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

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 30th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Operation Vanilla Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- International Affairs In News Launched by Indian Navy Objective: To provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the affected population of Madagascar post devastation caused by Cyclone Diane. Missing Persons Data now available Online Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Governance In News Two Police related Citizen centric service namely ‘Missing Person Search’ and ‘Generate Vehicle NOC’ will now be available online to Citizens. Generate Vehicle NOC’ allows citizens to ascertain the status of a vehicle before its second hand purchase, as to whether it is suspicious or clean from Police records Launched by: National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) on Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS) platform. Prelims Value Addition NCRB was set-up in 1986 under the Ministry of Home Affairs to function as a repository of information on crime and criminals so as to assist the investigators in linking crime to the perpetrators. CCTNS implemented by NCRB is a nationwide network that connects over 15,000 police stations across the country and aims to integrate all the data and records of crime into a Core Application Software Anticipatory Bail Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Indian Polity In News Supreme Court has held that the protection of anticipatory or pre-arrest bail cannot be limited to any time frame or “fixed period” The life of an anticipatory bail order does not normally end at the time and stage when the accused is summoned by the court, or when charges are framed, but can continue till the end of the trial. A denial of bail amounts to deprivation of personal liberty (Article 21), thus, the Court should lean against the imposition of unnecessary restrictions on the scope of Section 438 Do You Know? Sections 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure states that if a person has a reason to believe that he will be arrested on accusation of having committed a non-bailable offence, he can approach High Court or Session Court for anticipatory bail i.e. pre-arrest bail Gurubaksh Singh Sibbia Vs State of Punjab, 1980 – Five Judge SC bench- Power to grant anticipatory bail is cast in wide terms and should not be hedged in through narrow judicial interpretations. It held that courts could impose conditions which were appropriate Nagoba jatara:  Month long fair comes to an end Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Culture In News It is a tribal festival held in Keslapur village Adilabad district, Telangana, It is the second biggest tribal carnival and celebrated by Mesaram clan of Gond tribes for 10 days. Tribal people from Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh belonging to the Mesram clan offer prayers at the festival. The Gusadi Dance performance by dancers from the Gond tribe is a major special attraction of the event. Yellow Rust Disease: Detected in wheat crop in parts of Punjab & Haryana Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Agriculture In News Yellow rust is a fungal disease which turns the crop's leaves into a yellowish colour and stops photosynthesis activity This could eventually result in a drop of wheat crop productivity The recent rains in the region (sub-mountainous) coupled with a slight increase in the temperature and humid conditions are favourable for yellow rust Prelims Value addition Wheat is a rabi (winter) crop, is sown between late October till December while the harvesting of the crop starts from April onwards. India is the second-largest producer of wheat after China. UN’s new rules for ships in the Arctic region Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Environmental Conservation In News International Maritime Organization (IMO), the shipping agency of UN, has banned ships from using fuels with a sulphur content above 0.5 %, compared with 3.5 % previously. It affects more than 50,000 merchant ships worldwide. The new limits are monitored and enforced by national authorities of countries that are members of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex VI. Only ships fitted with sulphur-cleaning devices, known as scrubbers, are allowed to continue burning high-sulphur fuel. Alternatively, they can opt for cleaner fuels, such as marine gasoil (MGO) and very low-sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO). (MAINS FOCUS) International Affairs Topic: General Studies 2 Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary West Asia peace plan by USA Context President Donald Trump’s Middle East plan, Peace to Prosperity: A Vision to Improve the Lives of the Palestinian and Israeli People, was recently released. Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 30th January 2020 Picture Source – The Indian Express Key Elements of the Plan are: Jerusalem During the 1967 war, Israel seized control of East Jerusalem, which has Temple Mount, home to the Western Wall, the al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock. According to plan, Jerusalem will not be divided, and will remain the sovereign capital of the State of Israel. The capital of Palestine can occupy far-flung eastern neighbourhoods lying beyond “the existing security barrier”, which can be renamed Al Quds, the Arabic name for Jerusalem. West Bank: Israel would be allowed to annex the Jewish settlements on the West Bank as well as the Jordan Valley Palestinian Refugees The Palestinian refugees, who were forced out from their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war would not be allowed to return. They could move to the future Palestinian state, be integrated into the host countries or settled in other regional countries. Change of Borders: Israel will not have to uproot any settlements, and will incorporate the vast majority of Israeli settlements into contiguous Israeli territory This means that illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank would become legal and permanent Required Actions from Israel: Freeze further settlement activities on the West Bank for four years — the time for negotiations. Palestine: The Palestinian Authority should dismiss its current complaints at the International Criminal Court against Israel and refrain itself from taking further actions. It should also crack down on “terrorist” groups such as Hamas and the Islamic Jihad What would Palestinians get? $50 billion in investment over 10 years should Palestine accept the proposals. In the final settlement, Palestine would get control over more land than what it currently controls According to the Oslo Accords, the West Bank was divided into three areas and only one of them is under the direct control of the Palestinian Authority (30% is given to Israelis) The plan also seeks to enlarge Gaza and connect the strip with the West Bank through a tunnel. The Arab towns in the southeast of Israel, which are close to Gaza, could become part of a future Palestinian state. Palestine’s Position - backed by most of the world powers The formation of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 border meaning the whole of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital (including the Old City that houses Haram esh-Sharif, also known as Temple Mount, a holy site for both Muslims and Jews). Responses to the Plan Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “realistic path to a durable peace” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas dismissed the plans as a “conspiracy” India urged both Israel and Palestine to “engage with each other, including on the recent proposals put forward by the United States, and find an acceptable two-state solution for peaceful coexistence”. Analysis of the Plan The plan clearly shows that US has completely sided with Israel without even involving Palestinians during drafting process. Critics have said the real intention could be to change the start point of future negotiations — the Palestinians will begin with a disadvantage, and be forced to fight to simply hold on. Connecting the Dots Impact of the plan on region’s stability especially in the backdrop of escalating US-Iran tensions Impact on domestic elections in Israel and USA (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1) Consider the following statements about CCTNS – Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems It is nationwide network that connects over 15,000 police stations across the country It is implemented by NITI Aayog in collaboration with Ministry of Home Affairs Which of the above statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Nagoba Jatara seen in news is celebrated in which State/Union Territory of India? Telangana Madhya Pradesh Chattisgarh Puducherry Q.3) Consider the following statements about Operation Vanilla recently in news It is launched by Indian Navy It objects was to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the affected population of Sri Lanka post devastation caused by Cyclone Diane. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements about Yellow Rust disease It is a fungal disease which turns the crop's leaves into a yellowish colour and stops photosynthesis activity Appropriate insecticides need to be sprayed on the crops so as to contain it. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Section 438 of Code of Criminal Procedure deals with which of the following? Sedition Dowry & Harassment of Women Anticipatory Bail None of the above ANSWERS FOR 29 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 B 3 A 4 A 5 B   MUST READ About Education and Health: The Hindu About Scientific Curiosity and marketability The Hindu About Gandhi: The Hindu

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Raisina Dialogue 2020 - All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC

Raisina Dialogue 2020 ARCHIVES Search 14th Jan, 2020 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx  TOPIC: General Studies 2 India's relation with neighbouring countries The Raisina Dialogue is a multilateral conference committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. Every year, global leaders in policy, business, media and civil society are hosted in New Delhi to discuss cooperation on a wide range of pertinent international policy matters. The Dialogue is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of state, cabinet ministers and local government officials, as well as major private sector executives, members of the media and academics. It is a unique opportunity to discuss the big trends shaping our world and how to define common answers to the most pressing problems. The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs. Theme: Navigating the Alpha Century Significance This year’s Dialogue saw the participation of a large number of ministers from Europe, an area that has long been neglected in Indian diplomacy. Beyond political leaders and government officials, it also drew technology leaders, media personalities and policy wonks from around the world, providing Delhi an opportunity to lay out its position on controversial moves in Kashmir and on citizenship. More broadly, Raisina is facilitating the development of sustainable intellectual networks between the Indian strategic community and its counterparts in the world. Part of the reason for Raisina’s success is the growing international interest in India amidst its rapid economic growth in the new millennium and the recognition of its salience in shaping the future of international order. It is also due to the fact that it is based on collaboration between the government and a private think tank. This collaboration has helped shed the dull rigidity that has marked the government’s past engagement with the global strategic community. Raisina emerged out of a recognition five years ago that Delhi did not have effective international platforms of its own despite the globalisation of India’s economy — trade now contributes nearly 40 per cent of India’s GDP. Raisina was part of the strategy to recalibrate that discourse and discard the traditional bureaucratic pretence that the government knows best. Crises in the wider Middle East: The Middle East is the region where ‘politics and diplomacy deficit’ is the greatest. There have been very serious escalation of violence and tensions in multiple crises in Iraq, Iran, Libya and beyond. All eyes of the world are fixed on the region as we all have a stake in the future of a region that for too long has been marked by extremist forces, cycles of violence and the logic of tit-for-tat. To counter these dangerous trends, the EU is fully engaged and our message is the same for all parties: we call for de-escalation and concrete efforts to heal regional divisions. With respect to Iran, the EU - like India - continues to support the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and, as the EU, we will continue our coordinating work for the full implementation in all its aspects. This agreement is vital for the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture as well as regional stability.  The strategic space of the Indo-Pacific region: Politics and economics are inter-linked, and so are Asia and Europe. The term Indo-Pacific reflects the recognition that India’s power and purpose will be vitally important to the region and to resolving and supporting shared security challenges. India has taken on an increasingly active role in the Indian Ocean. Key focus areas: Terrorism, threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and climate change. Digital age and radicalization: In the digital age, the challenge is even greater, with a greater vulnerability to radicalization. Rules-based order: India reiterated its stand for a democratic and rules-based international order, in which all nations thrive as equals. Persian Gulf Regional Dialogue Forum In order to address the lingering conflicts and mistrust in the Gulf region, Iran proposed a new platform for regional peace building. The announcement of Persian Gulf Regional Dialogue Forum is significant as it comes in the wake of continued erosion of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which in the recent years has been divided between the Iranian and the Saudi spheres. Disruptive policies not an option There is a view among some policy analysts that India too can adopt a “disruptive” approach as a clever tactic in foreign affairs. Disruption is not an end in itself. It has to be a means to an end. Powerful nations can afford disruption as tactics. India cannot risk such tactics without measuring the risk they pose to strategy. Do you know? As far back as 1996, India proposed a draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN, but it remained a draft because of a lack of consensus on a common definition. International Solar Alliance to tackle Climate Change – India jointly launched with France last year with the participation of 120 countries.

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 29th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) African Cheetah: Supreme Court allows Centre to introduce it in India Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environmental Conservation In News The apex Court's decision followed a petition filed by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) seeking permission for the introduction of the African cheetah from Namibia as rare Indian cheetah is almost extinct in the country. In 2012, the plan to introduce African Cheetahs in Palpur Kuno sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was stalled by the Court Cheetah is the fastest land animal. It has been classified as endangered by the IUCN; and listed under Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). It inhabits a variety of mostly arid habitats like dry forests, scrub forests, and savannahs. Ramsar Sites: 10 more wetland in India declared as Ramsar Sites Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Environment Conservation In News The Convention, signed in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, is inter-governmental accord for preserving the ecological character of wetlands Aim of Convention: To develop a global network of wetlands for conservation of biological diversity and for sustaining human life. Wetlands declared as Ramsar sites are protected under strict guidelines. Maharashtra gets its first Ramsar site - Nandur Madhameshwar Punjab added 3 more - Keshopur-Miani, Beas Conservation Reserve, Nangal UP has added 6 more - Nawabganj, Parvati Agra, Saman, Samaspur, Sandi and SarsaiNawar With this, India totally has 37 Ramsar Sites. SIS-DP PROJECT - Space based Information Support for Decentralised Planning Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Science & Technology In News ISRO had launched 'SISDP' project to assist gram panchayats at grassroots level with basic planning inputs derived from satellite data for preparing developmental plans, its implementation and monitoring of activities. National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), located in Hyderabad, is the lead centre to execute the project. NSRC is one of the centres of ISRO. SISDP Phase-I project was launched in 2011 and successfully concluded in 2017. The second phase has been started now. The geodatabase, products and services prepared under this project are expected to be disseminated through Bhuvan geoportal, an easy to use Geo portal developed for database visualization, data analytics etc. for the benefit of Gram Panchayat members and others. SPITZER SPACE TELESCOPE Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Space Science & Technology In News It is an infrared space telescope named after astronomer Lyman Spitzer, who had promoted the concept of space telescopes in the 1940s. Launched by NASA in 2003 and is planned to be retired on 30 January 2020. It is one of the elements of NASA’s Great Observatories that include the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-Ray. Using different infrared wavelengths, Spitzer was able to see and reveal features of the universe including objects that were too cold to emit visible light. HCFC-141b – India has achieved its complete phase-out Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Environmental Conservation In News Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-141 b is one of the most potent ozone depleting chemical after Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) HCFC-141 b is used mainly as a blowing agent in the production of rigid polyurethane (PU) foams. HCFC-141b is not produced in the country and all the domestic requirements are met through imports. India stopped the iissuance of import license for HCFC-141b from 1st Jan 2020, through notification by Environment Ministry The complete phase out of HCFC 141 b from the country in foam sector is among the first at this scale in Article 5 parties (developing countries) under the Montreal Protocol.  (MAINS FOCUS) Indian Polity - Judiciary Topic: General Studies 2: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary 
 Indian Judiciary’s Evolution Context Constitution of India came into force 70 years ago on 26th Jan 1950 which was an ambitious political experiment involving Universal Adult Franchise, Federalism and Social revolution in deeply unequal Indian Society Thus, we need to see how Supreme Court has interpreted the text over these past seven decades:   Phase One- Textualist Approach In early years, Supreme Court focused on the plain meaning of the words used in the Constitution. Example: K.Gopalan case (1950) – where Preventive detention was challenged on the grounds that it violated Article 19,21 and 22. The Court held that each of these articles covered different subjects and were to be read separately rather than being read together. The Court read the Constitution literally, concluding that there were no limitations on Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution, especially fundamental rights.   Phase two – Structuralist Approach Appeals to the text of the Constitution were gradually overtaken by appeals to the Constitution’s overall structure and coherence Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala(1973), the Court concluded that Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution did not extend to altering its “basic structure” In Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India(1978), the court reject Gopalan approach and conceived the fundamental rights as a cohesive bill of rights rather than a miscellaneous grouping of constitutional guarantees The right to life was incrementally interpreted to include a wide range of rights such as clean air, speedy trial, and free legal aid. Commonality between First & Second Phase: Interpretation of the Constitution were entrusted to Constitution Benches (comprising five or more judges of court) and were carefully reasoned. There was limited scope for precedential confusion and any demand for reconsideration were referred to larger Constitution Benches.   Phase Three- Eclecticism Supreme Court’s interpretive philosophy turned far more result-oriented than it had ever been often at the cost of thorough rights reasoning of the issues. This led to doctrinal incoherence with different Benches adopting inconsistent interpretive approaches based on their conception of the Court’s role Example: Cases that involve substantial questions of interpretation of the Constitution — such as the cases concerning the NRC and the electoral bonds scheme — are still being adjudicated upon by benches of two or three judges This institutional decline was due to two reasons Increased strength of Supreme Court from eight to 31 Judges (currently 34) which began to sit in panels of two or three judges, effectively transforming it into a “polyvocal” group of about a dozen sub-Supreme Courts The Court began deciding cases based on a certain conception of its own role — whether as sentinel of democracy or protector of the market economy.   Phase four -Purpose We are currently in the midst of transitioning from the third phase to the fourth. In this phase, the Court has acknowledged that the purpose for which the Constitution has been enacted becomes critical to its interpretive exercise The Court is now beginning to interpret the Constitution in accordance with its revolutionary and transformative potential which was originally intended by our founders. Way Forward With about a dozen significant Constitution Bench decisions from the Supreme Court since September 2018, there has been a renaissance in decision-making by Constitution Benches. This includes the Court’s decisions striking down Section 377 and the criminal offence of adultery, and bringing the office of the Chief Justice of India within the scope of RTI Supreme Court should keep the focus on the purpose for which Constitution was brought in while interpreting the laws/Constitution/executive decision etc. Connecting the Dots Regional Benches of Supreme Court – Will it alter the overall doctrinal approach with regard to interpretation of Constitution? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”.   Q.1) Consider the following statements about Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-141 b It is a chemical used by foam manufacturing enterprises and one of the most potent ozone depleting chemical India is one of the leading producer and exporter of this chemical Which of the above statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Palpur Kuno sanctuary is located in which State/Union Territory of India? Maharashtra Madhya Pradesh Chandigarh Puducherry Q.3) Consider the following statements about Ramsar Convention It is an inter-governmental accord for preserving the ecological character of wetlands India got its first Ramsar Site in 2019 through addition of Chilka Lake under the aeigis of the Convention. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements about SIS-DP recently in news It is a project to assist gram panchayats at grassroots level with basic planning inputs derived from satellite data. It is being implemented by NITI Aayog in collaboration with ISRO & NASA. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements about Spitzer Space Telescope It is a space telescope developed by Russia It could see through large amounts of gas using infrared wavelengths to find objects that may otherwise have been invisible to human beings. These included exoplanets, brown dwarfs and cold matter found in the space between stars Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 28 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 D 3 C 4 B 5 B MUST READ About China: The Indian Express About merging of Railways – its criticism: The Hindu About dissent and foreign policy – its criticism: The Hindu About examining the Slowdown: The Hindu

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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th January 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD): New agreement signed Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Federalism In News Agreement signed between Ministry of Home Affairs, Bodo Groups and Assam government which has following provisions: Renaming: From BTAD to Bodoland Territorial Region. Redrawing Boundaries: Villages dominated by Bodos that were presently outside the BTAD would be included and those with non-Bodo population would be excluded Bodos living in the hills would be granted Scheduled Hill Tribe status. Bodo language with Devnagri script will become associate official language for entire of Assam and a separate directorate for Bodo medium schools will be set up. Development Package of ₹1500 crore by the Centre for the development of Bodo areas The agreement also involved rehabilitation of members of National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) factions- over 1500 armed cadres will abjure violence and join the mainstream 3rd GLOBAL POTATO CONCLAVE: Held in Gujarat Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Economy, Agriculture In News The Conclave is being organized by Indian Potato Association (IPA) in collaboration with Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, and ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla and International Potato Center (CIP), Lima, Peru. Gujarat is one of the leading producers of Potato in the country with highest productivity of more than 30t/ha. In the last eleven years alone, while the area under potato in India, has increased by 19%, it has increased by about 170% in Gujarat. During last two decades two Global Potato Conferences were organized during 1999, and 2008 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Governance In News The index is prepared annually by the Germany-based Transparency International.  India has slipped two spots to number 80 in the CPI, with its score remaining the same at 41 (Zero is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean) The average 2019 score is 43, with more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50. Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th January 2020 Source: Indian Express Nagardhan excavations : Insights into Vakataka dynasty Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Art & Culture; Ancient History In News Vakatakas ruled parts of Central and South India between the third and fifth centuries.  Nagardhan (nea Pune) served as the capital of the Vakataka kingdom.  Some of the findings of Archaeological excavations are First time clay sealings have been excavated from Nagardhan. Belonged to period when Prabhavatigupta was the queen of the Vakataka dynasty.  The sealing is 1500 years old and bears the queens name in Brahmi script, along with depiction of conch  The presence of the conch is regarded as a sign of the Vaishnava affiliation that the Guptas held. An intact idol of Lord Ganesha, which had no ornaments adorned, too was found from the site. This confirmed that the elephant god was a commonly worshipped deity in those times Queen Prabhavatigupta Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Ancient History In News She is the daughter of Chandragupta-II and granddaughter of Samudragupta. Vakataka rulers of Central India forged several matrimonial alliances with Guptas  of North India so as to maintain harmonious relations. Prabhavatigupta was married to Vakataka king Rudrasena II and enjoyed the position of Chief Queen.  After sudden death of the King, Queen Prabhavatigupta ruled for about 10 years until her son Pravarasena II succeeded Vakataka rulers followed the Shaivism while the Guptas were staunch Vaishnavites. She had a pivotal role in propagation of Vaishnava practices in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. AUSCHWITZ – 75th Anniversary of its liberation  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- World History In News During the II World War, the government of Nazi Germany killed approximately 17 million people across Europe in camps specifically designated for killings. The camp at Auschwitz (in German-occupied Poland), was the largest in size which became centre of Holocaust History Allied forces liberated Auschwitz on January 27, 1945, finding hundreds of sick, starving and exhausted prisoners, who had somehow survived.  In 2005, the UN-designated January 27 as the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.  (MAINS FOCUS) Agriculture & Environment Topic: General Studies 3: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Awareness in the fields of Bio-technology Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Case for Biotechnology adoption Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th January 2020 Pic Source: The Hindu Context Arguments made against Bt Cotton seeds vis-à-vis variety seeds in the article India’s Cotton Story . The article brings out difference between Hybrid Bt seeds vs Varieties and points out to various advantages of High Density Planting of non-Bt varietal cotton seeds – low cost labour, higher producivity, non-dependence on foreign seed companies, less use of pesticides and suitable for India’s climatic conditions. The following are the counter-arguments made in support of Bt Hybrid Cotton seeds. Argument 1: GM cotton covers 95% of the area under cotton and that there are no choices for farmers. Counter Arguments:  Farmer adopts technologies which are beneficial to him and does not go by the recommendations of the industry or any other persons.  Also, farmers grow varietal crops in 90-100% of the area in the case of rice, mustard, many oilseeds, and pulses. If seed companies were powerful, they would have pushed farmers to adopt hybrid varieties in these crops as well. This shows that farmers adopt only those technologies which yield him benefits. Attributing too much power to seed companies w.r.t. curbing choice of farmers is unreasonable Argument 2: Low productivity of India’s Bt Cotton as compared to other Countries Counter Arguments:  Hybrid Bt Cotton has helped increase cotton yields by over 1.8 times — from 241 kg/hectare in 2002-2003 to 541 kg/hectare in 2018-2019.  Additionally, increase in yield is not just dependent on technology but also on other factors like knowledge of cultivation and correct agronomic practices, where there is scope for improvement in case of India New technology introduction has stopped in India since 2005, affecting growth of yields. Argument 3: Availability of low cost manual labour for adoption of non-bt varietal cotton seed Counter Argument:  Today, labour accounts for over 58% of a farmer’s cost of cultivation per acre. India’s farmers instead need the best technologies to remain competitive. Argument 4: Indian farmers need to buy seeds repeatedly.  Counter Arguments:  The fact is that not just biotech cotton, but all hybrid seeds lose their benefits if replanted, creating reduced and erratic yields.  New seeds help farmers sustain high yields year on year. Other arguments/facts in support of Bt Cotton Seeds are: India’s cotton yields which were at 169 kg/hectare in 1980-81 increased to 278 kg/hectare in 2000-01 and then 542 kg/ hectare in 2016-17 (Cotton Advisory Board data) Increased Revenues: Highest production of 398 lakh bales of cotton in India was achieved in 2013-14, valued at around Rs. 72,000 crore.  Additional incomes were generated from cotton seeds oil (1.3 million tons) and cotton seed oilmeal (11 million tons) worth Rs. 13,000 crore and Rs. 22,000 crore, respectively.  Meagre Bt Cotton Seed market: It is about Rs. 3,000 crore, making it hardly 2.5% of the total value generated. Global acceptance: Cotton Production (source USDA) - 2017-18  -India (35million bales), China (28m bales), the U.S. (21m bales), Brazil (9m bales) and Australia (5m bales). All of them are GM cotton countries, contributing to more than 90% of global cotton production. Helps conserve biodiversity: with higher production from the same area, the expansion of agricultural land into forest areas has been slowed. Socio-economic ripple benefits reaped by hybrid Bt cotton seed farmers: 85% of them invested in better education for children;  77% reported better intake of nutritious food;  75% reported better health of their family members; 64% invested on the health of livestock;  Female workers on Bt cotton fields earned an average 55% higher income;  42.4 crore additional days of rural employment have been generated, thereby doubling cotton production. Way forward New technology introduction that has been stopped in India since 2005, should be restarted. Research extension services should be strengthened. Farmers need to be provided with updated knowledge with regard to adoption of best agronomic practices. Connecting the Dots: Bt Brinjal and Bt Mustard Genetic engineering Appraisal committee (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Prabhavatigupta She was the granddaughter of Samudragupta who married Vakataka king Rudrasena II She had a pivotal role in propagation of Vaishnava practices in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra Which of the above statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Corruption Perception Index is prepared by World Economic Forum World Bank IMF Transparency International Q.3) Which of the following states enjoy special provision under Sixth Schedule of the Constitution Assam Arunachal Pradesh Meghalaya Tripura Mizoram Select the correct answer from the codes given below: 1,2 and 3 only 2 only 1,3,4 and 5 only All of them Q.4) Consider the following statements about Global Potato Conclave  The First such edition is being held in Gujarat, India from 28th Jan 2020 – 31st Jan 2020 In the last eleven years alone, while the area under potato in India, has increased by 19%, it has increased by about 170% in Gujarat. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements Between third and fifth centuries, Vakatakas were ruling the North-Western Part of India while the more powerful Guptas were ruling the Central & Deccan part of India Vakataka rulers followed the Shaivism while the Guptas were staunch Vaishnavites. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 27 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 B 3 A 4 B 5 C MUST READ About Citizenship – The Hindu About the liberation of Auschwitz – The Hindu About Anti-CAA protests – The Hindu

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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th January 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS)  Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) – Showcased during Republic Day Parade Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Science & Technology; Security In News It is missile-based system to attack moving satellites. India had tested the Anti-Satellite System(A-SAT) from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island, an island off the coast of Odisha in March 2019. The test was named as Mission Shakti. With such capabilities India is now in the league of three countries after the U.S., Russia, and China to have such technology Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Culture, Society In News As part of the commemoration of Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, AnSI has dedicated an entire issue of its journal on what it calls “Gandhian insights into applied anthropology” AnSI was formed in 1945 with its HQ at Kolkata Parent Ministry: Ministry of Culture Global Talent Competitiveness INDEX (GTCI) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Economy  In News GTCI compiled by INSEAD in collaboration with human resource firm Addeco and Google India has climbed eight places to 72nd rank in the 2020 GTCI which was topped by Switzerland, the US and Singapore. Report also noted that the gap between high income, talent-rich nations and the rest of the world is widening Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Polity, GS-I- Society In News CARA is a statutory autonomous body of Ministry of Women & Child Development. It is the nodal body for adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions. CARA is designated as the Central Authority to deal with inter-country adoptions in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993, ratified by Government of India in 2003. Merchanting Trade Transactions (MTT) – Guidelines Revised  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Economy In News Merchanting transaction is one which involves shipment of goods from one foreign country to another foreign country involving an Indian Intermediary. Hence, it is also called Intermediary Trade. According to revised guidelines, for a trade to be classified as merchanting trade, goods acquired shall not enter the Domestic Tariff Area. Also, the entire MTT shall be completed within an overall period of nine months. Revised guidelines were issued by RBI under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.  Kolkata Port Tableau in Republic Day Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Infrastructure, Economy In News 2020 is the 150th year of Kolkata Port Trust, Ministry of Shipping. It was recently renamed as Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port by the Prime Minister. For the first time, a port is featured in the Republic Day tableau  Type of Harbour : Coastal Breakwater, River Natural, Medium Seaport  Major exports are Iron ore, leather, cotton textiles and major imports are Wheat, Raw Cotton, Machinery, Iron & steel Oslo Accord Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- International Affairs In News Palestine has threatened to withdraw from key provisions of the Oslo Accords if the US announces its Middle East Peace Plan. Oslo Accords are a series of agreements between Israel and the Palestinians signed in the 1990s. Oslo I (1993)  formally known as the Declaration of Principles (DOP) established a timetable for the Middle East peace process. It planned for an interim Palestinian government in Gaza and Jericho in the West Bank. Oslo II  officially called the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza (1995), expanded on Oslo I. It included Provisions for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from six West Bank cities and about 450 towns. Timetable for elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council. The interim pact was only supposed to last five years while a permanent agreement was finalised but it has tacitly been rolled over for more than two decades. The question of Jerusalem was left undecided under the Oslo Accords (MAINS FOCUS) International Affairs Topic: General Studies 3: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. 
 Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests India-Brazil relationship  Context Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is on a visit to India and also as chief guest for 2020 Republic Day. Introduction India and Brazil established diplomatic relations between India and Brazil in 1948. The long bilateral strategic partnership is based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster economic growth with social inclusion for the welfare of the people of both countries. Brazil and India formally declared each other ‘strategic partners’ way back in 2006. Convergence of Interests Both India &Brazil have historically been leaders of the Global South Brasilia and New Delhi jointly pursued aspirations of permanent seats in the UN Security Council Both aspire for a multipolar world where large developing countries can frame global rules and democratise international institutions. Innovative coalitions like IBSA & BRICS were not just for practical economic gain but as part of a transformative movement to multilaterally reorder the world. Is there a shift in Brazil’s Foreign Policy in recent times (particularly after Bolsonaro)? Political Worldview Since 1990s, Leftist Brazilian Presidents - Fernando Cardoso and Lula da Silva – had made India the pillar of Brazil’s foreign policy within the context of South-South cooperation and opposition to a Western-dominated world order. However, Far-right Bolsonaro unexpectedly stormed to power in October 2018 following a prolonged economic slump and governance collapse. Ideologically, Bolsonaro’s faction feel closer to the Global North than to the Global South. This has made Brazil move closer to USA often at the cost of Global South-South cooperation. For Example: Bolsonaro agreed to abandon Brazil’s designation as a ‘developing country’ and is wooing USA so as to join OECD  Trade Bilateral trade between India and Brazil is $8.2 billion in 2018-19. It comprised $3.8 billion of Indian exports to Brazil and $4.4 million as imports by India Meanwhile, Brazil’s trade with China is over $110 billion in 2018-19.  This indicates growing dependence of Brazil’s economy on China thus giving diplomatic advantage to china to pursue its interests often at the cost of Indian interests. Climate Change India has been at the forefront with regard to taking actions so as to tackle Climate Change Ex: International Solar Alliance and ambitious targets under Paris Climate Deal Bolsonaro has been sceptical about the Climate Change and has enacted policies that prioritize development at the cost of environmental degradation. Ex: The controversy over Amazon Forest Fires  Does that mean Brazil and India are on path of divergence? – Not Necessarily Trade protectionism offers negligible market access to Brazilian exports, Bolsonaro has no option but to look to Asia for more preferential trade agreements. Brazil is well placed to be an alternative hydrocarbon source for India’s energy security, especially when there is political tensions in neighbouring Venezuela (one of India’s major oil import source) India is often seen by Brazil as a softer benign power for reducing overdependence on China. Key MoUs/Agreements exchanged during the Visit: MoU for establishing a nodal institution in India to carry out research on Bioenergy. Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. MoU on cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy. Cultural Exchange Programme for the period 2020-2024. MoU between Invest India and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency.  Connecting the Dots: Non-Alignment Policy – Does India still pursue it India and overall Latin America relations (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Child Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) It is a statutory body under Ministry of Home Affairs CARA primarily deals with the adoption of the orphan, abandoned and surrendered children through its associated /recognised adoption agencies. Which of the above statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) It is released annually by World Bank in collaboration with International Labour Organisation  India has climbed eight places to 72nd rank in the 2020 report of GTCI Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) It is a premier research institute in India for anthropological research in bio-cultural studies.  It works under the overall control & guidance of Ministry of Human Resource Development Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Oslo Accords often seen in the news is related to which region/countries?  North Korea-South Korea Israel-Palestine India-Pakistan None of the above Q.5) Consider the following statements about ASAT Weapons recently in news It is missile-based system to attack moving satellites. With such capabilities India is now in the league of three countries after the U.S., Russia, and China to have such technology Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 25 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 C 3 A 4 B 5 B MUST READ About Hypersonic Systems: The Hindu About Constitutionalism : The Hindu At the Heart of Republic: The Hindu

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