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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 16th March 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 16th March 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) SC issues notice to EC on plea to verify at least 50% VVPATs In news: Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to respond to a petition filed by 21 Opposition parties demanding the random verification of at least 50% electronic voting machines (EVMs) using Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in every Assembly segment or constituency. The petitioners said ‘free and fair elections’ were part of the basic structure of the Constitution. Important Value Additions: About VVPAT and its working Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines are used during election process to verify that the vote polled by a voter goes to the correct candidate. VVPATs are a second line of verification particularly and are particularly useful in the time when allegations around Electronic Voting Machines’ tampering crop up. Parties have been making regular demands for VVPATs to be used during elections after alleging EVMs may not be completely secure and tamper proof. VVPAT system gives instant feedback to the voter showing that the vote polled has in fact been allotted against the candidate chosen. Working procedure of VVPATs After a voter presses the button on the EVM against the chosen candidate, the VVPAT prints a slip containing name of the candidate and the election symbol and drops it automatically into a sealed box. The machines give the chance for the voter to verify their vote. The machine is placed in a glass case in a way that only the voter can see it. The slip is displayed to the voter for seven seconds after which the VVPAT machine cuts it and drops in into the storage box with a beep. The machines can be accessed, though, by the polling officials and not by the voter. The Election Commission of India has not conceded to any allegation that the EVMs used for polling can be tampered with. However, VVPATs have been used in some elections in a bid to counter all allegation of tampering. The Supreme Court of India, meanwhile, has for long held a supportive and extra cautious stand when it comes to voting. It had directed the EC in 2013 to introduce VVPAT in Lok Sabha Elections 2014 to improve voter confidence and ensuring transparency of voting. It was used in some phases but not in the entire polling process. France slaps sanctions on JeM chief Azhar In news: Two days after China blocked a UN Security Council move to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, France has sanctioned him and taken steps to stop the outfit from accessing French financial resources. It is understood that the decision was aimed at imposing a national ban on Azhar as this is necessary for barring him from accessing any EU territory. (MAINS FOCUS) ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General Studies 2 and 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation Infrastructure: Energy Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate 6th edition of Global Environment Outlook Key pointers: Global Environment Outlook (GEO) is released by UN Environment Programme (UNEP) The GEO project was initiated in response to the environmental reporting requirements of UN Agenda 21. Agenda 21 is a non-binding action plan of the United Nations with regard to sustainable development. It is a product of the Earth Summit (UN Conference on Environment and Development) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. The "21" in Agenda 21 refers to the 21st century. Since 2015, Sustainable Development Goals are included in the Agenda 2030. UN report, GEO-6 theme: “Healthy Planet, Healthy People” According to 6th GEO Report – The world is unsustainably extracting resources and producing unmanageable quantities of waste. With rising growth, higher quantities of resources are extracted, which leads to chemicals flowing into air, water and land. Thus causes ill-health, premature mortality, poor quality of life etc. East and South Asia have the highest number of deaths due to air pollution. (In 2017, air pollution has killed 1.24 million in India alone) Freshwater pollutants making antimicrobial-resistant infections a major cause of death by 2050. Other highlights provided by GEO-6: It estimates that the top 10% of populations (in terms of wealth) globally are responsible for 45% of GHG emissions, whereas, bottom 50% for only 13%. Pollution impacts are borne more by the poorer citizens. Concerns: (India) Deaths due to air pollution is high Unsustainable resources extraction Over-population leading to stress on land and agricultural yields are coming under stress due to increase in average temperature and erratic monsoons (impacts food security and health) Poorly enforced environment laws. Water protection is given low priority. India is the leading extractor of groundwater.   The way ahead: Effective environment laws and political will is necessary to end business-as-usual policies. Curbing the use of fossil fuels and toxic chemicals. Targeted interventions are needed to resolve specific air and water pollution. Aggressive monitoring and assessment of air quality and greenhouse gases emissions. Policies should give impetus to shift to cleaner sources of energy (or renewable energy sources) Combating air pollution would require all older coal-based power plants in India to conform to emission norms at the earliest. Quick transition to green mobility is needed. It is imperative to stop the contamination of surface supplies by chemicals, sewage and municipal waste.   Waste water should be recovered, treated and reused. Augmenting rainwater harvesting. Connecting the dots: Human activities are degrading the global environment at a pace that could endanger the "ecological foundations of society" and human health. Comment.   Discuss the factors responsible for long term climate change. What evidences do we have that support current global warming. Explain. WOMEN ISSUE TOPIC: General studies 1 and 2: Role of women and women’s organization, women related issues, Social empowerment Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Parliament and State Legislatures, structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. Fresh hope for more women in Parliament Introduction This year, there is a trend of political parties throwing their weight behind the cause of a better gender balance in Parliament.   Many political parties have announced that it would commit to the Women’s Reservation Bill (108th Amendment Bill), which proposes that one-third of all Indian lawmakers be female. Some parties have also promised a 33% quota for women in government jobs if the Congress is voted to power. While the idea of affirmative action in favour of women dates back to the 1920s, so little has been done so far. Do you know? According to the Election Commission’s voter enrolment figures for 2019, women constitute 48.1% of the electorate. Also, the female turnout at ballot booths—66% in the general election of 2014—is now close to that of men. Yet, of eight South Asian countries, India ranks a poor fifth on women’s representation in Parliament, with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal doing better. In India, only one of every 10 Members of Parliament and every 15 legislators is a woman.  Also, women who do get elected are often from families of politicians. Changing trend Between 1957 and 2014, the count of women Lok Sabha contestants has increased from 45 to 668 (15-fold leap). Males saw only a 5-fold increase over that span. More and more women want to take the political plunge and frame public policies. Main factor which changes the trend – panchayati raj system (which has encouraged female political participation at the village level) Do you know? In panchayati raj, a third of all seats are reserved for women, but they actually occupy nearly half these positions of local representation across the country. In many states, they make up more than half the local bodies. Why do we need women in power? As representatives, we need women – To eliminate the systemic biases and structural barriers that keep our girls out of the tech industry, our victims of gender-based violence in fear and our women’s sports teams under-funded. To dismantle structural barriers, the responsibility falls on working women who have successfully overcome constraints to open the gates for other women. To design laws that encourage better education for girls. To secure financial independence and formal employment for women. To push up our abysmal female labour force participation rates. To ensure that female hygiene products are not taxed as luxury goods. In addressing systemic biases, exposure to women in office weakens stereotypes about gender roles. Watching women in leadership positions reduces the negative perceptions men have about their effectiveness as leaders. It also induces men to dream better dreams for their daughters, and that is no mean feat. Conclusion: Over the past few decades, women have made their mark as effective managers, bankers, professors, corporate leaders, lawyers, doctors and civil servants. These are women who know how to solve problems, get things done and manage multiple responsibilities. Electing able women professionals will help us simultaneously achieve better representation and expertise. If inclusion and diversity are to go beyond platitudes in the political arena, then far more women need to be elected for legislative roles at higher levels of governance. Connecting the Dots Socio-economic disadvantages and poor female political participation create a vicious cycle that needs to be broken. Discuss. Women in India haven’t got a fair deal from either the government or the judiciary as far as protection of their individual liberties are concerned. Comment. Also examine the ways in which women are changing the traditional gender discourse in India by taking suitable examples. MUST READ Partition, freedom and democracy The Hindu At a standstill Indian Express Terror, live Indian Express A stunting reality Indian Express Holding up the fourth branch Indian Express

Yojana

IAS UPSC YOJANA & KURUKSHETRA Magazine ‘FEBRUARY’ 2019

Archives Friends, Here we are with the FEBRUARY 2019, edition of Yojana and Kurukshetra. Yojana/Kurukshetra: FEBRUARY 2019 – Download Download Mind Maps - Click here Click here Click here Click here Click here Click here Click here Click here Click here Click here Click here Click here Click here Click here Click here

60 Days Plan: UPSC IAS Prelims 2019 - Environment and Current Affairs (Day 12)

60 Day plan has been published on the website (www.iasbaba.com - Click here). Since we have come up with the 'Quiz Format', it will not be feasible to publish it on the app. For feasibility and getting to know where you stand among your peers (we have a leaderboard which gives your marks and rank) it would be advisable to take the test on the website. All the best. make the best use of the initiative ! Before taking the Test, read the post below, ARCHIVES Hello Friends,  The most beloved 60 Days for UPSC IAS Prelims 2019  has finally begun :) Once again the time has come for the battle (Prelims). And who else than your best companion in the last preparatory phase for UPSC IAS Prelims 2019 i.e 60 days plan. It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.  Hope the message given above makes sense to you all. The productive utilization of this programme demands consistency, honesty, faith and strong determination to be in the process of learning and unlearning. You might not be fully prepared to solve all the questions but the learning and unlearning through these questions will prepare you for the real battle on 2nd June 2019. You have to unlearn your repetitive mistakes, gut feeling on which you mark doubtful questions. You have to learn new things and also those concepts that you were very sure of but somehow because of traps in the option, got it wrong. You have to learn 'how to convert knowledge into marks' (Because most of the times, after ending the exam, you regret making mistakes in known concepts).  Secondly, keep a long distance from following too many things at this point. It will always backfire. Once you are here, put complete faith and follow this initiative along with whatever you were doing. It is very important to consolidate your preparation with many revisions. Simply following many things will leave you in despair. You can cross check this with veterans. Everything that seems attractive is not productive. You should always go for productivity. Be wise! Let us pledge to make it a big game changer (better than last year) in the next 60 days of this plan! Importance of Self - Tracking: Learning from Last Year Last year, aspirants used to type/post their answers in the comment box on a daily basis. There were huge participation and discussion below the test post. Putting answers in the comment box has been very effective to self-track yourself after updating the score. In the end, you can cross check your performance through Disqus profile. It was highly effective in the last edition of 60 Days that propelled aspirants to monitor their performance and learn through discussion. Let you solve these questions with full honesty and write your result in the comment box. Interact with peers to know your mistakes. The importance of this initiative stands time-bound and aggressive reverse engineering to learn the concepts. Many of you must be busy with your own strategy but let us tell you honestly that in the last few months, it is very important to revise and consolidate your learning. Just reading won’t suffice. So, take out a few hours from your schedule and make it a revision exercise. How can you make the best use of it? Be honest to your effort and do not start competing with XYZ aspirants just for the sake of marks. It is more important for you to introspect and check your learning than focusing on others. Try to answer the questions in 25 minutes only.  Do not get into negative feeling that I don’t have enough knowledge to answer these questions. Feel like you are taking the real exam. What would be your response then? The same will be replicated in the UPSC exam. Here, you get marks only and nothing else matters. So, make effort to know the answers to all questions. Do not cheat :P DETAILED MICRO ANALYSIS MATRIX SAMPLE- is given here. You can download this and do an assessment for yourself (the excel sheet must be modified as per this years planning. The provided excel sheet is only for reference).  DOWNLOAD You can copy paste the same format/modify as per your need in Google Spreadsheet and update it on daily basis. Feedback talks about daily test results. Follow-up talks about daily target achieved from sources and the number of revisions to do/done and dates. Sources column is to ensure that aspirants do not run behind various sources and follow the same throughout. Would like to end on this quote:  Either you run the day or the day runs you.  Are you ready? Let's start! Important Note Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :)  You can post your comments in the given format  (1) Your Score (2) Matrix Meter (3) New Learning from the Test

AIR

All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - Enhancing the Health Infrastructure of the Country

Enhancing the Health Infrastructure of the Country ARCHIVES Search 12th February, 2019 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. In News: There is an increase of more than Rs 7,000 crore in nominal terms from last year’s expenditure on health in this year’s budget — the outlay has increased from Rs 56,045 crore to Rs 63,298 crore. Accounting for inflation, this amounts to a 9.2 per cent increase in real terms. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) Scheme Aim: To make path-breaking interventions to address health holistically, in primary, secondary and tertiary care systems Objective: Prevention + Promotion (Health & Wellness) Two major initiatives: Health and Wellness Centre: Foundation of India’s health system 1.5 lakh centres will provide – comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable diseases and maternal and child health services, provide free essential drugs and diagnostic services The budget has allocated Rs.1200 crore for this flagship programme Contribution of the private sector through CSR and philanthropic institutions in adopting these centres is also envisaged. National Health Protection Scheme: Will cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) Coverage of up to ₹5 lakh a family a year will be provided for secondary- and tertiary-care hospitalization (50 crore beneficiaries) The Concern: The National Sample Survey’s (NSS) health data of 2014 shows that in an estimated total 24.85 crore families in India, there were 5.72 crore cases of hospitalisation. By that calculation, out of the 10-crore families, there would be roughly 2.3 crore hospitalisations in a year. This means that from the Rs 6,556 crore government funds, health insurance agencies on average have only Rs 2,850 to pay per hospitalisation (assuming there are no administrative costs or insurance overheads). The average out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) per hospitalisation is much higher — around Rs 15,244 as per NSS 2014 data, which amounts to Rs 19,500 in 2019-20 assuming a 5 per cent annual inflation. The PMJAY’s budgetary provisions for insurance agencies will barely cover 15 per cent of this expenditure. Ayushmaan Bharat can be a Game Changer only if: Collaboration is the key: The Central government collaborates successfully with State governments and the industry, and focusses aggressively on the operational and implementation aspect of these initiatives. Government and industry should develop partnerships with the focus on improving the coverage and providing access to quality healthcare services to the people. Capacity building of the existing resources: Increased capacity-building of the resources at hand during policy formulation. Technology: Strong emphasis on the adoption of technology by the entire healthcare ecosystem to provide accessible and affordable patient care to the last mile of the country. Role of States: State ownership and commitment of them is critical as the states are expected to agree for 40 per cent share under the NHPS (Health: State subject). Also, absorptive capacity of States needs to be increased. Clarity on the Services being provided: More clarity on the kind of services that will be provided by government health facilities and for which conditions patients will have to use private parties and what mechanisms are being thought of. Price matters: Establishment of uniform pricing systems for various health interventions, including diagnostics and medicines, and making them transparent by displaying them in hospital premises. Community Engagement: Continuum of care system needs to be established by linking institutions or hospitals, with health centres and the community. Community engagement is thus crucial in planning and implementation of the programme and in ensuring that the health and wellness centres and the primary health centres are responsive to the needs of the community. Special Unit to measure success, course correct: For effective implementation, an independent body or unit may be set up within the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to plan, coordinate, and provide technical backstopping to states, including in capacity building and development of standards and guidelines for the programme. Such a unit will ensure uniform and systematic approach to programme implementation across the country. Some concerns and Way Ahead Poor public health spending: Government aims to increase public health spending to 5% of GDP. However, current health spending is only 1.15-1.5% of GDP. To reach its target, the government should increase funding for health by 20-25% every year for the next five years or more. Poor allocation in Interim Budget: The total allocation to healthcare is ₹61,398 crore (an increase of ₹7,000 crore from the previous Budget). However, there is no net increase since the total amount is 2.2% of the Budget, the same as the previous Budget. The increase roughly equates the ₹6,400 crore allocated for implementation of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). The modest increase in budgetary allocations in health should have been prioritised towards improving the worn-out public sector district hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres and sub-centres in under-served areas. Per capita spending on health: Public per capita expenditure on health increased from ₹621 in 2009-10 to ₹1,112 in 2015-16. Per capita spending on health for 2018 is approx. ₹1,500. Therefore, despite the doubling of per capita expenditure on health over six years, the public spending figure is still abysmal. Strengthening of the country’s primary healthcare system taken a backseat: Allocation under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) — which provides funds for rural primary healthcare — has been reduced in real terms (accounting for inflation). Its share in the health component of the budget has declined steeply over the past four years — from 52 per cent in 2015-16 to 41 per cent this year. Within the NRHM, there have been budget cuts for reproductive and child healthcare projects and maintenance of rural healthcare infrastructure. Ranking on the basis of Per capita Budget expenditure on health: It is among the lowest in the world. It is important to note that U.S.’s health expenditure is 18% of GDP, while India’s is still under 1.5%. In U.S. allocation for healthcare is 23.5% of the budget and per capita spending on health in the Budget is $3,150. In India, allocation for healthcare is merely 2.2% of the Budget and per capita spending on health in the budget in India is approx $30. There is $4,000-$5,000 per capita spending in OECD countries. High out-of-pocket expenditure: Out-of-pocket expenditure in India is at a massive 67%. Although, the ₹6,400 crore allocation to Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY in the Interim Budget will help reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on health. Note: PM-JAY app: The app has been introduced within just four months since the launch of the scheme and is aimed at helping users get easy access to information on the scheme, check eligibility, find hospitals nearby and get assisted help. National Health Authority (NHA): Aims to effectively implement PM-JAY. The National Health Authority with a stronger mandate would be able to prevent, detect and control frauds, abuse and redress grievances, thus resulting in the reduction of leakages. National Health Stack (NHS): A national electronic registry usable by both the Centre and the States across public and private sectors. One of the components of the proposed project is to store every Indian’s Personal Health Records (PHRs). This will involve medical history, medication and allergies, immunisation status, laboratory test results, radiology images, vital signs, personal stats such as age and weight, demographics, and billing information, and use of multiple health applications. Various layers of the National Health Stack will seamlessly link to support national health electronic registries, coverage and claims platform, a federated personal health records framework, a national health analytics platform, as well as other horizontal components. The stack will embrace health management systems of public health programmes and socio-demographic data systems. The population level base of such an IT system would be individual health records logged through the Health and Wellness Centres in rural areas, and corresponding primary health care in urban areas. The National Health Stack rests on the JAM trinity of Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar, and mobile numbers. The new Digital Information Security in HealthCare Act (DISHA): It makes any breach punishable with up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 5 lakhs. It redefines personal information of the patients. It adds, “use of narcotic or psychotropic substances, consumption of alcohol, human immunodeficiency virus status, sexually transmitted infections treatment, and abortion” related information of the patient to the list of sensitive information. DISHA also defines a ‘clinical establishment’ as well as the term ‘entity’ clearly and unambiguously to include individuals, trusts, private and public establishments, hospitals, diagnostic centres, pathological laboratories, radiology laboratories, etc. It also accords great significance to “informed consent” of individuals and emphasises on obtaining explicit consent before transfer and use of digital health data. ₹250 crore has been allocated for setting up health and wellness centres under the National Urban Health Mission. Under the National Rural Health Mission, ₹1,350 crore has been allocated for the same. Nearly 1.5 lakh health and wellness centres would be set up under Ayushman Bharat. The non-communicable diseases programme of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Strokehas been allocated ₹175 crore, from ₹275 crore. Allocation to the National Tobacco Control Programme and Drug De-addiction Programme is only ₹65 crore, a decrease of ₹2 crore. Must Read: Lessons from Kerala : Transforming Primary Care Regulating Private Hospitals Right to health – A Fundamental Right Connecting the Dots: What do you understand by universal health coverage? Explain the measures taken by the government to achieve universal health coverage in India. India is on the verge of facing an explosion of health epidemic in terms of NCDs if not controlled. Analyse the ways to improve India’s health profile. Although the private sector can play a constructive role in the provisioning healthcare services, the overall health policy discourse must retain the ‘public good’ character of the health sector. Comment. Ayushman Bharat is one of the most ambitious health schemes ever launched in India. What can be the key challenges in proper implementation of this scheme?

RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Human Rights of Security Forces

Human Rights of Security Forces Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation General Studies 3 Defence In News: The Supreme Court has agreed to examine and hear a petition seeking protection of the rights of the armed forces personnel and the security personnel in view of facing agitated and sometimes even angry civilian protestors. The petition is filed by two young women -- a daughter of a retired Army officer, and a daughter of a serving Army officer. The Supreme Court while agreeing to examine the plea has sought views of the Central government Union Ministry of Defence, Jammu and Kashmir government and the National Human Rights Commission. What do the petitioners want? The petitioners are seeking the formulation of a policy to safeguard the rights of armed forces personnel on what all could come under their ambit while discharging their duties in case of facing an unruly mobs or individuals who attack them while performing their military duty. The petitioners here are citing various instances of violence against Armed Forces personnel including stone pelting in Kashmir. The contention raised by the petitioners also seek to examine if the cases must also be registered against the perpetrators of such violence. The petition added that depriving the armed forces personnel of their right to prosecute a person who has committed an offence against them is a violation of their fundamental right to life and liberty, including the right to legal recourse. The petition also said that the petitioners had lodged a complaint of human rights violation with the NHRC, citing specific instances, but the commission transferred the complaint to the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) of Jammu and Kashmir on the grounds that it lacked jurisdiction. The petitioners also sought setting aside of the NHRC order dated January 4 transferring the representation to the SHRC and a direction to complete the probe of human rights violations of armed forces personnel. Constitutional Provisions: Article 33 Article 33 is an exception to the Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution. It empowers the Parliament to restrict or abrogate the application of the fundamental rights in relation to Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, Police, Persons employed in intelligence or counterintelligence services, and communication systems set up for the said organizations. Acts such as the Army Act 1950, Navy Act 1957, Air Forces Act 1950 have been enacted as per Article 33. These acts restrict rights such as Freedom of speech and expression Freedom of assembly Freedom to form associations and unions Article 13 of the Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to every citizen. It prohibits the Parliament and the state legislatures from making laws that “may take away or abridge the fundamental rights” guaranteed to the citizens of the country. Fundamental Rights for every Indian citizen: Right to equality Right to freedom Right against exploitation Right to freedom of religion Cultural and educational rights Right to constitutional remedies. Should there be an exception as petitioned? The military plays an important role in nation-building and national security. Notwithstanding special requirements of military life, the members of the armed forces should enjoy the rights guaranteed in the Constitution and other relevant international human rights treaties which India has ratified to the extent that those rights are available to other citizens of the country. The guarantee of a fair trial should apply to all proceedings under the military legal system, including summary trial and summary systems of court martial. The government must ensure the economic, social, and cultural rights of military personnel including housing, medical care, education, free legal aid and social security. We should not forget that although they are often heavily criticized for violations of which they may be guilty, they are also the source of solutions as one of their primary functions is to guarantee the rights of each individual. Wearing uniforms does not take away the human rights of the Armed Forces’ Personnel. A soldier is as much human as anybody else. Conclusion There is an urgent need for a clear-cut policy discussing the rights and duties of the security forces that may end up facing an unruly mob or any other life-threatening move. Also, the society needs to be educated and made aware of the sensitivity that an armed force personnel also deserves. After all, who will protect us if our armed forces are themselves not safe?    

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 15th March 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 15th March 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) India wants visa-free travel to Kartarpur Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II - India and its neighbours; International Relations; Bilateral ties In news: India has urged Pakistan to grant visa-free travel rights to Indian pilgrims visiting the Kartarpur shrine.   Do you know? November 2019 marks 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. India had first proposed the Kartarpur Sahib corridor in 1999 when the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee took a bus ride to Lahore. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/11/23/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_01/88722918_2544650_101_mr.jpg Gurdwara in Kartarpur The gurdwara in Kartarpur is located on the bank of river Ravi in Pakistan It is about four km from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine, and about 120 km northeast of Lahore It was here that Guru Nanak assembled a Sikh community and lived for 18 years until his death in 1539 The shrine is visible from the Indian side, as Pakistani authorities generally trim the elephant grass that would otherwise obstruct the view Indian Sikhs gather in large numbers for darshan from the Indian side, and binoculars are installed at Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak The gurdwara was opened to pilgrims after repairs and restoration in 1999, and Sikh jathas have been visiting the shrine regularly ever since Sikh jathas from India travel to Pakistan on four occasions every year- for Baishakhi, the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev. Bannerghatta eco-sensitive zone curtailed Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Biodiversity; Protected areas In news: The Bannerghatta National Park’s Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), which provides a regulated buffer zone around protected areas, will remain at 168.84 sqkm despite thousands of citizens objecting to the reduction of nearly 100 sqkm as compared to the original proposal. Earlier in 2016, an ESZ Expert Committee had marked an ESZ area of 268.9 sqkm. However, now the committee is set to declare an ESZ area of 168.84 sqkm around the BNP. (a 37% reduction from the first draft notification) About Bannerghatta National Park: It is near Bangalore, Karnataka, was founded in 1970 and declared as a national park in 1974. In 2002 a portion of the park, became a biological reserve, the Bannerghatta Biological Park. It is a popular tourist destination with a zoo, a pet corner, an animal rescue centre, a butterfly enclosure, an aquarium, a snake house and a safari park. Important Value Additions: Eco-Sensitive Zones Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs) are areas notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India around Protected Areas , National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas. They also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection. Do you know? The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does not mention the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”. However, Section 3(2)(v) of the Act, says that Central Government can restrict areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall not be carried out or shall be carried out subject to certain safeguards. Besides Rule 5(1) of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 states that central government can prohibit or restrict the location of industries and carrying on certain operations or processes on the basis of considerations like the biological diversity of an area, maximum allowable limits of concentration of pollutants for an area, environmentally compatible land use, and proximity to protected areas. The above two clauses have been effectively used by the government to declare ESZs or EFAs. No Development Zones The same criteria have been used by the government to declare No Development Zones. Time to time, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) approves a comprehensive set of guidelines laying down parameters and criteria for declaring ESZs. A committee constituted by MoEF puts this together. The guidelines lay out the criteria based on which areas can be declared as ESZs. These include Species Based (Endemism, Rarity etc), Ecosystem Based (sacred groves, frontier forests etc) and Geo-morphologic feature based (uninhabited islands, origins of rivers etc). Climate vulnerability index for India Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Bidoversity In news: Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be commissioning a study to assess the climate risks faced by States in India. The assessment to include global warming risks faced by 12 Himalayan States – especially States such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand – which are vulnerable to climate change. IITs and IISc are coordinating to evolve a common methodology, and determine how districts are to be equipped to deal with the vagaries of climate change. Do you know? The scientists conducted workshops with the States and culled eight key parameters on the basis of which a vulnerability score could be generated. They included: percentage of area in districts under forests yield variability of food grain population density female literacy rate infant mortality rate percentage of population below poverty line average man-days under MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), and The area under slope > 30%. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/03/15/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/e41fd69a_2800499_101_mr.jpg (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL/ETHICS TOPIC: General studies 2, 4 and Essay Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Justice delivery system in India Ethical aspects of capital punishment Essay Key cases dealing with death penalty and its application In 1980 verdict (Bachhan Singh v State of Punjab) – the Supreme Court said that death penalty is constitutional but should be given only in the rarest of rare cases. In 1996 verdict (Ravji v. State of Rajasthan) – the Supreme Court had ruled that while determining whether to award the death penalty “it is the nature and gravity of the crime” alone that demand consideration. In 2009 verdict, the Supreme Court, however, declared its earlier ruling in Ravji incorrect. The court held that even in those cases where the crime is brutal and heinous the criminal’s antecedents, including his economic and social background, must have a bearing on the award of the death sentence.   In recent verdicts (while dealing with three different death penalty cases) In two of those cases, the court entirely absolved the accused from wrongdoing. While in the third the court not only found the accused guilty of murder, but also deserving of capital punishment. Collectively, from the above cases, we can draw the following – How arbitrary the death penalty is? How its application is mired by a belief in conflicting values? and How the fundamental requirement of precision in criminal law has been replaced by a rhetorical cry for avenging crime by invoking the “collective conscience” of society? Why retention of the death penalty utterly undermines India’s moral foundations? India’s broken criminal justice system cannot support the death penalty: In many instances, the courts found several innocent men guilty of a heinous crime, brought them to the brink of execution. However, were later found to be innocent and acquitted. (Example - Ankush Maruti Shinde case) Such grave errors must trigger the moral honesty to accept that we are playing with fire by keeping the death penalty in such a system. There’s almost no empirical evidence available showing that the death penalty actually deters crime. The decision-making process of a Judge: Life of the person depends on the reasons articulated by such honorable Justices. In this aspect, concerns over judge-centric variations of arguments have been raised in the past. There are several instances of “extremely uneven application” of the norms. Public outrage and capital punishment In recent times, public outrage, the need for deterrence, and the clamor for a befitting punishment to render substantial justice have dominated the general discourse. Disproportionate application of the sentence In India, the most economically and socially marginalized are the ones who suffer the most.   According to Death Penalty India Report (DPIR) 74% of prisoners on death row, at the time of the study, were economically vulnerable, and 63% were either the primary or sole earners in their families. 76% of those sentenced to death belonged to backward classes and religious minorities, including all 12 female prisoners. Conclusion Thus, the question of capital punishment needs to be debated away from the general public discourse and on a higher moral plane where there shall be no death penalty in law, regardless of the nature, circumstances and consequences of an offence. Connecting the dots: It is not the just the execution but the method that questions capital punishment. Comment. Irreversible miscarriage of justice in cases involving death penalty is one of the principal arguments put forward against capital punishment in India. Keeping in mind the dismal record of the judiciary in maintaining consistency in death penalty jurisprudence, do you think the time is ripe to abolish capital punishment in India? Examine. ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General studies 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation Infrastructure: Energy Indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Need of the hour: Diversifying India’s energy sources Introduction: The effects of global warming are already visible. Average temperatures today are only 0.8 degree Celsius higher than in 1880. Yet there is already an increasing frequency of extreme weather events, rising ocean temperatures and disappearing corals, melting glaciers and shrinking polar ice caps, and rising sea levels. Public actions have been too small and poor to cope with such looming disaster. The Paris accord has been signed and containing global warming is now on the policy agenda. Still, it is mostly business as usual both in private industry and in public policy. According to an estimate by the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – Containing the earth’s temperature increase over the 1880 benchmark to under 1.5 degrees Celsius will require a 20% reduction in oil and gas production by 2030. But several oil companies have plans to produce 25% more oil and gas by 2025, and other oil majors are headed in the same direction. Irony is that the same oil majors support the Paris accord. They are also among the largest investors in solar power and other renewables. The roughly $300 billion of annual investment in renewables is just a fraction of the investment being made in extracting more fossil fuels. Fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas are more profitable than renewables and account for 85% of the total energy supply. That is what drives the current shareholder value of oil companies. According to BP Energy Outlook (BPEO) – Renewables will account for just about 16% of total energy supply in 2040, up from around 3% today Hydro and nuclear power will account for another 11% Fossil fuels will still account for over 70% of total energy supply. BPEO also envisages that there will be a shift from coal to oil and further to gas, not from fossil fuels to renewables. Therefore, market incentives fall well short of what it will take to contain global warming within the limits necessary for global survival. It is this market failure that requires muscular policy intervention by governments. The way ahead: Requires muscular policy intervention by governments Effective fiscal policies to radically shift market incentives and profitability in favour of renewables. Conclusion: Energy demand is projected to grow annually, considering the growing population and rising incomes in the developing countries.   India remains heavily dependent on vast reserves of coal, which is also the dirtiest fuel. But switching from coal to cleaner oil or gas poses a security risk since India is heavily dependent on imports for these fuels. Hence, India’s long-term strategic interest requires a radical shift from fossil fuels to renewables, including hydropower. Over the medium term, India requires a strategic energy policy. India should move towards maximum dependence on renewable. Instead of subsidizing power prices and distorting energy markets to achieve this goal, tax incentives should be used to maximize investment in renewables. They can turn India’s barren deserts and other non-cultivable land into vast energy generation fields. Connecting the dots: Heavy dependence on coal will continue for years, but it should be gradually reduced. Comment. What do you understand by the term ‘energy mix’? Elucidate it’s importance for India in fighting out the ensuing energy crisis. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Which of the following statements are correct regarding Eco – Sensitive Zones in India? Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC). They act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does not mention the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”. Select the code from following: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct? Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture. Select the correct answer using the code given below. 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following pairs: (National Park) (State) Betla Jharkhand Orang Nagaland Bannerghatta Telangana Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched? 1 and 2 only 1 only 2 and 3 None MUST READ From revolutions to roses: on Women's Day The Hindu A vote on national security Indian Express After China’s veto Indian Express What happened to poverty estimation in the country? Livemint

60 Days Plan: UPSC IAS Prelims 2019 - Science & Technology and Current Affairs (Day 11)

60 Day plan has been published on the website (www.iasbaba.com - Click here). Since we have come up with the 'Quiz Format', it will not be feasible to publish it on the app. For feasibility and getting to know where you stand among your peers (we have a leaderboard which gives your marks and rank) it would be advisable to take the test on the website. All the best. make the best use of the initiative ! Before taking the Test, read the post below, ARCHIVES Hello Friends,  The most beloved 60 Days for UPSC IAS Prelims 2019  has finally begun :) Once again the time has come for the battle (Prelims). And who else than your best companion in the last preparatory phase for UPSC IAS Prelims 2019 i.e 60 days plan. It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.  Hope the message given above makes sense to you all. The productive utilization of this programme demands consistency, honesty, faith and strong determination to be in the process of learning and unlearning. You might not be fully prepared to solve all the questions but the learning and unlearning through these questions will prepare you for the real battle on 2nd June 2019. You have to unlearn your repetitive mistakes, gut feeling on which you mark doubtful questions. You have to learn new things and also those concepts that you were very sure of but somehow because of traps in the option, got it wrong. You have to learn 'how to convert knowledge into marks' (Because most of the times, after ending the exam, you regret making mistakes in known concepts).  Secondly, keep a long distance from following too many things at this point. It will always backfire. Once you are here, put complete faith and follow this initiative along with whatever you were doing. It is very important to consolidate your preparation with many revisions. Simply following many things will leave you in despair. You can cross check this with veterans. Everything that seems attractive is not productive. You should always go for productivity. Be wise! Let us pledge to make it a big game changer (better than last year) in the next 60 days of this plan! Importance of Self - Tracking: Learning from Last Year Last year, aspirants used to type/post their answers in the comment box on a daily basis. There were huge participation and discussion below the test post. Putting answers in the comment box has been very effective to self-track yourself after updating the score. In the end, you can cross check your performance through Disqus profile. It was highly effective in the last edition of 60 Days that propelled aspirants to monitor their performance and learn through discussion. Let you solve these questions with full honesty and write your result in the comment box. Interact with peers to know your mistakes. The importance of this initiative stands time-bound and aggressive reverse engineering to learn the concepts. Many of you must be busy with your own strategy but let us tell you honestly that in the last few months, it is very important to revise and consolidate your learning. Just reading won’t suffice. So, take out a few hours from your schedule and make it a revision exercise. How can you make the best use of it? Be honest to your effort and do not start competing with XYZ aspirants just for the sake of marks. It is more important for you to introspect and check your learning than focusing on others. Try to answer the questions in 25 minutes only.  Do not get into negative feeling that I don’t have enough knowledge to answer these questions. Feel like you are taking the real exam. What would be your response then? The same will be replicated in the UPSC exam. Here, you get marks only and nothing else matters. So, make effort to know the answers to all questions. Do not cheat :P DETAILED MICRO ANALYSIS MATRIX SAMPLE- is given here. You can download this and do an assessment for yourself (the excel sheet must be modified as per this years planning. The provided excel sheet is only for reference).  DOWNLOAD You can copy paste the same format/modify as per your need in Google Spreadsheet and update it on daily basis. Feedback talks about daily test results. Follow-up talks about daily target achieved from sources and the number of revisions to do/done and dates. Sources column is to ensure that aspirants do not run behind various sources and follow the same throughout. Would like to end on this quote:  Either you run the day or the day runs you.  Are you ready? Let's start! Important Note Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :)  You can post your comments in the given format  (1) Your Score (2) Matrix Meter (3) New Learning from the Test

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 14th March 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 14th March 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) China places hold on listing Azhar as designated terrorist Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International; Security issues In news: China has placed a technical hold on the listing request for Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad’s (JeM) leader Masood Azhar at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 1267 Committee. The initial hold is for six months, after which it can be extended by another three months. The ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee (1267 Sanctions Committee), was not able to come to a decision on the proposal for listing Mohammed Masood Azhar Alvi under the UN Sanctions regime, on account of a member placing the proposal on hold. Karnataka has most number of stolen artefacts; none recovered Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I and II – Indian Art and Culture; Governance issues In news: At least 12 idols have been stolen from protected monuments in Karnataka in the past six years, and none of them has been recovered by the police. According to the Ministry of Culture - Karnataka tops the list in the country that has seen 30 idols or artefacts being stolen from Archaeology Survey of India (ASI) sites. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/03/14/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_05/f70b658e_2797097_101_mr.jpg Do you know? The demand for Hoysala and Chalukya idols exist and the three southern States are susceptible as there are hundreds of unprotected or State-protected sites. There is demand for an idol wing, much like what exists in Tamil Nadu where idol thefts is a continuing concern. At a local level, heritage committees headed by the Deputy Commissioner should keep track of unprotected sites and see if any temples are vulnerable to theft. Reasons for growing incidents loss of artefacts, historical idols and antiquities: Lack of coordination between departments responsible for custodianship of cultural heritage and law enforcement agencies. Department has not computerised the stock, poor surveillance to keep safe custody of the valuable idols in the Centre and in the temples. Lack of coordination and lack of surveillance measures. Steps taken by the government The parliament of India passed an Act, the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, focussing mainly the objectives of prevention of smuggling, prevent illegal sale, regulate export trade in antiquities and compulsory acquisition of antiquities and art treasures. National mission on monuments and antiquities (NMMA) has been launched. One of the main components of this NMMA is to create a national register of these antiquities. Nodal agency for implementation of NMMA is Archaeological survey of India. National register for antiquities must be updated for these valuables artefacts. Also, there is a need for timely action to be taken by the concerned government departments for identification and preservation of our cultural heritage. Global Environmental Outlook (GEO) In news: According to the Global Environmental Outlook (GEO), prepared by the United Nations Environment Programme – Unless environmental protections were drastically scaled up, cities and regions in Asia, the Middle East and Africa could see millions of premature deaths by mid-century. India could save at least $3 trillion in healthcare costs if it implemented policy initiatives consistent with Paris climate goals. In other words, ensuring that the globe didn’t heat up beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius by the turn of the century. Do you know? India’s stated commitment is to lower emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% compared to 2005 levels by 2030; increase total cumulative electricity generation from fossil free energy sources to 40% by 2030; and create additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons through additional forest and tree cover. India is on track to achieve two of these goals — of emissions intensity and electricity generation — according to independent climate-watch site Climate Tracker. GEO report also highlighted that – A quarter of all premature deaths and diseases worldwide are due to manmade pollution and environmental damage. It said that poor environmental conditions “cause approximately 25% of global disease and mortality” — around 9 million deaths in 2015 alone. The report says air pollution causes 6-7 million early deaths annually. The report called for a root-and-branch detoxification of human behaviour while insisting that the situation is not unassailable. It called for immediate changes in the way the world eats, generates energy and handles its waste. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL/SECURITY TOPIC: General studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests India and the World Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. General studies 3 Role of external state and non-state actors (extremists) in creating challenges to internal security. Security challenges and their management in border areas On future of the Islamic State Context: Credible reports point to the Islamic State (IS) nearing extinction. Once described as a formidable ‘Caliphate’ of enormous wealth and with huge potential for expansion is now just a dot on the soil of Syria and Iraq. Ever since it lost control last year over two major cities, Raqqa (Syria) and Mosul (Iraq), it has lost its sheen. Thanks to the U.S.’s strategy of forming a coalition of forces, styled the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and, determined and dedicated Kurdish fighters. However, though on the verge of being wiped out territorially, the Islamic State still poses a big challenge to intelligence apparatuses. IS is down, but definitely not out A small number of hardened IS men is likely to be still hiding in some areas of Syria (esp. Baghouz area) to offer a semblance of resistance.    The temptation to dismiss the IS, considering it as just one of those upstarts which make an appearance once in a while in modern history and offer no lessons for the future, has to be resisted. Because the pull internationally for the IS was undeniably greater than for al-Qaeda. This model of organising people solely to unleash terror after acquiring formidable human and material resources — oil and government treasuries in the IS’s case — could be expected to inspire all those playing the card of Islamic extremism. Many IS followers who migrated to Syria and Iraq have expressed their desire to return to their home countries. (Obviously after being disillusioned with the IS). However, they have been denied permission to re-enter the country, because of the hard stance of their governments against their repatriation. For example, the story of Shamima Begum. However, these governments, mostly in Europe and nations with a Muslim minority, such as UK, Germany, France and Belgium, have attracted criticism for its disregard of the human rights and lack of compassion. Lessons from IS saga From the IS saga, one can draw some of the following lessons – How terrorist ideology can gain strength, expand and then evaporate at equally fast speed. How extremism of any kind — including Naxalism in India — is a magnet for some young minds. How spirit of adventure and frustrations early on in life can spur youngsters such as Begum to join such extremist groups. How no amount of censorship or counselling, either online or in forums such as places of worship, can wean such youngsters away. How an unstable internal security situation contributes greatly to the growth of terrorism. How a civil war such as the one in Yemen is conducive for even a small group to showcase its philosophy. Afghanistan is another example of a disturbed scenario that lends fodder to groups such as the Taliban. Pakistan is in the same boat, with the active assistance of its own variant of the Taliban and organisations such as the Jaish-e-Mohammad and the Lashkar e-Taiba. Connecting the dots: What led to the rise of the Islamic State in the Middle East? Explain. NATION/SECURITY TOPIC: General studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests India and the World ; India and its neighborhood- relations. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. General studies 3 Role of external state and non-state actors (extremists) in creating challenges to internal security. Security challenges and their management in border areas India’s grand strategy on Pakistan What India gained from air strikes? India’s muscular approach towards Pakistan, especially post-Uri, post-Pulwama is a clear departure from the policy of strategic restraint. India’s tactical air strike succeeded in demonstrating the nation’s “capacity and will” and giving signal to Pakistan that it could respond to a major Pakistani-linked terror attack. (Tit-for-tat strategy) The idea that India has a right to pre-emptive self-defence — a right that so far has been the exclusive privilege of the Western powers — has been legitimised by the reaction and behaviour of the great powers during the crisis. “Non-military pre-emptive action” will be its counter-terrorism policies. It has created a measure of uncertainty in the minds of Pakistani planners. While total deterrence is unrealistic, Delhi has made the other side conscious that its actions could produce unpredictable consequences. What should be India’s grand strategy on Pakistan? Tit-for-tat strategy as a consistent policy for India: India should incorporate tit for tat approach as part of a grand strategy. Involve a more robust internal security framework: It should not only focus solely on Pakistan’s external behaviour but more logically also keep an eye on its internal structure as part of a long-range effort to re-orient domestic incentives inside Pakistan. Advanced counter-terror capabilities and doctrines: It should include ore advanced counter-terror capabilities and doctrines that seek to substantially minimise Indian military casualties in Kashmir. It should patiently build covert proxy capabilities that impose reciprocal costs on Pakistani security institutions. A more sophisticated conventional military posture: to degrade the flow of terrorist networks while also presenting the Pakistan army with a costly choice to escalate to a bigger conventional clash. Other strategies: India should recognize that Pakistan cannot be isolated, however, it should persuade its patrons and allies (many of whom seek to develop deeper ties with India) to influence Pakistani behaviour. Support and coalition from international community - vigilant third parties can work to India’s advantage. Conclusion Unless India conceives a broader plan to alter Pakistan’s behaviour and its internal setting, it will find it difficult to sustain international support and it would only embolden the Pakistan army to up the ante knowing the Indian side is utterly unprepared for a serious game. Connecting the dots: What strategy should India adopt in order to deal with proxy-wars from the neighbouring countries? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary is located in - Assam Manipur Mizoram Nagaland Q.2) Global Environmental Outlook (GEO) is released by - World Economic Forum International Monetary Fund World Bank United Nations Q.3) Raqqa and Mosul have been often in news recently. It is located in - Syria and Iraq Syria Syria and Lebanon Syria and Turkey Q.4) Which of the following statement is/are correct about archaeological survey of India? ASI is responsible for the maintenance, restoration and discovery of ancient monument, archeological site, horticulture site and museums. Archeological and historical pursuits in India started with the effort of Charles Wilkins. ASI is also responsible for epigraphical and numismatic study. It is also responsible for archeological expedition outside India. Select the appropriate code: 1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 only 1, 3 and 4 only All of the above MUST READ Heavy-handed order: on contempt law The Hindu A model policy for women in the police The Hindu Beyond Masood Azhar Indian Express Swaraj to the Kisan Indian Express A simpler time: on disrupting Indian Standard Time Indian Express Economics can be an ally of inclusive prosperity Livemint The automation anxiety looming over the world Livemint

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 13th March 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 13th March 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Citizens protest against threat to use Official Secrets Act Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Government schemes and policies; Fundamental Rights; Freedom of Press In news: Eminent personalities across different fields staged a protest and criticised the Central government for threatening to act against N. Ram, Chairman, The Hindu group of publications, and The Hindu for publishing investigative stories surrounding the controversies over the Rafale deal. The Centre had recently threatened to book The Hindu and others under the Official Secrets Act for publishing stories based on Defence Ministry documents. Note: For more about Official Secrets Act, read today’s editorial section. (covered below) Thakurani Jatra festival Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I – Indian Heritage and Culture Key pointers: Thakurani Jatra festival - famous biennial festival celebrated in Odisha’s Berhampur. It includes hoisting of the holy mast or ‘shubha khunti’. Goddess Budhi Thakurani - traditional deity of silk handloom weavers or the Dera community of Berhampur. As homage to the goddess, people of all ages, including children and the elderly, transform themselves into various characters from Indian mythology through body painting. The number of devotees in the garb of mythological characters increase towards the last days of the festival. Hundreds of them come out in processions with different themes making the city colourful. Guided rocket system ‘Pinaka’ Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III –Defence and Security related issues; Missiles and technology In news: DRDO successfully tested-fired the indigenously developed guided rocket system ‘Pinaka’ at Pokhran in Rajasthan. This was the third test conducted by the DRDO. All the three trials were able to meet the mission objectives. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/photo/46038559.cms About Pinaka: It is a multiple rocket launcher produced in India and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army. The system has a maximum range of 40 km for Mark-I and 75 km for Mark-II,and can fire a salvo of 12 HE rockets in 44 seconds. The system is mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility. Pinaka saw service during the Kargil War, where it was successful in neutralizing enemy positions on the mountain tops. It has since been inducted into the Indian Army in large numbers. As of 2014, about 5,000 missiles are being produced every year while an advanced variant is under development with enhanced range and accuracy. Animal in news: Starry dwarf frog Part of: Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Biodiversity; Animal conservation In news: A “secretive” new species of frog has been discovered on the forest floor in India’s Western Ghat mountain range. Dubbed the Starry dwarf frog after the markings on its dark brown back, Astrobatrachus kurichiyana has an orange underbelly and is just 2cm in length. It has named as Astrobatrachus kurichiyana (genus Astrobatrachus after its starry spots and kurichiyana in honour of the Kurichiya tribal community who live in the area). The frog, whose closest relatives are a group of species native to India and Sri Lanka, is the only member of an ancient lineage dating back millions of years, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. It is unclear yet whether the species descended from African or Asian frogs. Genetic testing and a closer look at its shape, colouring and other features have revealed that it does not match any existing species. Genetic analysis reveal that the species is at least 60 million years old. Miscellaneous: DGCA bars Boeing 737 MAX 8 after global alarm In news: India grounded all Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft “immediately.” The move came after European aviation regulator EASA, the U.K, France, Germany, Australia and Singapore joined a growing number of countries that have barred the aircraft from their airspace following the recent crash of an Ethiopian Airlines plane. These planes will be grounded till appropriate modifications and safety measures are undertaken. Do you know? After last year october’s Lion Air crash in Indonesia, investigators said the pilots had appeared to struggle with an automated system designed to keep the plane from stalling, a new feature of the jet. Anti-stall system may be the problem along with other technical issues or human error. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL/SECURITY TOPIC: General studies 2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests India and the World ; India and its neighborhood- relations. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. General studies 3: Role of external state and nonstate actors in creating challenges to internal security. Security challenges and their management in border areas; Next steps for Indian diplomacy Context: In the immediate aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist attack and then the Indian Air Force strike in Balakot, the government has been garnering international support for its case against Pakistan and the need to take direct action against groups there. The below are the next steps for Indian diplomacy: India should focus on keeping the pressure going on Pakistan. It should work to ensure that Masood Azhar is listed as a terrorist by the UNSC. It should work with the Financial Action Task Force [FATF] to keep the lens on terror financing and choking off support that groups like the JeM and Lashkar-e-Taiba [LeT] receive in Pakistan.   India should repeatedly raise the Azhar issue with the Chinese government. Core focus should be to ensure Pakistan end cross-border terror. Therefore, India cannot afford to lose focus on that. Garnering support from international community After the Pulwama attack, almost all major nations recognised India’s right to protect itself and take action to prevent terror attacks on its soil wherever it is needed. Three Security Council members led by France have taken up the listing of Azhar at the UNSC 1267 Committee again, and the case on terror funding at the FATF. (Welcome move) International community has affirmed India’s right to protect its citizens from attacks planned across its borders. (That is a net gain.) China’s position China expects enough information to list Azhar and it does take Pakistan’s interests into account.  However, China’s objections are not insurmountable. India was able to bring China around to placing Pakistan on the FATF’s ‘grey list’ by being transactional about it. India’s approach must be to work slowly on China to align itself on terror with our concerns, and then for it to move Pakistan in the direction we want it to go. Like many countries (the U.S., Saudi Arabia and the UAE) which supported India and conveyed to Pakistan that it needs to crack down on terror groups there. India must also hope that China will do the same. China does not wish to be isolated from the rest of the world, especially on the issue of terror. Conclusion: Indian government holds the view that talks and terror don’t go together. As witness in 2016 and 2019, it is willing to take action against those terror groups directly if Pakistan refuses to. Therefore, Pakistan is left with only one choice if it wishes to avoid more such action: to stop the terrorist groups there. Connecting the dots: What strategy should India adopt in order to deal with proxy-wars from the neighbouring countries? NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Fundamental Rights and Freedom of Press To serve the governed: on Official Secrets Act Context: Recently in the Supreme Court, the government threatened to invoke the Official Secrets Act against two publications that had run reports on the Rafale deal, on the basis of documents which, the government claimed, had been stolen from the Defence Ministry. About Official Secrets Act (OSA) Official Secrets Act (OSA) has its roots in the British colonial era. The original version was The Indian Official Secrets Act (Act XIV), 1889. This was brought in with the main objective of muzzling the voice of a large number of newspapers that had come up in several languages, and were opposing the Raj’s policies, building political consciousness and facing police crackdowns and prison terms. It was amended and made more stringent in the form of The Indian Official Secrets Act, 1904, during Lord Curzon’s tenure as Viceroy of India. In 1923, a newer version was notified. The Indian Official Secrets Act (Act No XIX of 1923) was extended to all matters of secrecy and confidentiality in governance in the country. OSA mainly deals with spying or espionage OSA broadly deals with two aspects — spying or espionage, covered under Section 3, and disclosure of other secret information of the government, under Section 5. Secret information can be any official code, password, sketch, plan, model, article, note, document or information. Under Section 5, both the person communicating the information, and the person receiving the information, can be punished. It is the government’s discretion to decide what falls under the ambit of a “secret” document to be charged under OSA. It has often been argued that the law is in direct conflict with the Right to Information Act, 2005. RTI Act and OCA Between the RTI Act and OSA, RTI Act has its primacy. Section 22 of the RTI Act provides for its primacy vis-a-vis provisions of other laws, including OSA. This gives the RTI Act an overriding effect, notwithstanding anything inconsistent with the provisions of OSA. So if there is any inconsistency in OSA with regard to furnishing of information, it will be superseded by the RTI Act. However, under Sections 8 and 9 of the RTI Act, the government can refuse information. Effectively, if government classifies a document as “secret” under OSA Clause 6, that document can be kept outside the ambit of the RTI Act, and the government can invoke Sections 8 or 9. (Legal experts see this as a loophole) Do you know: Major instances when OSA has been invoked One of the oldest and longest criminal trials involving OSA is the 1985 Coomar Narain spy case. Twelve former staff members in the Prime Minister’s Office and Rashtrapati Bhavan Secretariat were sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment in 2002. They were found guilty of entering into a criminal conspiracy with officials of the French, Polish and German embassies, communicating secret official codes, classified documents and information pertaining to defence, shipping, transport, finance, planning, and R&AW and Intelligent Bureau reports. The other high-profile case was the ISRO spy case targeting scientist S Nambi Narayan. Before his recent acquittal, he had faced a criminal trial under OSA, and was accused of passing on rocket and cryogenic technology to Pakistan for illegal gratification. In another high-profile case, then Kashmir Times journalist Iftikhar Gilani was arrested in 2002 and charged under OSA. Madhuri Gupta case The most recent conviction under OSA came in 2018, when a Delhi court sentenced former diplomat Madhuri Gupta, who had served at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, to three years in jail for passing on sensitive information to the ISI. Past effort to change provisions of OSA In 1971, the Law Commission observed that “it agrees with the contention” that “merely because a circular is marked secret or confidential, it should not attract the provisions of the Act, if the publication thereof is in the interest of the public and no question of national emergency and interest of the State as such arises”. The Law Commission, however, did not recommend any changes to the Act. In 2006, the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) recommended that OSA be repealed, and replaced with a chapter in the National Security Act containing provisions relating to official secrets. Observing that OSA was “incongruous with the regime of transparency in a democratic society”, the ARC referred to the 1971 Law Commission report that had called for an “umbrella Act” to be passed to bring together all laws relating to national security. In 2015, the present government set up a committee to look into provisions of the OSA in light of the RTI Act. It submitted its report to the Cabinet Secretariat on June 16, 2017, recommending that OSA be made more transparent and in line with the RTI Act. Concern over Official Secret Act: It is against the Constitutional Freedom to Use and Publicise information (Article 19) Arbitrary discretionary powers: It is the government’s discretion to decide what falls under the ambit of a “secret” document to be charged under OSA. Press, which is considered as the 4th pillar of the governance, had played effective role in cases such as irregularities in Bofors defence deal (during 1980s); 2016 Panama Papers leaks etc. OSA might curb its effective role. Conflict with RTI Act, 2005: As RTI is for transparency whereas OSA is for confidentiality, it gives rise to opacity. Chances of Misuse in Name of National Security: Governments is being accused for misusing the law against journalists and whistleblowers. For instance, ISRO spy case which targeted scientist S Nambi Narayanan. There is high chance of misuse the act by corrupt officials in name of national security. Conclusion: As suggested by 2nd ARC, OSA must be replead and should replaced by a National Security Act where “Security” must be defined objectively so that it cannot be misused. If government is indeed for the people, it has a solemn obligation to keep the people well informed. Connecting the dots: Do you think Official Secrets Act (OSA) should be repealed from our statute books? Critically examine whether the Act has become archaic and irrelevant in recent times. The Official Secrets Act has no place in a democracy. Critically comment. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements Pinaka is Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher developed by DRDO INSAS is a small satellite developed by ISRO Nag is an antitank missile Select the correct statement/s 1 and 3 2 and 3 1 and 2 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) The rise of extremism in India is said to believe to be the reactionary rule of Lord Curzon. Which of the following is associated with him? Division of Bengal Educational reforms The Sedition Act and the Official Secrets Act Rowlatt Act Choose the correct code: 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 2 and 4 1, 3 and 4 Q.3) Thakurani Jatra festival is celebrated in – Assam Telangana Sikkim Odisha MUST READ In the pursuit of four freedoms The Hindu Final showdown: on IS The Hindu A time for her story Indian Express Secrets are not sacred Indian Express The reason India jobs data is not credible Livemint Why the nexus between Pakistan and terrorists persists Livemint

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 12th March 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 12th March 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) 10% economic reservation law Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Social/Welfare issue; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population In news: Supreme Court decided to consider the question of whether the challenge to the 10% economic reservation law should be heard by a Constitution Bench.   The court refused to pass any interim order to stay or hamper the implementation of the Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act that provides for 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions to the economically backward in the unreserved category.   The 10% economic reservation law was considered (by the petitioners) to be violating the basic features of the Constitution.  50% quota limit was part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution and the new amendment tinkered with it. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/03/12/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_01/50ea3011_2793288_101_mr.jpg Animal in news: Wood snake Part of: Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Biodiversity; Animal conservation In news: A species of wood snake that wasn’t seen for 140 years has resurfaced in a survey conducted by scientists in the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. The species is endemic to the Meghamalai forests and the Periyar Tiger Reserve landscape. (Tamil Nadu) Do you know? The local population of wood snakes was last spotted and recorded by British military officer and naturalist Colonel Richard Henry Beddome in 1878, who went on to describe it as a new species, Xylophis indicus. The rediscovery of the snake indicated that the quality of the habitat was good. The documentation of the existence of this species will aid in both the management and conservation of biodiversity in this region. ‘Sirsi Supari’ gets GI tag Part of: GS Prelims – Indian Economy and development In news: For the first time in the arecanut sector, ‘Sirsi Supari’ grown in Uttara Kannada has received the GI tag. It is cultivated in Yellapura, Siddapura and Sirsi taluks of Karnataka. Its GI number is 464. The arecanut grown in these taluks have unique features like a round and flattened coin shape, particular texture, size, cross-sectional views, taste, etc. These features are not seen in arecanut grown in any other regions. Important value additions: Geographical Indication According to the World Intellectual Property Rights, “Geographical Indication is the sign used on the products that have specific geographical origin and posses’ reputation and some qualities that are due to the origin.” In India Geographical Indication tag is governed by the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registry and Protection) Act of 1999. About GI Act, 1999: GIs indicate goods as originating in a specific geographical region, the characteristics, qualities or reputation thereof essentially attributable to such region. Complying with the World Trade Organisation-Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (WTO-TRIPS) obligations, India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 (GI Act) and has set up a registry in Chennai to register such names. Covering agricultural goods, manufactured and natural goods, textiles, handicrafts and foodstuffs, the GI Registry’s website lists popular GIs like Basmati rice, Darjeeling tea and Pashmina shawls etc. Do you know? Darjeeling tea became the first product to get this tag in 2005. The Pashmina from Kashmir, Nagpur mangoes, Madhubani paintings of Bihar, are some of the examples. Early Harappan ritual site: Khatiya village of Kutch Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I – Indian Heritage and Culture, History In news: Archaeologists unearthed several skeletal remains from a cemetery-like burial site at Khatiya village of Kutch. The rectangular graves, each of varying dimensions and assembled using stones, contained skeletons that were placed in a specific manner. They were oriented east-west with the heads positioned on the eastern side. Next to the legs on the western side, the archaeologists found earthen pots and pottery shards and other artefacts, including conch-shell bangles, beads made of stones and terracotta, numerous lithic tools and grinding stones. The discovery shed light on the custom and burial rituals that were prevalent during the early Harappan phase. India is world’s 2nd largest arms importer Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Defence and Security issues In news: According to the latest report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) – India was the world’s second largest arms importer from 2014-18. India was accounted for 9.5% of the global total. Russia accounted for 58% of Indian arms imports in 2014–18, compared with 76% in 2009-13. Israel, the U.S. and France all increased their arms exports to India in 2014-18. However, the Russian share in Indian imports is likely to sharply go up for the next five-year period as India signed several big-ticket deals recently, and more are in the pipeline. India-Russia defence ties – S-400 air defence systems Four stealth frigates AK-203 assault rifles a second nuclear attack submarine on lease (Akula class) Kamov-226T utility helicopters Mi-17 helicopters Short-range air defence systems etc. Do you know? Despite the long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan, arms imports decreased for both countries in 2014-18 compared with 2009-13. Pakistan stood at the 11th position accounting for 2.7% of all global imports. (Its biggest source was China, from which 70% of arms were sourced, followed by the U.S. at 8.9% and Russia at 6%.) The five largest exporters in 2014-18 were the United States, Russia, France, Germany and China together accounting for 75% of the total volume of arms exports in 2014-18. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/03/12/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_10/62aab5fa_2791973_101_mr.jpg India discusses terror with 4 countries Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and the World; International Relations; Security related issues In news: India held crucial discussions with Saudi Arabia, United States, Turkey and the UAE on countering Pakistan-based terror groups. India reiterated its position that terrorism “remains one of the gravest threats to global peace and security”. India asked for a united front against terrorism (during its appearance as a “Guest of Honour” at the recent ministerial of the OIC)   Meanwhile, China is still reluctant on listing Azhar. Beijing has thrice blocked efforts to label him a ‘terrorist’. India ranks 11th in gold holding In news: India, which is the world’s largest consumer of gold, has the 11th largest gold reserve, with the current holding pegged at 607 tonnes, as per the latest report by the World Gold Council (WGC). Do you know? India’s overall position in terms of total gold holding would have been tenth had the list included only countries. Since IMF is included in the list, India stands at 11th (IMF stands 3rd with total gold reserves of 2,814 tonnes) US ranks 1st (8,133.5 tonnes) followed by Germany with 3,369.7 tonnes. Meanwhile, among Asian countries, China and Japan have more reserves of the precious metal when compared to India. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/03/12/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_14/8de11abe_2791914_101_mr.jpg WHO strategy to fight flu pandemics Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Health issues; Role of International Organizations - WHO In news: The World Health Organization launched a strategy to protect people worldwide over the next decade against the threat of influenza, warning that new pandemics are “inevitable”. Influenza epidemics, largely seasonal, affect around one billion people and kill hundreds of thousands annually, according to WHO, which describes it as one of the world’s greatest public health challenges. WHO’s strategy WHO’s new strategy, for 2019 through 2030, aims to prevent seasonal influenza, control the virus’s spread from animals to humans and prepare for the next pandemic. The new strategy called for every country to strengthen routine health programmes and to develop tailor-made influenza programmes that strengthen disease surveillance, response, prevention, control, and preparedness. WHO recommends annual flu vaccines as the most effective way to prevent the spread of the disease, especially for healthcare workers and people at higher risk of influenza complications. It also called for the development of more effective and more accessible vaccines and antiviral treatments. Due to its mutating strains, vaccine formulas must be regularly updated and only offer limited protection currently. Indians face age-related issues earlier than Swiss Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Health issues In news: People living in India experience the health problems associated with ageing at an early stage than those living in Japan or Switzerland, according to a first-of-its-kind study published in The Lancet Public Health. People living in India experience age-related health problems sooner than other countries. Age-related health problems can lead to early retirement, a smaller workforce, and higher health spending. Government leaders and other stakeholders influencing health systems need to consider when people begin suffering the negative effects of ageing. These negative effects include impaired functions and loss of physical, mental, and cognitive abilities resulting from the 92 conditions analysed, five of which are communicable and 81 non-communicable, along with six injuries. UN Environment Assembly: Focus is on Plastic Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Biodiversity; Plastic pollution Key pointers: UN Environment Assembly is the top annual forum on the planet’s environmental crisis. Countries from around the world set their sights on a pivotal deal to curb plastic waste. The UN environment forum was held in Nairobi. The UN wants individual countries to sign up to “significantly” reduce plastic production, including a phasing out of single-use plastics by 2030 — a goal inspired by the 2015 Paris Agreement on voluntary reductions of carbon emissions. Do you know? The world currently produces more than 300 million tonnes of plastics annually, and there are at least five trillion plastic pieces floating in our oceans. Microplastics have been found in the deepest sea trenches and high up the earth’s tallest peaks, and plastic consumption is growing year-on-year. About UN Environment Assembly The UN Environment Assembly has the universal membership of all 193 UN Member States and the full involvement of UN organizations, specialized agencies, inter-governmental organizations, civil society and the private sector. In bringing together these varied communities, the Assembly provides a groundbreaking platform for leadership on global environmental policy. Latest Environment Assembly took place in Nairobi, Kenya. DEFENCE/TECHNOLOGY TOPIC: General Studies 2 and 3 Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability Security challenges and their management in border areas Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Indigenous Defence Development Context: Recently, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark 1, received its long-awaited Final Operational Clearance (combat-ready and can be exploited to the limits). However, a day later, came a rather unwelcome report: a DRDO announcement of its decision to shelve the Kaveri turbo-jet engine project. Do you know? Kaveri engine is supposed to power LCA-Tejas, which is currently powered by US manufactured GE-F404 engine. Two developments are of significance, for India's national security as well as its moribund aeronautical industry. India’s dependence on technology Historically, all major aerospace powers have possessed the capability to design airframes as well as power-plants. Until India can design and produce its own aero-engines, the performance and capabilities of any indigenously designed/built aircraft will be seriously limited by the technology that we are permitted to import. India has already had two bitter experiences in this regard. For example, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s sleek and elegant HF-24 Marut fighter, of the 1960s and 1970s, failed to achieve its huge potential as a supersonic fighter for want of a suitable engine. Similarly, many of the problems the Tejas faced emanate from lack of engine thrust. Even as the Kaveri has failed to make an appearance, U.S.-made alternatives such as the General Electric F-404 engine, or even the more powerful F-414, do not deliver adequate thrust for the Tejas Mk 1, to meet all its missions. For the Tejas Mk I, Mk II, the LCA Navy, and other aircraft programmes such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, India will need turbo-jet engines of even greater thrust. Need for Indigenous Aircraft Industry It is vital for India to develop a family of homegrown jet engines to power indigenous combat aircraft as well as re-engine imported ones. In this context, it is necessary to recognise that both the Tejas and Kaveri projects — which have seen more than their share of headwinds and uncertainty — form key components of India’s technological aspirations. Unless carefully guided, protected and nurtured, their failure could spell the end of India’s aeronautical industry, or condemn it forever to licensed production. A long production run of, say, 250-300 aircraft for the Tejas and its advanced derivatives is essential if the industry is to hone its design and production skills. Conclusion: It is still not too late for the government to declare both these projects as ‘national missions’ and initiate urgent remedial actions. The success of both the Kaveri and Tejas programmes will transform the aerospace scene, and put India in the front ranks of aeronautical nations, perhaps even ahead of China, if the desired degree of resolve and professional rigour can be brought to the fore. If we miss this opportunity, we will remain abjectly import-dependent forever in this vital area. Connecting the dots: Does India’s Defence Procurement Policy give impetus to indigenisation? Critically examine. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is responsible for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) relating to Geographical Indication of goods Copyrights Semiconductor integrated circuits’ layout design Select the correct code: 1 and 2 Only 2 2 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Which of the following statements are true regarding the GI tag? GI tags are given on the basis of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. A GI tag connects the quality and authenticity of a given product to a particular geographical origin, thereby ensuring that no one other than the authorised user can use the popular product’s name. The first product to be included in the GI list was Chanderi Sarees. Select the correct option 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 None of the above Q.3) Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located in - Assam Kerala Tamil Nadu Meghalaya Q.4) Consider the following statements about United Nations Environment Assembly: It is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment. It has a universal membership of all UN members. The Environment Assembly meets triennially. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only All of the above MUST READ A case for aggressive diplomacy: on India-Pakistan relations The Hindu The Huawei debate The Hindu Kashmiris must be made to feel so included that Article 370 matters less Indian Express India’s broken criminal justice system cannot support the death penalty Indian Express The fiscal health of states and the limits of federalism Livemint A battle over data is the new front in the US-China trade war Livemint