Mar 30, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 30th March 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) MPLADS Funds Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II - Polity In News:  The Vice President of India appealed to all Members of Parliament to contribute at least Rs. 1 crore initially from their MPLADS funds.  The funds shall supplement the Government’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.  Key takeaways: The contribution will facilitate Members of Parliament to recommend funds for purchase of the equipments for Government Hospitals / Dispensaries.  The Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation has suitably amended the relevant guidelines to allow one-time dispensation under MPLADS for managing COVID-19. Important value additions: MPLADS funds It is a scheme formulated by the Government of India that enables the members of parliaments (MP) to recommend developmental work in their constituencies.  The emphasis is on creating durable community assets based on locally felt needs. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) looks into its working. The funds released under the scheme are non-lapsable. The MPs have a recommendatory role under the scheme.  The MPLADS is fully funded by the Government of India.  The annual MPLADS fund entitlement per MP constituency is Rs. 5 crore.  PM-CARES Fund Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II - Governance In News:  ‘Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund’ (PM CARES Fund) has been set up as a national fund to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.  Key takeaways: The primary objective is to deal with any kind of emergency or distress situation, like posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The fund will also help in providing relief to the affected.  This fund will enable micro-donations as a result of which a large number of people will be able to contribute with the smallest of denominations. Contribution by corporates to PM-CARES Fund will be considered as CSR expenditure under the companies law, as per Corporate Affairs Ministry's memorandum.  Important value additions: PM CARES Fund The Prime Minister is the Chairman of the fund.  Other Members include Defence Minister, Home Minister and Finance Minister. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)  Under section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, every company having net worth of at least Rs 500 crore, turnover of Rs 1,000 crore or more, or a minimum net profit of Rs 5 crore during the immediate preceding financial year has to make CSR expenditure. The CSR initiatives of companies thrust on creating value in the lives of the communities around its areas of business and manufacturing operations.  PM National Relief Funds (PMNRF)  These are the other funds under the Prime Minister.  He is the chairman of the fund. The PMNRF is used to support people affected by natural and man-made disasters.  This includes acid attacks, accidents and riots.  It is also allotted to people for kidney transplantation treatments, heat, surgeries, etc.  CoNTeC Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health; Governance In News:  The Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare launched the National Teleconsultation Centre (CoNTeC) recently.  Key takeaways: The project is conceptualised by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It will be implemented by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.  The doctors across the country will be able to connect to AIIMS in real time for treatment of the COVID-19 patients.  This facility shall be available 24X7.  The goal of the facility is to at least connect the doctors in the country together to discuss amongst themselves the protocols undertaken and provide the best treatment accordingly. Small states will be able to make use of the vast experience of the doctors at AIIMS.  Important value additions: National Teleconsultation Centre (CoNTeC) It is a Telemedicine Hub.  Expert doctors from various clinical domains shall answer the multifaceted questions from specialists from all over the country.  It is a multi-modal telecommunications hub.  2 way audio-video and text communications can be undertaken from any part of the country as well as the world at large.  The modes of communication will include simple mobile telephony and two way video communications through WhatsApp, Skype and Google Duo.  Force Majeure Part of: GS Prelims  In News:  The Ministry of Railways has decided that the period from 22.03.2020 to 14.04.2020 shall be treated under force majeure.  Key takeaways: The Ministry of Railways clarified that spread of coronavirus should be considered as a natural calamity and Force Majeure clause may be invoked.  Charges like demurrage, wharfage won't be applicable during this period.  Important value additions: Force Majeure Force majeure (FM) means extraordinary events or circumstances beyond human control such as an event described as an Act of God (like a natural calamity).  Demurrage - A charge payable to the owner of a chartered ship on failure to load or discharge the ship within the time agreed. Wharfage - Accommodation provided at a wharf for the loading, unloading, or storage of goods. Himalayan Ibex Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Conservation In News:  A recent study by scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has proved that Himalayan Ibex is a distinct species from the Siberian Ibex.  Key takeaways: The scientists assumed that the ‘montane systems’ which are formed due to climatic oscillations and temporal topographic metamorphosis might have broken up the adjoining distribution of widespread species.  This might have also led to the accelerated allopatric speciation (speciation because of geographic and reproductive isolation). Study will help in the global understanding of the Ibex distribution and evolution. Important value additions: Ibex Siberian Ibex is a species of wild goat.  It is distributed in diverse habitats, ranging from cold deserts, rocky outcrops, steep terrain, high-land flats and mountain ridges to low mountains and foothills. Himalayan Ibex is distributed in the trans-Himalayan ranges of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.  IUCN status of Ibex - Least concern.  [caption id="attachment_58625" align="aligncenter" width="329"] Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 30th March 2020[/caption] Image Source : Click here Zoological Survey of India It was founded by the Government of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as the premier Indian organisation in zoological research and studies to promote the survey, exploration and research of the fauna in the country. ZSI (zoology) as well as ASI (archaeology), BSI (botany), FSI (forests), FiSI (fisheries), GSI (geology), IIEE (ecology), NIO (oceanography), RGCCI (Census of India) and SI (cartography) are key national survey organisations of India. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.  FRBM Act In order to deal with crisis created by COVID-19 pandemic, Kerala government announced a package of ₹20,000 crores and urged the centre to provide flexibility under the FRBM Act. What is Fiscal responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act? It was enacted by Parliament in 2003. Background: Reckless borrowing by government to finance its programmes had led to high Fiscal Deficit, high Revenue Deficit, and high Debt-to-GDP ratio. The objectives of the act are To ensure fiscal discipline in government finances Inter-generational equity in fiscal management  Long-term macro-economic stability. Following documents were supposed to be placed in the Parliament annually along with the Budget, to ensure transparency & accountability in fiscal operations: Macroeconomic Framework Statement Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement Medium Term Fiscal Policy Statement  Medium Term Expenditure Framework Statement Among other targets, the act mandated the reduction of the fiscal deficit to 3% of GDP – Initial goal was March 31, 2009 but it has been postponed since 2008 to the most recent target of 3.1% for March 2023. FRBM Act and State government To ensure that the States too are financially prudent, the 12th Finance Commission’s recommendations in 2004 linked debt relief to States with their enactment of similar laws.  The States have since enacted their own respective Financial Responsibility Legislation, which sets the same 3% of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) cap on their annual budget deficits. Why is Kerala seeking flexibility under the FRBM? Kerala’s current fiscal position means that it can borrow about ₹25,000 crores during the financial year 2020-21. As per its COVID relief package, it plans to borrow ₹12,000 crore in April 2020 itself. FRBM limitations means constraints on its borrowing and spending ability over the remaining 11 months of the fiscal year. Thus, it has asked for relaxation of the FRBM act How does a relaxation of the FRBM work? The law does contain an ‘escape clause’ (section 4(2) of act) whereby the Centre can exceed the annual fiscal deficit target citing grounds that include national security, war, national calamity, structural reforms, decline in real output etc. The ongoing pandemic could be considered as a national calamity which is apt for suspending both the Centre’s and States’ fiscal deficit targets. This would allow both the Union government and States including Kerala to undertake the much-needed increases in expenditure to fight COVID pandemic. When have the FRBM norms been relaxed in the past? Most significant one was in 2008-09 – during the global financial crisis, when the Centre resorted to fiscal stimulus – lead to fiscal deficit climbing to 6.2% of GDP, from a budgeted goal of 2.7%. Simultaneously, the deficit goals for the States too were relaxed to 3.5% of GSDP for 2008-09 and 4% of GSDP for fiscal 2009-10. In the recent Union Budget for 2020-21 - Reductions in corporate tax was considered as structural reforms so as to trigger the escape clause - fiscal deficit target for 2019-20 was recalibrated to 3.8%, from the earlier 3.3% Connecting the dots: N K Singh Panel on review of FRBM act Impact on economy due to relaxation of Fiscal Deficit 15th Finance Commission’s interim report GOVERNANCE/ CIVIL SOCIETY Topic: General Studies 2: Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.  COVID-19: Rope in civil society to ease supply of food Context: The COVID-19 pandemic & the ensuing lockdown has disrupted all major sectors of the economy. However, if unattended the crisis can have most devastating impact on the agricultural sector on which nearly 60% of India’s population is dependent. During the relief package announced by government it stated that the beneficiaries of the PDS can avail three months’ ration at one go along with front loading money for farmers under PM-KISAN yojana. However, more needs to be done Do You Know? In 1918, the Spanish Flu infected 500 million people globally, when the world’s population was just 1.8 billion.  The pandemic claimed the lives of 50 million people — 14 million to 18 million of them in India.    What are the challenges with food during this times of crisis? Implementation Difficulties with relief package: Challenge for fair price shops to deliver the provisions in an orderly manner with intact supply chain Reduced Farmer income: Shortage of labour during this harvest season may lead to wastage of food produce especially perishable products like fruits & vegetables High Prices: Disruption in food chain can lead to high prices for consumers Chaos & Anarchy: If adequate food is not provided in a timely manner to people, it may lead to social unrest and political instability that further derails corrective measures. Alternatives available Suspend the APMC Act and encourage NGOs, civil society and corporate houses to directly procure from farmers. Suspension of weekly markets where social distancing is seldom practiced Rope in civil society - NGOs, resident welfare associations & religious organisations - for orderly and safe distribution of food — both pre-cooked and fresh Home (street) delivery of food provisions to avoid crowding In Metro Cities like Bengaluru & Delhi, collaboration with food deliver companies like Zomato & Swiggy can help overcome supply chain constraints imposed due to lockdown Local authorities can be given this task in semi-urban and rural areas Challenges Labour for harvesting the produce Safety of delivery personnel Perishability of fruits & vegetables Poultry industry affected – due to reduction in intake of chicken & eggs - has spill over effect on Maize (that is used as feed in Poultry sector) Way Ahead The Procurement agencies (FCI) and delivery agencies need to be trained about safety measures and supplied with safety gear Compensating poultry and maize farmers Announcing Rs 50/quintal per month to farmers as an incentive to stagger bringing farm produce to the market — say after May 10 Unloading of excessive buffer stock which is about 77 million metric tonnes (MMT) on March 1, against the norm of 21.4 MMT. Use of data analytics to optimize the quantity and delivery of goods Retail distribution lines need to be seamlessly linked to wholesale supply lines. Connecting the dots: Doubling of Farmers income – Ashok Dalwai Committee Food Riots that has happened in the past across the world (Think French Revolution) (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 regarding MPLADS funds: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) looks into its working.  The MPs have a recommendatory role under the scheme. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q 2. Consider the following statements regarding PM CARES Fund: The President is the chairman of the fund.  Contributions made by the corporates to this fund will be considered as CSR expenditure. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q 3. The National Teleconsultation Centre project shall be implemented by which of the following?  Ministry of Health and Welfare  All India Institute of Medical Sciences National Disaster Management Authority Ministry of Home Affairs Q 4. Invocation of Force Majeure was being considered by which of the following Ministry?  Ministry of Railways  Ministry of Defence  Ministry of Civil Aviation Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. ANSWERS FOR 28th March 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 C 3 B 4 C Must Read About need for bigger relief measures: LiveMint About COVID pandemic and void in global leadership: The Hindu About COVID-19 and need for rapid R&D team: The Hindu

Mar 30, 2020 60 DAYS PROGRAMME-PRELIMS 2020

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan [Day - 25]- IAS Prelims Test Series 2020 Polity & CURRENT AFFAIRS

ARCHIVES OF 60 DAY PLAN Dear Students, The 60 Days Training has finally begun:) DAY 25 is here! It is time to Introspect, Ideate and Improve!! We have come-up with articles to instil confidence, motivate you in the present situation. Do read these articles. Mark the words/lines in your dairy. These very lines can be the driving force’ in the time of uncertainty. [STRATEGY] MUST READ: 21 Days of Lockdown-What to do? Introspect, Ideate and Improve !! MUST READ: PRELIMS in Testing Times – Don’t Forget the ‘WHY’; IASbaba’s dedicated HOTLINE for Aspirants and Prelims Postponing Rumours Coronavirus[VIDEO]: Awareness, Myths, Solidarity and Message to All UPSC Aspirants by Mohan Sir Founder IASbaba To ensure that your preparation goes smoothly and keeping up with our promise, we have come up with a Dedicated HOTLINE (Communication channel) - Connect with BABA for all UPSC/IAS Aspirants. From today, you will be able to speak with the Founders and Core Team of IASbaba on telephone regarding ‘any queries’ related to UPSC preparation in general or Subject-specific doubts. This Hotline, will be in addition to the 'ASK YOUR BABA' (#ASKBABA) thread opened on a daily basis for our 60 Day plan. We will try to make sure that with so much going around these days, you have at least one less thing to worry about. How to make use of HOTLINE and ASK YOUR BABA (#ASKBABA)? There are 2 initiatives which will be running parallely. 1. HOTLINE - Connect with BABA (5pm - 7pm) The communication channel will be open ONLY for 2 hours Daily (except on Sundays - holiday) from 5pm to 7 pm. Please do not make calls before or after the specified time. As we will be occupied with other daily initiatives running on the website and mentorship. Hope you understand our time constraints. Please note that, call facilities are mainly for queries related to preparation per se like strategies, difficulties in reading a subject, what to read, what not to read, how to manage time, revision, motivation etc. You can call on the numbers given below. For any queries related to - UPSC Preparation (Prelims, Mains, Interview) Strategy & Current Affairs – contact 9986190082 Environment & Science and Technology – contact 9986193016 Polity & Economics – contact 9899291288 Geography & History – contact 9591106864 We have separated General Strategy (Preparation per se – Pre, Mains, Interview) and Current Affairs from other subjects. You can make use of the HOTLINE, as per your needs. 2. ASK YOUR BABA (#ASKBABA) - clear your doubts on the 60 Day Platform (Online from 11 am - 10 pm) Use the disqus comment section of that particular day (60 Day post - For Ex: Today is Day 25) to clear all your subject specific doubts of the day. You can post your queries/doubts with #ASKBABA !! Here, doubts related to the 60 day questions or conceptual clarity in a particular subject can be asked. Your doubts will be cleared on real-time basis (or max within hour it will be answered from the subject experts) If you are genuinely finding difficulty interms of preparing with that particular subject, then you can use 5pm-7pm window to make calls. If you are not able to speak to IASbaba's Team, then you can still post your doubts/queries in the same post of the 60 day initiative. As mentioned above, your doubts will be cleared on real-time basis (or max within hour it will be answered from the subject experts). Make the best use of the communication channel (Ask Your Baba/comment section on daily 60 Day post and calls) provided. We will make sure that, all your queries will be answered to. So we have  tried our bit, to ensure your preparation goes smoothly, you can do your bit by keeping in touch with us via phone/ website to keep yourself going, keep yourself engaged and staying positive during the rough times. How to make the maximum use of this HOTLINE and #ASKBABA (Disqus comment of 60 Day Plan) on Daily basis? Now, that I have solved 30 mcq’s, what to do next?  How to Analyse my Performance? For Answers to the above Questions  ->CONNECT WITH BABA: IASbaba’s Dedicated HOTLINE for UPSC/IAS Aspirants !! Note- Download the OMR Sheet and attempt the questions exactly like UPSC Prelims. After you are done, please post your OMR in the comment section. Once the solution key is released (5 PM), cross-check the answers and again, comment the marks (you got) in the same comment thread. This will keep you responsible and sincere in days to come. Also, we need more sets of scores for releasing the cut offs in the night so, requesting all of you to sincerely put your scores in comment section.    You can also take part in discussion with peers.   Q.1) Consider the following statements regarding Parliament Allocation of seats in Rajya Sabha is done on the basis of Representation of the People Act, 1950. The current Lok Sabha is functioning at its maximum strength (in terms of members). The provision of having nominated members in the Parliament is a permanent feature that will continue indefinitely. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1 and 2 1 and 3 All of the above None of the above Q.1) संसद के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें राज्यसभा में सीटों का आवंटन जनप्रतिनिधित्व अधिनियम, 1950 के आधार पर किया जाता है। वर्तमान लोकसभा अपनी अधिकतम सदस्य संख्या (सदस्यों के संदर्भ में) पर कार्य कर रही है। संसद में नामित सदस्य रहने का प्रावधान एक स्थायी विशेषता है जो अनिश्चित काल तक जारी रहेगी। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें 1 और 2 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी उपरोक्त में से कोई नहीं Q.2) The Constitution ensures uniformity of representation  Between different states Between constituencies of different states. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) संविधान प्रतिनिधित्व की एकरूपता (uniformity of representation ) सुनिश्चित करता है विभिन्न राज्यों के बीच विभिन्न राज्यों के निर्वाचन क्षेत्रों के बीच। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to the President of India President is the highest decision-making authority in our politico-administrative system. President can require the Prime Minister to submit, for consideration of the council of ministers, any matter on which a decision has been taken by a minister but, which has not been considered by the council. President can make regulations for the peace, progress and good government of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. In the case of Puducherry and Delhi, the President can legislate by making regulations but only when the assembly is suspended or dissolved. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1, 3 and 4 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 All of the above Q.3) भारत के राष्ट्रपति के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें राष्ट्रपति हमारी राजनीतिक-प्रशासनिक प्रणाली में सर्वोच्च निर्णय लेने वाले प्राधिकारी हैं। राष्ट्रपति को, मंत्रियों की परिषद पर विचार करने के लिए, जिस पर किसी मंत्री द्वारा निर्णय लिया गया हो, लेकिन जिसे परिषद द्वारा नहीं माना गया है, प्रधान मंत्री को प्रस्तुत करने की आवश्यकता हो सकती है। राष्ट्रपति अंडमान और निकोबार द्वीप समूह, लक्षद्वीप, दादरा और नगर हवेली और दमन और दीव की शांति, प्रगति और अच्छी सरकार के लिए नियम बना सकते हैं। पुडुचेरी और दिल्ली के मामले में, राष्ट्रपति नियम बनाकर कानून बना सकता है, लेकिन केवल तभी जब विधानसभा निलंबित या भंग हो। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें 1, 3 और 4 2 और 3 1, 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.4) A member incurs disqualification under the defection law If he voluntary gives up the membership of the political party on whose ticket he is elected to the House If he votes or abstains from voting in the House contrary to any direction given by his political party; If any independently elected member joins any political party after 6 months. If any nominated member joins any political party before 6 months. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1, 2 and 3 1 and 2 2, 3 and 4 All of the above Q.4) एक सदस्य पर दल-बदल कानून के तहत अयोग्यता का आरोप लगता है यदि वह स्वैच्छिक रूप से उस राजनीतिक दल की सदस्यता छोड़ देता है जिसके टिकट पर वह सदन के लिए निर्वाचित होता है यदि वह सदन में वोट देते समय अनुपस्थित होता है या अपनी राजनीतिक पार्टी द्वारा दिए गए किसी भी निर्देश के विपरीत करता है; यदि कोई स्वतंत्र रूप से निर्वाचित सदस्य 6 महीने के बाद किसी भी राजनीतिक दल में शामिल हो जाता है। यदि कोई भी नामित सदस्य 6 महीने से पहले किसी भी राजनीतिक दल में शामिल हो जाता है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें 1, 2 और 3 1 और 2 2, 3 और 4 उपरोक्त सभी Q.5) Which of the following statements regarding speaker of the Lok Sabha are incorrect? The oath to the office of Speaker is administered by the President of India. He is the final interpreter of the provisions of the Constitution of India. In absence of quorum, he can suspend the house only on the recommendation of the President. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 All of the above Q.5) लोकसभा के अध्यक्ष (speaker) के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन गलत है? अध्यक्ष के पद की शपथ भारत के राष्ट्रपति द्वारा दिलाई जाती है। वह भारत के संविधान के प्रावधानों के अंतिम व्याख्याकार हैं। कोरम के अभाव में, वह राष्ट्रपति की सिफारिश पर ही सदन को निलंबित कर सकता है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें 1 और 2 1 और 3 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.6) Consider the following differences between the Chairman of Rajya Sabha and the Speaker of Lok Sabha The Speaker can vote in the first instance when a resolution for his removal is under consideration, while the Chairman cannot vote. Like the speaker, the Chairman too is not a member of the house. Speaker can preside over a joint sitting of two Houses of Parliament. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 All of the above Q.6) राज्यसभा के सभापति और लोकसभा अध्यक्ष के बीच निम्नलिखित अंतरों पर विचार करें अध्यक्ष पहली बार में मतदान कर सकता है जब उसके निष्कासन का प्रस्ताव विचाराधीन है, जबकि सभापति मतदान नहीं कर सकता है। अध्यक्ष की तरह, सभापति भी सदन का सदस्य नहीं होता है। अध्यक्ष संसद के दोनों सदनों की संयुक्त बैठक की अध्यक्षता कर सकता है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें 1 और 2 1 और 3 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.7) Which of the following provisions are contained in the Representation of People Act, 1950? Delimitation of Constituencies Preparation of electoral rolls Qualifications for membership of Houses of Parliament Qualification of voters Choose the correct answer using codes below 1,2 and 3 1,2 and 4 2,3 and 4 1,2,3 and 4 Q.7) जनप्रतिनिधित्व कानून, 1950 में निम्नलिखित में से कौन से प्रावधान निहित हैं? निर्वाचन क्षेत्रों का परिसीमन निर्वाचक नामावली तैयार करना संसद के सदनों की सदस्यता के लिए योग्यता मतदाताओं की योग्यता नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें 1,2 और 3 1,2 और 4 2,3 और 4 1,2,3 और 4 Q.8) Consider the following statements with respect to dissolution of Lok Sabha If the house is dissolved before the completion of its normal tenure, the dissolution can be revoked on the order of the President. All bills pending in the Lok Sabha lapse on dissolution. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.8) लोकसभा के विघटन के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें यदि सदन अपने सामान्य कार्यकाल के पूरा होने से पहले भंग हो जाती है, तो राष्ट्रपति के आदेश पर विघटन को रद्द किया जा सकता है। लोकसभा में सभी लंबित विधेयक विघटन के मामले में समाप्त हो जाते हैं। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.9) Consider the following statements regarding the question hour The members can ask questions to the minsters as well as private members. A short notice question can have either an oral answer or a written answer.  Choose the correct answer using codes below 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.9) प्रश्नकाल के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें सदस्य मंत्रियों के साथ-साथ निजी सदस्यों से भी प्रश्न पूछ सकते हैं। एक अल्प सूचना प्रश्‍न (short notice question) का मौखिक उत्तर या लिखित उत्तर हो सकता है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.10) Consider the following statements regarding Privilege motion It can be moved for the breach of parliamentary privileges by a minister. It can be moved by a member when he feels that a minister has withheld facts of a case. Its can be used to censure the council of ministers. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 All of the above Q.10) विशेषाधिकार प्रस्ताव के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें यह एक मंत्री द्वारा संसदीय विशेषाधिकारों के उल्लंघन के लिए स्थानांतरित किया जा सकता है। यह एक सदस्य द्वारा स्थानांतरित किया जा सकता है जब उसे लगता है कि एक मंत्री ने किसी मामले में तथ्यों को छिपाया है। इसका प्रयोग मंत्रिपरिषद की निंदा (censure) के लिए किया जा सकता है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें 1 और 2 1 और 3 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.11) Consider the following statements  First day of each session is addressed by the President. The ‘Motion of Thanks’ needs to be passed only in the Lok Sabha to avoid defeat of the government. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.11) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें प्रत्येक सत्र का पहला दिन राष्ट्रपति द्वारा संबोधित किया जाता है। सरकार को गिरने से बचाने के लिए 'धन्यवाद प्रस्ताव' को केवल लोकसभा में पारित करने की आवश्यकता होती है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.12) The President can call a joint sitting of the houses for which of the following bills? Bill related to amendments as per Article 368. Bill containing provisions involving expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India, other than those mentioned in Article 110. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.12) राष्ट्रपति निम्नलिखित में से किस विधेयक के लिए सदनों की संयुक्त बैठक बुला सकते हैं? अनुच्छेद 368 के अनुसार संशोधनों से संबंधित विधेयक। विधेयक जिसमें भारत के समेकित निधि से व्यय शामिल हैं, लेकिन अनुच्छेद 110 में उल्लिखित के अलावा अन्य प्रावधान हैं। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.13) Consider the following constitutional provisions with respect to enactment of Budget No demand for a grant shall be made except on the recommendation of the President. Parliament can reduce or increase a tax but cannot abolish it. The expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India can be discussed by the Parliament. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 All of the above Q.13) बजट अधिनियमित करने के संबंध में निम्नलिखित संवैधानिक प्रावधानों पर विचार करें राष्ट्रपति की सिफारिश के अलावा अनुदान की कोई मांग नहीं की जाएगी। संसद एक कर को कम या बढ़ा सकती है लेकिन इसे समाप्त नहीं कर सकती। भारत के समेकित कोष पर भारित व्यय पर संसद द्वारा चर्चा की जा सकती है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें 1 और 2 1 और 3 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.14) Which of the following cut motions have been defined correctly? Token Cut Motion- It states that the amount of the demand be reduced to Re 1. Economy cut Motion- It states that the amount of the demand be reduced by Rs 100. Policy Cut Motion- It states that the amount of the demand be reduced by a specified amount. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1 only 2 and 3 All of the above None of the above Q.14) निम्नलिखित में से कौन से कटौती प्रस्तावों को सही ढंग से परिभाषित किया गया है? सांकेतिक कटौती प्रस्ताव- यह बताता है कि मांग की राशि को घटाकर 1 रुपये किया जाएगा। आर्थिक कटौती प्रस्ताव- इसमें कहा गया है कि मांग की राशि में 100 रुपये की कमी की जाएगी। नीतिगत कटौती प्रस्ताव- इसमें कहा गया है कि मांग की राशि एक निर्दिष्ट राशि से कम की जाए। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें केवल 1 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी उपरोक्त में से कोई नहीं Q.15) Which of the following grant is made when funds to meet the proposed expenditure on a new service can be made available by reappropriation? Supplementary Grant Token Grant Additional Grant Excess Grant Q.15) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा अनुदान तब दिया जाता है, जब किसी नई सेवा पर प्रस्तावित व्यय को पूरा करने के लिए धन पुनर्विनियोजन (reappropriation) द्वारा उपलब्ध कराया जा सकता है? अनुपूरक अनुदान सांकेतिक अनुदान अतिरिक्त अनुदान आधिक्य अनुदान Q.16) Consider the following statements regarding the Contingency Fund of India According to the Indian constitution, the President can establish a Contingency Fund of India. Contingency Fund of India is placed at the disposal of the Parliament. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.16) भारत की आकस्मिकता निधि के बारे में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें भारतीय संविधान के अनुसार, राष्ट्रपति भारत की आकस्मिकता निधि की स्थापना कर सकते हैं। भारत की आकस्मिक निधि को संसद के निपटान (disposal) के अंतर्गत रखा गया है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.17) The Parliament has been empowered to make laws on the subjects enumerated in the State List under which of the following circumstances Giving effect to international treaties. Resolving dispute between two states. President’s Rule is in operation in the state. Proclamation of National Emergency is in operation. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1,2 and 3 1,2 and 4 1,3 and 4 All of the above Q.17) संसद को राज्य सूची में शामिल विषयों पर कानून बनाने के लिए अधिकार दिया गया है, जो निम्नलिखित परिस्थितियों में है अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संधियों को प्रभावी करना। दो राज्यों के बीच विवादों का समाधान करना। राज्य में राष्ट्रपति शासन लागू होने के मामले में। राष्ट्रीय आपातकाल की उद्घोषणा लागू हो। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें 1,2 और 3 1,2 और 4 1,3 और 4 उपरोक्त सभी Q.18) Consider the following with respect to parliamentary privileges Privilege not to be arrested is available only for civil and preventive detention cases and not for criminal cases. The courts are prohibited to inquire into the proceedings of Parliamentary committees. Members can refuse to give evidence and appear as a witness in a case pending in a court when Parliament is in session. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 All of the above Q.18) संसदीय विशेषाधिकारों के संबंध में निम्नलिखित पर विचार करें गिरफ्तार न किए जाने का विशेषाधिकार केवल दीवानी और निवारक निरोध मामलों के लिए उपलब्ध है तथा आपराधिक मामलों के लिए नहीं। न्यायालयों को संसदीय समितियों की कार्यवाही में पूछताछ करने के लिए निषिद्ध किया गया है। सदस्य साक्ष्य देने से तथा एक न्यायालय में लंबित मामले में एक गवाह के रूप में प्रस्तुत होने से इंकार कर सकते हैं, जब संसद सत्र चल रहा होता है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें 1 और 2 1 और 3 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.19) Consider the following statements with respect to Public Accounts Committee It has been established under the provisions of the Government of India Act of 1919. A minister cannot be elected as a member of the committee. The decisions of the committee are binding on the ministries. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 All of the above Q.19) लोक लेखा समिति के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें इसे 1919 के भारत सरकार अधिनियम के प्रावधानों के तहत स्थापित किया गया है। एक मंत्री को समिति के सदस्य के रूप में नहीं चुना जा सकता है। समिति के निर्णय मंत्रालयों के लिए बाध्यकारी होते हैं। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें 1 और 2 1 और 3 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.20) Consider the following statements with respect to ordinances An ordinance can be issued when only one House is in session. The President’s satisfaction on existence of circumstances to promulgate ordinance is justiciable on the ground of malafide. An ordinance can be issued on any of the subjects mentioned in the constitution. Choose the correct answer using codes below 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 All of the above Q.20) अध्यादेशों (ordinances) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें अध्यादेश तब जारी किया जा सकता है जब केवल एक सदन सत्र में हो। अध्यादेश प्रख्यापित करने के लिए परिस्थितियों के अस्तित्व पर राष्ट्रपति की संतुष्टि दुर्भावना (malafide) के आधार पर न्यायोचित है। संविधान में उल्लिखित किसी भी विषय पर अध्यादेश जारी किया जा सकता है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें 1 और 2 1 और 3 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.21) Recently launched SUMAN initiative aims for Zero Preventable Maternal and Newborn Deaths Reducing the Double burden of Malnutrition Livelihood Promotion of Urban Poor  Reducing illiteracy among Scheduled Tribes  Q.21) हाल ही में, आरंभ की गयी सुमन पहल (SUMAN initiative) का क्या उद्देश्य है शून्य निवारक मातृ और नवजात मृत्यु कुपोषण के दोहरे बोझ को कम करना शहरी गरीबों की आजीविका संवर्धन अनुसूचित जनजातियों में निरक्षरता को कम करना Q.22) Ghoramara Island is located in which of the following coastal States? Maharashtra Andhra Pradesh West Bengal Gujarat Q.22) घोरमारा द्वीप (Ghoramara Island) निम्नलिखित में से किस तटीय राज्य में स्थित है? महाराष्ट्र आंध्र प्रदेश पश्चिम बंगाल गुजरात Q.23) Consider the following pairs: Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) Category of AIF   1. Angel Funds Category I   2. Infrastructure Funds  Category II   3. Hedge Funds Category III Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 1 and 2 only 2 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.23) निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार करें:           वैकल्पिक निवेश कोष (एआईएफ)                           एआईएफ की श्रेणी   1. एंजल फंड्स                                   श्रेणी I   2. इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर फंड्स                                   श्रेणी II   3. हेज़ फंड्स (Hedge Funds)                                   श्रेणी III ऊपर दिए गए जोड़े में से कौन सा सही तरीके से सुमेलित है? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 केवल 1 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.24) With reference to 'Go Blue' Campaign, consider the following statements:  It aims at promoting the sustainable fishing practices around the world. It is a joint initiative of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and UN Environment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only  Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.24) 'गो ब्लू' अभियान (‘Go Blue' Campaign) के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: इसका उद्देश्य विश्व भर में मछली पकड़ने की सतत प्रथाओं को बढ़ावा देना है। यह अंतर्राष्ट्रीय समुद्री संगठन (IMO) और संयुक्त राष्ट्र पर्यावरण की एक संयुक्त पहल है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.25) Which of the following statements about Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique (BOLD-QIT) Project is/are correct? It is a project under CIBMS (Comprehensive Integrated Border Management system). Under the project technical systems are installed along India-Bangladesh border. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 only 2 only  Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.25) बॉर्डर इलेक्ट्रॉनिकली डोमिनेटेड क्यूआरटी इंटरसेप्शन तकनीक (BOLD-QIT) प्रोजेक्ट के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है? यह CIBMS (व्यापक एकीकृत सीमा प्रबंधन प्रणाली) के तहत एक परियोजना है। परियोजना के तहत भारत-बांग्लादेश सीमा पर तकनीकी प्रणाली स्थापित की गई है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.26) ‘Riyadh Agreement’ was in news recently. It primarily deals with which of the following countries? Yemen Iran Iraq Syria Q.26) ‘रियाद समझौता’ (Riyadh Agreement) हाल ही में समाचारों में था। यह मुख्य रूप से निम्नलिखित में से किस देश से संबंधित है? यमन ईरान इराक सीरिया Q.27) Which of the following acts is administered by the ‘Reserve Bank of India’? Government Securities Regulations, 2007 Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005 Factoring Regulation Act, 2011 Select the correct statements 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 4 All of the above Q.27) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा अधिनियम ‘भारतीय रिजर्व बैंक’ द्वारा प्रशासित किया जाता है? सरकारी प्रतिभूति विनियम, 2007 विदेशी मुद्रा प्रबंधन अधिनियम, 1999 क्रेडिट सूचना कंपनी (विनियमन) अधिनियम, 2005 फैक्टरिंग विनियमन अधिनियम, 2011 (Factoring Regulation Act, 2011) सही कथनों का चयन करें 1, 2 और 3 2, 3 और 4 1, 3 और 4 उपरोक्त सभी Q.28) ‘Kihoto Hollohan vs Zachillhu And Others (1992)’ Judgment is associated with Tenth Schedule Right to Property Sedition Personal Laws Q.28) ‘किहोतो होलोहन बनाम जचिलहू और अन्य (1992)' अधिनिर्णय किसके साथ संबद्ध है दसवीं अनुसूची संपत्ति का अधिकार राज - द्रोह पर्सनल लॉ Q.29) The term ‘Spaghetti bowl effect’ is concerned with Human Development Index Free Trade Agreements Pumping and Dumping Stocks Global Warming Q.29) 'स्पेगेटी बाउल प्रभाव' (Spaghetti bowl effect) शब्द का किससे संबंध है मानव विकास सूची मुक्त व्यापार समझौतों पम्पिंग और डंपिंग स्टॉक्स (Pumping and Dumping Stocks) वैश्विक उष्मन Q.30) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)’  ETFs are traded on stock exchanges like shares. The expenses ratio of ETFs is generally on the higher side compared to mutual funds. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.30) 'एक्सचेंज ट्रेडेड फंड (ETF)' के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। ईटीएफ का शेयरों की तरह स्टॉक एक्सचेंजों पर कारोबार किया जाता है। ईटीएफ का व्यय अनुपात आम तौर पर म्यूचुअल फंड की तुलना में अधिक होता है। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 DOWNLOAD THE SOLUTION ENGLISH HINDI NOTE- Follow this for Comments Mention- Time Taken after solving the Test After the release of Solution Edit your Comment to Mention-  Correct/Incorrect and Score 2 Marks for Correct/0.66 minus for Incorrect. DOWNLOAD THE 60 DAYS PLAN 2020  All the Best! IASbaba

Mar 30, 2020 AIR

Major Bills in the Budget Session of Parliament - All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC

ARCHIVES Major Bills in the Budget Session of Parliament Search 12th March, 2020 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx  Topic: General Studies 2 Government schemes and policies Passage of Bill on Social Justice and Educational Reforms –  The Constitution Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2020 amends Part VI of the Order which specifies the Scheduled Tribes in Karnataka.  The Central Sanskrit Universities Bill, 2020 intends to upgrade the three Deemed to be Universities in Sanskrit, namely, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Delhi, Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, New Delhi and Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Triputi into Central Sanskrit Universities in order to give a boost to Post Graduate, Doctoral and Post Doctoral education and Research in the field of Sanskrit and Shastraic education. It would help in getting better faculty, attract foreign students, Sanskrit scholars, foreign faculty of international repute and help in international collaborations with global Universities across the world. Passage of Bill Economic Sector/Ease of doing Business measures – The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 intends to facilitate seamless transfer of all valid rights, approvals, clearances, licenses and the like for a period of two years to a new lessee in case of minerals other than coal, lignite and atomic minerals. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2020 intends to give the highest priority in repayment to last mile funding to corporate debtors to prevent insolvency, in case the company goes into corporate insolvency resolution process or liquidation to prevent potential abuse of the Code by certain classes of financial creditors, to provide immunity against prosecution of the corporate debtor and action against the property of the corporate debtor and the successful resolution applicant subject to fulfilment of certain conditions to fill the critical gaps in the corporate insolvency framework.  The Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Bill, 2020 proposes for resolution of pending tax disputes by not only generating timely revenue for government but also the tax payers who will be able to deploy time, energy and resources saved by opting for such dispute resolution towards their business activities.

Mar 29, 2020 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Why search for Spiritual Freedom – Inspirational Educative Articles

Why search for Spiritual Freedom: You need to strive for Awakening because your thirst is real, and not because there is someone trying to persuade you to move toward it. Every day when you get out of bed, even without knowing, you are searching for Awakening. Since you are deeply attached to the language of the world, this fundamental spiritual desire manifests itself as a worldly desire. How often have you asked yourself, “Can my life be something more than this? Will I ever find the happiness I’m searching for? Why am I in so much pain and frustration?” All these questions are different ways of saying the same thing - “I need Awakening, I need Enlightenment.” The language of spiritual Awakening is not a part of your daily life, because in your daily life you are not surrounded by Enlightened people who want to Awaken you. You are surrounded by people who want something from you. Most of the time, you are pursuing desires, not for yourself, but for people around you. Just pause and ask yourself this question: How much time do you spend every day purely for your own happiness and satisfaction, and how much time do you spend every day to keep someone else satisfied? You can keep on ignoring your existential desire to Awaken, but you can never escape it. At some point in time, you have to come to the realization that what you are searching for is not on the outside, but within you. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”

Mar 28, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th March 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Measures taken up by RBI Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Economy In News:  In the recent meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), several measures were taken up in a move to fight the economic impact of the countrywide lockdown to check the spread of novel coronavirus.  Key takeaways: It allowed the equated monthly instalments (EMIs) to be deferred by three months.  Since non-payment will not lead to non-performing asset classification by banks, there will be no impact on credit score of the borrowers. The repo rate was reduced to by 75 bps to 4.4% while the reverse repo rate was cut by 90 bps point to 4%. Reduced reverse repo rate will help banks to lend more rather than keeping their excess liquidity with the RBI. RBI has also reduced the cash reserve ratio of banks, thus increasing liquidity. Important value additions:  Monetary Policy Committee It is responsible for fixing the benchmark interest rate in India.  The meetings are held at least 4 times a year.  The committee comprises six members - three officials of the Reserve Bank of India and three external members nominated by the Government of India. Repo Rate It is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends money to commercial banks in the event of any shortfall of funds. It is used by monetary authorities to control inflation. Reverse Repo Rate It is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India borrows money from commercial banks of the country.  It can be used to control the money supply in the country. Cash Reserve Ratio It is the share of a bank’s total deposit that is mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to be maintained with the latter in the form of liquid cash. Kavutheendal ceremony Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Art and Culture In News:  Kavutheendal ceremony, a part of the Meena Bharani festival, was recently performed at Sri Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala.  Key takeaways: The ceremony usually sees huge number of devotees.  Amidst the coronavirus lockdown, the ceremony was performed by a representative of the Velan community, without the presence of any devotee.  Important value additions: Kavutheendal ritual It is considered as the largest congregation of oracles in the world.  This ritual is based on the notions of purity/impurity inherent in Brahminical Hinduism. Velan community The community belongs to scheduled caste that lives mainly in Kerala.  Sri Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple It is a Hindu temple at Kodungallur of Kerala state in India.  It is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali, a form of Maha Kali worshipped in Kerala.  Kavutheendal ceremony Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodungallur_Bhagavathy_Temple Tribal rituals for lockdown Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Art and Culture In News:  Various tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh performed rituals to observe lockdown in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.  Key takeaways: Arr-Rinam was performed by the Galos community.  The Adi community performed Motor ritual.  The Nyishi community observed Arrue involving self-quarantine.  Important value additions: Galos community They belong to the Tani group inhabiting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, besides Tibet. Only the Galos maintain genealogy through given names. The Galos perform Popir dance.  They have been recognized as a Scheduled Tribe under the constitution.  Adi community They are one of the most populous groups of indigenous peoples in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.  Their prime festivals are Aran, Donggin , Solung, and Etor. The majority of Adi traditionally follow Donyi-Polo religion.  Nyishi community It is the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh.  The Nyishi language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family.  Polygyny is prevalent among the Nyishi.  Homam ceremony performed Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Art and Culture In News:  Homam ceremony was recently performed at Srikalahastheeswara Devasthanam.  Key takeaways: The Homam is generally performed to ensure prosperity and well-being at the global level and health and longevity at the individual level.  This time it was particularly performed to undo the negative effects of coronavirus. Important value additions: Srikalahastheeswara Devasthanam The temple is famous across the world for performing ‘Rahu Ketu Puja’ every day to fight the ‘toxic’ effect of Rahu and Ketu, the ‘rogue serpents’ among the pantheon of Hindu gods. This is the only Saivite shrine in the country to remain open during the solar and lunar eclipse.  Homam ceremony performed Image source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/Srikalahasti-temple-tower-ready-for-consecration/article17129363.ece Corona kavach Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Governance; Health In News:  Recently, the details of air travellers were leaked online raising privacy concerns.  Key takeaways: A forward of a list containing details of the passengers was received on number of social media platforms, which were forwarded further.  The list included names, passport numbers, flight details, mobile phone numbers and addresses of all travellers.  Apart from the threat of violence, each person on the list may be vulnerable to a number of crimes, like online fraud, electronic impersonation or identity theft.  Beta app Corona Kavach has raised some red flags due to this leak.  Important value additions: Corona Kavach It is a beta-version app by the Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology. It is an app designed to track the location of COVID-19 infected people and alert subscribers when they come near their locations.  It has already been downloaded by more than 100,000 people.  It is mandatory for all COVID-19 patients to download the app to track their whereabouts. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.  COVID-19: RBI announces measures After Finance Ministry announced the 1.7 Lakh Crore relief package, the RBI also has come up a slew of measure to help the economy tide over distress caused by COVID-19 pandemic.  Do You Know? Since February 2020, RBI has pumped in ₹2.8-lakh crore in the system through various market interventions (like LTRO, OMO) US Federal bank has reduced its interest rates to near zero to shore up liquidity in its financial system Relief measures announced by RBI are: Repo Rate: cut by 75 basis points to 4.4% - To ease credit lending in the economy Reverse Repo rate: Reduced by 90 basis points to 4%  Cash Reserve Ratio(CRR): Reduced by 100 basis points to 3% of net demands and time liabilities – will inject ₹1.37-lakh crore into the system Accommodation under Marginal Standing Facility to be increased from 2% to 3% of SLR. This will release Rs 1.37 lakh crore into the system. All term Loan repayment: Moratorium i.e. Temporary halt of three months on payment of instalments  Long term repo operations will be carried out by RBI to inject liquidity to the tune of ₹1 lakh crore  The cumulative liquidity boost provided by RBI through above measures amounts to ₹3.74-lakh crore Impact of RBI’s actions Compliments the efforts of government to address the economic upheaval caused by COVID-19 pandemic Reduction of Repo rate lowers the cost of capital  Reduction of Reverse Repo will disincentivise banks from parking their funds with the RBI Prevent credit market dislocation Relief to all retail & corporate borrowers who are finding it difficult to service their loans during this crisis period Protects against defaults & banks’ rising NPAs Ensures ample liquidity and narrows the credit spreads of corporates It reflects the RBI’s willingness to listen to problems faced at ground level and its effort to resolve them. Adaptability: RBI has stated that it will not shy away from using both conventional and unconventional measures in future to adapt to the evolving situation Helps in reassuring Public trust in the Banking system during this crisis period Challenges Monetary Transmission: To ensure quick liquidity transmission to the larger economy and not just to investment grade companies.  Consequences of heightened liquidity like Inflation which needs to tackled in future Fresh investment will be the last thing on the minds of businessmen who are currently grappling with unsold inventory & disrupted supply chain Inadequate action by RBI to ease the corporate securities market (suggestion is direct buying of Corporate Bonds like US Fed) There could be a sharp rise in bad loans a few quarters after the end of the moratorium  RBI has stopped short of providing material relief measures for medium and small enterprises, which are likely to bear the brunt of shutdown Connecting the dots: Abenomics that includes Negative Interest rates How central banks can ensure smoother & quicker monetary transmission? JUDICIARY Topic: General Studies 2: Structure, organization and functioning of the Judiciary  Judicial Administration Reform Context: Criticism on Supreme Court about delay in hearing of crucial cases due to its inefficient administrative functioning.  Allegations on Supreme Court Critical cases like those concerning personal liberty, law and order and Democratic functioning, are posted after long intervals  The Government is being granted a luxury of time to respond.  Example: Kashmir notification (Article 370), Citizenship Amendment Act, Electoral bonds Impact of Judicial inaction on significant cases Fait accompli can be created due to lack of judicial action in such cases where immediacy is pre-eminent. Adds fuel to perception that judicial inaction is due to executive influence Erodes public trust on apex court Increases backlogs in Judiciary What are the possible reasons causing this situation? CJI has been given the onerous dual charge of heading both the administrative and judicial functions of the court. Increasing number of cases has made handling both these tasks difficult Some of the administrative functions carried out by CJI includes: All service-related matters of the SC’s 2,500 employees Issue office orders to streamline the registry  Supervise measures for security and infrastructure Chair committees Interview candidates for the various courts, etc Inadequate capabilities & training of Junior officers under CJI who handle these tasks Possible Solution – CEO A chief executive officer – an independent professional who is equipped with the day-to-day management of the Court and is not beholden to the judges in any way CEO will be charged with the entire mission of running the Court, so that the judges can concentrate on adjudication of cases It will reduce the burden on CJI which will lead to faster resolution of cases. Challenges ahead CEO needs to be given adequate operational autonomy to ensure efficiency in management of Court’s administrative functioning He/she should be answerable to a committee of the Court, comprising judges and bar representatives Conclusion Resolution of significant cases in a time-bound manner is crucial for robust functioning of Democracy Connecting the dots: Judicial Vacancies in India – Its impact and challenges Need for digitisation of Judicial process as a part of Judicial 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.Consider the following statements: Monetary Policy Committee fixes the benchmark interest rate in India.  The meetings are held at least two times a year.  Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q 2.Consider the following statements: Kavutheendal ritual is considered as largest congregation of auricles in the world.  The ceremony is performed by the representative of Velan community. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q 3. Which is the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh? Adi  Nishi  Galos  Ahom Q 4. Consider the following statements Srikalahastheeswara Devasthanam is famous for performing ‘Rahu Ketu Puja’.  This is the only Saivite shrine in the country which remains open during the solar and lunar eclipse.  Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 27th March 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 C 3 B 4 D Must Read About UP government’s action on anti-CAA protesters & its impact: The Hindu About Lockdown in the wake of COVID-19: The Indian Express About Agriculture & impact of COVID-19: The Indian Express

Mar 28, 2020 60 DAYS PROGRAMME-PRELIMS 2020

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan [Day - 24]- IAS Prelims Test Series 2020 Environment & CURRENT AFFAIRS

Hello Friends, The 60 Days Training has finally begun:) DAY 24 is here! Before any competition, there is a preparatory phase. That phase involves a lot of sessions on strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the preparatory phase, the athletes train in a gradual manner. In the last phase, just before the actual competition, the training is done so as to sharpen their skills. This training requires complete focus and dedication. In this phase, the athletes do not try anything new or train in a new fashion rather focus on the sharpening of skills, focusing on strength and precision. Similarly, the upcoming 60 days, is like the last phase (training session), just before the actual competition. Here, the focus should be on sharpening the concepts, consolidating the knowledge base and solidifying the learning with loads and loads of revision. You will come across many distractions in between in the name of sources and resources (exclusive and inclusive), beware of them. Be alert and objective in selecting your companions in this preparation. Trust your effort and revise more than falling prey to multiple resources and doing nothing in the end. Everything that seems attractive is not productive. You should always go for productivity.  Let us pledge to make it a big game-changer (better than last year) in the next 60 days! Note- Download the OMR Sheet and attempt the questions exactly like UPSC Prelims. After you are done, please post your OMR in the comment section. Once the solution key is released (5 PM), cross-check the answers and again, comment the marks (you got) in the same comment thread. This will keep you responsible and sincere in days to come. Also, we need more sets of scores for releasing the cut offs in the night so, requesting all of you to sincerely put your scores in comment section.    You can also take part in discussion with peers.   Q.1) According to Greenpeace India report, India is the largest emitter of Sulphur dioxide in the world. Consider the following statements: More than 15 % of all the anthropogenic SO2 hotspots are in India, as detected by the NASA OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) satellite. Majority of emission is because of coal burning Deadline for the installation of flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) in power plants has been extended from 2017 to 2025. Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 3 only 1 and 3 only None of the above Q.1) ग्रीनपीस इंडिया की रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, भारत विश्व में सल्फर डाइऑक्साइड का सबसे बड़ा उत्सर्जक है। निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: सभी मानवजनित SO2 हॉटस्पॉट का 15% से अधिक भारत में है, जैसा कि नासा ओएमआई (ओजोन मॉनिटरिंग इंस्ट्रूमेंट) उपग्रह द्वारा पता लगाया गया है। कोयले के जलने से अधिकांश उत्सर्जन होता है बिजली संयंत्रों में फ्ल्यू-गैस डिसल्फराइजेशन (FGD) के अधिष्ठापन (Installation) की समय सीमा 2017 से बढ़ाकर 2025 कर दी गई है। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 3 केवल 1 और 3 इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.2) As India grows and urbanizes, its water bodies are getting toxic. Which of the below statement is/are correct with respect to water pollution in India. It's estimated that around 70% of surface water in India is unfit for consumption. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), non- statutory organization is entrusted with the responsibility of water pollution control Increased Water pollution can reduce agricultural productivity and the GDP growth of India Choose the correct option from below: 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only All of the above. Q.2) जैसे-जैसे भारत विकसित हुआ है और शहरीकरण बढ़ा है, इसके जल निकाय विषाक्त हो रहे हैं। भारत में जल प्रदूषण के संबंध में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है / हैं। यह अनुमान है कि भारत में लगभग 70% सतही जल उपभोग के लिए अयोग्य है। केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड (सीपीसीबी), गैर-सांविधिक संगठन को जल प्रदूषण नियंत्रण की जिम्मेदारी सौंपी गयी है जल प्रदूषण बढ़ने से कृषि उत्पादकता और भारत की जीडीपी वृद्धि कम हो सकती है नीचे से सही विकल्प चुनें: केवल 1   केवल 2 और 3 केवल 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.3) Consider the following statements with reference to The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 FRA act, address the livelihood security of the people, as well as addresses conservation and management governance in India FRA act recognises Community Rights or rights over common property resources of the communities but not individual rights. FRA secures Right to intellectual property and traditional knowledge related to biodiversity and cultural diversity Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only None of the above. Q.3) अनुसूचित जनजातियों और अन्य पारंपरिक वन निवासियों (वन अधिकार कानून की मान्यता) अधिनियम, 2006 के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। एफआरए अधिनियम, लोगों की आजीविका सुरक्षा को संबोधित करता है, साथ ही भारत में संरक्षण और प्रबंधन प्रशासन को संबोधित करता है एफआरए अधिनियम सामुदायिक अधिकारों या समुदायों के सामान्य संपत्ति संसाधनों पर अधिकारों को मान्यता देता है, लेकिन व्यक्तिगत अधिकारों को नहीं। एफआरए बौद्धिक संपदा तथा जैव विविधता और सांस्कृतिक विविधता से संबंधित पारंपरिक ज्ञान का अधिकार सुरक्षित करता है उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.4) With reference to the Woods in Good Campaign, consider the following statements: It is to strengthen capacity for REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) implementation in India. It is the initiative of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Which of the above statement is/are incorrect? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) वुड्स इन गुड कैंपेन (Woods in Good Campaign) के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: यह भारत में REDD (वनों की कटाई से कम होने वाले उत्सर्जन और वन निम्नीकरण) कार्यान्वयन के लिए क्षमता को मजबूत करना है। यह पर्यावरण, वन और जलवायु परिवर्तन मंत्रालय की पहल है उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन गलत है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.5) The IPCC has released its Special Report titled “Global Warming of 1.5°C”. Consider the following statements with reference to the report: Human- induced global warming in 2017 has already reached 2°C above pre-industrial levels Coral reefs would decline by 70-90 percent with global warming of 1.5°C, whereas virtually all (> 99 percent) would be lost with 2°C. Oceans have absorbed 90% of the anthropogenic temperature rise. Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only All of the above. Q.5) IPCC ने अपनी स्पेशल रिपोर्ट “Global Warming of 1.5°C” शीर्षक से जारी की है। रिपोर्ट के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: मानव-प्रेरित ग्लोबल वार्मिंग 2017 में ही पूर्व-औद्योगिक स्तरों से 2°C तक पहुँच गयी है 1.5°C की ग्लोबल वार्मिंग के साथ कोरल रीफ् 70-90 प्रतिशत तक समाप्त हो जायेंगे, जबकि लगभग 2°C के साथ सभी (> 99 प्रतिशत) समाप्त हो जायेंगे। महासागरों ने मानवजनित तापमान वृद्धि के 90% को अवशोषित कर लिया है। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.6) With reference to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Consider the following statements: Adopted in 1994 and entered into force in 1996, it is the only internationally legally non- binding framework set up to address the problem of desertification 2020 to 2030 has been declared as United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight Against Desertification Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.6) संयुक्‍त राष्‍ट्र मरुस्‍थलीकरण रोकथाम कन्‍वेंशन (UNCCD) के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: 1994 में अपनाया गया और 1996 में लागू हुआ, यह एकमात्र अंतर्राष्ट्रीय रूप से गैर-बाध्यकारी ढांचा है जो मरुस्थलीकरण की समस्या को दूर करने के लिए स्थापित किया गया है। 2020 से 2030 तक मरुस्थल और मरुस्थलीकरण के विरुद्ध संघर्ष के लिए संयुक्त राष्ट्र दशक घोषित किया गया है उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.7) The conventions under Global environment financial mechanism includes: Minamata convention Montreal protocol The Rotterdam Convention UNCBD UNCCD Choose correct option from below: 1 and 3 2 and 3 3, 4 and 5 All of the above Q.7) वैश्विक पर्यावरण वित्तीय तंत्र के तहत सम्मेलनों में शामिल हैं: मिनीमाता कन्वेंशन मॉन्ट्रियल प्रोटोकॉल रॉटरडैम कन्वेंशन UNCBD UNCCD नीचे से सही विकल्प चुनें: 1 और 3 2 और 3 3, 4 और 5 उपरोक्त सभी Q.8) Consider the following statements with respect to Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020: Launched in 2005, with the Assam Forest Department, the Bodoland Territorial Council, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Indian Rhino Vision 2020 is an ambitious effort to attain a wild population of at least 5,000 greater one-horned rhinos spread over seven protected areas in the Indian state of Assam by the year 2020. Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.8) भारतीय राइनो विजन (Indian Rhino Vision- IRV) 2020 के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: 2005 में, असम वन विभाग, बोडोलैंड प्रादेशिक परिषद, वर्ल्ड वाइड फंड फॉर नेचर (डब्ल्यूडब्ल्यूएफ) के साथ लॉन्च किया गया। भारतीय राइनो विजन 2020, वर्ष 2020 तक भारतीय राज्य असम में सात संरक्षित क्षेत्रों में फैले कम से कम 5,000 से अधिक एक सींग वाले गैंडों की जंगली आबादी को प्राप्त करने का एक महत्वाकांक्षी प्रयास है। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.9) Consider the following statements about Green climate fund: It was set up by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2015 GCF has a crucial role in serving the Paris Agreement, supporting the goal of keeping average global temperature rise well below 2 degrees C GCF launched its initial resource mobilisation in 2014, and rapidly gathered pledges worth USD 10.3 billion. Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only All of the above. Q.9) हरित पर्यावरण कोष (GCF) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: इसे 2015 में जलवायु परिवर्तन पर संयुक्त राष्ट्र फ्रेमवर्क कन्वेंशन (UNFCCC) द्वारा स्थापित किया गया था पेरिस समझौते की सेवा में जीसीएफ की महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका है, जिसमें औसत वैश्विक तापमान वृद्धि को 2 डिग्री सेल्सियस से नीचे रखने के लक्ष्य का समर्थन करना है जीसीएफ ने 2014 में अपना प्रारंभिक संसाधन जुटाया, और तेजी से 10.3 बिलियन अमेरिकी डॉलर की राशि जुटाई है। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1  केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3 ऊपर के सभी Q.10) Consider the following statements: World Wide Fund for Nature is working for the reduction of humanity’s footprint on environment. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is an international governmental organization. The living planet report is published every year by World Wide Fund for Nature. Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 4 only All of the above. Q.10) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: वर्ल्ड वाइड फंड फॉर नेचर पर्यावरण पर मानवीय पदचिह्न (human footprint) को कम करने के लिए कार्य कर रहा है। वर्ल्ड वाइड फंड फॉर नेचर (डब्ल्यूडब्ल्यूएफ) एक अंतरराष्ट्रीय सरकारी संगठन है। लिविंग प्लेनेट रिपोर्ट प्रत्येक वर्ष वर्ल्ड वाइड फंड फॉर नेचर द्वारा प्रकाशित की जाती है। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 4 उपरोक्त सभी Q.11) Consider the following statements about Energy Conservation Building Code 2017: It is developed by ministry of power and Bureau of energy efficiency It aims to achieve energy neutrality in commercial buildings only Energy Conservation Act 2001 provides legal framework and institutional set- up for energy efficiency policy, including Energy Conservation Building Code. Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.11) ऊर्जा संरक्षण भवन कोड, 2017 (Energy Conservation Building Code) के बारे में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: इसे ऊर्जा मंत्रालय और ऊर्जा दक्षता ब्यूरो द्वारा विकसित किया गया है इसका उद्देश्य केवल व्यावसायिक भवनों में ऊर्जा तटस्थता (energy neutrality) प्राप्त करना है ऊर्जा संरक्षण अधिनियम 2001 ऊर्जा दक्षता नीति के लिए कानूनी ढांचा और संस्थागत सेट प्रदान करता है, जिसमें ऊर्जा संरक्षण भवन कोड भी शामिल है। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 ऊपर के सभी Q.12)  Match the following pairs: Ramsar convention: Conservation of wetlands Bonn Convention:  Conservation of migratory species Vienna convention: protection of ozone layer Cartegena protocol: related to trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste Basel convention:  safe handling of living modified organisms Which of the above is/are correctly matched? 1 and 2 only 2 and 4 only 1 , 2 and 3 only None of the above Q.12) निम्नलिखित जोड़ियों का मिलान करें: रामसर कन्वेंशन: आर्द्रभूमि का संरक्षण बॉन कन्वेंशन: प्रवासी प्रजातियों का संरक्षण वियना कन्वेंशन: ओजोन परत का संरक्षण कार्टेजेना प्रोटोकॉल: खतरनाक कचरे के सीमा पारीय संचलन से संबंधित बेसल कन्वेंशन: संशोधित जीवों का सुरक्षित संचालन उपरोक्त में से कौन सा सही ढंग से सुमेलित है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 4 केवल 1, 2 और 3 इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.13) Government of India has launched many conservation efforts to save Biodiversity. Arrange the following projects in ascending order: Project Tiger Project Elephant Project Cheetah Indian Bustard conservation plan Choose correct option from below: 1-3-2-4 2-1-3-4- 1-2-3-4 4-1-3-2 Q.13) भारत सरकार ने जैव विविधता को बचाने के लिए कई संरक्षण प्रयास शुरू किए हैं। निम्न परियोजनाओं को आरोही क्रम (ascending order) में व्यवस्थित करें: प्रोजेक्ट टाइगर प्रोजेक्ट हाथी प्रोजेक्ट चीता इंडियन बस्टर्ड संरक्षण योजना नीचे से सही विकल्प चुनें: 1-3-2-4 2-1-3-4- 1-2-3-4 4-1-3-2 Q.14) EnviStats India report is released by: Ministry of Environment, forest and climate change. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation IUCN CITES Q.14) ‘EnviStats India’ रिपोर्ट किसके द्वारा जारी की गई है: पर्यावरण, वन और जलवायु परिवर्तन मंत्रालय सांख्यिकी और कार्यक्रम कार्यान्वयन मंत्रालय आईयूसीएन सीआईटीईएस (CITES) Q.15) Consider the following statements about Biodiversity Act (BDA), 2002: Main objective is conservation, sustainable use and Benefit sharing. Under BDA-2002, a company is required to share 0.5 per cent of its sales post taxes if its annual turnover is above Rs 10 crore. Which of the above pairs is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.15) जैव विविधता अधिनियम (BDA), 2002 के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: मुख्य उद्देश्य संरक्षण, स्थायी उपयोग और लाभ साझाकरण है। BDA-2002 के तहत, किसी कंपनी को करों के पश्चात् अपनी बिक्री का 0.5 प्रतिशत साझा करना आवश्यक है, यदि इसका वार्षिक कारोबार 10 करोड़ रुपये से अधिक है। उपरोक्त में से कौन सी जोड़ी सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.16) Consider the following statements: Reducing Emission from Deforestation (RED) was introduced by India at COP-12-Nairobi ‘Compensated Conservation’ policy was Introduced in COP-11, montreal REDD+ framework was agreed at COP-19- Warsaw Which of the above statement is/are incorrect? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 4 only All of the above. Q.16) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: भारत द्वारा COP-12-नैरोबी में वनों की कटाई से उत्सर्जन को कम करना (RED) आरंभ किया गया था COP -11, मॉन्ट्रियल में संरक्षित संरक्षण नीति (Compensated Conservation policy) प्रस्तुत किया गया REDD + की रूपरेखा पर COP-19- वारसॉ में सहमति व्यक्त की गई थी उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन गलत है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 4 उपरोक्त सभी Q.17) protection of plant varieties and farmers’ rights (ppv&fr;) act, 2001 Aims at: Recognize and protect the rights of farmers and breeders also To accelerate agricultural development in the country Facilitate the growth of seed industry in the country Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only All of the above Q.17) पौधों की किस्मों और किसानों के अधिकारों का संरक्षण (ppv&fr;) अधिनियम, 2001 का उद्देश्य है: किसानों और प्रजनकों के अधिकारों को भी मान्यता देना और उनकी रक्षा करना देश में कृषि विकास को गति देना देश में बीज उद्योग की वृद्धि को सुगम बनाना उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3  उपरोक्त सभी Q.18) Consider the following: In colonial model of conservation, human presence is taken as threat to nature and denies indigenous peoples’ rights and provoked long-term social conflict. Cultural model of Conservation respect the rights of indigenous peoples and other bearers of “traditional knowledge” and prevents social conflicts. World Network of Biosphere Reserve (WNBR) resolution provides international recognition to cultural model of conservation. Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.18) निम्नलिखित पर विचार करें: संरक्षण के औपनिवेशिक मॉडल में, मानव उपस्थिति को प्रकृति के लिए खतरे के रूप में लिया जाता है तथा स्वदेशी लोगों के अधिकारों को अस्वीकार करता है और दीर्घकालिक सामाजिक संघर्ष को उकसाता है। संरक्षण का सांस्कृतिक मॉडल स्वदेशी लोगों और "पारंपरिक ज्ञान" के अन्य वाहक के अधिकारों का सम्मान करता है और सामाजिक संघर्षों को रोकता है। वर्ल्ड नेटवर्क ऑफ बायोस्फीयर रिजर्व (WNBR) रिज़ॉल्यूशन संरक्षण के सांस्कृतिक मॉडल को अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मान्यता प्रदान करता है। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.19) Momentum for Change is initiative of? UNFCCC IUCN CITES World Bank Q.19) परिवर्तन के लिए गति (Momentum for Change) किसकी पहल है? UNFCCC IUCN CITES विश्व बैंक Q.20) Consider the following statements: The restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM) has been launched in 2016-17 NBM aims to increase the area under bamboo plantation in forest - Government and private lands. NBM aims to promote product development keeping in view market demand Which of the above statement is/are incorrect? 1 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only None of the above Q.20) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: पुनर्गठित राष्ट्रीय बांस मिशन (NBM) 2016-17 में लॉन्च किया गया है एनबीएम का उद्देश्य जंगल- सरकारी और निजी भूमि में बांस के रोपण के क्षेत्र में वृद्धि करना है। एनबीएम का उद्देश्य बाजार की मांग को ध्यान में रखते हुए उत्पाद विकास को बढ़ावा देना है उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन गलत है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.21) Which of the following statements is/are correct? States’ gross fiscal deficit (GFD) has remained within the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (FRBM) threshold of 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) during 2017-18  States’ gross fiscal deficit (GFD) has exceeded the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (FRBM) threshold of 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) during 2018-19. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.21) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है / हैं? राज्यों का सकल राजकोषीय घाटा (GFD) 2017-18 के दौरान राजकोषीय उत्तरदायित्व और बजट प्रबंधन अधिनियम (FRBM) के सकल घरेलू उत्पाद (GDP) के 3% की सीमा के भीतर बना हुआ है। राज्यों का सकल राजकोषीय घाटा (GFD) 2018-19 के दौरान राजकोषीय उत्तरदायित्व और बजट प्रबंधन अधिनियम (FRBM) के सकल घरेलू उत्पाद (GDP) के 3% से अधिक हो गया है। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.22) ‘Urban Cooperative Banks’ are under the regulation and supervision of Reserve Bank of India Central Government State Governments Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.22) 'शहरी सहकारी बैंक' के विनियमन और पर्यवेक्षण किसके अधीन हैं भारतीय रिजर्व बैंक केन्द्रीय सरकार राज्य सरकारें सही कूट का चयन करें: 1 और 2 2 और 3 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.23) The term ‘Forward guidance’ is economic parlance is associated with Monetary Policy Fiscal Slippage Strategic Disinvestment Micro Finance Institutions Q.23) 'अग्रिम मार्गदर्शन' (Forward guidance) शब्द, आर्थिक बोलचाल में किसके साथ संबद्ध है मौद्रिक नीति राजकोषीय फिसलन (Fiscal Slippage) रणनीतिक विनिवेश सूक्ष्म वित्त संस्थान Q.24) Consider the following statements Employment elasticity is a measure of the percentage change in employment associated with a 1 percentage point change in economic growth. Open Unemployment occurs when a worker is shifting from one job to the other. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.24) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें रोजगार लोच आर्थिक विकास में 1 प्रतिशत बिंदु परिवर्तन से जुड़े रोजगार में प्रतिशत परिवर्तन की एक माप है। खुली बेरोजगारी (Open Unemployment) तब होती है जब एक श्रमिक एक नौकरी से दूसरी नौकरी में शिफ्ट हो रहा हो। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.25) The Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) is applicable to  Commercial banks  Urban Cooperative banks  NBFCs Select the correct code: 1 Only 1 and 2 1 and 3 All of the above Q.25) त्वरित सुधारात्मक कार्रवाई (Prompt Corrective Action- PCA) किस पर लागू होता है वाणिज्यिक बैंक शहरी सहकारी बैंक एनबीएफसी सही कूट का चयन करें: केवल 1 1 और 2 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.26) Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPSS) is associated with PM-AASHA PM-KISAN Soil Health Card Scheme RKVY-RAFTAAR Q.26) निजी अधिप्राप्ति एवं स्टॉकिस्ट योजना (Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme- PPSS) से संबद्ध है पीएम- आशा (PM-AASHA) पीएम -किसान (PM-KISAN) मृदा स्वास्थ्य कार्ड योजना राष्ट्रीय कृषि विकास योजना-रफ़्तार Q.27) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Photochemical Smog’. It tends to occur more often in winter. It depends on primary pollutants as well as the formation of secondary pollutants. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.27) 'फोटोकेमिकल स्मॉग' (Photochemical Smog) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। यह सर्दियों में अधिक बार होता है। यह प्राथमिक प्रदूषकों के साथ-साथ द्वितीयक प्रदूषकों के गठन पर निर्भर करता है। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.28) ‘Tangkhuls’ primarily live in the state of  Manipur Mizoram Nagaland Arunachal Pradesh Q.28) ‘तांगखुल्स’ (Tangkhuls) मुख्य रूप से किस राज्य में रहते हैं मणिपुर मिजोरम नगालैंड अरुणाचल प्रदेश Q.29) Which of the following pairs are incorrectly matched? Transnistria – Spain Somaliland – Senegal Mindanao – Philippines Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.29) निम्न में से कौन सी जोड़ी गलत तरीके से मेल खाती है? ट्रांसनिस्ट्रिया - स्पेन सोमालीलैंड - सेनेगल मिंडनाओ - फिलीपींस सही कूट का चयन करें: 1 और 2 2 और 3 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.30) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Nuclear Energy Agency’. It is under the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. It is an intergovernmental agency that facilitates co-operation among countries with advanced nuclear technology infrastructures to seek excellence in nuclear safety, technology, science, environment and law. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.30) 'परमाणु ऊर्जा एजेंसी' (Nuclear Energy Agency) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। यह आर्थिक सहयोग और विकास संगठन के ढांचे के तहत है। यह एक अंतर सरकारी एजेंसी है जो परमाणु सुरक्षा, प्रौद्योगिकी, विज्ञान, पर्यावरण और कानून में उत्कृष्टता प्राप्त करने के लिए उन्नत परमाणु प्रौद्योगिकी अवसंरचना वाले देशों के बीच सहयोग की सुविधा प्रदान करती है। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 DOWNLOAD THE SOLUTION ENGLISH HINDI NOTE- Follow this for Comments Mention- Time Taken after solving the Test After the release of Solution Edit your Comment to Mention-  Correct/Incorrect and Score 2 Marks for Correct/0.66 minus for Incorrect. What IMPACT can the ‘60 Day’ have on the final results? We will explain by taking a small example. Imagine you are sitting in the examination hall, appearing in Prelims Paper I. You have attempted 70 questions already but still unsure about a few. Then you stumble upon a question that was asked in 60 Day (and believe us, it has happened to hundreds of students countless times). You choose the right answer and submit your paper hoping for the best! Eventually, you go on to clear Mains as well as Personality Test and secure a good rank as well. When the cut off gets announced by UPSC, you realize that you have scored just one mark more than the cut off! Yes, that one mark can change your life (and it has done so to many of our students in the past). Now, imagine the kind of impact 60 to 80 marks can have! Isn’t that so fascinating to imagine?   One’s level of preparedness is always different for different subjects. Even within a subject, one’s comfort level may vary with topics. For example, one might be more comfortable in solving questions of Polity than Economics and within Polity also, one might be at ease with questions on fundamental rights than Parliament. The level of comfort and ease that one has with a subject/ topic gets manifested in the examination. However, there is no conscious effort by aspirants to micro analyze these aspects. Now, coming to the second aspect i.e. the mistakes that one commits in answering MCQs, it can be said that there are mainly four reasons behind incorrect responses in the OMR sheet. They are: Lack of information Lack of analytical ability Silly mistakes Excessive risk-taking Let’s analyze them one by one: Lack of information: You simply don’t know the information. You are clueless and that’s why you don’t attempt the question. For example, you may have never come across a regime called the ‘Wassenaar Agreement’ during your preparation and you can’t do much about it. The lack of information is pardonable and rectifiable. You can read more and gather more information. That is within your reach. Lack of analytical ability: You know the concept but the question is a twisted one and you are not able to apply the concept. For example, in a question asking you to identify the climate type of a region based on certain given parameters like precipitation, temperature, and air density, you might find it difficult to mark the correct option even if you are aware of all the options given in the question! That is clearly a lack of application and you can overcome it by developing a habit of framing questions in your mind while you study any topic. Silly mistakes: This habit is unpardonable. You know the concept, you become happy, you misread the question, you mark the incorrect answer and you are out of the race! Such mistakes reveal your hurriedness while answering the question. A simple mistake of reading ‘chose the incorrect option’ as ‘chose the correct option’ can destroy your chances. It means that you need to have patience and focus while attempting the paper. Excessive risk-taking: You are confused between the options and just in order to increase your attempts, you make wild guesses and try your luck only to repent eventually. Risk-taking is an art and one must be very careful while doing the guesswork in confusing questions. If you are not lucky enough, it can spoil your chances. You will realize that these problems will have different meanings for different people. For example, one might find a lack of information as the main culprit in answering wrong the questions on Culture while in Polity, lack of analytical ability is usually the culprit. The point here is that you must analyse your preparation on these yardsticks by applying them on different subjects/ topics. If one is having a headache, he/ she can’t have the same medicine for fever. Isn’t it. This is where our revamped ’60 Day’ comes into the picture. It will give you an opportunity to micro analyze your preparation and perform better in the examination. Now, we present you the following scales (with weightage of each scale given in the bracket) to micro analyze your preparation on a daily basis and that too subject/ topic wise: Micro Analysis Matrix Number of questions not attempted or attempted wrongly Due to lack of information Due to the inability to apply the concept Due to silly mistake Due to excessive risk-taking Total Number (N) Weightage of scale (s) 1 2 3 4 NA N x S Scale 1: Information meter (1) Scale 2: Analysis meter (2) Scale 3: Anxiety meter (3) Scale 4: Risk meter (4) Suppose on Day 1, questions have been framed from Polity on the topic of Constitutional History. There are 15 questions and you are able to answer 12 out of which 7 are correct and 5 are incorrect. It means you have scored roughly 11.33 out of 30. Now you have to fill on a daily basis, the following matrix to micro analyze your preparation: Example: Suppose, the filled up matrix gets reflected in the following fashion: Micro Analysis Matrix- Day 1/ Polity/ Constitutional History Number of questions not attempted or attempted wrongly Due to lack of information Due to the inability to apply the concept Due to silly mistake Due to excessive risk-taking Total Number (N) 3 1 2 2 8 Weightage of scale (s) 1 2 3 4 NA N x S 3 2 6 8 19 Based on the total value in this matrix, you have to aim for the following measures on the scale: Information meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, it means that there are serious gaps in your information base in the particular subject/ topic. Please refer to a standard textbook before it’s too late. Analysis meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, you need to explore all possible questions in your mind while reading the topic. You should frame questions for your friends and try to trick them by twisting the questions. Anxiety meter < 3 Course Correction: A score above 3 indicates that you are either too excited or too callous to even read the question. You need to calm down and read the question twice, particularly those questions in which you feel too confident. Risk meter < 8 Course Correction: You need to curb your risk-taking instincts. Make an only intelligent guess and don’t leave your chance on fate. Don’t let the previous year’s cut off impact your mind. Total N x S score < 20 Moreover, IASbaba will give a cut-off figure along with the solutions each day. If your total marks exceed that cut off along with your total N x S score lying below 20, you are on the right track and just need to keep the momentum going. This exercise will hardly take 5 minutes of your daily time but it might do wonders for you as you will be able to gauge your strengths and limitations better. Finally, it is up to you to take advantage of this framework. We are sure of only one thing- if you follow this program, assess yourself on the basis of the given framework and keep improving your weaker areas, success will be yours. We are providing you with the right platform, the right guidance, and the right competition. Do you have the right motivation to make full use of this initiative? We think you have. Come, be a part of this initiative and take the first step towards SUCCESS! Importance of self - tracking: We could have provided all of you with login id and passwords to monitor your daily performance in the 60-day program. Instead, a simple and most beautiful way which Disqus provides is profile based commenting! Yes, we have seen the most successful candidates who have taken the maximum benefit from this program monitoring themselves by commenting on their answers in the box given (Disqus comment). And reviewing their performance themselves once in 10 days on the progress meter. DOWNLOAD THE 60 DAYS PLAN 2020  Coronavirus: Awareness, Myths, Solidarity and Message to All UPSC Aspirants by Mohan Sir Founder IASbaba MUST READ: PRELIMS in Testing Times – Don’t Forget the ‘WHY’; IASbaba’s dedicated HOTLINE for Aspirants and Prelims Postponing Rumours All the Best! IASbaba

Mar 27, 2020 Motivational Articles

[STRATEGY] MUST READ: 21 Days of Lockdown -What to do? Introspect, Ideate and Improve !!

[STRATEGY] MUST READ: 21 Days of Lockdown-What to do? Introspect, Ideate and Improve !!   Coronavirus: Awareness, Myths, Solidarity and Message to All UPSC Aspirants by Mohan Sir Founder IASbaba The entire world is at seize! There is a lockdown! You can’t step out of your homes under normal circumstances! But, can there be a silver lining in the clouds of fear and anxiety that covers the horizons of human progress and determination? Perhaps yes. Apart from saving your life and that of others, the lockdown gives you a chance to take yourself out, not you in bones and muscles, but the real you who is hiding beneath the layers of stress and overwhelming inflow of information. The lockdown gives you the freedom to do a small pilot of 20 days, to test your limits. The lockdown also gives you an opportunity to come out with a better version of yourself. (It may be more than 20 days depending on the situation) Even at the risk of sounding way too optimistic, we do believe that the next 20 days can be a pathbreaking phase of your life. After so long, you have now got time for yourself. While you have been taking care of your family and friends before, and you must continue to do so now, there is a fair amount of time that you will have at your disposal. You have got 20 days that translate into 480 hours. What are you going to do during this time? Are you going to simply wait for the lockdown to get over or do something incredible to your life? Most of you will choose the second option, right? So, here we are, with a set of suggestions that you can think of following completely or maybe customise as per your needs and priorities. We divide our suggested strategy into three segments- Introspect, Ideate and Improve. Let us understand them one by one. Introspect What makes you happy? What gets you angry? What are your values? Who inspires you the most? Why are you even preparing for the Civil Services? Does answering to these questions take a lot of thinking? Of course, it does. Therefore, use the next 20 days to introspect and try knowing yourself better. Try finding the not so obvious answers to the obvious questions with respect to your personality, likings and values. Think about the role you have played for your family? Could you have cared to do something more? Ponder over the instances wherein you disappointed your friends or partner by your behaviour. Could you have gathered the courage to apologise? Could you have listened more to your parents and teachers? Could you have put in a little more effort in your previous attempts? There are many such unanswered questions. The least you can do is to devote 30 minutes each morning (or evening, it doesn’t really matter) to introspection. What are you going to gain out of it? Well, a lot to be honest. Knowing one’s own self is vital to prioritise one’s goals in life, be it career or relationship, family or friends. By introspecting, you get to know the ‘WHY’ of everything that you have been doing or not doing. The time you spend in introspection will give you a much better sense of purpose when you come out of the lockdown. Ideate You have been reading a lot of textbooks, newspapers, magazines etc in recent years. The flood of information has cluttered the streams of your own thoughts. There is hardly any room for original thinking. Use the next 20 days to declutter these streams. Think of issues with an independent mind and don’t let views and opinions expressed elsewhere, bias your own thought process. Look into issues through the lens of your own morality and value system to create your own opinion— distinct and novel. The best way to ideate is to think and then pen down your thoughts immediately. Take 50 current issues, start thinking about each one of them at a time, develop a perspective, construct arguments/ counterarguments and write them down. You will be amazed to witness the vastness of your own imagination. You will have your own responses ready for a variety of issues. Once you are out of the lockdown, you will be the go-to person for new ideas and innovative thinking. Spending a couple of hours towards daily ideation will do wonders to your confidence and personality. Go grab this opportunity! Improve You always wanted to work on a particular subject/ topic. You sincerely wished to read that highly rated book on international relations. You desperately needed to hone your writing skills. Well, the time is now! Physiologists and behavioural experts believe that within 21 days of continued practice, a person can adopt or quit any of his/ her habits. That is the precise amount of time the lockdown has given you. Use this time to learn new things, read your favourite books, cover the topics that have always scared you, maybe quit smoking, start exercising daily etc. It depends on how you want to utilise to this time. For the upcoming 20 days and beyond, IASbaba is with you. These are testing times for all of us. We are trying our best to fulfil the promises that we had made earlier, keep our students engaged and come up with new and innovative ways to ensure continuity in your preparation. We are committed to ensuring the welfare of the student community and our members are putting in extra effort to bring in content, context and completeness in your journey. In times like these, the small tokens of appreciation (like the one below) motivates us to work harder for you.   Friends! After the lockdown is over, there will be many people coming out with a similar or even lower levels of intellect compared to their existing capabilities. But do you want to belong to that lot? Don’t you want to come out wiser, emotionally more intelligent and intellectually more competent? Of course, you do! The solution is simple- study, observe, think and learn. When the lockdown is over, you will have your chances to PERFORM.   FOR MOTIVATION, Read- Coronavirus: Awareness, Myths, Solidarity and Message to All UPSC Aspirants by Mohan Sir Founder IASbaba MUST READ: PRELIMS in Testing Times – Don’t Forget the ‘WHY’; IASbaba’s dedicated HOTLINE for Aspirants and Prelims Postponing Rumours PRELIMS EXCLUSIVE (Current Affairs Classes)  - PRELIMS EXCLUSIVE: CURRENT AFFAIRS CLASSES (12 SESSIONS-By Tauseef Sir): JOIN NOW!   All the Best IASbaba Team

Mar 27, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th March 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Prime Minister’s Garib Kalyan package  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Governance; Welfare schemes In News:  The Prime Minister’s Garib Kalyan (PMGK) package was recently unveiled amidst COVID-19 pandemic and the 21-day associated lockdown to combat the disease. It mainly targets poor people and people working in unorganised sector of the country. It consists of a range of measures that the Government of India will take to alleviate the economic, health, and food-related distress. Key takeaways: Reliefs/Schemes under PMGK package: For farmers –  Rs 2,000 per farmer will be provided under the PM-KISAN scheme. For pensioners –  An additional Rs 1,000 per month pension for the next 3 months for those receiving old age, widow or disability pensions.  For women –  Rs 500 per month will be transferred for the next 3 months to women holding a Jan Dhan bank account. Registered beneficiaries under Ujjwala Yojana will get one LPG cylinder per month free of cost for the next three months.  Women Self Help Groups can now take collateral-free loans up to Rs 20 lakh instead of the existing limit of Rs 10 lakh under National Rural Livelihood Mission. For labourers –  Wages paid for manual labour under MGNREGA have been increased from Rs 180 per day to Rs 202 per day.  For BPL families –  Over the next 3 months, each person who is covered under the National Food Security Act would get an additional five kg wheat or rice for free, in addition to the 5 kg of subsidised food grains already provided through the Public Distribution System (PDS).  One kg of pulse per household would also be provided for free. For companies –  For small companies with 100 employees or less, of whom 90% earn less than Rs. 15,000 a month, the Centre will bear the cost of both employer and employee contribution to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for the next three months.  The scheme's regulations will also be amended to allow non-refundable advance of 75% of the amount standing to the credit of the EPF member, or 3 months’ worth of wages, whichever is lower. For construction workers –  The Centre also directed the States to use the Rs. 31,000 crore available under Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Boards to provide support to the workers registered under the scheme. The money already available in the "district (-level) mineral fund" to pay for medical testing and screening for the coronavirus shall also be utilised under PMGK package. G20 virtual summit Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Global groupings In News:  Amidst COVID-19 pandemic, G20 summit was held through video conferencing, recently. Key takeaways: G20 nations pledged a united front in the fight against coronavirus. They also committed to inject $5 trillion into the global economy to ensure the situation of deep recession doesn’t arise. G20 leaders also pledged to work with bodies such as the International Monetary Fund to deploy a robust financial package to support the developing nations which do not have access to capital markets or adequate health facilities. Other affected countries also joined the virtual summit including Spain, Jordan, Singapore and Switzerland. Leaders also agreed to contribute to the WHO-led COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund on a voluntary basis. G20 was criticised recently for being slow to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Important value additions: COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund  It is a global fund for supporting the work of the World Health Organization in containing the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic.  It was launched in Geneva, Switzerland. International Monetary Fund It is an international organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. It works to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. Humanoid robot tested Part of: GS Prelims and GS III – Disaster Management; Science and Technology In News:  A series of trials were conducted on a humanoid robot at a government hospital in Jaipur. Key takeaways: The trials were carried out to check if robot could be used for delivering medicines and food to the COVID-19 patients admitted there. If approved, the robot would help in keeping the doctors and nursing staff at a safe distance to protect them against the dreaded coronavirus. The medicos and paramedical staff are at higher risk of being infected with the virus despite wearing protective gear. It is battery-operated humanoid robot with a lifespan of four to five years It uses artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT). It can navigate its own way without the instructions to follow lines on the floor. The robots could also be easily disinfected and used multiple times inside the high-risk isolation ward. Important value additions: Humanoid robot It is a robot with its body shape built to resemble the human body.  The design may be for functional purposes. United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Global groupings In News:  The UNICEF recently appealed to the governments worldwide to not to ignore life-saving health interventions such as immunisation in their efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Key takeaways: The children from the poorest families in countries affected by conflicts and natural disasters will be at the greatest risk. It is also feared that critical life-saving services, including immunisation may be disrupted, especially in Africa, Asia and the Middle East where they are essentially needed.  The UNICEF also announced that it would increase support to all countries so that children continue their learning despite schools being shut.  Initial sum of $9 million had already been allocated to help governments and education partners develop plans for alternative learning programmes and ensure access to remote learning.  Important value additions: United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) It is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. It is among the most widespread and recognizable social welfare organizations in the world. UNICEF's activities include: Immunizations and disease prevention Administering treatment for children and mothers with HIV Enhancing childhood and maternal nutrition Improving sanitation Promoting education Providing emergency relief in response to disasters UNICEF relies entirely on contributions from governments and private donors. Its Headquarter is in New York City, US. Pandemics of the world Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Health; GS III – Economy; Disaster Management In News:  COVID-19 is the most recent disease which was declared as pandemic by the World Health Organization. A glimpse through major pandemics of the world which caused huge loss to life: The Plague of Justinian It killed between 30 million and 50 million people. The cause of the Plague of Justinian was infectious fever caused by Yersinia pestis. Black death Between 1347 and 1351, it spread throughout Europe, killing approximately 25 million people.  It is believed to have been the result of plague - an infectious fever caused by bacterium Yersinia pestis.  It was likely transmitted from rodents to humans by the bite of infected fleas. Smallpox (15th - 17th centuries) Smallpox claimed the lives of approximately 20 million people, close to 90% of the population, in the Americas.  The pandemic helped Europeans colonize and develop the newly vacated areas. Smallpox is caused by infection with the variola virus transmitted through various ways. Cholera (1817 - 1823) The first cholera pandemic began in Jessore, India. It was the first of 7 major cholera pandemics that have killed millions of people.  The World Health Organization has called cholera "the forgotten pandemic". Its seventh outbreak, which began in 1961, continues to this day. It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholera. Spanish Flu or H1N1 (1918 - 1919) It is caused due to H1N1 virus. It infected around 500 million people, or a third of the world's population, of that time.  The pandemic was responsible for killing over 50 million people globally. Hong Kong Flu or H3N2 (1968 - 1970) Global fatalities were around one million. It was caused by an H3N2 strain of the influenza A virus. It is believed that the virus responsible for the Asian flu evolved and re-emerged 10 years later into this so-called "Hong Kong flu”. H3N2 was exceptionally contagious. HIV/AIDS (1981 - present) Since 1981, 75 million people have had the HIV virus and approximately 32 million have died as a result. HIV/AIDS is a persistent epidemic that continues to impact millions of people every year.  The HIV infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids. SARS (2002 - 2003) SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, is an illness caused by one of the 7 coronaviruses that can infect humans.  In 2003, an outbreak that originated in the Guangdong province of China became a global pandemic. It infected around 8,000 people and killing 774 of them. The consequences of the 2003 SARS pandemic were largely limited due to an intense public health response by global authorities. Swine Flu or H1N1 (2009 - 2010) It was a new form of the influenza virus which emerged in 2009. It infected approximately millions of people with global deaths in the range of 151,700 to 575,400.  It is called the "swine flu" because it appeared to cross over from pigs to humans in transmission. 80% of the virus-related deaths occured in people younger than 65. Ebola (2014 - 2016) It began in a small village in Guinea in 2014 and spread to a handful of neighbouring countries in West Africa. It is caused by infection with a virus of the Filoviridae family, genus Ebolavirus. The virus killed 11,325 of the 28,600 infected people, with most cases occurring in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Coronavirus, or COVID-19 (2019 - present) Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Worldwide cases have surpassed 500,000 with more than 24,000 deaths globally.  It is believed to be transmitted from animals to humans. The vast majority of cases are reported from USA now.  On March 11, the WHO characterized the outbreak as a pandemic. Estimates indicate that Coronavirus could eventually infect 40% to 70% of the global population. Practicing social distancing is recommended. The damage to the world economy threaten the worst recession since the Great Depression or the "panics" of the 1800s, depending on the scale of government responses. (MAINS FOCUS) WELFARE/ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 2 and 3: Government Schemes and policies Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY)- India’s relief package for COVID-19 The ₹1.7 Lakh Crore relief package – named PMGKY- was announced by Union government to alleviate the distress caused by COVID-19 pandemic. Do You Know? The cost of the COVID-19 lockdown in India is pegged at nearly ₹9 lakh crore This is the third shock that the informal economy faces, after demonetisation and GST. US announced 2 trillion USD (Rs 148 Lakh crore) stimulus package to fight COVID-19 The Key features of PMGKY are: Healthcare Workers: Insurance cover of ₹50 lakh Food grains to Poor: 80 crore poor people under National Food Security Act will receive five extra kg of wheat or rice and 1 kg of pulses MGNREGA workers (13.63 crore): Wage increased from ₹182/day to ₹202/day Jan Dhan Women Account holders (20.4 crore): DBT of ₹500/ month for next three months  Senior Citizens, disabled & Poor widows (3 crore): Ex-gratia of ₹1000 (through existing pension schemes) Farmers (8.7 crore): Front loading of ₹2000 to them under existing PM Kisan Yojana Ujjwala Beneficiaries (8.3 crore): Free cylinders for next three months Wage earners: Those earning below ₹15000/month in firms having less than 100 workers will receive 24% of their monthly wages into their PF accounts for next three months Construction workers: Centre has directed States to use Construction worker’s welfare fund to give relief to 3.5 crore registered workers Is there a specific strategy used by government in this relief package? Government has followed two-pronged approach Ensuring a steady supply of food and cooking gas to poor people Easing cash woes of the vulnerable sections of society Fiscally prudent: By utilizing existing schemes funding for the package is kept within the budget so as to retain control over the deficit  Preserving Financial resources -Given the uncertainty over the length of crisis – government may announce future relief packages to adapt with changing situation Challenges: Modest cash transfer might not be enough given the drying up of incomes for the vulnerable sections of society Implementation issues: People may face difficulties to draw money from their accounts during the lockdown Migrant labourers may find difficulties to access the extra food grain announced Package does not address the challenges being faced by Informal MSMEs and other hard-hit sectors. Way ahead: Intervention by RBI like providing regulatory forbearance, moratorium on interest payments, changing classification norms, and ensuring easy access to credit.  Centre needs to enhance the resources of State through measures like Releasing all the pending dues owed to the state governments on account of GST compensation.  Assist states in raising finances from markets (by giving sovereign guarantees) Sharing bonanza from fall in Crude Oil Prices Consult States to ensure that supply chain, spread across multiple states, of essential commodities is not disrupted Harvest time – may lead to price fall or wastage due to disruption caused by lockdown – States to be financially supported (agriculture is a State subject) Civil Society and Corporates needs to pitch in during this crisis with their financial and human resources Connecting the dots: Compassionate Capitalism What all needs to be included in the relief package- II which would be focused on middle class & corporate sector? N. K. Singh Panel recommendations on fiscal deficit range  INTERNATIONAL Topic: General Studies 2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests India and its neighbourhood- relations. Terrorism and Afghanistan Context: The terrorist attack on a gurudwara in Kabul, claimed by Islamic State (IS), has killed 25 people, mostly members of Afghanistan’s persecuted Sikh minority. Afghanistan is notorious for violence against its minority communities.  The Hazara Shias were brutally attacked during the Taliban regime in 1996-2001.  Most Hindus and Sikhs, once spread across the country in hundreds of thousands, have fled the country in past three decades Do You Know? Post 9/11 attacks, US invaded Afghanistan with the aim to destroy Al-Qaeda terrorist group. For past two decades, there is a Civil War going on in Afghanistan between Taliban (Fundamentalist group supported by Pakistan) and the Afghan government (supported by USA). US and Taliban signed a peace deal in March 2020 One of the provisions of peace deal was that the Taliban had committed themselves to eliminating the Islamic State from Afghanistan Why Islamic State (IS) has attacked now? To send a message to its rivals that it continues to be a potent force Increasing influence of Taliban (reflected through peace deal with US) is clashing with IS’s own interest to control vast territory & spread its own ideology Hence, it wants to revive its own importance vis-à-vis Taliban IS wants to exploit the clashes between Taliban and Afghan government – unable to finalize on the prisoner swap part of the peace deal – to increase its own influence Division in Afghan Political leadership –Afghanistan now has two Presidents – meaning weak coordinated response on the perpetuators of attack What are the consequences of the attack? Less focus on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in Afghanistan – Iran (epicentre of the pandemic) borders the country => dangers of Afghanistan becoming a new epicentre. Abandonment of minorities in the country may lead to refugee crisis Derails the peace deal signed between Taliban and USA Increased instability in the region What is the Impact on India? Internationalization of Kashmir Issue: IS has stated that it had carried out the attack in revenge for Kashmir. Doubts over Pakistan’s involvement in this attack shows that there is increased security threat to Indians (workers & Officials) in Afghanistan Increased terrorism in the region is not in the Economic & Strategic interest of India Conclusion Afghanistan faces two contagions, new and old — COVID-19 and the relentless violence.  A united effort has to be made for the ceasefire of violence so as to enable humanitarian assistance to deal with the pandemic Connecting the dots: Who were all the part of coalition forces which defeated Islamic State in Iraq & Syria (ISIS)? Who is the Haqqani group and how is it related to Taliban? (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 regarding UNICEF: UNICEF relies partially on contributions from governments and private donors. Its headquarter is in Geneva, Switzerland. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q 2. Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan package: Rs 2,000 per farmer will be provided under the PM-KISAN scheme. Rs 500 per month will be transferred for the next 3 months to women holding a Jan Dhan bank account. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q 3. Consider the following statements regarding recently held G20 summit: It has committed to inject $10 trillion into the global economy to ensure the situation of deep recession doesn’t arise. Leaders also agreed to contribute to the WHO-led COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund on a voluntary basis. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q 4. Which of the following disease is caused by Coronavirus? SARS Ebola COVID-19 Both (a) and (c) ANSWERS FOR 26th March 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 D 3 A 4 C Must Read How Indian can contain the economic impact of COVID-19: The Hindu About Kerala’s relief package to fight COVID-19: The Hindu

Mar 27, 2020 RSTV Video

NGOs Foreign Funding & Risks – The Big Picture – RSTV IAS UPSC

NGOs Foreign Funding & Risks Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Polity, law, fundamental rights, NGOs Judiciary In News: The Supreme Court has ruled that the Centre cannot deprive NGOs of their right to receive foreign money by declaring them as political organisations, if they use legitimate means of dissent to support public causes.  The Background: Section 5 of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 gives the Union government “unchecked and unbridled powers” to declare an organisation as being one of political nature and deny it access to funds from sources abroad.  The Apex Court observed - “It is clear from the provision itself that bandhs, hartals, rasta rokos, etc. are treated as common methods of political action.”  Any organisation that supports the cause of a group of citizens agitating for their rights without a political goal or objective cannot be penalised by being declared an organisation of political nature,” the court observed.  The court also made it clear that organisations used for channeling foreign funds by political parties cannot escape the rigour of FCRA. However, the court did not declare the provision under the law unconstitutional but ruled that it will be applicable only to those organisations which are involved in active politics. “We hold that it is only those organisations which have connection with active politics or take part in party politics, that are covered by Rule 3 (vi). To make it clear, such of those organisations which are not involved in active politics or party politics do not fall within the purview of Rule 3 (vi),” the judgement said. The court also clarified that political parties can’t receive foreign fund using non-political NGOs. The court said, “We make it clear that organisations used for channelling foreign funds by political parties cannot escape the rigour of the Act provided there is concrete material”. The bench added that the “Central Government shall follow the procedure prescribed in the Act and Rules strictly before depriving such organisation the right to receive foreign contributions”. The Plea The top court bench was hearing a plea filed by the Indian Social Action Forum (Insaf), a voluntary organisation, challenging the validity of various provisions of the act and rules. Senior advocate Sanjay Parikh, representing the petitioners contended the act confers “unguided and uncanalised power” to the centre to specify an organisation as an outfit of political nature, though not being a political party, to prevent it from accessing foreign funds. The words “political interests” used in the rule are vague and susceptible to misuse, he said. The court held that a balance has to be drawn between the object that is sought to be achieved by the legislation and rights of the voluntary organisations to have access to foreign funds. “The purpose for which the statute prevents organisations of a political nature from receiving foreign funds is to ensure that the administration is not influenced by foreign funds. A prohibition from receiving foreign aid, either directly or indirectly, by those who are involved in active politics is to ensure that the values of a sovereign democratic republic are protected,” the apex court added. Many civil society bodies, including the Indian Social Action Forum, TARSHI Delhi, Ford Foundation, Greenpeace India, Amnesty International India and the Centre for Social Justice, have been fighting against the “abuse of legal procedures” and “the use of the FCRA as a tool of repression.” Even India’s top human rights watchdog, the National Human Rights Commission, had issued a notice to the Home Ministry on the issue in 2018. Still, it cancelled the licences of those engaged in rights-based advocacy work.  The Home Ministry had time and again justified these actions, saying it had no place for bias but was just focussing on technical violations of the FCRA. Incidentally, the original FCRA came into force in 1976 during the Emergency of the Congress era and prohibited MPs, electoral candidates, political parties, judges and media organisations from accepting foreign contributions. However, the FCRA was amended by the Finance Bill 2016 and those changes made it more severe than its predecessor as it targetted “organisations of a political nature.” The new law also put a 50 per cent cap on the proportion of foreign donations, thereby controlling the way NGOs spent their money and made it mandatory for them to renew their licence every five years. This gave the Government the power to decide whether an NGO could renew its licence or not. There are significant problems with the half-hearted nature of the judgment.  Removal of the ‘vagueness’ in the law: Vagueness in the law makes it prone to be misused by the government, and is, therefore, a sufficient ground to strike it down. Time and again, the court allows the government the benefit of the doubt with regards to the possible misuse of power, leaving the citizen without any recourse against the executive’s machinations. When the law is vague (in this case, the Act gave the government the power to frame rules whereby an organisation can be declared to have political objectives — without defining what a ‘political objective’ is), the executive essentially circumvents such parliamentary scrutiny by filling the void. This then has the dual effect of leaving the citizen second guessing what his rights actually are, while constantly living under the shadow of punitive action by the government. Second, the court completely side-stepped the question of violation of Fundamental Rights (on the ground that the petitioner organisation, not being a ‘citizen’ could not claim Fundamental Rights u/Art. 19). Having said that, both the Constitution as well as international law (the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights) grant the freedom of assembly and association. However, can you exercise a right without the resources to do so? It was the argument of the petitioners that restriction on funding makes the right to association nugatory. Often, the restrictions were used not only to cut off funding, and thereby sustenance for organisations, but also to mire them in exhausting litigation with the government. Connecting the Dots: The right to protest, the legitimacy of protests as a democratic tool, as well as the funding of protests have all been subjects of vociferous debate over the last few months. What is the common link to all three? Critically examine.

Mar 27, 2020 60 DAYS PROGRAMME-PRELIMS 2020

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan [Day - 23]- IAS Prelims Test Series 2020 Science and Technology & CURRENT AFFAIRS

Hello Friends, The 60 Days Training has finally begun:) DAY 23 is here! Before any competition, there is a preparatory phase. That phase involves a lot of sessions on strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the preparatory phase, the athletes train in a gradual manner. In the last phase, just before the actual competition, the training is done so as to sharpen their skills. This training requires complete focus and dedication. In this phase, the athletes do not try anything new or train in a new fashion rather focus on the sharpening of skills, focusing on strength and precision. Similarly, the upcoming 60 days, is like the last phase (training session), just before the actual competition. Here, the focus should be on sharpening the concepts, consolidating the knowledge base and solidifying the learning with loads and loads of revision. You will come across many distractions in between in the name of sources and resources (exclusive and inclusive), beware of them. Be alert and objective in selecting your companions in this preparation. Trust your effort and revise more than falling prey to multiple resources and doing nothing in the end. Everything that seems attractive is not productive. You should always go for productivity.  Let us pledge to make it a big game-changer (better than last year) in the next 60 days! Note- Download the OMR Sheet and attempt the questions exactly like UPSC Prelims. After you are done, please post your OMR in the comment section. Once the solution key is released (5 PM), cross-check the answers and again, comment the marks (you got) in the same comment thread. This will keep you responsible and sincere in days to come. Also, we need more sets of scores for releasing the cut offs in the night so, requesting all of you to sincerely put your scores in comment section.    You can also take part in discussion with peers.   ARCHIVES OF 60 DAY PLAN Q.1) ‘There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom’ was a famous talk by Richard Feynman. What was subject of the talk? Deep Ocean minerals Geothermal energy Nanotechnology Quantum computing  Q.1) ‘इसके अंदर बहुत सारी संभावनाएं हैं’ (There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom) रिचर्ड फेनमैन का एक प्रसिद्ध संवाद था। इस संवाद का विषय क्या था? गहरे महासागरीय खनिज भू-तापीय ऊर्जा नैनो तकनीक  क्वांटम कम्प्यूटिंग Q.2) Which of the following properties of matter change at the Nano scale? Chemical reactivity Mechanical strength Electrical conductivity. Refractive index  Melting point  Density Colour  Select the correct option –  1, 2 and 3 only 1, 2, 3 and 7 only 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 only All of the above Q.2) नैनो स्तर पर पदार्थ के निम्नलिखित गुणों में से कौन सा परिवर्तन होता है? रासायनिक प्रतिक्रिया यांत्रिक सामर्थ्य (Mechanical strength) विद्युत चालकता अपवर्तक सूचकांक (Refractive index) गलनांक घनत्व रंग सही विकल्प का चयन करें - केवल 1, 2 और 3 केवल 1, 2, 3 और 7 केवल 1, 2, 3, 5 और 7 उपरोक्त सभी Q.3) Which of the following factors are responsible for causing significant difference in properties of nano materials as compared to normal material? Decreased Density Increased relative surface area Increased quantum effects Select the correct option –  1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) सामान्य सामग्री की तुलना में नैनो सामग्री के गुणों में महत्वपूर्ण अंतर पैदा करने के लिए निम्नलिखित में से कौन से कारक उत्तरदायी हैं? घनत्व में कमी सतह के सापेक्ष क्षेत्र में वृद्धि क्वांटम प्रभाव में वृद्धि सही विकल्प का चयन करें - 1 और 2 2 और 3 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.4) Claytronics, an evolving concept, is related to which of the following? Quantum computing Programmable matter Soil testing Robot to scoop matter from celestial body Q.4) क्लेट्रोनिक्स (Claytronics), एक उभरती हुई अवधारणा, निम्नलिखित में से किससे संबंधित है? क्वांटम कम्प्यूटिंग प्रोग्राम करने योग्य वस्तु (Programmable matter)  मृदा परीक्षण खगोलीय पिंड से पदार्थ निकालने के लिए रोबोट Q.5) Consider the following statements regarding ‘Smart Fertilizers’ – Nutrient is released only on-demand by the crop It has designer molecule that allows sustained release of nutrients by a plant-root activated mechanism. Each molecule is a Nano-bot that helps in elimination of unwanted microorganisms from the soil. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only  2 only 1 and 2 only  2 and 3 only Q.5) 'स्मार्ट उर्वरक' (Smart Fertilizers) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें - फसल द्वारा केवल मांग पर पोषक तत्व जारी किया जाता है इसमें डिजाइनर अणु होते है जो एक पादप-जड़ सक्रिय तंत्र द्वारा पोषक तत्वों के निरंतर निर्गमन की अनुमति देता है। प्रत्येक अणु एक नैनो-बॉट (Nano-bot) होते है जो मिट्टी से अवांछित सूक्ष्मजीवों को समाप्त करने में मदद करता है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3  Q.6) Which of the following statements are correct about the Microdot patches? This involves spraying of body parts of vehicles with invisible microdots, which give a unique identification. They will reduce road accidents. They will reduce vehicle thefts.  Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 only  1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only  1, 2 and 3 Q.6) माइक्रोडॉट पैच (Microdot patches) के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है? इसमें अदृश्य माइक्रोडॉट का वाहनों के हिस्सों पर छिड़काव शामिल है, जो एक विशिष्ट पहचान देते हैं। वे सड़क दुर्घटनाओं को कम करेंगे। वे वाहन चोरी को कम करेंगे। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 केवल 2 और 3  1, 2 और 3 Q.7) In which of the following areas Nano Technology has application? RO filtration technology  Fuel Cell Cloud Seeding Solar cells Quantum Computing Select the correct answer using the code given below 1, 2, 3 and 4 only 2, 3 and 4 only 2, 3, 4 and 5 only All of the above Q.7) नैनो टेक्नोलॉजी में निम्नलिखित में से किस क्षेत्र में अनुप्रयोग है? आरओ निस्पंदन प्रौद्योगिकी (RO filtration technology) ईंधन सेल बादलों में छिड़काव (Cloud Seeding) सौर सेल क्वांटम कम्प्यूटिंग नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें केवल 1, 2, 3 और 4 केवल 2, 3 और 4 केवल 2, 3, 4 और 5 उपरोक्त सभी Q.8) Consider the following statements regarding Graphene –  It is the thinnest and lightest material known to man. It exhibits both electrical and thermal conductivity. It is optically Transparent.  Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.8) ग्राफीन (Graphene) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें - यह मनुष्य को ज्ञात सबसे पतली और सबसे हल्की सामग्री है। यह विद्युत और तापीय चालकता दोनों को प्रदर्शित करता है। यह ऑप्टिकली (देखने में) रूप से पारदर्शी है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.9) Consider the following statements –  The new division of ‘New and Emerging Strategic Technologies (NEST)’ has been established under Ministry of Science and Technology.  It will spearhead collaboration with foreign partners in the field of 5G and artificial intelligence. It will encourage more public-private collaboration and funding to cutting edge private research.  Select the correct option –  1 only 2 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only Q.9) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें - विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी मंत्रालय के तहत ‘नई और उभरती हुई सामरिक प्रौद्योगिकियां (NEST)’ का नया विभाग स्थापित किया गया है। यह 5 जी और कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्ता के क्षेत्र में विदेशी भागीदारों के साथ सहयोग करेगा। यह अत्याधुनिक निजी अनुसंधान को अधिक सार्वजनिक-निजी सहयोग और वित्त पोषण को प्रोत्साहित करेगा। सही विकल्प का चयन करें - केवल 1 केवल 2 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3 Q.10) Which of the following is planning to launch a four-armed robot, Chaser, to clean up Earth’s orbit in 2025? NASA JAXA European Space Agency Roscosmos Q.10) 2025 में पृथ्वी की कक्षा को साफ करने के लिए, निम्नलिखित में से कौन एक चार-सशस्त्र रोबोट, चेज़र (Chaser) लॉन्च करने की योजना बना रहा है? नासा जाक्सा (JAXA) यूरोपीय अंतरिक्ष एजेंसी रोसकॉस्मोस  Q.11) Which country has recently sent the humanoid robot to International Space Station to assist astronauts? U.S.A Japan China  Russia Q.11) हाल ही में किस देश ने अंतरिक्ष यात्रियों की सहायता के लिए मानव रोबोट (humanoid robot) को अंतर्राष्ट्रीय अंतरिक्ष स्टेशन भेजा है? संयुक्त राज्य अमेरीका जापान चीन रूस Q.12) Consider the following statements –  The International Conference on Nano Science and Nano Technology (ICONSAT) is organised under the aegis of Nano Mission by Department of Science and Technology.  India is amongst the top five nations in the world in terms of scientific publications in Nanoscience and technology. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.12) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें - नैनो विज्ञान और नैनो प्रौद्योगिकी पर अंतर्राष्ट्रीय सम्मेलन (ICONSAT) का आयोजन विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी विभाग द्वारा नैनो मिशन के तत्वावधान में किया जाता है। भारत नैनो विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी के क्षेत्र में वैज्ञानिक प्रकाशनों के मामले में विश्व के शीर्ष पांच देशों में शामिल है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.13) Consider the following statements regarding Tissue Nano Transfection: The process is believed to heal injuries or regrow organs with one touch. A Nano-chip injects genetic code into skin cells, turning those skin cells into other types of cells required for treating diseased conditions. It first converts the skin cells into pluripotent cells and then converts them into functional cells. Which of the above statements are correct? 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.13) ऊतक नैनो अभिकर्मक (Tissue Nano Transfection) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: ऐसा माना जाता है कि यह प्रक्रिया एक स्पर्श के साथ चोटों को ठीक करती है या अंगों को फिर से बढ़ने देती है। नैनो-चिप आनुवंशिक कोड को त्वचा कोशिकाओं में इंजेक्ट करती है, तथा उन त्वचा कोशिकाओं को रोगग्रस्त स्थितियों के इलाज के लिए आवश्यक अन्य प्रकार की कोशिकाओं में बदल देती है। यह पहले त्वचा कोशिकाओं को प्लूरिपोटेंट कोशिकाओं (pluripotent cells) में परिवर्तित करती है तथा फिर उन्हें कार्यात्मक कोशिकाओं में परिवर्तित करता है। उपरोक्त कथनों में से कौन सा सही हैं? 1 और 2 2 और 3 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.14) Which of the following statements are correct regarding Nano Composites: It is a combination of a bulk matrix and nano-dimensional phase(s) differing in properties. Nanocomposites differ from conventional composite materials due to the exceptionally high surface to volume ratio of the reinforcing phase. Nano composites are not found in nature. Select the code from following: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.14) नैनो मिश्रण (Nano Composites) के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है: यह एक अत्यधिक मैट्रिक्स और नैनो-आयामी चरणों के गुणों में भिन्नता का एक संयोजन है। प्रबल चरण में आयतन अनुपात के असाधारण उच्च सतह के कारण नैनो मिश्रण, पारंपरिक मिश्रित सामग्रियों से भिन्न होते हैं। नैनो मिश्रण प्रकृति में नहीं पाए जाते हैं। निम्नलिखित में से कूट का चयन करें: 1 और 2 2 और 3 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.15) Which of the following is correct description of ‘Vyommitra’, recently in news? ISRO’s humanoid robot that will test-flight Gangayaan ISRO’s humanoid robot that will go to International Space Station. Large robotic air purifiers developed indigenously by CSIR. Drones installed with air guns for scattering of smog.     Q.15) निम्नलिखित में से कौन ‘व्योमित्र’ (Vyommitra) का सही वर्णन है, जो हाल ही में समाचारों में था? इसरो का ह्यूमनॉइड रोबोट, जो गंगनयान का परीक्षण करेगा इसरो का ह्यूमनॉइड रोबोट जो इंटरनेशनल स्पेस स्टेशन जाएगा। सीएसआईआर द्वारा स्वदेशी रूप से विकसित बड़े रोबोट एयर प्यूरीफायर। स्मॉग को बिखराने के लिए एयर गन वाला ड्रोन। Q.16) Which of the following statements are correct regarding ‘Automated Guided Vehicle’ Robots? They are portable robots that follow along marked lines or wires on the floor. They are most often used in industrial applications to transport heavy materials around a large industrial building, such as a factory or warehouse. It uses lasers, camera, Electromagnetic radiation or Magnetism to navigate. Select the code from following: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.16) ‘स्वचालित निर्देशित वाहन’ (Automated Guided Vehicle) रोबोट के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है? वे पोर्टेबल रोबोट हैं जो फर्श पर चिह्नित लाइनों या तारों के साथ चलते हैं। वे अक्सर औद्योगिक अनुप्रयोगों में बड़े औद्योगिक भवन के आसपास भारी सामग्री के परिवहन के लिए उपयोग किए जाते हैं, जैसे कि कारखाने या गोदाम। नेविगेट करने के लिए यह लेजर, कैमरा, इलेक्ट्रोमैग्नेटिक रेडिएशन या मैग्नेटिज्म का उपयोग करता है। निम्नलिखित में से कूट का चयन करें: 1 और 2 2 और 3 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.17) Which of the following best describes Quantum Dots? Interstitial spaces, at the nanoscale, in the crystal of a metal.  Basic units of quantum computing. Nanoparticles made of Semiconductor materials. Electronic state forbidden in materials at the Nano scale.   Q.17) निम्नलिखित में से कौन क्वांटम डॉट्स (Quantum Dots) का वर्णन करता है? मध्य अंतरिक्ष, नैनो स्तर पर, एक धातु के क्रिस्टल के रूप में। क्वांटम कंप्यूटिंग की बुनियादी इकाइयाँ। सेमीकंडक्टर सामग्रियों से बने नैनोपार्टिकल्स। नैनो पैमाने पर सामग्री में इलेक्ट्रॉनिक स्थिति निषिद्ध करना। Q.18) There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why? They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil. They can enter the food chains. They can trigger the production of free radicals. Select the correct answer using the code given below. 1 and 2 only 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.18) कुछ रासायनिक तत्वों के नैनोकणों के बारे में कुछ चिंताएं हैं जिनका उपयोग उद्योग द्वारा विभिन्न उत्पादों के निर्माण में किया जाता है। क्यों? वे पर्यावरण में जमा हो सकते हैं, तथा पानी और मिट्टी को दूषित कर सकते हैं। वे खाद्य श्रृंखलाओं में प्रवेश कर सकते हैं। वे मुक्त कणों (free radicals) के उत्पादन को गति प्रदान कर सकते हैं। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें। केवल 1 और 2 केवल 3 केवल 1 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.19) Which of the following are prospective applications of Nanotechnology? Gene sequencing Tissue engineering Neuro-electronic devices Stem Cell Technology Select the correct option –  1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 4 only All of the above Q.19) नैनोटेक्नोलॉजी के निम्नलिखित में से कौन से संभावित अनुप्रयोग हैं? जीन अनुक्रमण (Gene sequencing) ऊतक अभियांत्रिकी (Tissue engineering) न्यूरो-इलेक्ट्रॉनिक डिवाइस स्टेम सेल प्रौद्योगिकी सही विकल्प का चयन करें - केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1, 2 और 3 केवल 1, 2 और 4 उपरोक्त सभी Q.20) Consider the following statements – Indian Nanoelectronics Users Programme (INUP) is being implemented at Centre of Excellence in Nanoelectronics (CEN) at IISc and IIT Bombay. It has been initiated by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.20) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें - भारतीय नैनोइलेक्ट्रॉनिक उपयोगकर्ता कार्यक्रम (INUP) को IISc और IIT बॉम्बे में नैनोइलेक्ट्रॉनिक के उत्कृष्टता केंद्र (CEN) में कार्यान्वित किया जा रहा है। इसकी शुरुआत इलेक्ट्रॉनिक्स और सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी मंत्रालय (MeitY) द्वारा की गई है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.21) ‘Currency Derivatives’ in Indian Pairs like ‘USDINR’ and ‘GBPINR’ are traded on NFO BSE MCX CDS Q.21) ‘USDINR’ और ‘GBPINR’ जैसी भारतीय युग्मित ‘करेंसी डेरिवेटिव्स’ (Currency Derivatives) का व्यापर किसमें किया जाता है। NFO BSE MCX CDS Q.22) Recently announced Einstein Challenge, is related to which of the following? To ensure the ideals of Gandhi are remembered by future generations. To build all modules in a timely manner for India’s own Space station.  To develop innovative solutions to the social problems of India. To make all urban areas within India Open Defecation Free (ODF). Q.22) हाल ही में घोषित आइंस्टीन चैलेंज (Einstein Challenge), निम्नलिखित में से किससे संबंधित है? गांधी जी के आदर्शों को भविष्य की पीढ़ियों द्वारा स्मरण किया जाना सुनिश्चित करने के लिए। भारत के अपने अंतरिक्ष स्टेशन के लिए समय पर ढंग से सभी मॉड्यूल का निर्माण करना। भारत की सामाजिक समस्याओं के लिए अभिनव समाधान विकसित करना। भारत के सभी शहरी क्षेत्रों को खुले में शौच मुक्त (ओडीएफ) बनाने के लिए। Q.23) Consider the following statements about C40 Clean Air Cities Declaration: It was unveiled at the WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health. Delhi is the only Indian city to sign the declaration. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only  Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.23) C40 स्वच्छ वायु शहरों की घोषणा के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: डब्ल्यूएचओ वायु प्रदूषण और स्वास्थ्य पर वैश्विक सम्मेलन में इसका अनावरण किया गया। घोषणा पर हस्ताक्षर करने वाला दिल्ली एकमात्र भारतीय शहर है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.24) The Future Investment Initiative (FII) is an annual investment forum held in Switzerland Saudi Arabia Singapore  South Africa Q.24) भविष्य के लिए निवेश पहल (Future Investment Initiative- FII) एक वार्षिक निवेश फोरम है, जो कहाँ आयोजित किया जाता है स्विट्जरलैंड सऊदी अरब सिंगापुर दक्षिण अफ्रीका Q.25) Recently seen in news, Phazolicin is  A semi-Dirac metal An organoid grown in lab A new antibiotic discovered A cancer drug discovered Q.25) हाल ही में समाचारों में देखा गया, फेजोलिकिन (Phazolicin) क्या है एक अर्ध डायरक धातु (semi-Dirac metal) एक प्रयोगशाला निर्मित अंग एक खोजी गयी नई एंटीबायोटिक एक खोजी गयी कैंसर की दवा Q.26) Which of the following is/are correct regarding the 20th Livestock Census of India? It covers all domesticated animals and its headcounts only in rural areas.  Uttar Pradesh (UP) has recorded highest livestock population followed by Rajasthan. West Bengal has the highest cattle population among the Indian States. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 3 only 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.26) भारत की 20 वीं पशुधन जनगणना के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? यह सभी पालतू पशुओं को शामिल करता है तथा वे केवल ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में ही पाए जाते हैं। उत्तर प्रदेश में सबसे अधिक पशुधन आबादी दर्ज की गई है, उसके बाद राजस्थान है। पश्चिम बंगाल में भारतीय राज्यों में सबसे अधिक मवेशियों की आबादी है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1 और 3 केवल 2 केवल 2 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.27) As per Global Hunger Index (GHI) Report 2019, the severity of hunger problem of India falls in which of the following category? Low  Moderate Serious Alarming Q.27) वैश्विक भुखमरी सूचकांक (GHI) रिपोर्ट 2019 के अनुसार, भारत की भूख समस्या की गंभीरता निम्नलिखित में से किस श्रेणी में आती है? निम्न मध्यम गंभीर (Serious) खतरनाक स्तर (Alarming)  Q.28) Which of the following global efforts aims to conserve Snow Leopard? Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Program Global Tiger Initiative SECURE Himalaya Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 3 only 1 only 1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.28) निम्न में से किस वैश्विक प्रयास का उद्देश्य हिम तेंदुए का संरक्षण करना है? ग्लोबल स्नो लेपर्ड एंड इकोसिस्टम प्रोग्राम ग्लोबल टाइगर इनिशिएटिव सुरक्षित हिमालय (SECURE Himalaya) नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1 और 3 केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 1, 2 और 3 Q.29) Sometimes seen in news, Soli Chip Technology is developed by  Google Qualcomm Samsung  Intel Q.29) कभी-कभी समाचारों में देखी जाने वाली, सोली चिप टेक्नोलॉजी (Soli Chip Technology) किसके द्वारा विकसित की गयी है गूगल क्वालकॉम सैमसंग इंटेल Q.30) Consider the following statements: RBI will setup the framework for Acceptance Development Fund (ADF) to increase acceptance of debit and credit cards in tier II cities. It was recommended by the Nandan Nilekani Committee. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only  Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.30) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: RBI टियर II शहरों में डेबिट और क्रेडिट कार्ड की स्वीकृति बढ़ाने के लिए स्वीकृति विकास निधि (ADF) की रूपरेखा तय करेगा। इसकी सिफारिश नंदन नीलेकणी समिति ने की थी। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 DOWNLOAD THE SOLUTION ENGLISH HINDI NOTE- Follow this for Comments Mention- Time Taken after solving the Test After the release of Solution Edit your Comment to Mention-  Correct/Incorrect and Score 2 Marks for Correct/0.66 minus for Incorrect. What IMPACT can the ‘60 Day’ have on the final results? We will explain by taking a small example. Imagine you are sitting in the examination hall, appearing in Prelims Paper I. You have attempted 70 questions already but still unsure about a few. Then you stumble upon a question that was asked in 60 Day (and believe us, it has happened to hundreds of students countless times). You choose the right answer and submit your paper hoping for the best! Eventually, you go on to clear Mains as well as Personality Test and secure a good rank as well. When the cut off gets announced by UPSC, you realize that you have scored just one mark more than the cut off! Yes, that one mark can change your life (and it has done so to many of our students in the past). Now, imagine the kind of impact 60 to 80 marks can have! Isn’t that so fascinating to imagine?   One’s level of preparedness is always different for different subjects. Even within a subject, one’s comfort level may vary with topics. For example, one might be more comfortable in solving questions of Polity than Economics and within Polity also, one might be at ease with questions on fundamental rights than Parliament. The level of comfort and ease that one has with a subject/ topic gets manifested in the examination. However, there is no conscious effort by aspirants to micro analyze these aspects. Now, coming to the second aspect i.e. the mistakes that one commits in answering MCQs, it can be said that there are mainly four reasons behind incorrect responses in the OMR sheet. They are: Lack of information Lack of analytical ability Silly mistakes Excessive risk-taking Let’s analyze them one by one: Lack of information: You simply don’t know the information. You are clueless and that’s why you don’t attempt the question. For example, you may have never come across a regime called the ‘Wassenaar Agreement’ during your preparation and you can’t do much about it. The lack of information is pardonable and rectifiable. You can read more and gather more information. That is within your reach. Lack of analytical ability: You know the concept but the question is a twisted one and you are not able to apply the concept. For example, in a question asking you to identify the climate type of a region based on certain given parameters like precipitation, temperature, and air density, you might find it difficult to mark the correct option even if you are aware of all the options given in the question! That is clearly a lack of application and you can overcome it by developing a habit of framing questions in your mind while you study any topic. Silly mistakes: This habit is unpardonable. You know the concept, you become happy, you misread the question, you mark the incorrect answer and you are out of the race! Such mistakes reveal your hurriedness while answering the question. A simple mistake of reading ‘chose the incorrect option’ as ‘chose the correct option’ can destroy your chances. It means that you need to have patience and focus while attempting the paper. Excessive risk-taking: You are confused between the options and just in order to increase your attempts, you make wild guesses and try your luck only to repent eventually. Risk-taking is an art and one must be very careful while doing the guesswork in confusing questions. If you are not lucky enough, it can spoil your chances. You will realize that these problems will have different meanings for different people. For example, one might find a lack of information as the main culprit in answering wrong the questions on Culture while in Polity, lack of analytical ability is usually the culprit. The point here is that you must analyse your preparation on these yardsticks by applying them on different subjects/ topics. If one is having a headache, he/ she can’t have the same medicine for fever. Isn’t it. This is where our revamped ’60 Day’ comes into the picture. It will give you an opportunity to micro analyze your preparation and perform better in the examination. Now, we present you the following scales (with weightage of each scale given in the bracket) to micro analyze your preparation on a daily basis and that too subject/ topic wise: Micro Analysis Matrix Number of questions not attempted or attempted wrongly Due to lack of information Due to the inability to apply the concept Due to silly mistake Due to excessive risk-taking Total Number (N) Weightage of scale (s) 1 2 3 4 NA N x S Scale 1: Information meter (1) Scale 2: Analysis meter (2) Scale 3: Anxiety meter (3) Scale 4: Risk meter (4) Suppose on Day 1, questions have been framed from Polity on the topic of Constitutional History. There are 15 questions and you are able to answer 12 out of which 7 are correct and 5 are incorrect. It means you have scored roughly 11.33 out of 30. Now you have to fill on a daily basis, the following matrix to micro analyze your preparation: Example: Suppose, the filled up matrix gets reflected in the following fashion: Micro Analysis Matrix- Day 1/ Polity/ Constitutional History Number of questions not attempted or attempted wrongly Due to lack of information Due to the inability to apply the concept Due to silly mistake Due to excessive risk-taking Total Number (N) 3 1 2 2 8 Weightage of scale (s) 1 2 3 4 NA N x S 3 2 6 8 19 Based on the total value in this matrix, you have to aim for the following measures on the scale: Information meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, it means that there are serious gaps in your information base in the particular subject/ topic. Please refer to a standard textbook before it’s too late. Analysis meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, you need to explore all possible questions in your mind while reading the topic. You should frame questions for your friends and try to trick them by twisting the questions. Anxiety meter < 3 Course Correction: A score above 3 indicates that you are either too excited or too callous to even read the question. You need to calm down and read the question twice, particularly those questions in which you feel too confident. Risk meter < 8 Course Correction: You need to curb your risk-taking instincts. Make an only intelligent guess and don’t leave your chance on fate. Don’t let the previous year’s cut off impact your mind. Total N x S score < 20 Moreover, IASbaba will give a cut-off figure along with the solutions each day. If your total marks exceed that cut off along with your total N x S score lying below 20, you are on the right track and just need to keep the momentum going. This exercise will hardly take 5 minutes of your daily time but it might do wonders for you as you will be able to gauge your strengths and limitations better. Finally, it is up to you to take advantage of this framework. We are sure of only one thing- if you follow this program, assess yourself on the basis of the given framework and keep improving your weaker areas, success will be yours. We are providing you with the right platform, the right guidance, and the right competition. Do you have the right motivation to make full use of this initiative? We think you have. Come, be a part of this initiative and take the first step towards SUCCESS! Importance of self - tracking: We could have provided all of you with login id and passwords to monitor your daily performance in the 60-day program. Instead, a simple and most beautiful way which Disqus provides is profile based commenting! Yes, we have seen the most successful candidates who have taken the maximum benefit from this program monitoring themselves by commenting on their answers in the box given (Disqus comment). And reviewing their performance themselves once in 10 days on the progress meter. DOWNLOAD THE 60 DAYS PLAN 2020    Coronavirus: Awareness, Myths, Solidarity and Message to All UPSC Aspirants by Mohan Sir Founder IASbaba MUST READ: PRELIMS in Testing Times – Don’t Forget the ‘WHY’; IASbaba’s dedicated HOTLINE for Aspirants and Prelims Postponing Rumours All the Best! IASbaba