथ जीवों की संख्या और ऊर्जा धीरे-धीरे कम हो जाती है। जैवभार (biomass) का पिरामिड सदैव सीधा होता है उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन गलत है / हैं? केवल 1  केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.10) Consider the following statements about ecological succession: Ecological succession is the observed process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time Climate change may impact the ecological succession process The climax community represents a stable end product of the successional sequence Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 2 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.10) पारिस्थितिक अनुक्रमण (ecological succession) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: पारिस्थितिक अनुक्रमण समय के साथ एक पारिस्थितिक समुदाय की प्रजाति संरचना में देखी गयी परिवर्तन प्रक्रिया है जलवायु परिवर्तन पारिस्थितिक अनुक्रमण प्रक्रिया को प्रभावित कर सकता है चरमोत्कर्ष समुदाय, अनुक्रमण क्रम के एक स्थिर अंतिम उत्पाद का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1  केवल 2 केवल 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.11) Biotic interactions have marked effect on survival of organisms. Consider the following pairs: Mutualism: positive interaction, both species are benefitted Commensalism: positive interspecies interaction Predation: negative interaction Ammensalism: antagonistic interspecies interaction Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 4 only All of the above Q.11) जीवों की पारस्परिक क्रियाओं ने जीवों के अस्तित्व पर प्रभाव डाला है। निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार करें: पारस्परिकता (Mutualism): सकारात्मक अंतःक्रिया, दोनों प्रजातियों को लाभ मिलता है सहभोजिता Commensalism: प्रजातियों के मध्य सकारात्मक अंतःक्रिया परभक्षण (Predation): नकारात्मक अंतःक्रिया अ-सहभोजिता (Ammensalism): प्रजातियों के मध्य प्रतिरोधी अंतर्क्रियाएं उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 4 उपरोक्त सभी Q.12) Consider the following statements: Bioaccumulation is concentration of degradable pollutant in the first organism of trophic level In Biomagnification pollutants increase from one trophic level to other In order to biomagnify, pollutant must be long-lived, soluble in fats and biologically active Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.12) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: जैव संचयन (Bioaccumulation) पोषक स्तर के पहले जीव में निम्नीकृत प्रदूषक की एकाग्रता है जैव आवर्धन (Biomagnification) में प्रदूषक एक पोषक स्तर से दूसरे तक बढ़ जाते हैं जैव आवर्धन क्रिया करने के लिए, प्रदूषक को लंबे समय तक जीवित रहना चाहिए तथा वसा में घुलनशील और जैविक रूप से सक्रिय होना चाहिए उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 और 3 केवल 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.13) Which of the bio-geochemical cycle is majorly driven by solar energy? Nitrogen cycle Water cycle Sulphur cycle Phosphorus cycle Q.13) निम्न में से कौन सा प्रमुख रूप से जैव-भू-रासायनिक चक्र (bio-geochemical cycle) सौर ऊर्जा से संचालित होता है? नाइट्रोजन चक्र जल चक्र सल्फर चक्र फास्फोरस चक्र Q.14) Nitrogen is essential constituent of protein and is basic building block of all living tissues. Nitrogen has to be converted in to ammonia, nitrites and nitrates before it can be taken by plants Nitrsomonas bacteria promote transformation of ammonia into nitrates Upon decomposition nitrogen is returned to the soil as nitrogen gas.  Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only None of the above Q.14) नाइट्रोजन प्रोटीन का आवश्यक घटक है तथा सभी जीवित ऊतकों का बुनियादी निर्माण खंड है। पौधों द्वारा लिए जाने से पहले नाइट्रोजन को अमोनिया, नाइट्राइट और नाइट्रेट्स में परिवर्तित होना पड़ता है नाइट्रसोमोनास बैक्टीरिया अमोनिया से नाइट्रेट में परिवर्तन को बढ़ावा देते हैं अपघटन पर नाइट्रोजन, नाइट्रोजन गैस के रूप में मिट्टी में वापस मिल जाती है। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.15) The rate of biomass production in an ecosystem is called productivity. Which of the following statements are correct? Net primary productivity (NPP) is less than Gross primary productivity (GPP). Net Primary Productivity (NPP) is the available biomass for the consumption of heterotrophs Ecological succession is characterised by increased productivity Choose correct option from below: 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.15) एक पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र में जैवभार (biomass) उत्पादन की दर को उत्पादकता कहा जाता है। निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है? शुद्ध प्राथमिक उत्पादकता (NPP) सकल प्राथमिक उत्पादकता (GPP) से कम होती है। शुद्ध प्राथमिक उत्पादकता (NPP) परपोषी के उपभोग के लिए उपलब्ध जैवभार है पारिस्थितिक अनुक्रमण की विशेषता उत्पादकता में वृद्धि है नीचे से सही विकल्प चुनें: केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3  केवल 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.16) Consider the following statements about the process of secondary succession? Secondary succession is much slower than the primary succession. Secondary succession begins in areas where natural vegetation has been destroyed. Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 None of the above Q.16) द्वितीयक अनुक्रमण की प्रक्रिया के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें? प्राथमिक अनुक्रमण की तुलना में द्वितीयक अनुक्रमण बहुत धीमा होता है। द्वितीयक अनुक्रमण उन क्षेत्रों में आरंभ होता है, जहां प्राकृतिक वनस्पति नष्ट हो गई हो। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.17) Consider the following pairs: Autogenic succession: succession in which green plants dominate Allogenic succession: change brought by outside forces Autotrophic succession: succession brought by living inhabitants of community itself Heterotrophic succession: heterotrophs are greater in quantity Which of the above is/are correctly matched? 1 and 2 only 2 and 4only  2 and 3 only None of the above Q.17) निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार करें: स्वत:जनित अनुक्रमण (Autogenic succession): अनुक्रमण जिसमें हरित पादप प्रभावी हैं अपर-जनिक अनुक्रमण (Allogenic succession): बाहरी शक्तियों द्वारा लाया गया परिवर्तन स्वपोषी अनुक्रमण (Autotrophic succession): समुदाय के जीवित निवासियों द्वारा लाया गया अनुक्रमण परपोषी अनुक्रमण (Heterotrophic succession): परपोषी मात्रा में अधिक होते हैं उपरोक्त में से कौन सा सही ढंग से सुमेलित है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 4  केवल 2 और 3  इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.18) Consider the following statements: Niche is the unique functional role of a species in ecosystem. Niche plays an important role in the conservation of organisms Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 None of the above Q.18) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र में आला (Niche) की एक प्रजाति के लिए अद्वितीय कार्यात्मक भूमिका है। जीवों के संरक्षण में आला (Niche) महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाता है उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2  1 और 2 दोनों इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.19) Dispersal, colonization and recruitment, establishment, facilitation and inhibition are terms related to: Primary succession Secondary succession Climax community All of the above Q.19) प्रसार (Dispersal), उपनिवेशीकरण (colonization) और नवरोहण (recruitment), स्थापना (establishment), सुविधा और निषेध (inhibition) शब्द किससे संबंधित हैं: प्राथमिक अनुक्रमण (Primary succession) द्वितीयक अनुक्रमण (Secondary succession) चरमोत्कर्ष समुदाय (Climax community) उपरोक्त सभी Q.20) Consider the following about Tundra Biome: It is devoid of trees except stunted shrubs It is found in near northern and southern poles Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 None of the above Q.20) टुंड्रा बायोम (Tundra Biome) के बारे में निम्नलिखित पर विचार करें: यह वृक्ष रहित है तथा केवल छोटी झाड़ियां पायी जाती हैं  यह उत्तरी और दक्षिणी ध्रुवों के पास पाया जाता है उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2  1 और 2 दोनों इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.21) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘International Development Association (IDA)’ It aims to reduce poverty by providing loans and grants for programs that boost economic growth, reduce inequalities, and improve people’s living conditions. It is a member of the World Bank Group. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.21) ‘अंतर्राष्ट्रीय विकास संघ (IDA)’ के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। इसका उद्देश्य आर्थिक विकास को बढ़ावा देने, असमानताओं को कम करने और लोगों के रहने की स्थिति में सुधार करने वाले कार्यक्रमों के लिए ऋण एवं अनुदान प्रदान करके गरीबी को कम करना है। यह विश्व बैंक समूह का सदस्य है। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2  1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.22) Which of the following is/are associated with ‘BRICS’? Asian Development Bank Contingent Reserve Arrangement Fortaleza Declaration Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.22) ‘ब्रिक्स’ (BRICS) से निम्नलिखित में से कौन संबंधित है? एशियाई विकास बैंक आकस्मिक रिजर्व व्यवस्था फोर्टालेजा घोषणा सही कूट का चयन करें: 1 और 2 2 और 3 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.23) Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? Rohingyas – Myanmar Uighurs – Nepal Yazidis – Libya Select the correct code: 1 Only 1 and 2 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.23) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा युग्म सही रूप से सुमेलित है / हैं? रोहिंग्या - म्यांमार उइगर - नेपाल यज़ीदी - लीबिया सही कूट का चयन करें: केवल 1 1 और 2 2 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.24) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Goods and Service Tax Council’. It is a constitutional body for making recommendations to the Union and State Government on issues related to Goods and Service Tax. It is chaired by the Union Finance Minister. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.24) 'वस्तु एवं सेवा कर परिषद' के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। यह वस्तु एवं सेवा कर से संबंधित मुद्दों पर केंद्र और राज्य सरकार को सिफारिश करने के लिए एक संवैधानिक निकाय है। इसकी अध्यक्षता केंद्रीय वित्त मंत्री करते हैं। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2  1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.25) Which of the following Tiger Reserves was the best managed according to the ‘4th cycle of the Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves (MEETR)’? Pench Tiger Reserve Bandipur Tiger Reserve Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve Corbett Tiger Reserve Q.25) निम्न में से कौन सा टाइगर रिज़र्व, टाइगर रिज़र्व के प्रबंधन की प्रभावशीलता मूल्यांकन (MEETR) के चौथे चक्र के अनुसार सबसे अच्छा प्रबंधित था? पेंच टाइगर रिजर्व बांदीपुर टाइगर रिजर्व तादोबा-अंधारी टाइगर रिजर्व कॉर्बेट टाइगर रिजर्व Q.26) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘River Yamuna’. It flows through three states only. Tons is the largest tributary of the Yamuna. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.26) 'यमुना नदी' के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। यह केवल तीन राज्यों से होकर बहती है। टोंस (Tons) यमुना की सबसे बड़ी सहायक नदी है। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2  1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.27) Which of the following rivers are ‘Antecedent Rivers’? Subansiri Kosi Sutlej Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.27) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सी नदी ‘पूर्ववर्ती नदी’ (Antecedent River) है? सुबानसिरी कोसी सतलज सही कथनों का चयन करें 1 और 2 2 और 3 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.28) ‘Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary’ is located in Assam West Bengal Bihar Uttar Pradesh Q.28) 'विक्रमशिला गंगा डॉल्फिन अभयारण्य' कहाँ स्थित है असम पश्चिम बंगाल बिहार उत्तर प्रदेश Q.29) ‘Agreement on Reciprocal Logistics Support (ARLS)’ is associated with which of the following countries? United States of America Japan Russia  Australia Q.29) ‘पारस्परिक लॉजिस्टिक सहायता पर समझौता (ARLS)’ निम्नलिखित देशों में से किसके साथ संबद्ध है? संयुक्त राज्य अमरीका जापान रूस ऑस्ट्रेलिया Q.30) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘International Seabed Authority (ISA)’ All Parties to theUnited Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) are members of ISA. The headquarters of the ISA is located in Geneva, Switzerland. Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.30) ‘अंतर्राष्ट्रीय समुद्रतल प्राधिकरण (ISA)’ के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। समुद्री कानून पर संयुक्त राष्ट्र सम्मेलन (UNCLOS) के सभी पक्ष आईएसए के सदस्य हैं। आईएसए का मुख्यालय स्विट्जरलैंड के जिनेवा में स्थित है। सही कूट 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. What IMPACT can the ‘60 Day’ have on the final results? We will explain by taking a small example. Imagine you are sitting in the examination hall, appearing in Prelims Paper I. You have attempted 70 questions already but still unsure about a few. Then you stumble upon a question that was asked in 60 Day (and believe us, it has happened to hundreds of students countless times). You choose the right answer and submit your paper hoping for the best! Eventually, you go on to clear Mains as well as Personality Test and secure a good rank as well. When the cut off gets announced by UPSC, you realize that you have scored just one mark more than the cut off! Yes, that one mark can change your life (and it has done so to many of our students in the past). Now, imagine the kind of impact 60 to 80 marks can have! Isn’t that so fascinating to imagine?   One’s level of preparedness is always different for different subjects. Even within a subject, one’s comfort level may vary with topics. For example, one might be more comfortable in solving questions of Polity than Economics and within Polity also, one might be at ease with questions on fundamental rights than Parliament. The level of comfort and ease that one has with a subject/ topic gets manifested in the examination. However, there is no conscious effort by aspirants to micro analyze these aspects. Now, coming to the second aspect i.e. the mistakes that one commits in answering MCQs, it can be said that there are mainly four reasons behind incorrect responses in the OMR sheet. They are: Lack of information Lack of analytical ability Silly mistakes Excessive risk-taking Let’s analyze them one by one: Lack of information: You simply don’t know the information. You are clueless and that’s why you don’t attempt the question. For example, you may have never come across a regime called the ‘Wassenaar Agreement’ during your preparation and you can’t do much about it. The lack of information is pardonable and rectifiable. You can read more and gather more information. That is within your reach. Lack of analytical ability: You know the concept but the question is a twisted one and you are not able to apply the concept. For example, in a question asking you to identify the climate type of a region based on certain given parameters like precipitation, temperature, and air density, you might find it difficult to mark the correct option even if you are aware of all the options given in the question! That is clearly a lack of application and you can overcome it by developing a habit of framing questions in your mind while you study any topic. Silly mistakes: This habit is unpardonable. You know the concept, you become happy, you misread the question, you mark the incorrect answer and you are out of the race! Such mistakes reveal your hurriedness while answering the question. A simple mistake of reading ‘chose the incorrect option’ as ‘chose the correct option’ can destroy your chances. It means that you need to have patience and focus while attempting the paper. Excessive risk-taking: You are confused between the options and just in order to increase your attempts, you make wild guesses and try your luck only to repent eventually. Risk-taking is an art and one must be very careful while doing the guesswork in confusing questions. If you are not lucky enough, it can spoil your chances. You will realize that these problems will have different meanings for different people. For example, one might find a lack of information as the main culprit in answering wrong the questions on Culture while in Polity, lack of analytical ability is usually the culprit. The point here is that you must analyse your preparation on these yardsticks by applying them on different subjects/ topics. If one is having a headache, he/ she can’t have the same medicine for fever. Isn’t it. This is where our revamped ’60 Day’ comes into the picture. It will give you an opportunity to micro analyze your preparation and perform better in the examination. Now, we present you the following scales (with weightage of each scale given in the bracket) to micro analyze your preparation on a daily basis and that too subject/ topic wise: Micro Analysis Matrix Number of questions not attempted or attempted wrongly Due to lack of information Due to the inability to apply the concept Due to silly mistake Due to excessive risk-taking Total Number (N) Weightage of scale (s) 1 2 3 4 NA N x S Scale 1: Information meter (1) Scale 2: Analysis meter (2) Scale 3: Anxiety meter (3) Scale 4: Risk meter (4) Suppose on Day 1, questions have been framed from Polity on the topic of Constitutional History. There are 15 questions and you are able to answer 12 out of which 7 are correct and 5 are incorrect. It means you have scored roughly 11.33 out of 30. Now you have to fill on a daily basis, the following matrix to micro analyze your preparation: Example: Suppose, the filled up matrix gets reflected in the following fashion: Micro Analysis Matrix- Day 1/ Polity/ Constitutional History Number of questions not attempted or attempted wrongly Due to lack of information Due to the inability to apply the concept Due to silly mistake Due to excessive risk-taking Total Number (N) 3 1 2 2 8 Weightage of scale (s) 1 2 3 4 NA N x S 3 2 6 8 19 Based on the total value in this matrix, you have to aim for the following measures on the scale: Information meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, it means that there are serious gaps in your information base in the particular subject/ topic. Please refer to a standard textbook before it’s too late. Analysis meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, you need to explore all possible questions in your mind while reading the topic. You should frame questions for your friends and try to trick them by twisting the questions. Anxiety meter < 3 Course Correction: A score above 3 indicates that you are either too excited or too callous to even read the question. You need to calm down and read the question twice, particularly those questions in which you feel too confident. Risk meter < 8 Course Correction: You need to curb your risk-taking instincts. Make an only intelligent guess and don’t leave your chance on fate. Don’t let the previous year’s cut off impact your mind. Total N x S score < 20 Moreover, IASbaba will give a cut-off figure along with the solutions each day. If your total marks exceed that cut off along with your total N x S score lying below 20, you are on the right track and just need to keep the momentum going. This exercise will hardly take 5 minutes of your daily time but it might do wonders for you as you will be able to gauge your strengths and limitations better. Finally, it is up to you to take advantage of this framework. We are sure of only one thing- if you follow this program, assess yourself on the basis of the given framework and keep improving your weaker areas, success will be yours. We are providing you with the right platform, the right guidance, and the right competition. Do you have the right motivation to make full use of this initiative? We think you have. Come, be a part of this initiative and take the first step towards SUCCESS! Importance of self - tracking: We could have provided all of you with login id and passwords to monitor your daily performance in the 60-day program. Instead, a simple and most beautiful way which Disqus provides is profile based commenting! Yes, we have seen the most successful candidates who have taken the maximum benefit from this program monitoring themselves by commenting on their answers in the box given (Disqus comment). And reviewing their performance themselves once in 10 days on the progress meter. DOWNLOAD THE 60 DAYS PLAN 2020  All the Best! IASbaba

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- IAS Prelims Test Series 2020 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY & CURRENT AFFAIRS [Day 5]

Hello Friends,  https://www.youtube.com/embed/x5ldu2jV8N0 ARCHIVES OF 60 DAYS The 60 Days Training has finally begun:) DAY 5 is here! Before any competition, there is a preparatory phase. That phase involves a lot of sessions on strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the preparatory phase, the athletes train in a gradual manner. In the last phase, just before the actual competition, the training is done so as to sharpen their skills. This training requires complete focus and dedication. In this phase, the athletes do not try anything new or train in a new fashion rather focus on the sharpening of skills, focusing on strength and precision. Similarly, the upcoming 60 days, is like the last phase (training session), just before the actual competition. Here, the focus should be on sharpening the concepts, consolidating the knowledge base and solidifying the learning with loads and loads of revision. You will come across many distractions in between in the name of sources and resources (exclusive and inclusive), beware of them. Be alert and objective in selecting your companions in this preparation. Trust your effort and revise more than falling prey to multiple resources and doing nothing in the end. Everything that seems attractive is not productive. You should always go for productivity.  Let us pledge to make it a big game-changer (better than last year) in the next 60 days! 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 regarding Hyspectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) of ISRO – HysIS is an Earth observation satellite. It observes Earth in 3 different ranges including visible, infrared and X-rays.  It is launched in the geo-stationary orbit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only  1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only  All of the them Q.1) इसरो के हिस्पेक्ट्रल इमेजिंग सैटेलाइट (Hyspectral Imaging Satellite- HysIS) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें - HysIS एक पृथ्वी अवलोकन उपग्रह है। यह पृथ्वी का 3 अलग-अलग श्रेणियों में अवलोकन करता है, जिसमें दृश्यमान, अवरक्त और एक्स-रे शामिल हैं। इसे भू-स्थिर कक्षा (geo-stationary) में प्रक्षेपित किया गया है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.2) Consider the following statements with regard to LOx Methane Engine: It is less toxic and does not leave a residue upon combustion. It will be installed in the upper stage of GSLV MK-III vehicle. Gaganyaan mission will do technology demonstration for the engine.  Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only  1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only  All of the them Q.2) ‘LOx मीथेन इंजन’ के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें यह कम विषाक्त (toxic) है तथा दहन पर कोई अवशेष नहीं छोड़ता है। इसे जीएसएलवी एमके- III वाहन के उच्च चरण में स्थापित किया जाएगा। गगनयान मिशन में इंजन प्रौद्योगिकी का उपयोग किया जायेगा। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.3) Consider the following pairs -   Satellite Area of Deployment EMISAT Defence GiSAT Communication CHEOPS Exoplanets Which of the above is/are correctly matched? 1 and 2 only  1 and 3 only 1 only  All of the above Q.3) निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार करें -                             उपग्रह                             तैनाती के क्षेत्र 1. EMISAT रक्षा 2. GiSAT संचार 3. CHEOPS बाह्य ग्रह (exoplanets) उपरोक्त में से कौन सा सही ढंग से सुमेलित है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 केवल 1 ऊपर के सभी Q.4) New Frontiers Program of NASA is aimed at which of the following? Discovery of new Exo-planets. Unravelling the mystery of black hole Exploration of our solar system Discovering new habitable zones outside our solar system. Q.4) नासा का ‘न्यू फ्रंटियर्स प्रोग्राम’ (New Frontiers Program) निम्नलिखित में से किस उद्देश्य से है? नए बाह्य-ग्रहों (Exo-planets) की खोज। ब्लैक होल (black hole) के रहस्य को उजागर करना हमारे सौर मंडल की खोज हमारे सौर मंडल के बाहर नए रहने योग्य क्षेत्रों की खोज। Q.5) Consider the following statements with regard to various Space Missions: Discovery Program is a solar system exploration mission. Dawn Mission aims at studying the solar corona. JUICE mission is to explore Jupiter and its icy moons. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 only  1 and 3 only 3 only  All of the above Q.5) विभिन्न अंतरिक्ष अभियानों के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: डिस्कवरी प्रोग्राम (Discovery Program) एक सौर मंडल अन्वेषण मिशन है। डॉन मिशन (Dawn Mission) का उद्देश्य सौर कोरोना का अध्ययन करना है। जूस मिशन (JUICE mission) बृहस्पति और इसकी बर्फीले चंद्रमाओं का पता लगाने के लिए है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1 केवल 1 और 3 केवल 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.6) Recently Japan has launched BIRDS Project. What is the purpose of this project? To support non-spacefaring countries to build their first satellite. To launch drones monitored global avian survey. Electric planes that can be used for commercial purposes Nano technology related project to make miniature flying Q.6) हाल ही में जापान ने बर्ड्स प्रोजेक्ट (BIRDS project) लॉन्च किया है। इस परियोजना का उद्देश्य क्या है? अपना पहला उपग्रह बनाने के लिए गैर-अंतरिक्ष यात्री देशों का समर्थन करना। ड्रोन की निगरानी के लिए वैश्विक एवियन सर्वेक्षण की निगरानी करना। इलेक्ट्रिक प्लेन जिनका उपयोग व्यावसायिक उद्देश्यों के लिए किया जा सकता है कृत्रिम परागण करने के लिए सूक्ष्म उड़ने वाली वस्तुओं को बनाने के लिए नैनो प्रौद्योगिकी संबंधी परियोजना। Q.7) Consider the following statements with respect to Gaganyaan? It will carry astronauts to low earth orbit. India will become 3rd country to conduct manned space mission. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only  2 only Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2 Q.7) गगनयान (Gaganyaan) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें? यह अंतरिक्ष यात्रियों को निचली पृथ्वी की कक्षा (low earth orbit) में ले जाएगा। मानवयुक्त अंतरिक्ष मिशन का संचालन करने वाला भारत तीसरा देश बन जाएगा। 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.8) Consider the following pairs: Solar Missions Area of exploration ADITYA-L1 Solar Poles Parker Probe Corona, Chromosphere, Photosphere Solar Orbiter Mission Corona only Select the correct answer based on codes given below – 1-A; 2-B; 3-C  1-B; 2-C; 3-A 1-C; 2-A; 3-B  1-C; 2-B; 3-A Q.8) निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार करें: सौर मिशन अन्वेषण का क्षेत्र 1. आदित्य-एल1 (ADITYA-L1) A. सौर ध्रुव 2. पार्कर प्रोब (Parker Probe) B. कोरोना, क्रोमोस्फीयर, फोटोस्फीयर 3. सौर ऑर्बिटर मिशन (Solar Orbiter Mission) C. केवल कोरोना नीचे दिए गए कूट के आधार पर सही उत्तर का चयन करें - 1-A; 2-B; 3-C  1-B; 2-C; 3-A 1-C; 2-A; 3-B  1-C; 2-B; 3-A Q.9) Which of the following services can be provided by Cartosat-3 satellite? Creation of land use maps Monsoon prediction Resource exploration Cloud computing  Space based internet  Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 only  1 and 3 only 1, 2, 3  and 5 only  All of the above Q.9) कार्टोसैट -3 (Cartosat-3) उपग्रह द्वारा निम्नलिखित में से कौन सी सेवाएं प्रदान की जा सकती है? भूमि उपयोग के मानचित्र का निर्माण मानसून की भविष्यवाणी संसाधन की खोज क्लाउड कंप्यूटिंग अंतरिक्ष आधारित इंटरनेट नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1  केवल 1 और 3 केवल 1, 2, 3 और 5 उपरोक्त सभी Q.10) What is TRAPPIST-1 that was in News recently? Telescope  Star Exo Planet  Electric Vehicle Q.10) ट्रैपिस्ट-1 (TRAPPIST-1) क्या है, जो हाल ही में समाचारों में था? टेलीस्कोप तारा बाह्य ग्रह (Exo Planet) विद्युत् वाहन Q.11) 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for the discovery of the first exoplanet around a Sun-like star. Why discovery of exoplanet is so significant? It will help us find whether life could exist outside our solar system We can have better understanding on formation of planetary systems.  Mineral extraction and our energy security.  Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 only  1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only All of the above Q.11) भौतिकी में नोबेल पुरस्कार, 2019 सूर्य जैसे तारे के आसपास पहले बाह्य ग्रह (exoplanet) की खोज के लिए प्रदान किया गया था। एक्सोप्लैनेट की खोज इतनी महत्वपूर्ण क्यों है? यह हमें यह पता लगाने में मदद करेगा कि क्या हमारे सौर मंडल के बाहर जीवन मौजूद हो सकता है ब्रह्मांडीय प्रणालियों (planetary systems) के निर्माण पर हमारी बेहतर समझ हो सकती है। खनिज निष्कर्षण और हमारी ऊर्जा सुरक्षा। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3  उपरोक्त सभी Q.12) The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation is the direct evidence of which of the following? Existence of ‘god particle’ Expansion of the universe Presence of gravitational waves Theory of relativity Q.12) कॉस्मिक माइक्रोवेव बैकग्राउंड (Cosmic Microwave Background- CMB) विकिरण निम्नलिखित में से किसका प्रत्यक्ष प्रमाण है? 'गॉड पार्टिकल' का अस्तित्व ब्रह्मांड का विस्तार गुरुत्वाकर्षण तरंगों की उपस्थिति सापेक्षता का सिद्धांत (Theory of relativity) Q.13) Consider the following statements about the Starlink Satellite Constellation: It has been planned and launched by Russian Space Agency. It aims to provide space based internet services to the world. Satellites will be deployed in the Low Earth Orbit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2 only  2 and 3 only 1 and 2 only  1, 2 and 3 Q.13) स्टारलिंक उपग्रह समूह (Starlink Satellite Constellation) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: इसे रूसी अंतरिक्ष एजेंसी द्वारा योजना और लॉन्च किया गया है। इसका उद्देश्य विश्व को अंतरिक्ष आधारित इंटरनेट सेवाएं प्रदान करना है। सैटेलाइट को पृथ्वी की निचली कक्षा (Low Earth Orbit) में तैनात किया जाएगा। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 2 केवल 2 और 3 केवल 1 और 2 1, 2 और 3 Q.14) Consider the following statements about the Project NETRA: It is an early warning system in the space to detect debris and other hazards to Indian satellites. The project will involve launch of a satellite with telescopes and radars on board into geostationary orbit.   Initially there will be monitoring of satellites in low-earth orbits only.  It works in tandem with Remove DEBRIS project of NASA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only  2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only  None of the above Q.14) प्रोजेक्ट नेत्र (Project NETRA) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: यह भारतीय उपग्रहों को मलबे और अन्य खतरों का पता लगाने के लिए अंतरिक्ष में एक प्रारंभिक चेतावनी प्रणाली है। परियोजना में टेलीस्कोप और रडार के साथ एक उपग्रह का प्रक्षेपण शामिल होगा, जो भू-स्थिर कक्षा में प्रवेश करेगा। आरंभ में केवल पृथ्वी की निचली कक्षाओं में उपग्रहों की निगरानी होगी। यह नासा के रिमूव डेब्रिस प्रोजेक्ट (Remove DEBRIS project) के साथ मिलकर काम करता है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1  केवल 2 और 3 केवल 1 और 3 इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.15) Consider the following pairs: Mission/spacecraft/satellite  Purpose MAVEN  Composition of Mar’s crust        2. Lucy  To study the Trojans asteroids       3. MODIS Monitoring large-scale changes in the biosphere       4. ICON  To detect dynamic zone of Sun’s photosphere       5. Psyche To examine an object made not of rock and ice, but metal Which of the above have been correctly matched? 1, 2, 4 and 5 only 1, 2, and 4 only 2, 3 and 5 only All of the above  Q.15) निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार करें: मिशन / अंतरिक्ष यान / उपग्रह उद्देश्य 1. MAVEN मंगल के क्रस्ट की संरचना का अध्ययन करने के लिए 2. Lucy ट्रोजन क्षुद्रग्रहों का अध्ययन करने के लिए 3. MODIS बायोस्फीयर में बड़े पैमाने पर बदलाव की निगरानी करने के लिए 4. ICON सूर्य के फोटोस्फेयर (photosphere) के गतिशील क्षेत्र का पता लगाने के लिए 5. Psyche चट्टान और बर्फ की नहीं बल्कि धातु की बनी किसी वस्तु के परीक्षण के लिए उपरोक्त में से कौन सही ढंग से सुमेलित है? केवल 1, 2, 4 और 5 केवल 1, 2, और 4 केवल 2, 3 और 5 उपरोक्त सभी Q.16) Consider the following statements regarding Aditya-L1: It is India’s 1st solar mission in collaboration with the European Space Agency. Its main objective is to study the solar corona. Aditya L1 will study Corona using X-rays based instruments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only  2 only 2 and 3 only  All of the above Q.16) आदित्य-एल1 (Aditya-L1) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: यह यूरोपीय अंतरिक्ष एजेंसी के सहयोग से भारत का पहला सौर मिशन है। इसका मुख्य उद्देश्य सौर कोरोना का अध्ययन करना है। नासा का पार्कर प्रोब भी आदित्य-एल1 के समान समय में ही कार्य-संचालन आरंभ करेगा। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 केवल 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.17) Consider the following statements regarding Gravitational Lensing: It is a phenomenon of distortion and magnification of light coming from distant galaxies. It helps to map the distribution of dark energy in the space. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  1 only  2 only Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2 Q.17) गुरुत्वाकर्षण लेंसिंग (Gravitational lensing) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: यह दूरस्थ आकाशगंगाओं से आने वाले प्रकाश की विकृति और आवर्धन की घटना है यह अंतरिक्ष में डार्क एनर्जी के वितरण को मैप करने में मदद करता 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.18) Consider the following statements about the LIGO India project: It is collaboration among India, NASA and European Union. It is a part of the global network gravitational waves interferometers. Gravitational Waves were predicted by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only  2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only  1, 2 and 3 Q.18) लीगो इंडिया प्रोजेक्ट (LIGO India project) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: यह भारत, नासा और यूरोपीय संघ के बीच सहयोग पर आधारित है। यह गुरुत्वाकर्षण तरंग इंटरफेरोमीटर के वैश्विक नेटवर्क का एक हिस्सा है। गुरुत्वाकर्षण तरंगों का अनुमान आइंस्टीन के सामान्य सापेक्षता के सिद्धांत द्वारा किया गया है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1  केवल 2 और 3  केवल 1 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.19) Which of the following can be used to investigate black hole? Astrosat GROWTH-India Thirty Meter Telescope Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 only All of the above Q.19) ब्लैक होल की जांच के लिए निम्न में से किसका उपयोग किया जा सकता है? एस्ट्रोसैट (Astrosat) ग्रोथ-इंडिया (GROWTH-India) थर्टी मीटर टेलीस्कोप नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1  केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 उपरोक्त सभी Q.20) Consider the following matches  Fundamental Particle  Characteristics   1. Neutrinos It moves nearly at the speed of light; completely massless; no electric charge; not affected by electric or nuclear forces.  2. Higgs boson It is the particle that gives all matter its mass including neutrinos.   3. Antimatter Every known matter has antimatter which has the different mass and volume. It has an opposite charge when compared to its matter.  Which of the above have been correctly matched? 3 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only All of the above  Q.20) निम्नलिखित मैचों पर विचार करें मौलिक कण विशेषताएँ 1. न्यूट्रिनो (Neutrinos) ये लगभग प्रकाश की गति से चलते हैं; पूरी तरह से द्रव्यमान रहित; कोई विद्युत् आवेश नहीं; विद्युत् या परमाणु बलों से प्रभावित नहीं। 2. हिग्स बोसॉन (Higgs boson) ये वे कण हैं जो न्यूट्रिनो सहित सभी पदार्थों को उनका द्रव्यमान देते है। 3.एंटीमैटर (Antimatter) प्रत्येक ज्ञात पदार्थ में एंटीमैटर होता है, जिसमें समान द्रव्यमान और आयतन होता है। इसके पदार्थ की तुलना करने पर इसका विपरीत आवेश होता है। उपरोक्त में से कौन सही ढंग से सुमेलित है? केवल 3 केवल 2 और 3  केवल 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.21) ‘Surjit Bhalla Committee’ which was in news recently, is associated with which of the following? Net Metering Elephant Bonds Naxalism Prison Reforms Q.21) ‘सुरजीत भल्ला समिति’ जो हाल ही में समाचारों में थी, निम्नलिखित में से किसके साथ संबद्ध है? नेट मीटरिंग एलीफैंट बांड्स नक्सलवाद जेल सुधार Q.22) Which of the following statements is correct with respect to ‘Vallam Kali’? It is a traditional boat race in Kerala. It is an art form in which patterns are created on the floor or the ground using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals in West Bengal. It refers to a floral embroidery from Tamil Nadu. It is a drum made out of the wood of the jackfruit tree. Q.22) ‘वल्लम काली’ (Vallam Kali) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है? यह केरल में एक पारंपरिक नौका दौड़ है। यह एक कला रूप है, जिसमें पश्चिम बंगाल में रंगीन चावल, सूखा आटा, रंगीन रेत या फूलों की पंखुड़ियों जैसी सामग्रियों का उपयोग करके फर्श या जमीन पर पैटर्न बनाए जाते हैं। यह तमिलनाडु से एक पुष्प कढ़ाई (floral embroidery) को संदर्भित करता है। यह कटहल के पेड़ की लकड़ी से बना एक ड्रम है। Q.23) The ‘Joint Security Area (JSA)’ refer to which of the following countries? Israel and Palestine South Korea and North Korea Ethiopia and Eretria Sudan and South Sudan Q.23) ‘संयुक्त सुरक्षा क्षेत्र (Joint Security Area- JSA)’ निम्न में से किस देश का उल्लेख करता है? इज़राइल और फिलिस्तीन दक्षिण कोरिया और उत्तर कोरिया इथियोपिया और एरिट्रिया सूडान और दक्षिण सूडान Q.24) Which of the following statements with respect to ‘Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT)’ is/are correct? It uses independent computers to record, share and synchronize transactions in their respective electronic ledgers. All Blockchain is considered to be a form of DLT. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.24) ‘वितरित लेजर प्रौद्योगिकी (Distributed Ledger Technologies- DLT)’ के संबंध में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है / हैं? यह अपने संबंधित इलेक्ट्रॉनिक लेजर में लेनदेन को रिकॉर्ड करने, साझा करने और सिंक्रनाइज़ करने के लिए स्वतंत्र कंप्यूटर का उपयोग करता है। सभी ब्लॉकचेन को डीएलटी का एक रूप माना जाता है। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.25) Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? Pilibhit Tiger Reserve – Uttarakhand Tadoba-Andhari Tiger reserve – Maharashtra Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary – Telangana Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.25) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सी जोड़ी सही ढंग से सुमेलित है? पीलीभीत टाइगर रिजर्व - उत्तराखंड तादोबा-अंधारी टाइगर रिजर्व - महाराष्ट्र कवल वन्यजीव अभयारण्य - तेलंगाना सही कूट का चयन करें: 1 और 2 2 और 3 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.26) ‘Bimal Jalan Committee’ is concerned with which of the following? Corporate Governance Economic Capital Framework for the RBI Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Code on Wages Q.26) ‘बिमल जालान समिति’ निम्नलिखित में से किस से संबंधित है? कॉर्पोरेट गवर्नेंस RBI के लिए आर्थिक पूंजी ढांचा दिवाला और दिवालियापन संहिता मजदूरी पर संहिता Q.27) 'विश्व खाद्य सुरक्षा एवं पोषण स्थिति' (State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World) रिपोर्ट, किसके द्वारा प्रकाशित की गई है संयुक्त राष्ट्र के खाद्य एवं कृषि संगठन (FAO) विश्व आर्थिक मंच (WEF) द इकोनॉमिस्ट इंटेलिजेंस यूनिट (EIU) इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.27) The ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World’ report is published by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) World Economic Forum (WEF) The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) None of the above Q.27) 'विश्व खाद्य सुरक्षा एवं पोषण स्थिति' (State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World) रिपोर्ट, किसके द्वारा प्रकाशित की गई है संयुक्त राष्ट्र के खाद्य एवं कृषि संगठन (FAO) विश्व आर्थिक मंच (WEF) द इकोनॉमिस्ट इंटेलिजेंस यूनिट (EIU) इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.28) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘The Coalition of the Willing on Pollinators’. It was founded at the 14th session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD 14) in 2018. The Coalition is initiated by the Government of India. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.28) 'परागणों पर इच्छुक गठबंधन' (Coalition of the Willing on Pollinators) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। यह 2018 में जैविक विविधता पर सम्मेलन (सीबीडी 14) के लिए पार्टियों के सम्मेलन के 14 वें सत्र में स्थापित किया गया था। गठबंधन भारत सरकार द्वारा आरंभ किया गया है। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.29) Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? Kharchi Puja – West Bengal Ashadhi Beej – Gujarat Vat Pournima – Maharashtra Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.29) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा युग्म सही रूप से सुमेलित है / हैं? खर्ची पूजा - पश्चिम बंगाल आषाढ़ी बीज - गुजरात वट पूर्णिमा - महाराष्ट्र सही कथनों का चयन करें 1 और 2 2 और 3 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.30) ‘Godawan’ is a state bird of  Rajasthan Odisha Telangana Chhattisgarh Q.30) 'गोडावन' (Godawan) किसका एक राज्य पक्षी है राजस्थान ओडिशा तेलंगाना छत्तीसगढ़ 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. What IMPACT can the ‘60 Day’ have on the final results? We will explain by taking a small example. Imagine you are sitting in the examination hall, appearing in Prelims Paper I. You have attempted 70 questions already but still unsure about a few. Then you stumble upon a question that was asked in 60 Day (and believe us, it has happened to hundreds of students countless times). You choose the right answer and submit your paper hoping for the best! Eventually, you go on to clear Mains as well as Personality Test and secure a good rank as well. When the cut off gets announced by UPSC, you realize that you have scored just one mark more than the cut off! Yes, that one mark can change your life (and it has done so to many of our students in the past). Now, imagine the kind of impact 60 to 80 marks can have! Isn’t that so fascinating to imagine?   One’s level of preparedness is always different for different subjects. Even within a subject, one’s comfort level may vary with topics. For example, one might be more comfortable in solving questions of Polity than Economics and within Polity also, one might be at ease with questions on fundamental rights than Parliament. The level of comfort and ease that one has with a subject/ topic gets manifested in the examination. However, there is no conscious effort by aspirants to micro analyze these aspects. Now, coming to the second aspect i.e. the mistakes that one commits in answering MCQs, it can be said that there are mainly four reasons behind incorrect responses in the OMR sheet. They are: Lack of information Lack of analytical ability Silly mistakes Excessive risk-taking Let’s analyze them one by one: Lack of information: You simply don’t know the information. You are clueless and that’s why you don’t attempt the question. For example, you may have never come across a regime called the ‘Wassenaar Agreement’ during your preparation and you can’t do much about it. The lack of information is pardonable and rectifiable. You can read more and gather more information. That is within your reach. Lack of analytical ability: You know the concept but the question is a twisted one and you are not able to apply the concept. For example, in a question asking you to identify the climate type of a region based on certain given parameters like precipitation, temperature, and air density, you might find it difficult to mark the correct option even if you are aware of all the options given in the question! That is clearly a lack of application and you can overcome it by developing a habit of framing questions in your mind while you study any topic. Silly mistakes: This habit is unpardonable. You know the concept, you become happy, you misread the question, you mark the incorrect answer and you are out of the race! Such mistakes reveal your hurriedness while answering the question. A simple mistake of reading ‘chose the incorrect option’ as ‘chose the correct option’ can destroy your chances. It means that you need to have patience and focus while attempting the paper. Excessive risk-taking: You are confused between the options and just in order to increase your attempts, you make wild guesses and try your luck only to repent eventually. Risk-taking is an art and one must be very careful while doing the guesswork in confusing questions. If you are not lucky enough, it can spoil your chances. You will realize that these problems will have different meanings for different people. For example, one might find a lack of information as the main culprit in answering wrong the questions on Culture while in Polity, lack of analytical ability is usually the culprit. The point here is that you must analyse your preparation on these yardsticks by applying them on different subjects/ topics. If one is having a headache, he/ she can’t have the same medicine for fever. Isn’t it. This is where our revamped ’60 Day’ comes into the picture. It will give you an opportunity to micro analyze your preparation and perform better in the examination. Now, we present you the following scales (with weightage of each scale given in the bracket) to micro analyze your preparation on a daily basis and that too subject/ topic wise: Micro Analysis Matrix Number of questions not attempted or attempted wrongly Due to lack of information Due to the inability to apply the concept Due to silly mistake Due to excessive risk-taking Total Number (N) Weightage of scale (s) 1 2 3 4 NA N x S Scale 1: Information meter (1) Scale 2: Analysis meter (2) Scale 3: Anxiety meter (3) Scale 4: Risk meter (4) Suppose on Day 1, questions have been framed from Polity on the topic of Constitutional History. There are 15 questions and you are able to answer 12 out of which 7 are correct and 5 are incorrect. It means you have scored roughly 11.33 out of 30. Now you have to fill on a daily basis, the following matrix to micro analyze your preparation: Example: Suppose, the filled up matrix gets reflected in the following fashion: Micro Analysis Matrix- Day 1/ Polity/ Constitutional History Number of questions not attempted or attempted wrongly Due to lack of information Due to the inability to apply the concept Due to silly mistake Due to excessive risk-taking Total Number (N) 3 1 2 2 8 Weightage of scale (s) 1 2 3 4 NA N x S 3 2 6 8 19 Based on the total value in this matrix, you have to aim for the following measures on the scale: Information meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, it means that there are serious gaps in your information base in the particular subject/ topic. Please refer to a standard textbook before it’s too late. Analysis meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, you need to explore all possible questions in your mind while reading the topic. You should frame questions for your friends and try to trick them by twisting the questions. Anxiety meter < 3 Course Correction: A score above 3 indicates that you are either too excited or too callous to even read the question. You need to calm down and read the question twice, particularly those questions in which you feel too confident. Risk meter < 8 Course Correction: You need to curb your risk-taking instincts. Make an only intelligent guess and don’t leave your chance on fate. Don’t let the previous year’s cut off impact your mind. Total N x S score < 20 Moreover, IASbaba will give a cut-off figure along with the solutions each day. If your total marks exceed that cut off along with your total N x S score lying below 20, you are on the right track and just need to keep the momentum going. This exercise will hardly take 5 minutes of your daily time but it might do wonders for you as you will be able to gauge your strengths and limitations better. Finally, it is up to you to take advantage of this framework. We are sure of only one thing- if you follow this program, assess yourself on the basis of the given framework and keep improving your weaker areas, success will be yours. We are providing you with the right platform, the right guidance, and the right competition. Do you have the right motivation to make full use of this initiative? We think you have. Come, be a part of this initiative and take the first step towards SUCCESS! Importance of self - tracking: We could have provided all of you with login id and passwords to monitor your daily performance in the 60-day program. Instead, a simple and most beautiful way which Disqus provides is profile based commenting! Yes, we have seen the most successful candidates who have taken the maximum benefit from this program monitoring themselves by commenting on their answers in the box given (Disqus comment). And reviewing their performance themselves once in 10 days on the progress meter. DOWNLOAD THE 60 DAYS PLAN 2020  All the Best! IASbaba

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 5th March 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 5th March 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) National Lalit Kala Akademi awards Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Governance; GS-I-Society In News: The President of India conferred the 61st annual Lalit Kala Akademi Awards on 15 meritorious artists in New Delhi Lalit Kala Akademi also called National Academy of Art was set up by the Government of India in New Delhi as an autonomous body, in 1954. The Akademi was given statutory authority in 1957, under the Societies Registration Act 1860.  It is funded by the Ministry of Culture. Mac-binding Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Governance; GS-III- Awareness in IT In News: Use of Social media was allowed in Jammu & Kashmir but Internet connectivity is made available “with mac-binding”. Every device has a Media Access Control (MAC) address, a hardware identification number that is unique to it. While accessing the Internet, every device is assigned an IP address. Mac-binding essentially means binding together the MAC and IP addresses, so that all requests from that IP address are served only by the computer having that particular MAC address In effect, it means that if the IP address or the MAC address changes, the device can no longer access the Internet Also, monitoring authorities can trace the specific system from which a particular online activity was carried out Virtual Currency: SC lifts Ban on its trading Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Awareness in IT; GS-II- Governance In News: The ban on trading in Virtual Currencies was imposed by RBI There is no globally accepted definition of what exactly is virtual currency.  Basically, virtual currency is the larger umbrella term for all forms of non-fiat currency being traded online. Virtual Currencies are mostly created, distributed and accepted in local virtual networks. Virtual currency also includes Cryptocurrencies that have an extra layer of security, in the form of encryption algorithms Most cryptocurrencies now operate on the blockchain or distributed ledger technology, which allows everyone on the network to keep track of the transactions occurring globally. Key Highlights of the Judgement The court found the ban did not pass the “proportionality” test.  The test of proportionality of any action by the government must pass the test of Article 19(1)(g), which states that all citizens of the country will have the right to practise any profession, or carry on any occupation or trade and business. Besides, RBI had not considered the availability of alternatives before issuing the order i.e. achieving the same objective by imposing a less drastic restraint. Till date, the RBI has not come out with a stand that any of the entities regulated by it have suffered any loss or adverse effect directly or indirectly, on account of VC exchanges. QS Rankings Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Education In News: The QS World University Subject Rankings 2020 has been released from London by Quacquarelli Symonds. Quacquarelli Symonds is the world’s leading provider of services, analytics, and insight to the global higher education sector. QS uses four key metrics to compile the rankings including academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per paper and the h-index which measures how productive an institution's research faculty are. The highest ranking an Indian institute has got this year is the 41st rank globally. This is shared by both Delhi University's School for Developmental Studies and IIT Bombay's Mining and Minerals Department. IIT Bombay has topped the list in the Engineering and Technology subjects with the 44th rank, followed by IIT Delhi (47), IIT Kharagpur (86) and IIT Madras (88). Swamp Wallaby Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Environment In News: Swamp wallaby is a marsupial (young are carried in a pouch) related to the kangaroo, is pregnant throughout its adult life.  It typically conceives a new embryo day before delivering the new-born from its previous pregnancy. Female wallabies have two uteri and two separate ovaries. At the end of a pregnancy in one uterus, a new embryo develops in the other uterus.  Wallabies regularly have an embryo in the uterus, a young joey in the pouch, and some third semi-dependent young at foot, still drinking its mother’s milk. Third party can access judgment copy Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Judiciary, Governance In News: Apex court has ruled that court documents such as copies of judgments and pleadings can be obtained only if court rules permit it, and not under the RTI Act. The bench upheld Rule 151 of Gujarat High Court Rules, which allows access to certified copies of judgments, orders and pleadings to a third-party — or those not party to a case — only under the order of an officer of the court. In November 2019, unanimous decision by a five-judge bench had said that “transparency does not undermine judicial independence” while bringing the CJI office under RTI. (MAINS FOCUS) Governance Topic: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation State Funding of Polls Context: The Minister of State for Finance has informed Lok Sabha that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is not in favour of state funding of elections. Current Scenario of Political Funding Individual Persons: Section 29B of RPA allows political parties to receive donations from individual persons. Indirect State Funding: It includes methods except direct funding, like free access to media, free access to public places for rallies, free or subsidized transport facilities. It is allowed in India in a regulated manner. Electoral Trusts: A non-profit company created in India for orderly receipt of voluntary contributions from any person like an individual or a domestic company Corporate Funding-  Earlier corporates to donate up to 7.5 percent of the net average profits earned in the preceding three years. However, this limitation was the done away with 2017 Finance Act Changes were made in the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010 via the 2018 Finance Bill to allow foreign companies registered in India to make political donations. Electoral Bonds: It is like a promissory note that can be bought by any Indian citizen or company incorporated in India from select branches of SBI. They can then donate the same to any eligible political party of his/her choice Issues with Political Funding Use of Shell/Fake companies to route Black Money Limits imposed on Individual expenditure during elections but no such caps on expenditure by Political Parties Corporate donations cover more than the two-third of total funds collected by the political parties thus engendering an unholy Corporate-Politician nexus 75% of the donors to a political party are anonymous. The source of money could be crime, drug or ill-intentioned foreign money, which cannot be tracked. The money that is received in cash is not audited properly and therefore becomes a source of malfeasance. A few government reports have looked at state funding of elections in the past are: Indrajit Gupta Committee on State Funding of Elections (1998) It endorsed state funding of elections, seeing “full justification constitutional, legal as well as on ground of public  interest” in order to establish a fair playing field for parties with less money.  The Committee recommended two limitations to state funding.  Firstly, that state funds should be given only to national and state parties allotted a symbol and not to independent candidates.  Secondly, that in the short-term state funding should only be given in kind, in the form of certain facilities to the recognised political parties and their candidates. The Committee noted that at the time of the report the economic situation of the country only suited partial and not full state funding of elections Law Commission Report on Reform of the Electoral Laws (1999) It concluded that total state funding of elections is “desirable” so long as political parties are prohibited from taking funds from other sources. Additionally, it strongly recommended that the appropriate regulatory framework be put in place with regard to political parties (provisions ensuring internal democracy, internal structures and maintenance of accounts, their auditing and submission to Election Commission) before state funding of elections is attempted National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2001) It did not endorse state funding of elections but concurred with the 1999 Law Commission report that the appropriate framework for regulation of political parties would need to be implemented before state funding is considered Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2008) “Ethics in Governance”, a report of the Second ARC also recommended partial state funding of elections for the purpose of reducing “illegitimate and unnecessary funding” of elections expenses.  Merits of State Funding of Elections It will become possible for new and cleaner candidates from outside the mainstream parties to join politics; It will ease the pressure on parties themselves to give tickets to criminals and other rogues primarily because they can manage their own funding Parties themselves will become more internally democratic, as candidates will not be over-dependent on party bosses for cash. Issues of public funding of elections This will encourage spawning of new parties every now and then. Further, it will burden the exchequer. ECI’s View on State Funding of Election It would not be able to prohibit or check candidates’ expenditure or expenditure by others over and above that which is provided for by the state. Instead it has suggested for reforms in funding of Political Parties- Proper receipt of funds, auditing of the expenditure of Political Parties and more transparency in funding process. Alternatives Suggested: Former election commission chairman S.Y. Qureshi has suggested state funding of the political parties instead of state funding of elections. A National Election Fund can be created where people can donate anonymously. And at the end of the five years, the collected amount can be given to respective political parties based on performance. 70% of the European countries have this system. Connecting the dots RTI of Political Parties Criminalisation of Politics and relation to Electoral funding International Affairs Topic: General Studies 2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests  Coronavirus and its impact on Global Economy Context: The Coronavirus, which began as an epidemic across China, has affected more than 92,000 people out of which 80,000 confirmed cases are in mainland China alone, with the death toll reaching 3,130 people. The situation is a public health emergency and also an increasing fear that the pandemic will spread across other regions.  Chinese Slowdown due to Coronavirus China is the second-biggest economy in the world.  China is not only the world’s factory but also a huge marke The Slowdown in China would impact world growth through trade routes and the shock to the global value chain i.e. China’s share in world trade is around 12.5 per cent —  Its imports are $2.1 trillion (11.7% of global imports) and  Its exports $2.4 trillion (13.4% of global exports) Almost 45% of China’s exports comprise of electrical machinery and equipment, including computers. Any slip in its growth — the conservative estimate is 0.5 per cent as of now — would affect the global economy. The OECD has forecast growth of just 2.4% in 2020, down from 2.9% in November 2019 Australia, Singapore and South East Asian countries These will be the worst affected, given the economic and market exposure to China.  Australia and Singapore could face not just disruptions in the flow of goods and services but also a loss in reveneue from tourists and students from China. Oil Producing Countries: Due to falling demand from China and also from across the globe due to ripple effect caused by Chinese slowdown, crude oil prices is down by 15 per cent Commodity driven countries like Peru, Chile and Indonesia – are also going to face slowdown China is the biggest consumer of these products like Copper, Aluminium etc Impact on India China is India’s largest trading partner, accounting for 5% of the country’s exports and 14 % of imports.  India is dependent on Chinese imports in  Healthcare and pharmaceuticals (active pharma ingredients) Smartphones and accessories  Solar cells modules - India’s solar power plants import about 80 per cent of components from China A supply crunch in components and finished products from China will increase the cost of production and general price level.  This comes at a time when the Indian economy is sluggish. Indian exports to China will also be hit significantly in organic chemicals (17%), yarn (21%), metal ores (68%), building material (31%). India accounts for nearly 16% of China’s cotton imports and 13% of its construction material imports. Critical Analysis of India’s Situation There is a belief that this episode provides an opportunity for India to replace Chinese exports, similar to the argument that India would benefit from the tariff war between the US and China However, it’s not easy to improve export competitiveness and manufacturing in a short time Many small businesses in India have been impacted due to their dependence on Chinese imports and also because they export components to Chinese factories At present, the Indian economy, which is grappling with high inflation, would get an immediate respite from the falling crude prices. Conclusion India has been grappling with demand-side problems and corona is a supply-side shock Connecting the dots Comparison of Corona Virus outbreak to SARS epidemic in 2003 – Changes in China’s overall economic significance in Global Economy (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q 1. Consider the following statements about Swamp Wallaby It is a marsupial related to Kangaroo The swamp wallaby is likely the only mammal pregnant and lactating all life long Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q 2. Consider the following statements Lalit Kala Academy The Akademi was given statutory authority in 1957, under the Societies Registration Act 1860 It is located in Kolkata Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q 3. Mac-Binding recently in news is related to which area/field? Biodegradation process Air purification technology Cyber Monitoring None of the above Q 4. Consider the following statements about QS Rankings It is released by World Bank in collaboration with UNICEF It is an international ranking of Universities Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 04 March 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 D 3 D 4 C Must Read About Afghan Deal: The Hindu About NRC in Assam and Foreigner Tribunals: The Hindu About Trump 2.0: The Hindu

AIR

Indo-Brazil Bilateral Relations - All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC

Indo-Brazil Bilateral Relations ARCHIVES Search 24th January 2020 Current Affairs here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx  Topic: General Studies 2 India’s relationship with other countries – Brazil India and Brazil share close and multifaceted relationship at bilateral level as well as in plurilateral fora such as BRICS, BASIC, G-20, G-4, IBSA, International Solar Alliance, Bio-future Platform and in the larger multilateral bodies such as the UN, WTO, UNESCO and WIPO. India and Brazil Combined GDP is of around USD 4.5 trillion Have a total population of 1.5 billion The volume of bilateral trade in 2018-10 was USD 8.2 billion which included USD 3.8 billion worth of Indian exports to Brazil and USD 4.4 million as imports by India. BUT total trade stands at an underwhelming $7 billion, barely up from 2004 when for the last time a Brazilian head of state attended Republic Day, standing at $1.5 billion. Meanwhile, Brazil’s trade with China has ballooned from $4 billion to over $100 billion in the same period. And India’s trade with China hovers at around $90 billion. India and Brazil signed 15 agreements to cement cooperation in areas ranging from energy and trade and investment to cyber security and information technology The action plan unveiled by the two countries included the setting up of consultation forums and frameworks like foreign office consultations, strategic, economic and financial dialogues, a trade monitoring mechanism and joint working groups in the area of oil and gas, bio-energy, geology and mineral resources, science and technology, environment and global cyber issues. Trade & Commerce: India and Brazil drew up an ambitious plan to boost their stuttering economies by significantly expanding cooperation in key sectors like oil, gas and mining, while setting a target of USD 15 billion in bilateral trade by 2022. Inked an investment cooperation and facilitation treaty providing for a framework to increase trade and investment in high growth areas On Brazil approaching the WTO against India for extending support to sugarcane growers – bilateral consultations will be made Has invited Brazilian industry to explore business opportunities in India in infrastructure, food processing, bio-fuels and other renewable energy sources, animal husbandry and agro sectors. President Bolsonaro also called upon Indian industry to identify business opportunities, including in Brazil's automotive, leather, oil and gas, including oil refining, and pharmaceutical sectors. Energy Partnership A separate pact was inked for cooperation in the field of oil and natural gas while another one was sealed in the bio-energy sector. Agreed that there was a great potential for increased ethanol production and uptake in India's fuel mix and looked forward to further collaboration in the area - Brazil could also export ethanol to India in the interim to quicken its 10 per cent ethanol-blend programme. In exchange, Brazil is poised to help Indian farmers implement a more efficient ethanol programme that reduces reliance on subsidies and helps improve urban India’s air quality. Indian oil and gas sector offers investment opportunities to Brazilian companies in exploration and licensing of upcoming fields, operationalization of already discovered fields and related projects Apart from oil and gas, the other areas identified for expansion of cooperation included agriculture, bio-fuels, animal husbandry, health and science and technology. Animal Husbandry:  Recognized the common genetic heritage in cattle in India and Brazil and agreed to collaborate in assisted reproductive technology that is expected to help increase dairy production in India. Welcomed the decision to set up a Centre of Excellence in Cattle Genomics in India with Brazilian assistance Mining sector: The two sides agreed that mining activities and investments offered a significant potential for enhancing bilateral cooperation in this sector. Social Security Agreement: India and Brazil signed a social security agreement and hailed it as an important step to facilitate movement of professionals and business persons between India and Brazil. The Way Forward: Rich in human resources, both economies are driven by expanding middle classes clamouring for improved public services. Consumers in both are value-conscious, demanding durability and affordability. Agribusiness is the most immediate and obvious opportunity. Complementary growing seasons and sizeable internal markets make the two countries ideally suited for partnerships in agriculture. Each could benefit from a cross-fertilization of investment in solar power. Brazil is turning its back on protectionism and forging new trade alliances. This shift, with India’s withdrawal from Asia’s Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, opens a pathway for a new India-Brazil trade framework. Preferential treatment for each country’s goods would benefit the large multinationals in São Paulo and Mumbai, as well as small and medium-sized firms in Belo Horizonte and Curitiba, Hyderabad and Chandigarh. Many of these small and medium-sized firms are providing innovative solutions to meet the demands of the middle classes in both countries. These firms are reshaping access to financial products and services through digital payments, microinsurance and online banking, to the benefit of entrepreneurs and small business owners. The time is right for deepening this relationship. This arrangement will not just facilitate the flow of investments, but also strengthen and fortify India’s strategic interests. Moving in this direction will be a practical litmus test for the ease of doing business. It will send out positive signals to foreign investors. A bilateral agreement between the two countries will secure this, which, in turn, will globally push India up in the ‘World Bank Ease of doing’ index. Connecting the Dots: Has the 14-year old strategic partnership between India and Brazil translated into a winning collaboration? Discuss

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- IAS Prelims Test Series 2020 HISTORY & CURRENT AFFAIRS [Day 4]

Hello Friends,  https://www.youtube.com/embed/x5ldu2jV8N0 ARCHIVES OF 60 DAYS The 60 Days Training has finally begun:) DAY 4 is here! Before any competition, there is a preparatory phase. That phase involves a lot of sessions on strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the preparatory phase, the athletes train in a gradual manner. In the last phase, just before the actual competition, the training is done so as to sharpen their skills. This training requires complete focus and dedication. In this phase, the athletes do not try anything new or train in a new fashion rather focus on the sharpening of skills, focusing on strength and precision. Similarly, the upcoming 60 days, is like the last phase (training session), just before the actual competition. Here, the focus should be on sharpening the concepts, consolidating the knowledge base and solidifying the learning with loads and loads of revision. You will come across many distractions in between in the name of sources and resources (exclusive and inclusive), beware of them. Be alert and objective in selecting your companions in this preparation. Trust your effort and revise more than falling prey to multiple resources and doing nothing in the end. Everything that seems attractive is not productive. You should always go for productivity.  Let us pledge to make it a big game-changer (better than last year) in the next 60 days! 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) With reference to the Educational institutions in India consider the following pairs: The Calcutta Madrasah - Lord Wellesley. The Sanskrit College - Jonathan Duncan. Fort William College - Warren Hastings. Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 1 and 2 only 2 only 3 only 1 and 3 only Q.1) भारत में शैक्षणिक संस्थानों के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार करें: कलकत्ता मदरसा - लॉर्ड वेलेजली संस्कृत कॉलेज - जोनाथन डंकन फोर्ट विलियम कॉलेज - वॉरेन हेस्टिंग्स ऊपर दिए गए युग्मों में से कौन सा सही तरीके से सुमेलित है? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 केवल 3 केवल 1 और 3 Q.2) With reference to Narkelberia Uprising, consider the following statements: Mir Nisar Ali led the uprising mainly against Hindu landlords in Bengal. The revolt later merged into the Pagal Panthis Movement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) नर्केल्बेरिया विद्रोह (Narkelberia Uprising) के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: मीर निसार अली ने मुख्य रूप से बंगाल में हिंदू जमींदारों के विरुद्ध विद्रोह का नेतृत्व किया। विद्रोह बाद में पागल पंथी आंदोलन में विलीन हो गया। 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.3) Consider the following statements about initiatives taken to eradicate caste in India. Gandhiji founded the All India Harijan Sevak Sangh. All India Depressed Classes Association was founded by Ambedkar. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) भारत में जाति उन्मूलन के लिए की गई पहलों के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। गांधीजी ने अखिल भारतीय हरिजन सेवक संघ की स्थापना की। डॉ. अंबेडकर ने ऑल इंडिया डिप्रेस्ड क्लासेस एसोसिएशन की स्थापना की थी। 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.4)  Consider the following statements regarding Sir Syed Ahmed Khan who started Aligarh Movement: He was member of the judicial service of the British government. He held western education high over Quran. Political activity by Muslims was supported by him. Which of the statements given above is/are INCORRECT? 1 and 3 only 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.4) सर सैयद अहमद खान के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें जिन्होंने अलीगढ़ आंदोलन आरंभ किया था: वे ब्रिटिश सरकार की न्यायिक सेवा के सदस्य थे। उन्होंने कुरान पर पश्चिमी शिक्षा को वरीयता दी। उनके द्वारा मुसलमानों की राजनीतिक गतिविधियों का समर्थन किया गया था। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही नहीं है / हैं? केवल 1 और 3 केवल 2 केवल 2 और 3  1, 2 और 3 Q.5) The Portfolio system in India was introduced by John Lawrence Lord Hardinge I Lord Lytton Lord Canning Q.5) भारत में पोर्टफोलियो प्रणाली किसके द्वारा आरंभ किया गया था जॉन लॉरेंस लॉर्ड हार्डिंग प्रथम लॉर्ड लिटन लॉर्ड कैनिंग Q.6) Which of the following is/are the features of The Act for the Better Government of India, 1858? India was to be governed by and in the name of the Crown through a Secretary of State and Executive council headed by Secretary of State.  It ended the system of double government by abolishing the Board of Control and Court of Directors. Governor-General of India became ex-officio Secretary of State. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only Q.6) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सी विशेषताएँ, भारत में सुशासन के लिए अधिनियम, 1858 से संबंधित हैं? भारत को एक राज्य सचिव के माध्यम से और राज्य सचिव की अध्यक्षता में कार्यकारी परिषद के द्वारा क्राउन के नाम से शासित किया जाना था। इसने बोर्ड ऑफ कंट्रोल और कोर्ट ऑफ डायरेक्टर्स को समाप्त करके दोहरी सरकार की प्रणाली को समाप्त कर दिया। भारत के गवर्नर-जनरल, पदेन (ex-officio) राज्य सचिव बने। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 केवल 2 और 3  केवल 1 और 3 Q.7) Which of the following act, for the first time separated the legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General’s council? The Charter Act of 1813 The Charter Act of 1833 The Charter Act of 1853 Indian Council’s Act of 1861 Q.7) निम्नलिखित में से किस अधिनियम ने पहली बार गवर्नर-जनरल की परिषद के विधायी और कार्यकारी कार्यों को अलग किया? चार्टर एक्ट, 1813 चार्टर एक्ट, 1833 चार्टर एक्ट, 1853 भारतीय परिषद अधिनियम, 1861 Q.8) Consider the following pairs: Movements Led By Vaikom Satyagraha K.P. Kesava Aruvippuram movement Sri Narayana Guru Justice movement E.V.Ramaswamy Naicker Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 1 and 2 only 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.8) निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार करें:                   आंदोलन                 नेतृत्वकर्ता 1. वायकोम सत्याग्रह के.पी. केशव 2. अरुविप्पुरम आंदोलन श्री नारायण गुरु 3. जस्टिस आंदोलन ई. वी. रामास्वामी नायकर ऊपर दिए गए युग्मों में से कौन सा सही तरीके से सुमेलित है? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 3 केवल 1 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.9) Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to Theosophical Society? They recognized the doctrine of the transmigration of the soul.  It was founded by Madame Blavatsky and Colonel H.S. Olcott in New York in 1875.  It established the headquarters of the Society at Adyar near Pune. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.9) थियोसोफिकल सोसायटी के संबंध में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है / हैं? उन्होंने आत्मा के स्थानांतरगमन (transmigration of the soul) के सिद्धांत को मान्यता दी। इसकी स्थापना मैडम ब्लावात्स्की और कर्नल एच.एस. ओलकोट ने 1875 में न्यूयॉर्क में की थी। इसने पुणे के पास अडयार में सोसायटी का मुख्यालय स्थापित किया। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 केवल 2 और 3  1, 2 और 3 Q.10)  Which of the following statements about Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar is/are correct? As a principal, he opened the gates of Sanskrit college to Western thought as well as non-Brahman students. He established Widow Remarriage Association in the middle of the 19th centuary. He also promoted higher education for women and campaigned against polygamy. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 only 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.10) ईश्वर चंद्र विद्यासागर के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है / हैं? एक प्रधानाध्यापक के रूप में, उन्होंने पश्चिमी विचार के साथ-साथ गैर-ब्राह्मण छात्रों के लिए संस्कृत कॉलेज के द्वार खोले। उन्होंने 19 वीं शताब्दी के मध्य में विधवा पुनर्विवाह संघ की स्थापना की। उन्होंने महिलाओं के लिए उच्च शिक्षा को भी बढ़ावा दिया तथा बहुविवाह के विरुद्ध अभियान चलाया। 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.11) Which of the following are the reasons for the failure of 1857 revolt? Lack of planning and co-ordination among sepoys. British army was superior in organisation. All sections of society did not participate in the revolt. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.11) 1857 के विद्रोह की विफलता के निम्न में से कौन से कारण हैं? सिपाहियों के मध्य योजना और समन्वय का अभाव। ब्रिटिश सेना संगठन में श्रेष्ठ थी। समाज के सभी वर्गों ने विद्रोह में भाग नहीं लिया। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 केवल 2 और 3  1, 2 और 3 Q.12) Consider the following statements with regard to peasant movements: Digambar and Bishu Biswas are associated with Pabna agrarian leagues. Deccan Riots resulted in social boycott movement. Tebhaga movement was against the recommendations of Floud commission. Which of the statements given above is/are INCORRECT? 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.12) कृषक आंदोलनों के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: दिगंबर और बिष्णु विश्वास पाबना कृषि लीग से संबद्ध थे। दक्कन के दंगों के परिणामस्वरूप सामाजिक बहिष्कार आंदोलन हुआ। तेभागा आंदोलन फ्लाऊड आयोग की सिफारिशों के विरुद्ध था। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही नहीं है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 केवल 2 और 3  1, 2 और 3 Q.13) Which of the following statements given below is NOT CORRECT regarding Raja Rammohun Roy? He was awarded the title ‘Raja’ by Akbar II. He possessed great love and respect for the traditional philosophic system of the east. He also wanted the introduction of modern capitalism and industry in the country. He established Hindu college in Calcutta. Q.13) राजा राममोहन राय के संबंध में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही नहीं है? उन्हें अकबर द्वितीय द्वारा 'राजा' की उपाधि से सम्मानित किया गया था। उन्हें पूर्व की पारंपरिक दार्शनिक प्रणाली के लिए बहुत प्यार और सम्मान था। वे देश में आधुनिक पूंजीवाद और उद्योग की शुरूआत भी चाहते थे। उन्होंने कलकत्ता में हिंदू कॉलेज की स्थापना की। Q.14) Which of the following organisation was renamed as ‘Brahmo Samaj of South India’? Manav Dharma Sabha Veda Samaj Deccan Education Society Sadharan Brahmo Samaj Q.14) निम्नलिखित में से किस संगठन का नाम बदलकर 'दक्षिण भारत का ब्रह्म समाज' रखा गया था? मानव धर्म सभा वेद समाज दक्कन एजुकेशन सोसायटी साधरण ब्रह्म समाज Q.15)  Which of the following Uprisings occurred prior to 1857? Kol Uprising Rampa Rebellion Santhal Rebellion Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.15) 1857 से पहले निम्न में से कौन सा विद्रोह हुआ था? कोल विद्रोह रम्पा विद्रोह संथाल विद्रोह नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 केवल 2 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.16) India’s First School for Widows was setup by Savitribhai Phule Ramabai Ranade Parvatibai Athavale Maharishi Karve Q.16) विधवाओं के लिए भारत का प्रथम स्कूल किसके द्वारा स्थापित किया गया था सावित्रीभाई फुले रमाबाई रानाडे पार्वतीबाई अठावले महर्षि कर्वे Q.17)  Consider the following pairs: Place of 1857 Revolt Spearheaded by Kanpur Kunwar Singh Lucknow Begum Hazrat Mahal Bihar Khan Bahadur Khan Baghpat Shah Mal Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 2 and 4 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 4 only 1, 2 and 3 only Q.17) निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार करें:             1857 के विद्रोह का स्थान                             नेतृत्वकर्ता 1. कानपूर कुंवर सिंह 2. लखनऊ बेगम हज़रत महल 3. बिहार खान बहादुर खान 4. बागपत शाह मल ऊपर दिए गए जोड़े में से कौन सा सही तरीके से सुमेलित है? केवल 2 और 4 केवल 2 और 3  केवल 1 और 4 केवल 1, 2 और 3 Q.18) Mahadev Govind Ranade was key in establishing which of the following organisations? Poona Sarvanajanik Sabha Indian National Social Conference Indian National Association Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.18) महादेव गोविंद रानाडे निम्नलिखित में से किस संगठन की स्थापना में महत्वपूर्ण थे? पूना सर्वजननिक सभा भारतीय राष्ट्रीय सामाजिक सम्मेलन (Indian National Social Conference) भारतीय राष्ट्रीय संघ (Indian National Association) नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3 1,2 और 3 Q.19) Consider the following Education Commissions setup during British Rule: Hunter Education Commission Raleigh Commission Saddler University Commission Which of the above gave recommendations with respect primary or/secondary education? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1 ,2 and 3 Q.19) ब्रिटिश शासन के दौरान निम्नलिखित शिक्षा आयोगों के गठन पर विचार करें: हंटर शिक्षा आयोग रैले आयोग सैडलर विश्वविद्यालय आयोग उपरोक्त में से किसने प्राथमिक या माध्यमिक शिक्षा के संबंध में सिफारिशें दीं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3  केवल 1 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.20) Consider the following statements with respect to socio-religious movements: Wahabhi movement was reformist in its approach. Faraizi movement aimed at promoting social innovation current among Muslims. The Deoband School opposed to Aligarh movement and its principles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.20) सामाजिक-धार्मिक आंदोलनों के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: वहाबी आंदोलन अपने दृष्टिकोण में सुधारवादी था। फ़रैज़ी आंदोलन का उद्देश्य मुसलमानों के मध्य वर्तमान सामाजिक नवाचार को बढ़ावा देना था। देवबंद स्कूल ने अलीगढ़ आंदोलन और उसके सिद्धांतों का विरोध किया। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3  केवल 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.21) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Purchasing Managers’ Index’. It represents the weighted average of top ten Indian manufacturing company stocks. It is owned and managed by India Index Services and Products (IISL), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the NSE Strategic Investment Corporation Limited. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.21) ‘क्रय प्रबंधक सूचकांक’ (Purchasing Managers’ Index) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। यह शीर्ष दस भारतीय विनिर्माण कंपनी के शेयरों के भारित औसत का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है। इसका स्वामित्व और प्रबंधन भारत इंडेक्स सर्विसेज एंड प्रोडक्ट्स (IISL) द्वारा किया जाता है, जो NSE स्ट्रैटेजिक इन्वेस्टमेंट कॉर्पोरेशन लिमिटेड की पूर्ण स्वामित्व वाली सहायक कंपनी है। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.22) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Opposition Party and the Leader of Opposition in the Parliament’ The post of Leader of Opposition is defined in the Salaries and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977. According to the Mavalankar Rule, the strength of the main Opposition party, to be officially recognized as such, must be equal to the quorum of the house. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.22) ‘संसद में विपक्षी दल एवं विपक्ष के नेता’ के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें विपक्ष के नेता का पद, संसद में विपक्ष के नेताओं के वेतन एवं भत्तों अधिनियम, 1977 में परिभाषित किया गया है। मावलंकर नियम के अनुसार, मुख्य विपक्षी दल की सदस्य संख्या (strength), आधिकारिक तौर पर इस प्रकार से मान्यता प्राप्त होना कि, वह सदन के कोरम के बराबर होना चाहिए। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.23) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Baltic Dry Index (BDI)’ The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) is a measure of what it costs to ship raw materials. It is compiled daily by the International Maritime Organization. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.23) ‘बाल्टिक ड्राई इंडेक्स (Baltic Dry Index- BDI)’ के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। बाल्टिक ड्राई इंडेक्स (बीडीआई) एक माप उपाय है, जो कच्चे माल को जहाज में परिवहन करने पर लागत आती है। यह अंतर्राष्ट्रीय समुद्री संगठन (IMO) द्वारा दैनिक रूप से संकलित किया जाता है। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.24) The term, ‘Miyawaki’ method was in news recently. What is it associated with? Desalination of Seawater Afforestation Zero Budget Natural Farming Algal Bloom Q.24) 'मियावकी' (Miyawaki) पद्धति, शब्द हाल ही में समाचारों में था। यह किसके साथ संबद्ध है समुद्री जल का विलवणीकरण वनीकरण शून्य बजट प्राकृतिक खेती (Zero Budget Natural Farming) शैवाल प्रस्फुटन (Algal Bloom) Q.25) The ‘World Economic Outlook (WEO)’ is brought out by World Trade Organization International Monetary Fund World Economic Forum World Bank Q.25) 'विश्व आर्थिक आउटलुक (WEO)' किसके द्वारा प्रकाशित किया गया है विश्व व्यापार संगठन अंतरराष्ट्रीय मुद्रा कोष विश्व आर्थिक मंच विश्व बैंक Q.26) Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?                 Protected Areas                      State Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary - Karnataka Parambikulam Tiger Reserve – Kerala Amrabad Tiger Reserve – Telangana Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.26) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा युग्म सही रूप से सुमेलित है / हैं?                संरक्षित क्षेत्र                      राज्य कौंडिन्य वन्यजीव अभयारण्य - कर्नाटक पराम्बिकुलम टाइगर रिजर्व - केरल अमराबाद टाइगर रिजर्व - तेलंगाना सही कूट का चयन करें: 1 और 2 2 और 3 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.27) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Core Investment Companies (CICs)’ A core investment company is a Non-banking Financial Company (NBFC) which carries on the business of acquisition of shares and securities. It holds not less than 90 per cent of its net assets in the form of investment in equity shares, preference shares, bonds, debentures, debt or loans in group companies. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.27) 'कोर निवेश कंपनियों (CICs)' के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। एक कोर निवेश कंपनी एक गैर-बैंकिंग वित्तीय कंपनी (NBFC) है, जो शेयरों और प्रतिभूतियों के अधिग्रहण के व्यवसाय पर काम करती है। इस समूह की कंपनियां इक्विटी शेयरों, वरीयता शेयरों, बांडों, डिबेंचर, ऋण या उधार में निवेश के रूप में अपनी शुद्ध संपत्ति का 90 प्रतिशत से कम नहीं रखती हैं। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.28) ‘Clarion-Clipperton Zone’ is located in  Pacific Ocean Indian Ocean Atlantic Ocean Arctic Ocean Q.28)) ‘क्लेरियन-क्लिपर्टन जोन' (Clarion-Clipperton Zone) कहाँ स्थित है प्रशांत महासागर हिंद महासागर अटलांटिक महासागर आर्कटिक महासागर Q.29) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘The International Charter Space and Major Disasters’ Only agencies that possess and are able to provide satellite-based Earth Observation data can be members of the International Charter. As signatories to the International Charter Space and Major Disasters, any of the member countries can send a ‘request’ to activate the Charter. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.29) 'इंटरनेशनल चार्टर स्पेस एंड मेजर डिजास्टर्स' (International Charter Space and Major Disasters) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। केवल एजेंसियां जो कि उपग्रह आधारित पृथ्वी अवलोकन डेटा रखती है और प्रदान करने में सक्षम हैं, अंतर्राष्ट्रीय चार्टर की सदस्य हो सकती हैं। इंटरनेशनल चार्टर स्पेस एंड मेजर डिजास्टर्स के लिए हस्ताक्षरकर्ता के रूप में, कोई भी सदस्य देश चार्टर को सक्रिय (activate) करने के लिए 'अनुरोध' भेज सकता है। सही कथनों का चयन करें कथन 1 कथन 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.30) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Strait of Gibraltar’ It connects the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Ionian Sea. It separates France and Algeria. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.30) ‘जिब्राल्टर जलडमरूमध्य’ (Strait of Gibraltar) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। यह टायरेनियन सागर को इयोनियन सागर से जोड़ती है। यह फ्रांस और अल्जीरिया को अलग करती है। 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. What IMPACT can the ‘60 Day’ have on the final results? We will explain by taking a small example. Imagine you are sitting in the examination hall, appearing in Prelims Paper I. You have attempted 70 questions already but still unsure about a few. Then you stumble upon a question that was asked in 60 Day (and believe us, it has happened to hundreds of students countless times). You choose the right answer and submit your paper hoping for the best! Eventually, you go on to clear Mains as well as Personality Test and secure a good rank as well. When the cut off gets announced by UPSC, you realize that you have scored just one mark more than the cut off! Yes, that one mark can change your life (and it has done so to many of our students in the past). Now, imagine the kind of impact 60 to 80 marks can have! Isn’t that so fascinating to imagine?   One’s level of preparedness is always different for different subjects. Even within a subject, one’s comfort level may vary with topics. For example, one might be more comfortable in solving questions of Polity than Economics and within Polity also, one might be at ease with questions on fundamental rights than Parliament. The level of comfort and ease that one has with a subject/ topic gets manifested in the examination. However, there is no conscious effort by aspirants to micro analyze these aspects. Now, coming to the second aspect i.e. the mistakes that one commits in answering MCQs, it can be said that there are mainly four reasons behind incorrect responses in the OMR sheet. They are: Lack of information Lack of analytical ability Silly mistakes Excessive risk-taking Let’s analyze them one by one: Lack of information: You simply don’t know the information. You are clueless and that’s why you don’t attempt the question. For example, you may have never come across a regime called the ‘Wassenaar Agreement’ during your preparation and you can’t do much about it. The lack of information is pardonable and rectifiable. You can read more and gather more information. That is within your reach. Lack of analytical ability: You know the concept but the question is a twisted one and you are not able to apply the concept. For example, in a question asking you to identify the climate type of a region based on certain given parameters like precipitation, temperature, and air density, you might find it difficult to mark the correct option even if you are aware of all the options given in the question! That is clearly a lack of application and you can overcome it by developing a habit of framing questions in your mind while you study any topic. Silly mistakes: This habit is unpardonable. You know the concept, you become happy, you misread the question, you mark the incorrect answer and you are out of the race! Such mistakes reveal your hurriedness while answering the question. A simple mistake of reading ‘chose the incorrect option’ as ‘chose the correct option’ can destroy your chances. It means that you need to have patience and focus while attempting the paper. Excessive risk-taking: You are confused between the options and just in order to increase your attempts, you make wild guesses and try your luck only to repent eventually. Risk-taking is an art and one must be very careful while doing the guesswork in confusing questions. If you are not lucky enough, it can spoil your chances. You will realize that these problems will have different meanings for different people. For example, one might find a lack of information as the main culprit in answering wrong the questions on Culture while in Polity, lack of analytical ability is usually the culprit. The point here is that you must analyse your preparation on these yardsticks by applying them on different subjects/ topics. If one is having a headache, he/ she can’t have the same medicine for fever. Isn’t it. This is where our revamped ’60 Day’ comes into the picture. It will give you an opportunity to micro analyze your preparation and perform better in the examination. Now, we present you the following scales (with weightage of each scale given in the bracket) to micro analyze your preparation on a daily basis and that too subject/ topic wise: Micro Analysis Matrix Number of questions not attempted or attempted wrongly Due to lack of information Due to the inability to apply the concept Due to silly mistake Due to excessive risk-taking Total Number (N) Weightage of scale (s) 1 2 3 4 NA N x S Scale 1: Information meter (1) Scale 2: Analysis meter (2) Scale 3: Anxiety meter (3) Scale 4: Risk meter (4) Suppose on Day 1, questions have been framed from Polity on the topic of Constitutional History. There are 15 questions and you are able to answer 12 out of which 7 are correct and 5 are incorrect. It means you have scored roughly 11.33 out of 30. Now you have to fill on a daily basis, the following matrix to micro analyze your preparation: Example: Suppose, the filled up matrix gets reflected in the following fashion: Micro Analysis Matrix- Day 1/ Polity/ Constitutional History Number of questions not attempted or attempted wrongly Due to lack of information Due to the inability to apply the concept Due to silly mistake Due to excessive risk-taking Total Number (N) 3 1 2 2 8 Weightage of scale (s) 1 2 3 4 NA N x S 3 2 6 8 19 Based on the total value in this matrix, you have to aim for the following measures on the scale: Information meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, it means that there are serious gaps in your information base in the particular subject/ topic. Please refer to a standard textbook before it’s too late. Analysis meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, you need to explore all possible questions in your mind while reading the topic. You should frame questions for your friends and try to trick them by twisting the questions. Anxiety meter < 3 Course Correction: A score above 3 indicates that you are either too excited or too callous to even read the question. You need to calm down and read the question twice, particularly those questions in which you feel too confident. Risk meter < 8 Course Correction: You need to curb your risk-taking instincts. Make an only intelligent guess and don’t leave your chance on fate. Don’t let the previous year’s cut off impact your mind. Total N x S score < 20 Moreover, IASbaba will give a cut-off figure along with the solutions each day. If your total marks exceed that cut off along with your total N x S score lying below 20, you are on the right track and just need to keep the momentum going. This exercise will hardly take 5 minutes of your daily time but it might do wonders for you as you will be able to gauge your strengths and limitations better. Finally, it is up to you to take advantage of this framework. We are sure of only one thing- if you follow this program, assess yourself on the basis of the given framework and keep improving your weaker areas, success will be yours. We are providing you with the right platform, the right guidance, and the right competition. Do you have the right motivation to make full use of this initiative? We think you have. Come, be a part of this initiative and take the first step towards SUCCESS! Importance of self - tracking: We could have provided all of you with login id and passwords to monitor your daily performance in the 60-day program. Instead, a simple and most beautiful way which Disqus provides is profile based commenting! Yes, we have seen the most successful candidates who have taken the maximum benefit from this program monitoring themselves by commenting on their answers in the box given (Disqus comment). And reviewing their performance themselves once in 10 days on the progress meter. DOWNLOAD THE 60 DAYS PLAN 2020  All the Best! IASbaba

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th March 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th March 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) National Interlinking of Rivers Authority(NIRA) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Federalism; Governance In News: The Central government is working on the establishment of an exclusive body, NIRA, to implement projects for linking rivers. The proposed NIRA is expected to take up both inter-State and intra-State projects.  It will also make arrangements for generating up funds, internally and externally. As of now, six ILR projects — the Ken-Betwa, Damanganga- Pinjal, Par-Tapi-Narmada, Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga, Mahanadi-Godavari and Godavari-Cauvery (Grand Anicut) — have been under examination of the authorities. Once approved, the projects will be pursued as national projects, wherein the Centre will absorb 90% of the cost and the States concerned the rest. Did You Know? National Water Development Agency (NWDA)is responsible for the formulation of proposals of the linking of rivers. Black carbon levels spike at Himalayan glaciers Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Environment In News: The Black carbon concentrations near the Gangotri glacier rose 400 times in summer due to forest fires and stubble burning from agricultural waste and triggered melting Black carbon results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass.  The fine particles absorb light and about a million times more energy than carbon dioxide.  It is said to be the second largest contributor to climate change after CO2.  But unlike CO2, which can stay in the atmosphere for years together, black carbon is short-lived and remains in the atmosphere only for days to weeks before it descends as rain or snow. Black carbon absorbs solar energy and warms the atmosphere.  When it falls to earth with precipitation, it darkens the surface of snow and ice, reducing their albedo (the reflecting power of a surface), warming the snow, and hastening melting. Sukhna Lake Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Geography In News: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has declared Sukhna lake as a living entity. Sukhna Lake is a rain-fed lake, located within Chandigarh and its catchment area falls both in Punjab and Haryana. The lake was constructed in 1958 and is spread over 3 sq km Earlier, Uttarakhand High Court declared the rivers Yamuna and Ganga as legal or juridical persons, enjoying all the rights, duties and liabilities of a living person Naval Exercise - MILAN 2020 Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- International Affairs In News: The Indian Navy has postponed its multi-nation mega naval exercise ‘MILAN’ due to continuing spread of the coronavirus. Navies of about 30 friendly foreign countries were to participate in the exercise, which was to be hosted by India in Vishakapatnam from 18th - 28th March 2020. It is a biennial, multilateral naval exercise which started in 1995. The Navy has held 10 editions of the Milan exercise to enhance professional interactions between friendly foreign navies and learn best practices from each other. Janaushadhi Week Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Governance In News: The Janaushadhi week is being celebrated across the country from 1st March to 7th March 2020. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana is an initiative by Department of Pharmaceuticals started in 2008 to provide quality medicines at an affordable price PMBJP stores have been set up to provide generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), under Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers, is the implementation agency for PMBJP Schemes to preserve and promote culture of tribal Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Governance In News: Award to Young Talented Artists: Talented youngsters of the age group of 18-30 years are selected and given a onetime cash award of Rs. 10,000/- for their talent in the field of rare art forms Guru Shishya Parampara: This scheme envisages transmitting our valued traditions to the coming generations. Disciples are trained under veterans in art forms which are rare and vanishing. Shilpgram: To promote folk and tribal art and crafts of the zone by organizing seminar, workshops, exhibitions, craft fairs, design development and marketing support to the artisans living in the rural areas. Octave: To promote and propagate the rich cultural heritage of North East region comprising of eight States namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura to the rest of India. National Cultural Exchange Programme (NCEP): Under this scheme, various festivals of performing arts, exhibitions, yatras etc are organized in member States.  Sahitya Akademi, an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture, encourages the preservation and promotion of languages, especially the unrecognized and tribal languages. (MAINS FOCUS) Governance Topic: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Teacher Education Context: India is estimated to have the largest workforce within the next decade. This means that a population bulge is on the cusp of entering the higher education ecosystem now.  The pressing need of the hour is to focus on providing the best quality teacher education to those who aspire to build the future of this country. Learning Crisis in India  Almost half of the children in grade 5 in rural India cannot solve a simple two-digit subtraction problem 67 % of children in grade 8 in public schools score less than 50 per cent in competency-based assessments in mathematics. Present Status of Teacher Education Currently, there are about 94 lakh teachers across all schools in India. Teacher vacancies are to the tune of almost 60-70% in some states  On the other hand, there are 17,000-odd Teacher Education Institutes (TEIs) that are responsible for preparing teachers through programmes such as the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), and Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed). These TEIs could generate over 19 lakh freshly trained teachers every year as against the estimated annual requirement of 3 lakh teachers.   In other words, these institutes could therefore be producing one-fifth of the total number of school teachers. Poor Quality of TEIs: The pass-percentage in central teacher eligibility tests that stipulate eligibility for appointments as teachers has not exceeded 25% in recent years. This indicates that teacher education system is producing poor-quality teachers. Reasons for the Present Poor Status of Teacher Education Inadequacies of planning, regulation, policy and organisational structures have been responsible for poor teacher education eco-system. Major factors which has contributed to this sorry state of affairs are: Toothless NCTE The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) and its four regional committees (north, south, east and west), established by statute, are responsible for teacher education in India.  However, the Act assigns disproportionate power to the regional committees which grant programme affiliation while the Council has been rendered toothless. The decade between 2004 and 2014 saw a five-fold increase in the number of programmes recognised by these regional committees Dominated by Private Sector:  About 90% of these institutes are privately owned and majority of them are standalone institutes, running single programmes with as few as 50 students. Commercialisation combined with perverted incentives and widespread corruption have resulted in a massive proliferation of sub-standard private TEIs.  Most of these TEIs are financially unviable, some function out of tiny rooms with duplicate addresses, and a few could even be selling degrees at a fixed price.  Lack of effective Assessment These institutes function in isolation from the rest of the higher education system, and there is no system to assess and accredit them.  Consequently, there is no systemic sieve to ensure the entry of only motivated and meritorious individuals into the teacher education space. Poor Planning Regional Disparity: Almost half of the total TEIs are in the northern region and one-third of the total TEIs are concentrated in Uttar Pradesh Disproportionate Focus on Select few Programmes: While there are about 17 recognised teacher education programmes, a majority of TEIs offer only B.Ed and D.El.Ed programmes. Master of Education (M.Ed) is offered in less than 10% of the TEIs As a result the country is actually facing a shortage of subject-teachers in secondary schools and teacher-educators for whom a M.Ed degree is a requisite  Outdated teacher preparation curriculum The curriculum was updated over a decade ago which Is not in sync with modern needs where technological advancements can be leveraged Way Ahead: Preparation of Credible Comprehensive Data: Till date, there is no accurate real-time database of the number and details of teacher education institutes, students enrolled and programmes offered. Such data can be used for proper planning and reforming the organisational structure. An accurate system of assessment and accreditation must be developed to ensure high-quality teacher education. The National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) has only covered 30% of all institutes since its establishment back in 1994. Therefore, multiple accreditation agencies be empanelled to cover the extensive landscape of the teacher education sector  Teacher education curriculum must be regularly revamped and revised to ensure that our teacher education system is aligned to global standards. Tap the export potential of Teachers: Experts have advocated for a shift towards integrated four-year subject-specific programmes to be housed in multidisciplinary colleges and universities. This could potentially serve as an avenue for India to outsource its surplus high-quality teachers to over 70 countries that face a teacher shortage. Strengthening governance mechanism which clearly establishes ownership and accountability for set work streams across multiple agencies. Conclusion The draft National Education Policy presents a ray of hope. Its vision to restore integrity and credibility to the teacher education system needs to be translated into effective action Connecting the dots: Draft National Education Policy Swayam Prabha Science & Tech Topic: General Studies 2 & 3: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests 
 Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers Space sector: India needs urgent and radical reforms Context: Saudi Arabia and Luxemburg plans for Outer space which demonstrates that outer space need not be the playing ground for big powers alone. Space programmes have for long been viewed as either strategic or symbols of national prestige for big countries that are prepared to invest significant resources in the pursuit of a credible presence in outer space. UAE: A country with a population of barely one million plans to launch its Mars mission, “Hope”, in 2020 in partnership with a range of organisations across the world — including three universities in the US.  Japan is scheduled to launch the UAE Mars probe this year. India’s own ISRO is also working with the UAE on its Mars mission.  In 2019, the first Emirati Astronaut, Hazza al-Mansouri spent more than a week in the US-Russian space station. UAE’s space strategy-  is about cornering a slice of the rapidly growing commercial space industry — part of a major effort to diversify the UAE economy away from its reliance on hydrocarbons Luxembourg It too entered the space sector only in the middle of the last decade.  It is also driven by the need for economic diversification, the space sector accounts for nearly 2% of Luxembourg’s GDP. Over the years, Luxembourg moved away from its past reliance on the steel industry to become a centre of European banking and finance. It is now looking at commercial space as a major opportunity.  Luxembourg has taken a number of regulatory steps to create a vibrant ecosystem for space companies ranging from satellite operations to future extraction of resources from asteroids and other space objects There are more than 50 companies and two public research organisations that are driving the expansion of space sector in Luxembourg. Structural changes that are reshaping the global space activity. Through the second half of the 20th century, outer space was the sole preserve of national space programmes driven by government-funding, direction and management As military uses of space and prestige projects like Moon-landing emerged, major private sector entities already in the aviation industry won space contracts in the US but under overall guidance & control of NASA & Pentagon The last decades of the 20th century saw significant expansion of satellite-based telecommunication, navigation, broadcasting and mapping, and lent a significant commercial dimension to the space sector.  As a result, private sector companies (Ex: Space X) started playing major role in the sector like independent Space launches. Hired for a resupply mission for the space station, Space X now launches more rockets every year than NASA The entry of private sector has begun to drive down the cost-per-launch through innovations such as reusable rockets. As the digital revolution in the 21st century transformed the world economy, the commercial space sector has begun to grow in leaps and bounds.  The global space business is now estimated to be around $ 400 billion and is expected easily rise to at least trillion dollars by 2040. This has made private sector participation attractive and inevitable. India’s Space Sector: India, however, is quite some distance away from adapting to the unfolding changes in the global space business. Although the ISRO encourages private sector participation in the national space programme, its model is still very 20th century — in terms of governmental domination As it looks at the growing role of the private sector and the effort by nations like the UAE and Luxembourg, Delhi needs to move quickly towards a new model for India’s space activity. Conclusion India needs a regulatory environment that encourages a more dynamic role for the private sector and promotes innovation. It will be a pity if India squanders the many advantages of its early start in space by delaying the much-needed reform and reorganisation of its space sector. Do You Know? Startlink project of SpaceX aims to launch thousands of satellites into the low-earth orbit to provide internet services.  Amazon also has plans to build a network of more than 3,000 satellites in the low-earth orbit Companies also have plans to develop space tourism and build human settlements on the Moon and on Mars. Connecting the dots: Project Loon of Google uses high-altitude balloons in the stratosphere to provide connectivity to people in unserved and underserved communities around the world. LiFi - is a mobile wireless technology that uses light rather than radio frequencies to transmit data.  (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q 1. Consider the following statements about National Interlinking of Rivers Authority(NIRA) It is a statutory body established in 2013 for the implementation of inter-linking of rivers Both inter-State and intra-State river linking projects will be taken by NIRA Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q 2. Consider the following statements about Black Carbon Black carbon results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass.  It is the second largest contributor to climate change after CO2.  India is the second largest emitter of black carbon in the world, with emissions expected to increase dramatically in the coming decades. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q 3. Sukna Lake recently in news is located in which State/UT of India? Rajasthan Andhra Pradesh Karnataka Chandigarh Q 4. Schemes like Shilpagram, Octave, Guru-Shishya Parampara are launched by Government of India for what purpose? To promote Classical Music in foreign Lands To encourage career prospects in Music To preserve and promote the Culture of Tribals None of the above ANSWERS FOR 03 March 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 B 3 B 4 C 5 B Must Read About Reservations in Promotions: The Hindu About Domestic Violence & its correlation with Childhood Trauma: The Hindu About LIC disinvestment: The Hindu

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd March 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd March 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) World Wildlife Day Part of: Prelims and GS-III-Environment In news- The day is being celebrated on the 3rd of March every year to create awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife. In December 2013, UN General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 3 March – the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973 – as UN World Wildlife Day. The UNGA resolution also designated the CITES Secretariat as the facilitator for the global observance of this special day for wildlife on the UN calendar.  About CITES It came into force in July 1975 and currently has 183 signatories Aim: Ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP and is located at Geneva, Switzerland. Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties, it does not take the place of national laws. Rather, it provides a framework to be respected by each Party, which has to adopt its own domestic legislation to ensure that CITES is implemented at the national level. The International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC), a consortium of the CITES Secretariat, INTERPOL, UN Office on Drugs and Crime,  World Bank and the World Customs Organization has been established to tackle illegal wildlife trade. Swathi Weapon Locating radar Part of: Prelims and GS-III-Security In news- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) bags $40mn defence deal from Armenia for supplying four Swathi Weapon Locating Radars (WLR) Swathi WLR was indigenously developed by DRDO and manufactured by BEL. It is an electronically scanned phased array radar  It automatically locates hostile artillery, mortars and rocket launchers and tracks friendly fire to locate the impact point of friendly artillery fire to issue necessary corrections. The radar is designed to detect projectiles with small cross section across the battle space horizon, and has the capability to handle simultaneous fire from weapons deployed at multiple locations. The radar uses advanced signal processing techniques for detection and tracking projectiles in the presence of ground, weather clutter and other forms of interference in Electronic Warfare scenario. National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) Part of: Prelims and GS-III-Economy; GS-II- Governance In news- NFRA was constituted in 2018 under section 132 (1) of the Companies Act, 2013. It is an independent regulator for enforcement of auditing standards and ensuring the quality of audits so as to enhance investor and public confidence in financial disclosures of companies. It can probe listed companies and those unlisted public companies having paid-up capital of no less than Rs 500 crore or annual turnover of no less than Rs 1,000 crore. (while ICAI retains jurisdiction of small listed companies) It can even investigate professional misconduct committed by members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for prescribed class of body corporate or persons. Central Fraud Registry Part of: Prelims and GS-III-Economy; GS-II- Governance In news- There has been decline in frauds at Public Sector Banks from ₹50,329 crore in 2013-14 to just ₹3,781 crore in the first three quarters of 2019-20 (Finance Ministry) RBI has put in place a central fraud registry, which is a searchable database to help banks detect instances of fraud by borrowers early on. It also helps Banks in carrying out due diligence during the credit sanction process Frauds of below 5 Crore will be monitored by regional offices of RBI and above 5 Crore will be monitored by the Central Fraud Monitoring Cell (CFMC) of RBI Dogra Dynasty Part of: Prelims and GS-I- History In news- Jammu Airport and the Jammu University to be renamed after Hindu Dogra monarchs Maharaja Hari Singh and Maharaja Gulab Singh, respectively  Maharaja Gulab Singh founded the Dogra dynasty and became the first monarch of Jammu & Kashmir kingdom in 1846. J&K was annexed by the Sikhs in 1819 and Gulab Singh was made Raja of the state by Sikhs in 1820 In the First Sikh War (1845–46), Maharaja Gulab Singh held aloof and then appeared as a mediator. As a reward, Jammu & Kashmir was given to him by the British for a cash payment Maharaja Hari Singh was the last Dogra monarch, who acceded to India in 1947. He contributed troops to British war effort in World War II and served on Churchill’s imperial War cabinet Dholavira Part of: Prelims and GS-I- Art & Culture In news Government of India has submitted nomination dossier of ‘Dholavira: A Harappan City’ for inclusion in the World Heritage List for the year 2020. Dholavira is an archaeological site at Khadirbet in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District, in the state of Gujarat. Dholavira’s location is on the Tropic of Cancer. Also known locally as Kotada timba, the site contains ruins of an ancient Indus Valley Civilization/Harappan city. It is one of the five largest Harappan sites and most prominent archaeological sites in India belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization.  [caption id="attachment_57572" align="aligncenter" width="554"] Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd March 2020[/caption] Pic Source Per Capita Availability of Water Part of: Prelims and GS-III- Economy In news- The average annual per capita water availability in the years 2001 was 1816 cubic meters while it reduced to 1545 cubic meters in 2011 This may further reduce to 1486 cubic meters in 2021 and 1367 cubic meters in 2031 As per Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, 135 litre per capita per day (lpcd) has been suggested as the benchmark for urban water supply.  For rural areas, a minimum service delivery of 55 lpcd has been fixed under Jal Jeevan Mission, which may be enhanced to higher level by states As per NCIWRD percentage of water used for irrigation out of the total water use for the year 1997-98 was 83.30%. The same is estimated to decrease to 72.48% by 2025. NCIWRD= National Commission for Integrated Water Resources Development  (MAINS FOCUS) International Affairs Topic: General Studies 3: India and its neighbourhood- relations.  Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests US-Taliban pact (Doha Agreement) – Part-II Click here for Part-I of the article The peace deal is expected to kick-off two processes- a phased withdrawal of US troops and an ‘intra-Afghan’ dialogue. The deal is a fundamental step to deliver a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and the future political roadmap for Afghanistan peace process and the Central Asian region. Challenges Ahead for the Deal: The deal deliberately excluded the Afghan government because the Taliban do not see the government as legitimate rulers. By giving in to the Taliban’s demand, the U.S. has practically called into question the legitimacy of the government it backs. U.S. has made several concessions to the Taliban in the agreement. The Taliban was not pressed enough to declare a ceasefire. Both sides settled for a seven-day “reduction of violence” period before signing the deal.  Disunity within Afghan Government:  President Ashraf Ghani (belongs to Pashtun- largest ethnic group) and his primary challenger Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah (Tajiks- second largest ethnic group) threatening to set up parallel governments after conflict over 2019 election results. Concessions made by Mr. Ghani’s government to the Taliban will likely be interpreted by Mr. Abdullah’s supporters as an intra-Pashtun deal reached at the expense of other ethnic groups, especially the Tajiks and the Uzbeks, who formed the bulk of the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance from 1996 to 2001.  Consequently, ethnic fissures may descend into open conflict. Disunity within Taliban Taliban is composed of various regional and tribal groups acting semi-autonomously.  All of them may not be amenable to following the directions of its top leadership.  It is, therefore, possible that some of them may continue to engage in assaults on government troops and even American forces during the withdrawal process thus threatening the deal Prisoner release: Afghan government is not on the same page with USA on the release of Taliban prisoners. It has stated the prisoners release can be on the agenda of Intra-Afghan talks and not a precondition to the talks. No promises on Civil Liberties and Democracy: Taliban, whose rule is known for strict religious laws, banishing women from public life, shutting down schools and unleashing systemic discrimination on religious and ethnic minorities, has not made any promises on whether it would respect civil liberties or accept the Afghan Constitution. Taliban and India India and the Taliban have had a bitter past- IC-814 hijack in 1999, The Taliban perceived India as a hostile country, as India had supported the anti-Taliban force Northern Alliance in the 1990s. India never gave diplomatic and official recognition to the Taliban when it was in power during 1996-2001 India has been backing the Ghani-led government and was among very few countries to congratulate Ghani on his 2019 contested victory. Indian foreign policy establishment has shied away from engaging with the Taliban directly, as it is viewed as a proxy of Pakistan. India has supported for enduring and inclusive peace and reconciliation which is “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled”. India has consistently supported for an “independent, sovereign, democratic, pluralistic and inclusive” Afghanistan in which interests of all sections of society are preserved.  Implications of the deal on India The deal legitimises Taliban and its actions. This weakens India’s fight against all sorts of terrorism and violence adopted by such extremist groups. India has a major stake in the continuation of the current Afghanistan government in power, which it considers a strategic asset vis-à-vis Pakistan. As a result of the deal, Pakistan military (through its ally Taliban) will become dominant players in Kabul’s power circles, which is not aligned with India’s interests Although the pact mentions al-Qaeda, it is silent on other terrorist groups — such as anti-India groups Lashkar-e-Toiba or Jaish-e-Mohammed. India, not being an US ally, is not covered under this pact. Ghani government, which India has recognised as winner of the 2019 election, will only serve for an interim period as a result of this deal India will have to engage more directly with Taliban which already controls half of Afghanistan’s territory As Afghanistan is the gateway to Central Asia, the deal might dampen India’s interest in Central Asia. “The bottomline is that India cannot look at the agreements or the route to Kabul via Washington’s view” - Anand Arni (former Special Secretary in RAW) Connecting the dots India’s projects in Afghanistan - Salma Dam Moral impact of deal on anti-India terrorist groups Governance Topic: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. 
 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Top Three SDGs & India Context: President Donald Trump applauded India’s achievements during his speech in Motera stadium in Ahmedabad. The top three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations are namely poverty elimination (SDG-1), zero hunger (SDG-2), and good health & well-being (SDG-3) to be attained by 2030 [caption id="attachment_57571" align="aligncenter" width="555"] Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd March 2020[/caption] Pic Source: UNO India’s Present status with regard to these three goals: The World Bank’s estimates of extreme poverty — measured as $1.9/per capita/per day at purchasing power parity of 2011 — show a secular decline in India from 45.9% to 13.4% between 1993 and 2015. If the overall growth process continues as has been the case since, say, 2000 onwards, India may succeed in eliminating extreme poverty by 2030. National Food Security Act (NFSA) that subsidises grains to the tune of more than 90% of its cost to 67% of the population can help India attain the goal of zero hunger before 2030 The real challenge for India, however, is to achieve the third goal of good health and well-being by 2030 Poor Health condition in India (as per NFHS- In 2015-16) Almost 38.4% of India’s children under the age of five years were stunted  35.8% of children (below 5 years) were underweight (low weight for age) 21% of children (below 5 years) suffered from wasting (low weight for height) Also, the Global Hunger Index (GHI) ranks India at 102 out of 117 countries in terms of the severity of hunger in 2019. Slow Progress: The decadal decline in underweight children from 42.5% in 2005-06 to 35.8% in 2015-16 amounts to less than 1 per cent decline per year. Behind Other Nations: According to the Global Nutrition Report, 2016, at the present rates of decline, India will achieve the current stunting rates of China by 2055 What are the governments ambitions w.r.t malnutrition? The National Nutrition Strategy, 2017, aims to reduce the prevalence of underweight children (0-3 years) by 3% points every year by 2022 from NFHS 2015-16 estimates. Under National Nutrition Mission (renamed as POSHAN Abhiyaan), 2017, government aims to reduce  Stunting by 2% per annum,  Undernutrition by 2% per annum, Anemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls) by 3% per annum Low birth weight by 2% per annum In order to achieve good Health, government has to focus on below four areas Mother’s education.  It is one of the most important factors that has a positive multiplier effect on child care and access to healthcare facilities.  It also increases awareness about nutrient-rich diet, personal hygiene, etc.  This can also help contain the family size in poor, malnourished families.  Thus, a high priority to female literacy, in a mission mode through liberal scholarships for the girl child, would go a long way towards tackling this problem. Access to improved sanitation and safe drinking water. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan should shift its focus from mere ODF declaration to ODF+ and ODF++ strategies which involves proper functioning of community toilets, efficient waste sludge management and recycling measures. Jal Jeevan Mission which aims to provide piped drinking water to all Households by 2024 needs to be implemented in mission mode Change in dietary patterns There is a need to shift dietary patterns from cereal dominance to the consumption of nutritious foods such as livestock products, fruits and vegetables, pulses, etc.  But they are generally costly and their consumption increases only by higher incomes and better education.  Diverting a part of the food subsidy on wheat and rice to more nutritious foods can help New agricultural technologies India must adopt new agricultural technologies of bio-fortifying cereals, such as zinc-rich rice, wheat, iron-rich pearl millet The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has to work closely with Farmer Producer Organisations and NGOs so as to make newer seeds and modern farm practices affordable and accessible to all farmers in the country. Conclusion Global experience shows that with the right public policies focusing on agriculture, improved sanitation, and women’s education, one can have much better health and well-being for its citizens, especially children. India can certainly do better, but only if it focuses on this issue. Connecting the dots 17 Sustainable Development Goals India’s achievements in Millennium Development Goals India’s Ayushman Bharat Programme (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) It is legally binding on the Parties but it does not take the place of national laws India is a NOT a signatory to this convention Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Swathi Weapon Locating Radars (WLR) It is designed and developed by HAL in collaboration with USA post 1999 Kargil Conflict. The radar has the capability to handle simultaneous fire from weapons deployed at multiple locations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) It is a statutory body established by NFRA Act, 2018 It is an independent regulator to oversee the auditing profession and accounting standards in India Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Central Fraud Registry was set up in 2016 by which body? Indian Banks Association Finance Ministry Reserve Bank of India NITI Aayog Q.5) Dholavira, an Harappan Site, is located in which state of India? Rajasthan Gujarat Bihar Uttar Pradesh ANSWERS FOR 02 March 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 B 3 B 4 D Must Read About Afghanistan -Taliban: The Hindu About Indo-US Nuclear energy deals: The Hindu About Economic Slowdown: The Hindu