UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 159 Archives Important Note Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) To take the Test - Click Here
IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 15th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Diego, the giant tortoise Part of: GS Prelims –Environment and GS-III- Conservation In news: The Galapagos National Park, where Diego lived, called off the captive breeding programme. Do you Know ? Tortoises on the Galápagos Islands served as excellent source of food for seafarers in the 1800s. They could survive inside ships for upto a year, and so a large number were picked up from the islands. From Prelims point of view: Galapagos National Park Established in 1959 is Ecuador's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1979 UNESCO declared the Galápagos Islands Natural Heritage for Humanity Diego Turtle Classified as "threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature A member of the Chelonoidis hoodensis, or the giant tortoise species, Diego has spent much of his long life — he is 100 years old — in saving his kind Kerala files suit against CAA Part of: GS Prelims Polity–and GS-II- Citizenship In news: Kerala became the first State to join citizens across the country's spectrum to challenge in the Supreme Court the constitutionality of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) From Prelims point: Article 131 Article 131 vests the Supreme Court with original jurisdiction over any dispute arising between the states or between the centre and state. The article gives the Supreme Court the power to take up such cases straight instead of going through a lower court or reviewing a lower court’s judgement. The first judgment reported in 2012 - State of Madhya Pradesh vs Union of India - held that States cannot challenge a central law under Article 131 Article 256 in The Constitution Of India (Obligation of States and the Union): The executive power of every State shall be so exercised as to ensure compliance with the laws made by Parliament and any existing laws which apply in that State, and the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of such directions to a State as may appear to the Government of India to be necessary for that purpose. US President Donald Trump is likely to visit India Part of: GS Prelims Polity–and GS-II- India’s Foreign Relations In News: A Trump Presidential trip to India has long been on the cards (he has visited India before on business trips) with a pending invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From Prelims Point of view: Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) It is an umbrella that comprises the bulk of preferential schemes granted by industrialized nations to developing countries. It involves reduced Most Favored Nations (MFN) Tariffs or duty-free entry of eligible products exported by beneficiary countries to the markets of donor countries. Centre eases CRZ rules for ‘Blue Flag’ beaches Part of: GS Prelims Polity–and GS-II- India’s Foreign Relation In News: The Environment Ministry has relaxed Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules that restrict construction near beaches to help States construct infrastructure and enable them to receive ‘Blue Flag’ certification. From Prelims Point of view: Blue Flag certification: It beaches to create certain infrastructure — portable toilet blocks, grey water treatment plants, a solar power plant, seating facilities, CCTV surveillance and the like. The certification is accorded by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environment Education, with 33 stringent criteria under four major heads for the beaches, that is, (i) Environmental Education and Information (ii) Bathing Water Quality (iii) Environment Management and Conservation and (iv) Safety and Services. The ‘Blue Flag’ beach is an ‘eco-tourism model’ and marks out beaches as providing tourists and beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities/amenities, a safe and healthy environment, and sustainable development of the area. Coastal Regulation Zones Coastal stretches of seas, bays, estuaries, creeks, rivers, and backwaters were declared as CRZs under coastal zone regulation notification in 1991. CRZs have been classified into 4 zones for the purpose of regulation: CRZ-I: includes ecologically sensitive areas, where no construction is allowed except activities for atomic power plants, defense. CRZ-II: includes designated urban areas that are substantially built up. Construction activities are allowed on the landward side only. CRZ-III: includes relatively undisturbed areas, mainly rural areas. No new construction of buildings allowed in this zone except repairing of the existing ones. However, constructions of dwelling units in the plot area lying between 200-500m of the high tide line is allowed. CRZ-IV: includes the water area covered between Low Tide Line and 12 nautical miles seaward. Except for fishing and related activities, all actions impugning on the sea and tidal water will be regulated in this zone. Arunachal to start red-listing of orchids Part of: GS Prelims –Environment and GS-III- Conservation In news: Arunachal has become the first state in the country to initiate the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) ‘red listing’ at the state level From Prelims point of View: Red List The IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. A powerful tool to inform and catalyze action for biodiversity conservation and policy change, it is critical in protecting the natural resources. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) IUCN is a membership union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. Created in 1948, it is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. It is headquartered in Switzerland. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant and animal species. It uses a set of quantitative criteria to evaluate the extinction risk of species. These criteria are relevant to most species and all regions of the world. The IUCN Red List Categories define the extinction risk of species assessed. Nine categories extend from NE (Not Evaluated) to EX (Extinct). Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) species are considered to be threatened with extinction. It is recognized as the most authoritative guide to the status of biological diversity. It is also a key indicator for the SDGs and Aichi Targets. (MAINS FOCUS) Indian Economy TOPIC:General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. [caption id="attachment_56117" align="aligncenter" width="543"] Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 15th January 2020[/caption] Pic Source: India Today Inflation Context: Consumer price inflation (Retail inflation) has touched a high of 7.35% in December which has set off fears over whether India is entering a period of slow growth accompanied by high inflation, in other words, stagflation. Inflation is defined as a situation where there is sustained, unchecked increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy Indices which measure inflation in an economy Wholesale Price Index (WPI) WPI measures the changes in the prices of goods sold and traded in bulk by wholesale businesses to other businesses. In other words, WPI tracks prices at the factory gate before the retail level. The numbers are released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Even as the WPI is used as a key measure of inflation in some economies, the RBI no longer uses it for policy purposes, including setting repo rates. Consumer Price Index (CPI) – Retail Inflation It is an index measuring retail inflation in the economy by collecting the change in prices of most common goods and services used by consumers. It is released by Central Statistics Office (CSO) under Ministry of Statistics and Programme implementation In April 2014, the RBI had adopted the CPI as its key measure of inflation What is the difference between WPI & CPI? WPI, tracks inflation at the producer level and CPI captures changes in prices levels at the consumer level. Both baskets measure inflationary trends (the movement of price signals) within the broader economy, the two indices differ in which weightages are assigned to food, fuel and manufactured items. WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does. Headline Retail Inflation vs Core Inflation Headline inflation is the raw inflation figure reported through the Consumer Price Index (CPI) that is released by CSO. The headline figure is not adjusted for seasonality or for the often-volatile elements Core inflation removes the CPI components that can exhibit large amounts of volatility from month to month, which can cause unwanted distortion to the headline figure. The most commonly removed factors are those relating to the cost of food and energy. Concern for RBI Price stability in an economy is one of the major responsibility of the Central Bank. Untamed inflation will eventually erode confidence in an economy thus derailing economic growth. The December inflation is also way above the monetary policy committee’s (MPC) mandated limit of CPI at 6% (4% plus 2%) High inflation means RBI is constrained to cut rates (repo rate) further especially when there is pressure on the central bank to cut rates at least one more time to stimulate growth (projected GDP growth for FY-2020 is just 5%) What is the reason for unexpected inflation in December? The headline inflation number is driven mainly by food inflation at 14.12% Since the overall retail inflation has 45.86 per cent of food articles, the overall CPI has also shot up. Heavy rains from september to November 2019 has caused heavy damage to the standing Kharif crops leading to supply shortage and thus driving up the food prices Onion pushed up price inflation in vegetables to a huge 60.50% compared to December 2018, prices of other food items such as meat and fish (up 9.57%), milk (up 4.22%), eggs (up 8.79%) and some pulses were also on the upswing. Minus the increase in prices of onion, potato and ginger, headline CPI inflation would be just 4.48%. Core inflation, which is the one that should be of concern, has only inched up marginally from 3.5% in November to 3.7% in December. Is High Food inflation going to continue in near future? High prices of vegetables being mostly seasonal and short-duration are expected to fall in the coming months. The prices will reverse once the supply shortfall is addressed. Food price may ease due to same reason it rose Heavy rains in recent months have helped to recharge groundwater aquifers, and filled the major irrigation reservoirs to near full capacity, proving beneficial to the rabi crop Data shows that there has been 8 per cent more area sown and this coupled with the improved soil moisture conditions and a normal winter, is expected to translate into a bumper harvest, offsetting any Kharif losses and cutting the food prices Caution One major factor that can still keep the customers paying more for the food articles is a turbulence in the global prices as the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation’s Food Price Index (base year: 2002-04 = 100) averaged 181.7 points in December 2019, the highest since the 185.8 level of December 2014. This reflected a hardening trend in the international prices of food items which makes imports of food articles (like Palm oil, pulses) costlier. Way Ahead Climate resilient agriculture which is able to better adapt to frequent climate extremities. Better collaboration at international level to ensure that essential food articles are distributed evenly across the globe where at present we have wastage on one hand & hunger/shortage on other hand Connecting the Dots FAO index rise is driven largely by which food components and its bearing on Indian domestic economy Is high food prices impact on famers income and thus boosting rural demand ? (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) The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the State falls under its: (a) advisory jurisdiction (b) appellate jurisdiction (c) original jurisdiction (d) constitutional jurisdiction Q.2) Consider the following statements: The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes. AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q 3) The “Red Data Books’’ published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources (IUCN) contain lists of ? [ Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots. Threatened plant and animal species. Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only Q 4) With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct? IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 ANSWERS FOR 14 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 A 3 C 4 A 5 C 6 B 7 C MUST READ US- Iran tensions The Hindu US- Iran tensions IE About ASER report IE
MOTIVATION: UPSC Mains Result 2019 - Read if you have Qualified, Read for Sure if you Couldn’t! Dear Students, UPSC has announced the result of Civil Services Main Examination, 2019 today. IASbaba extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the candidates who found their names/ roll numbers in the coveted PDF released by UPSC. As usual, Many Students of IASbaba (especially ILP and TLP students) and the Regular followers of IASbaba website have cleared the Main examination. Our inbox is getting flooded with gratitude and ‘thank you’ messages. We extend our special thanks to all our followers for the trust they have shown towards IASbaba. However, the journey is by no means over. The last stage awaits you. The interview board of UPSC is the final battleground that will test your mettle. In your journey towards final success, IASbaba will be with you. Just like our Mains specific courses like TLP Online/ TLP Connect/ TLP Plus, for the Personality Test also, we have designed exclusive programmes for you. The ONLINE FREE initiative for the Personality Test dealing with self realisation and current affairs i.e. the Think, Rethink and Perform (TRP) is already underway. For more focussed and result oriented preparation, we have already announced the Interview Mentorship Programme (IMP) meant for candidates appearing in the upcoming Personality Test. IMP is a Personalised Mentorship-based Programme that include workshops on preparation strategies, Open Mocks (IASbaba’s unique pedagogy) and one on one interview with a distinguished panel comprising of retired and serving bureaucrats, academicians, psychologist and famous personalities. For more details of the programme, Click Here. We also know that not everyone has the luxury to come to Delhi/ Bangalore for joining the IMP. In order to make IMP far reaching and more accessible, we have planned a telephonic mentorship initiative designed specifically for candidates who can’t join IMP. It is based on simple telephonic conversation between the candidate and the experts empanelled by IASbaba that include Founder’s, retired/ serving bureaucrat. These experts will be available to take your calls at specified hours. In order to avail the benefits of this initiative, complete this form and you will be contacted soon by one of our associates. The IASbaba associate would intimate you the timings to call and also assign the expert for interaction. Moreover, the students of this programme will be added to a telegram group wherein the experts would share their advice, post issues for discussions and answer your questions/ queries. The entire life cycle of interview preparation i.e. from your DAF to Current affairs, from your graduation subject to your hobbies, from your achievements to your optional etc would be covered in a sequential manner. Even if you get enrolled in IMP, this initiative would be open for you. And yes, this initiative is free of cost! REGISTRATION FORM for INTERVIEW MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (IMP) -> CLICK HERE IMPORTANT NOTE: Students, who have filled the Registration Form, can use the DISCUSSION ROOMS at both Delhi and Bangalore Centre (Chandra Layout Centre, above SBI Bank). The Discussion Rooms will be specially reserved for interview purpose. Also to make the discussion more streamlined, a mentor will oversee the discussions. Our Panelists hail from diverse fields (retired and serving bureaucrats, academicians, psychologist and famous personalities) and it can bring sweet surprises to many of you. P.S: We will be updating the Workshop (Open Mocks) Dates and about Mock Interview in the next post. Stay tuned!! Now, coming to those candidates who Could Not succeed this time. By its very nature, any result declared by UPSC disappoints more candidates than the ones it makes happy. After all, what is the success percentage here? The success percentage in Prelims is merely 2.5% whereas in the Main examination, it hovers around 20% (as percentage of candidates who appeared in the Main examination). It simply means that about 80% of the candidates who wrote the Main examination would be in a sad state of mind right now. But unfortunately sadness doesn’t help anyone succeed. Try to look it this way- the majority of candidates who are going to appear for interview this year couldn’t clear the previous Main examination. The percentage of such candidates is around 80%. Yes, a whopping 80%! But they have cracked it this time. WHY? The answer is simple- champions never get defeated, they either win or learn. It means that the 20% who could crack the Main examination are undoubtedly winners but the remaining 80% are by no means losers. They have all learnt or have to learn the reasons that made them wait for one more year. From this point onwards, the options are clear and simple- either learn from the mistakes that you have committed and find your name in that coveted PDF next year or get drowned in your tears to never emerge from the so called ‘setback’. A winner will always choose the first option! If you are a winner and have decided to go with the first option, here is a three step solution by IASbaba: Take a break: Go out with you family or friends for a small vacation to rejuvenate and reenergise yourself. Contemplate: Come back from the break and contemplate on the mistakes in the most neutral/objective manner. Make a plan to address those mistakes: Address the problem areas in your preparation in the most meticulous way by creating a detailed plan with clear action items. How can IASbaba help? For PRELIMS – Follow our Prelims Exclusive Program (PEP), Babapedia (One Stop Destination for Current Affairs) For MAINS Answer Writing - Follow our Daily Answer Writing initiative- TLP Online (Free) or get enrolled into our flagship TLP Plus initiative. For INTEGRATED Programme (Prelims + Mains + Interview) - Integrated Learning Program (ILP), TLP Connect Finally, Congratulations once again to the successful candidates and Best Wishes for their onward journey. For all others, all the best for the next attempt. For any Queries: You can also reach us on Email id: support@iasbaba.com Contact No.: Bengaluru: 9035077800/7353177800 ( Office Timings: 10 am – 6 pm) Delhi: +91 11-41678500/+91 11-41672600 ( Office Timings: 10 am – 6 pm) NOTE- Please Do not make calls before or after the given timing Thank You IASbaba Team
UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 158 Archives Important Note Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) To take the Test - Click Here
The result of UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2019 has been announced. Kindly check it here Download the MAINS RESULT PDF– Click Here Those who are interested in the IASbaba’s INTERVIEW MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (IMP) 2019-20, CLICK HERE
Launch of Sustainable Development Goals Index ARCHIVES Search 30th Dec, 2019 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures Context: The NITI Aayog recently released the Baseline Report of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index, which comprehensively documents the progress made by India’s States and Union Territories towards implementing the 2030 SDG targets. The SDG India Index was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Global Green Growth Institute and United Nations in India. Background: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted in September 2015 as a part of the resolution, ‘Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’. India is committed to achieve the 17 SDGs and the 169 associated targets, which comprehensively cover social, economic and environmental dimensions of development and focus on ending poverty in all its forms and dimensions. At the Central Government level, NITI Aayog has been assigned the role of overseeing the implementation of SDGs in the country. Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas NITI Aayog has the twin mandate to oversee the implementation of SDGs in the country, and also promote Competitive and Cooperative Federalism among States and UTs. The SDG India Index acts as a bridge between these mandates, aligning the SDGs with the Prime Minister’s clarion call of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, which embodies the five Ps of the global SDG movement – people, planet, prosperity, partnership and peace. The SDGs are ambitious global development goals that address key aspects of universal wellbeing across different socio-economic, cultural, geographical divisions and integrate the economic, social and environmental dimensions of development. India’s progress in SDGs is crucial for the world as the country is home to about 17% of the world population. The SDG India Index tracks progress of all States and UTs on 62 Priority Indicators selected by NITI Aayog, which in turn is guided by MoSPI’s National Indicator Framework comprising 306 indicators and based on multiple-round consultations with Union Ministries/Departments and States/UTs. The SDG India Index will also help highlight crucial gaps related to tracking SDGs and the need for India to develop its statistical systems at National & State/UT levels. This shall lead to the index evolving and becoming more comprehensive over the coming years. The indicators shall be further refined and additional indicators will be added with improvement in data collection, reporting processes & methodology. NITI Aayog is also exploring potential for disaggregating data and developing capacity for real time monitoring and measuring incremental progress. Working: A composite score was computed between the range of 0-100 for each State and UT based on their aggregate performance across 13 SDGs, which indicates average performance of State/UT towards achieving 13 SDGs & their respective targets. If a State/UT achieves a score of 100, it signifies that it has achieved the 2030 national targets. The higher the score of a State/UT, the greater the distance to target achieved. OVERALL Aspirant (0-49) Assam, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh Performer (50-64) Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Delhi and Lakshadweep Front Runner (65-99) Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh and Puducherry Achiever (100) NA [caption id="attachment_56045" align="aligncenter" width="514"] All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - Launch of Sustainable Development Goals Index[/caption] Source: https://images.indianexpress.com/2019/12/sdg-goal.jpg Connecting the Dots: The attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require active participation of the panchayati raj institutions (PRIs). Do you agree? Substantiate.
IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 14th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Sabarimala case: Supreme Court not to review Sabarimala case, to examine ‘larger issues’ Part of: GS Prelims –Fundamental Rights and GS-II- secularism In news: SC said its objective was not to review the Sabarimala women entry case but examine “larger issues” of law arising from practices such as the prohibition of women from entering mosques and temples, female genital mutilation among Dawoodi Bohras and the ban on Parsi women who married inter-faith from entering the fire temple. From Mains point of view: [caption id="attachment_56039" align="aligncenter" width="528"] Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 14th January 2020[/caption] From Prelims point of view: ARTICLE 26 : FREEDOM TO MANAGE RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS Subject to public order, morality and health, every religious denomination or any section thereof shall have the right— to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes; to manage its own affairs in matters of religion; to own and acquire movable and immovable property; and to administer such property in accordance with ARTICLE 14 : EQUALITY BEFORE LAW The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India. ARTICLE 25 : FREEDOM OF RELIGION The Article 25 states that every individual is “equally entitled to freedom of conscience” and has the right “to profess, practice and propagate religion” of one’s choice. Practicing religion or the act of propagating it should not, however, affect the “public order, morality and health.” The Article doesn’t put any restriction on the government when it comes to making any law to regulate “economic, financial, political or other secular” activities, which may be associated with religious practice. According to Article 25, the gates of Hindu religious institutions should be opened to every section of Hindus. Here the term ‘Hindus’ also includes individuals who profess Sikh, Jain or Buddhist religion. The same holds true for the term ‘Hindu religious institutions. Retail inflation : Retail inflation at 5-year high of 7.3% in December Part of: GS Prelims –Inflation and GS-III- Economy In news: Retail inflation ascended to a five and a half year high of 7.35% Released by the National Statistical Office Retail inflation was only 2.11% in last year From Prelims point of view: National Statistical Commission The new NSO as an agency was envisaged firstly by Rangarajan Commission to implement and maintain statistical standards and coordinate statistical activities of Central and State agencies as laid down by the National Statistical Commission (NSC). This commission had also recommended setting up of the NSC, headed by a person with a Minister of State-level designation, to serve as a nodal and empowered body for all core statistical activities of the country. According to recent order, NSO will be formed with the merger of NSSO and CSO under MoSPI. This recent restructuring seems to be a reaction to the resignations tendered by the member and acting Chairman of the NSC earlier this year What Is the Consumer Price Index (CPI)? The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure that examines the weighted average of prices of a basket of consumer goods and services, such as transportation, food and medical care. It is calculated by taking price changes for each item in the predetermined basket of goods and averaging them. Changes in the CPI are used to assess price changes associated with the cost of living; the CPI is one of the most frequently used statistics for identifying periods of inflation or deflation. Central accident database management Part of: GS Prelims –Policy and GS-II- Policy & Schemes In news: The government launched a central accident database management system that will help in analysing causes of road crashes and in devising safety interventions to reduce such accidents in the country. The IT tool, known as the Integrated Road Accident Database (IRAD) developed by the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) Implemented by the National Informatics Centre. Project supported by the World Bank National Informatics Centre (NIC): National Informatics Centre (NIC) is an attached office under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. NIC provides infrastructure to help support delivery of Government IT services and delivery of some of the initiatives of Digital India Manual scavengers : Maharashtra, Gujarat lag behind in compensation for sewer deaths Part of: GS Prelims –Schemes and GS-II- vulnerable sections In news: Central Monitoring Committee reviews implementation of manual scavenging prohibition law From Prelims point of view: Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013: The act seeks to reinforce this ban by prohibiting manual scavenging in all forms and ensures the rehabilitation of manual scavengers to be identified through a mandatory survey. Prohibits the construction or maintenance of insanitary toilets. Prohibits the engagement or employment of anyone as a manual scavenger violations could result in a years’ imprisonment or a fine of INR 50,000 or both. Prohibits a person from being engaged or employed for hazardous cleaning of a sewer or a septic tank. Offences under the Act are cognizable and non-bailable. Calls for a survey of manual scavengers in urban and rural areas within a time-bound framework. National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK): The National Commision for Safai Karamchari was established in the year 1993 as per the provisions of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993, for a period of three years i.e. up to 31st March, 1997. As per Section 1 (4) of the Act, it was to cease to exist after 31st March 1997, however, validity of the Act was extended up to March, 2002, and then up to February, 2004 vide Amendment Acts passed in 1997 and 2001 respectively. The Act ceased to have effect from March 2004. After that the tenure of the NCSK has been extended as a non-statutory body from time to time (total of eight times) The tenure of the present Commission is up to March 2022. The Commission is a Non-Statutory body of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. (MAINS FOCUS) Indian Economy TOPIC:General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. Middle Income Trap Context: GDP growth for FY20 is likely to come in at 5%, an 11-year low. Nominal GDP growth will likely be at more than a four-decade low. Apart from the debate on whether the slowdown is cyclical or structural, there is also concern among the economists about the dangers of Middle-Income trap in medium to long term What is Middle Income trap? In 2006, economists Indermit Gill and Homi Kharas at the World Bank coined the term “middle-income trap” while working on growth strategies for East Asian economies. Simply put, low-income countries with cheap labour and access to ready-made technology grow fast and start becoming wealthier. However, as they reach middle-income status, they tend to slow down as they lose some of their advantages. They fail to converge with wealthier nations and do not get beyond middle-income status. It is a status of low productivity and entrenched inequality. Mexico and Brazil are classic examples of such countries. A few, such as South Korea, have escaped the trap. China is at the cusp. On what basis are countries usually categorized? World Bank has used the 2018 data of gross national income (GNI) per capita to categorize countries into following four categories Low income: Countries with GNI per capita is up to $1,025 Lower middle-income: Those with GNI per capita from $1,026 to $3,995. Ex: India – its per capita income in 2018 was $2,020, at the halfway point for the lower middle-income category. Upper middle-income: Countries with GNI Per capita between $3,995 and $12,375 are upper middle income Ex: Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, China High income: Per capita income above $12,375 makes a country high income. Ex: US, Germany, Japan, Korea. The way the World Bank’s income classification system works is that as economies grow, the thresholds for these four categories also change. The threshold for the low-income category in 1988 was only $545. Overall, the lower and upper middle-income thresholds have increased at 2% per year over the last three decades. Over this period, India’s per capita income grew at an annual rate of about 5.6%. Cause of Concern for India If we assume that World Bank thresholds and India’s income per capita grow at the same pace as they have in the past 30 years, it will take India until 2038 to reach the lower end of the upper middle-income threshold. Likewise statistics reveal that even in 2050, India would be well below Brazil and South Africa. India’s growth since the 1990s was on the back of consumption by the top 100 million Indians. The inequality has widened since then and therefore, the future growth has to come from bottom sections of societal pyramid For this to happen there has to be adequate demand from these sections of society & thus adequate jobs and rising incomes Way Ahead Thus there has to be a comprehensive agenda of policy and institutional change to create a dynamic capitalism, else there is a risk of a Latin Americanization of India’s path This involves changes in education, healthcare, skilling, agricultural, judicial and regulatory reforms. Connecting the dots Impact on slowdown on India’s diplomatic might. Doubling of Farmers income and Make in India initiative Political and Constitutional federal structures which enables comprehensive changes Indian Economy TOPIC:General Studies 3: Transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers. Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security. Reform of grain management system Context In the second quarter of 2020 fiscal year, GDP growth rate has plummeted to 4.5 per cent and the agriculture GDP (GDPA) growth is at mere 2.1 per cent. What are the reasons for Slowdown? One of the main reason is the low demand in the economy. The demand is low because of the incomes have remain subdued particularly the rural incomes (Consecutive Bad Monsoons). As a result, demand for manufactured goods, housing and other goods have remained low. Apart from the above cited cyclical reason, there is also structural reason – primarily supply side constraints like inefficient infrastructure network which raises the cost of goods & services thus impacting the competitiveness of the product. What measures government has taken recently? Government announced corporate tax cuts which intends to boost investment cycle. Government has also announced an investment package for infrastructure of about Rs 102 lakh crore over the next five years, which implies more than doubling the growth in infra-investments from its current levels. Government also intends to cut income tax levels in the upcoming budget so as to boost demand in the economy (as it leaves more money in the hands of people to spend) Possible consequences of the above measures: Boosting demand can also cause inflation (beyond the threshold level of 6 per cent to be maintained by the RBI). There is the challenge of not slipping on the fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent, although the CAG has already indicated that the real fiscal deficit of the country is much more if one accounts for the loans taken by many PSUs Difficulty in raising funds to fund the massive infrastructure project (102 lakh crore over five years) Possible Way Out: One of the way to raise (save) Rs 50,000 crore per annum to finance infrastructure projects without causing high inflation or without breaching the fiscal deficit target is by addressing inefficiency in the grain management system under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) The NFSA gives certain quantities of wheat and rice to 67% of the population at Rs 2/kg and Rs 3/kg respectively -the economic cost of these to the Food Corporation of India is Rs 25/kg and Rs 35/kg respectively. This has led to a provision of Rs 1.84 lakh crore for food subsidy in the last Union budget The grain stocks with the FCI are far more than double the buffer stock norms as on January 1, every year. The reason for inefficiency in grain management system: The procurement for wheat and rice (paddy) remains open-ended, but the disbursal of those stocks remains largely restricted to the public distribution system (PDS). The open market operations (OMO) are much less compared to what is needed to liquidate the excessive stocks. The money locked in these excessive stocks (beyond the buffer norm) is more than Rs 1 lakh crore. If the government decides to liquidate half of it, it can garner Rs 50,000 crore to finance at least half of its infrastructure projects Way forward (As recommended by Ashok Gulati): While the poor under the Antyodaya category should keep getting the maximum food subsidy, for others, the issue price should be fixed at ~50% of the procurement price (as was done under Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the BPL category). Limit subsidised grain distribution under NFSA to 40 per cent of the population rather than the current 67 per cent Limit the procurement of rice particularly in the north-western states of Punjab and Haryana where the groundwater table is depleting fast, and invite private sector participation in grain management Connecting the dots Doubling of Farmers Income Shanta Kumar Committee recommendations on PDS reform (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) Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion etc. (Article 15 of the Constitution of India) is a Fundamental Rights classifiable under: (a) The Right to Freedom of Religion (b) The Right against Exploitation (c) The Cultural and Educational Rights (d) The Right to Equality Q.2) One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of (a) Privileges (b) Restraint (c) Competition (d) Ideology Q 3) Which one of the following Muslim rulers was hailed as the 'Jagadguru' by his Muslim subject because of his belief in secularism? (a) Hussain Shah (b) Zain-ul-Abidin (c) Ibrahim Adil Shah (d) Mahmud II Q 4) In India, inflation is measured by the: (a) Wholesale Price Index number (b) Consumers Price Index for urban non-manual workers (c) Consumers Price Index for agricultural workers (d) National Income Deflation Q 5) A rapid increase in the rate of inflation is sometimes attributed to the “base effect”. What is “base effect”? (a) It is the impact of drastic deficiency in supply due to failure of crops (b) It is the impact of the surge in demand due to rapid economic growth (c) It is the impact of the price levels of previous year on the calculation of inflation rate (d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context Q 6) With reference to India, consider the following statements: The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in India is available on a monthly basis only. As compared to Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPIIW), the WPI gives less weight to food articles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q 7) Consider the following statements about the National Informatics Centre Objective to a single point to access the information and services of the Government of India Government Instant Messaging System (GIMS)’is developed by Kerala unit of National Informatics Centre (NIC) Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q 8 ) Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to (a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood (b) release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood (c) eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers (d) release the bonded laborers from their bondage and rehabilitate them MUST READ Need for Middle Power Coalition IE About US- Iran tensions IE About Sports & their influence IE
UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 157 Archives Important Note Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) To take the Test - Click Here
IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 13th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Vanga nari (Fox- Jallikattu) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Society, Culture In News The jallikattu-like event using foxes, or vanga nari in Tamil, is organised on Kaanum Pongal in Tamil Nadu villages as people believe it will bring bountiful rain and good fortune. The animals are muzzled and their hind legs tied with rope. After special rituals are conducted, the hapless animals are chased through the streets, much like bulls in the more conventional jallikattu. After the event, the animals are released into the forest Foxes are a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and hunting or capturing them is prohibited. H9N2: India’s first case detected by National Institute of Virology, Pune Part of: GS Prelims - Diseases and GS-II- Health In News H9N2 viruses have been observed in poultry in India several times. However, this is the first identification of the clinical human case of H9N2 virus infection It H9N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus, which causes human influenza as well as bird flu. The H9N2 subtype was isolated for the first time in Wisconsin, US in 1966 from turkey flocks. H9N2 virus infections in humans are rare, but likely under-reported due to typically mild symptoms of the infections. Cases of human infection have been observed in Hong Kong, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Egypt SEA GUARDIANS: Bilateral Naval exercise between China & Pakistan Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II- International Affairs In News This is the sixth joint naval exercise between china and Pakistan, but it is the first time that the exercise was named “sea guardians.” It was held in the northern Arabian Sea, with the purpose of enhancing security cooperation between the two countries. The North Arabian Sea is regarded strategically significant for China which is now developing Pakistan's deep water Gwadar port there as a part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) Project of China’s Belt & Road initiative The Gwadar is also located close to Iran's Chabahar Port being jointly developed by Iran, India and Afghanistan to ensure a trade corridor for Indian exports to Afghanistan. Sea guardians is expected to become a series of naval exercises with Pakistan, similar to the ‘warrior’ series of joint land exercises and the shaheen series of joint air exercises. Bojjannakonda: Buddhist site in Andhra Pradesh Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains –I – History, Art & Culture In News Bojjannakonda and Lingalametta are twin Buddhist monasteries dating back to the 3rd century BC. These sites have seen three forms of Buddhism — The Theravada period when Lord Buddha was considered a teacher; The Mahayana, where Buddhism was more devotional; and Vajrayana, where Buddhist tradition was more practised as Tantra and in esoteric form The site is famous for many votive stupas, rock-cut caves, brick-built edifices, early historic pottery, and Satavahana coins that date back to the 1st century AD. Indian Coast Guard Ships (ICGS) — Annie Besant and Amrit Kaur —commissioned Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Security In News ICGS Annie Besant will be based at Chennai and ICGS Amrit Kaur will be based at Haldia. The ships are fitted with state-of-the-art technology, and navigation equipment, along with Bofors 40/60 guns and 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote Controlled Guns for enhanced fighting efficiency. About Rajkumari Amrit Kaur Kaur co-founded the All India Women's Conference along with Margaret Cousins in 1927. She was also a member of Constituent Assembly and a member Sub-Committee on Fundamental Rights and Sub-Committee on Minorities. She went on to become independent India’s first health minister (MAINS FOCUS) Indian Polity TOPIC:General Studies 2: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications. Internet Shutdown and Section 144 Context: Supreme Court ruling on the internet shutdown in Jammu & Kashmir since August 5th, 2019. Also, in recent times whenever there is possibility of peaceful democratic protests, the administrative authorities immediately shut down internet & imposes section 144. This is used as a precautionary measure so that the protests doesn’t spiral out of hand leading to violence, arson and law & order issues disturbing public. What is section 144? It is a section of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which prohibits assembly of five or more people, holding of public meetings, and carrying of firearms and can be invoked for up to two months (extendable upto 6 months) Section 144 also empowers the authorities to block the internet access. What are the impact of such restrictive measures, especially blocking internet access? Freedom of peaceful assemble guaranteed under Article 19 (1)(b) is restricted especially when the executive orders imposing this section is not made public Right to Freedom of speech & expression under Article 19(1)(a) is impacted as the medium to access information i.e. internet is blocked Right to carry on trade activities under Article 10(1)(g) is also negatively impacted with the restrictions placed on movement of people. Economy of the region adversely affected as access to e-banking facilities blocked due to temporary ban on internet. Internet shutdown around the world in 2019 has cost the global economy over $8 billion. Delivery of government welfare provisions affected especially in today’s age of e-governance and digitization of the process Healthcare provisions impacted especially where government schemes like Ayushman Bharat have adopted digital means for delivery process What was the Supreme Court ruling in case dealing with internet shutdown in J&K? Right to Freedom of Speech & Expression is constitutionally protected. Therefore, an order suspending internet services indefinitely is impermissible The Court applied the proportionality doctrine to reason that “complete blocking/prohibition perpetually cannot be accepted”. The review committee should be constituted under the suspension rules (of Indian Telegraph Act) that will conduct a periodic review of the suspension within seven working days of the previous review With regard to Section 144 Any order passed under Section 144, CrPC should be published alongside stating the material facts to enable judicial review of the same. Lack of public accessibility of these orders (citing National Security reasons) has prevented citizens from filing cases in High Court against such executive order It was against the “sealed cover jurisprudence” that is a recent phenomenon in Indian Judiciary Section 144 cannot be used to suppress legitimate expression of opinion Executive cannot arbitrarily impose section 144. Not just an apprehension of danger, but there has to be an emergency question for passing such executive orders Repetitive orders passed under Section 144 would be an abuse of power Criticisms of the judgement The judgement was a statist expression of law. It was one one premised on legal centrism than one advancing fundamental rights. Lack of powers to review committee: The committee will be principally composed of bureaucrats and no independent members will lack independence and real power to overturn the initial Internet shutdown orders. The court stopped short of ruling that access to Internet is a fundamental right, it however said that the Internet as a medium is used to exercise other fundamental rights The judicial review, guaranteed by the court, itself takes a long time to provide relief as was in the present case. The Supreme Court should have given a timeframe within which such cases should be dealt with given its impact on the Democratic foundations of society. Way Ahead Given that State has balance the need to ensure liberty & National Security, such type of preventive law & order measures should be used as last resort. Connecting the dots Sealed Cover Jurisprudence – Cases where such procedures was adopted Is Right to access internet a Fundamental right? What are the possible implications on the Indian Polity with such recognition of new right in the age of internet ? Indian Federalism TOPIC:General Studies 2: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure Challenges of Non-Scheduled Indian Languages Context An MP from Kerala’s Kasargud region arguing for including Tulu in the Eighth Schedule Present Scheme of Indian Languages Hindi and English are the official languages of the Central Government for communication and administrative purposes, no language in India has been conferred the status of the national language. There is no national language in India as all the states are free to decide their own official languages. This is primarily to address the huge linguistic diversity in the country. The Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India lists the official languages of the Republic of India. Presently, it consists of 22 languages. Also, till date, six languages have been conferred the status of ‘Classical Language’ in India. They are Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Sanskrit, Malayalam and Odia However, Article 351 of the Constitution says that it shall be the duty of the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language, to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India According to the 2001 Census, India has 30 languages that are spoken by more than a million people each. India also has 1,599 languages, most of which are dialects. These are restricted to specific regions and many of them are on the verge of extinction. Constitutional Safeguards Article 29 of the Constitution provides that a section of citizens having a distinct language, script or culture have the right to conserve the same. Eighth Schedule and Classical Status No National Language Article 350B: Appointment of Special Officer for linguistic minority with the sole responsibilities of safeguarding the interest of language spoken by the minority groups. Cause of Concern Many languages that are kept out of Eighth Schedule are in some ways more deserving to be included in the Schedule For Example: Sanskrit, an Eighth Schedule language, has only 24,821 speakers (2011 Census). Manipuri, another scheduled language, has only 17,61,079 speakers. Similarly, many unscheduled languages have a sizeable number of speakers: Bhili/Bhilodi has 1,04,13,637 speakers; Gondi has 29,84,453 speakers; Garo has 11,45,323; Ho has 14,21,418; Khandeshi, 18,60,236; Khasi, 14,31,344; and Oraon, 19,88,350. Case for Tulu Language to be included in Eighth Schedule Tulu is a Dravidian language whose speakers are concentrated in two coastal districts of Karnataka and in Kasaragod district of Kerala. The Census reports 18,46,427 native speakers of Tulu in India. The Tulu-speaking people are larger in number than speakers of Manipuri and Sanskrit, which have the Eighth Schedule status. Robert Caldwell (1814-1891), in his book, A Comparative Grammar of the Dravidian or South-Indian Family of Languages, called Tulu as “one of the most highly developed languages of the Dravidian family”. Advantages of Inclusion of a Language in Eighth Schedule: Recognition from the Sahitya Akademi. Members of Parliament (MP) and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) could speak Tulu in Parliament and State Assemblies, respectively. Translation of Tulu literary works into other languages Option to take competitive exams in Tulu including all-India competitive examinations like the Civil Services exam. Special funds from the Central government. Teaching of Tulu in primary and high school. Way Ahead Placing all language on equal footing will promote Social harmony, inclusion and National Solidarity Protection and preservation of diverse languages should not just remain on paper but also implemented on ground with adequate provision of funds on language development programs Did You know? The Yuelu Proclamation: The Proclamation was made by the UNESCO at Changsha, China in 2018. The The Yuelu Proclamation is the first UNESCO document of its kind dedicated to the protection of linguistic diversity, and is also an important supporting document for the “UN International Year of Indigenous Languages 2019”. It confirms that protecting linguistic diversity is the cornerstone for building a global community with a shared future, and for promoting equality, mutual learning and understanding, and facilitating exchanges around the world. The document calls on member states to formulate action plans to promote language and cultural diversity, and urges academic and indigenous organizations to provide the resources required to help combat the loss of indigenous languages. Connecting the dots Languages are an important identity of India’s liberal and democratic society. Elaborate How can India accommodate the plethora of languages in its cultural discourse and administrative apparatus ? (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) Sea Guardian is a bilateral Naval Exercise between which two countries? India and Japan India and Sri Lanka China and Pakistan Pakistan and Russia Q.2) Jallikattu often seen in the news is predominantly associated with which region/state of India? Karnataka Tamil Nadu Gujarat Nagaland Q.3) Consider the following statements about Amrit Kaur She co-founded the All India Women's Conference in 1927 She was Independent India’s first Health minister 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 H9N2 It is a subtype of the influenza A virus, which causes human influenza as well as bird flu Recently in Jan 2020, H9N2 viruses has been observed for the first time in poultry in India Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Yuelu Proclamation is related to which of the following field? Gender Security Terrorism Food Safety Language Protection ANSWERS FOR 11 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 D 3 A 4 C 5 A 6 B MUST READ About religious liberty The Hindu India-Iran Tensions The Hindu About shooting down of Ukranian plane by Iran The Hindu On Sovereignty The Hindu
UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 156 Archives Important Note Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) To take the Test - Click Here
