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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 14th January 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 14th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Sabarimala case: Supreme Court not to review Sabarimala case, to examine ‘larger issues’ Part of: GS Prelims –Fundamental Rights and GS-II- secularism In news: SC said its objective was not to review the Sabarimala women entry case but examine “larger issues” of law arising from practices such as the prohibition of women from entering mosques and temples, female genital mutilation among Dawoodi Bohras and the ban on Parsi women who married inter-faith from entering the fire temple. From Mains  point of view: [caption id="attachment_56039" align="aligncenter" width="528"] Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 14th January 2020[/caption] From Prelims point of view: ARTICLE 26 : FREEDOM TO MANAGE RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS   Subject to public order, morality and health, every religious denomination or any section thereof shall have the right— to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes; to manage its own affairs in matters of religion; to own and acquire movable and immovable property; and to administer such property in accordance with ARTICLE 14 : EQUALITY BEFORE LAW The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India. ARTICLE 25 : FREEDOM OF RELIGION The Article 25 states that every individual is “equally entitled to freedom of conscience” and has the right “to profess, practice and propagate religion” of one’s choice. Practicing religion or the act of propagating it should not, however, affect the “public order, morality and health.” The Article doesn’t put any restriction on the government when it comes to making any law to regulate “economic, financial, political or other secular” activities, which may be associated with religious practice. According to Article 25, the gates of Hindu religious institutions should be opened to every section of Hindus. Here the term ‘Hindus’ also includes individuals who profess Sikh, Jain or Buddhist religion. The same holds true for the term ‘Hindu religious institutions. Retail inflation : Retail inflation at 5-year high of 7.3% in December Part of: GS Prelims –Inflation and GS-III- Economy In news: Retail inflation ascended to a five and a half year high of 7.35%  Released by the National Statistical Office  Retail inflation was only 2.11% in last year  From Prelims point of view: National Statistical Commission The new NSO as an agency was envisaged firstly by Rangarajan Commission to implement and maintain statistical standards and coordinate statistical activities of Central and State agencies as laid down by the National Statistical Commission (NSC). This commission had also recommended setting up of the NSC, headed by a person with a Minister of State-level designation, to serve as a nodal and empowered body for all core statistical activities of the country. According to recent order, NSO will be formed with the merger of NSSO and CSO under MoSPI. This recent restructuring seems to be a reaction to the resignations tendered by the member and acting Chairman of the NSC earlier this year What Is the Consumer Price Index (CPI)? The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure that examines the weighted average of prices of a basket of consumer goods and services, such as transportation, food and medical care. It is calculated by taking price changes for each item in the predetermined basket of goods and averaging them. Changes in the CPI are used to assess price changes associated with the cost of living;  the CPI is one of the most frequently used statistics for identifying periods of inflation or deflation. Central accident database management Part of: GS Prelims –Policy and GS-II- Policy & Schemes  In news: The government launched a central accident database management system that will help in analysing causes of road crashes and in devising safety interventions to reduce such accidents in the country. The IT tool, known as the Integrated Road Accident Database (IRAD)  developed by the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M)  Implemented by the National Informatics Centre. Project  supported by the World Bank National Informatics Centre (NIC):  National Informatics Centre (NIC) is an attached office under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. NIC provides infrastructure to help support delivery of Government IT services and delivery of some of the initiatives of Digital India Manual scavengers : Maharashtra, Gujarat lag behind in compensation for sewer deaths Part of: GS Prelims –Schemes and GS-II- vulnerable sections In news: Central Monitoring Committee reviews implementation of manual scavenging prohibition law From  Prelims point of view: Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013:  The act seeks to reinforce this ban by prohibiting manual scavenging in all forms and ensures the rehabilitation of manual scavengers to be identified through a mandatory survey. Prohibits the construction or maintenance of insanitary toilets. Prohibits the engagement or employment of anyone as a manual scavenger violations could result in a years’ imprisonment or a fine of INR 50,000 or both. Prohibits a person from being engaged or employed for hazardous cleaning of a sewer or a septic tank. Offences under the Act are cognizable and non-bailable. Calls for a survey of manual scavengers in urban and rural areas within a time-bound framework. National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK): The National Commision for Safai Karamchari was established in the year 1993 as per the provisions of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993, for a period of three years i.e. up to 31st March, 1997. As per Section 1 (4) of the Act, it was to cease to exist after 31st March 1997, however, validity of the Act was extended up to March, 2002, and then up to February, 2004 vide Amendment Acts passed in 1997 and 2001 respectively. The Act ceased to have effect from March 2004. After that the tenure of the NCSK has been extended as a non-statutory body from time to time (total of eight times) The tenure of the present Commission is up to March 2022. The Commission is a Non-Statutory body of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. (MAINS FOCUS) Indian Economy TOPIC:General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. 
 Middle Income Trap Context: GDP growth for FY20 is likely to come in at 5%, an 11-year low. Nominal GDP growth will likely be at more than a four-decade low. Apart from the debate on whether the slowdown is cyclical or structural, there is also concern among the economists about the dangers of Middle-Income trap in medium to long term What is Middle Income trap? In 2006, economists Indermit Gill and Homi Kharas at the World Bank coined the term “middle-income trap” while working on growth strategies for East Asian economies.  Simply put, low-income countries with cheap labour and access to ready-made technology grow fast and start becoming wealthier.  However, as they reach middle-income status, they tend to slow down as they lose some of their advantages. They fail to converge with wealthier nations and do not get beyond middle-income status.  It is a status of low productivity and entrenched inequality. Mexico and Brazil are classic examples of such countries.  A few, such as South Korea, have escaped the trap. China is at the cusp. On what basis are countries usually categorized? World Bank has used the 2018 data of gross national income (GNI) per capita to categorize countries into following four categories Low income: Countries with GNI per capita is up to $1,025  Lower middle-income: Those with GNI per capita from $1,026 to $3,995. Ex: India – its per capita income in 2018 was $2,020, at the halfway point for the lower middle-income category. Upper middle-income: Countries with GNI Per capita between $3,995 and $12,375 are upper middle income Ex: Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, China  High income: Per capita income above $12,375 makes a country high income. Ex: US, Germany, Japan, Korea. The way the World Bank’s income classification system works is that as economies grow, the thresholds for these four categories also change. The threshold for the low-income category in 1988 was only $545. Overall, the lower and upper middle-income thresholds have increased at 2% per year over the last three decades. Over this period, India’s per capita income grew at an annual rate of about 5.6%.  Cause of Concern for India If we assume that World Bank thresholds and India’s income per capita grow at the same pace as they have in the past 30 years, it will take India until 2038 to reach the lower end of the upper middle-income threshold.  Likewise statistics reveal that even in 2050, India would be well below Brazil and South Africa. India’s growth since the 1990s was on the back of consumption by the top 100 million Indians. The inequality has widened since then and therefore, the future growth has to come from bottom sections of societal pyramid For this to happen there has to be adequate demand from these sections of society & thus adequate jobs and rising incomes Way Ahead Thus there has to be a comprehensive agenda of policy and institutional change to create a dynamic capitalism, else there is a risk of a Latin Americanization of India’s path  This involves changes in education, healthcare, skilling, agricultural, judicial and regulatory reforms. Connecting the dots Impact on slowdown on India’s diplomatic might. Doubling of Farmers income and Make in India initiative Political and Constitutional federal structures which enables comprehensive changes Indian Economy TOPIC:General Studies 3: Transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers. Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security. Reform of grain management system Context In the second quarter of 2020 fiscal year, GDP growth rate has plummeted to 4.5 per cent and the agriculture GDP (GDPA) growth is at mere 2.1 per cent. What are the reasons for Slowdown? One of the main reason is the low demand in the economy.  The demand is low because of the incomes have remain subdued particularly the rural incomes (Consecutive Bad Monsoons). As a result, demand for manufactured goods, housing and other goods have remained low.  Apart from the above cited cyclical reason, there is also structural reason – primarily supply side constraints like inefficient infrastructure network which raises the cost of goods & services thus impacting the competitiveness of the product. What measures government has taken recently? Government announced corporate tax cuts which intends to boost investment cycle. Government has also announced an investment package for infrastructure of about Rs 102 lakh crore over the next five years, which implies more than doubling the growth in infra-investments from its current levels. Government also intends to cut income tax levels in the upcoming budget so as to boost demand in the economy (as it leaves more money in the hands of people to spend) Possible consequences of the above measures: Boosting demand can also cause inflation (beyond the threshold level of 6 per cent to be maintained by the RBI). There is the challenge of not slipping on the fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent, although the CAG has already indicated that the real fiscal deficit of the country is much more if one accounts for the loans taken by many PSUs Difficulty in raising funds to fund the massive infrastructure project (102 lakh crore over five years) Possible Way Out: One of the way to raise (save) Rs 50,000 crore per annum to finance infrastructure projects without causing high inflation or without breaching the fiscal deficit target is by addressing inefficiency in the grain management system under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) The NFSA gives certain quantities of wheat and rice to 67% of the population at Rs 2/kg and Rs 3/kg respectively -the economic cost of these to the Food Corporation of India is Rs 25/kg and Rs 35/kg respectively.  This has led to a provision of Rs 1.84 lakh crore for food subsidy in the last Union budget The grain stocks with the FCI are far more than double the buffer stock norms as on January 1, every year. The reason for inefficiency in grain management system:  The procurement for wheat and rice (paddy) remains open-ended, but the disbursal of those stocks remains largely restricted to the public distribution system (PDS). The open market operations (OMO) are much less compared to what is needed to liquidate the excessive stocks. The money locked in these excessive stocks (beyond the buffer norm) is more than Rs 1 lakh crore. If the government decides to liquidate half of it, it can garner Rs 50,000 crore to finance at least half of its infrastructure projects Way forward (As recommended by Ashok Gulati): While the poor under the Antyodaya category should keep getting the maximum food subsidy, for others, the issue price should be fixed at ~50% of the procurement price (as was done under Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the BPL category). Limit subsidised grain distribution under NFSA to 40 per cent of the population rather than the current 67 per cent Limit the procurement of rice particularly in the north-western states of Punjab and Haryana where the groundwater table is depleting fast, and invite private sector participation in grain management Connecting the dots Doubling of Farmers Income Shanta Kumar Committee recommendations on PDS reform (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1) Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion etc. (Article 15 of the Constitution of India) is a Fundamental Rights classifiable under:  (a) The Right to Freedom of Religion    (b) The Right against Exploitation (c) The Cultural and Educational Rights (d) The Right to Equality Q.2) One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of  (a) Privileges                                                                                 (b) Restraint (c) Competition                                                                             (d) Ideology Q 3) Which one of the following Muslim rulers was hailed as the 'Jagadguru' by his Muslim subject because of his belief in secularism?  (a) Hussain Shah                                                                                             (b) Zain-ul-Abidin (c) Ibrahim Adil Shah                                                                                     (d) Mahmud II Q 4) In India, inflation is measured by the:  (a) Wholesale Price Index number (b) Consumers Price Index for urban non-manual workers (c) Consumers Price Index for agricultural workers (d) National Income Deflation Q 5) A rapid increase in the rate of inflation is sometimes  attributed to the “base effect”. What is “base effect”?  (a) It is the impact of drastic deficiency in supply due to failure of crops (b) It is the impact of the surge in demand due to rapid economic growth (c) It is the impact of the price levels of previous year on the calculation of inflation rate (d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context Q 6)   With reference to India, consider the following statements:  The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in India is available on a monthly basis only. As compared to Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPIIW), the WPI gives less weight to food articles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only                                                                                                          (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2                                                                                               (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q 7)   Consider the following statements about the National Informatics Centre  Objective to a single point to access the information and services of the Government of India Government Instant Messaging System (GIMS)’is developed by Kerala unit of National Informatics Centre (NIC) Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only                                                                                                          (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2                                                                                               (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q 8 )   Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to  (a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood (b) release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood (c) eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers (d) release the bonded laborers from their bondage and rehabilitate them MUST READ Need for Middle Power Coalition IE About US- Iran tensions IE About Sports & their influence IE

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 13th January 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 13th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Vanga nari (Fox- Jallikattu) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Society, Culture In News The jallikattu-like event using foxes, or vanga nari in Tamil, is organised on Kaanum Pongal in Tamil Nadu villages as people believe it will bring bountiful rain and good fortune. The animals are muzzled and their hind legs tied with rope. After special rituals are conducted, the hapless animals are chased through the streets, much like bulls in the more conventional jallikattu. After the event, the animals are released into the forest Foxes are a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and hunting or capturing them is prohibited. H9N2: India’s first case detected by National Institute of Virology, Pune Part of: GS Prelims - Diseases and GS-II- Health In News H9N2 viruses have been observed in poultry in India several times. However, this is the first identification of the clinical human case of H9N2 virus infection It H9N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus, which causes human influenza as well as bird flu. The H9N2 subtype was isolated for the first time in Wisconsin, US in 1966 from turkey flocks. H9N2 virus infections in humans are rare, but likely under-reported due to typically mild symptoms of the infections. Cases of human infection have been observed in Hong Kong, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Egypt SEA GUARDIANS: Bilateral Naval exercise between China & Pakistan Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II- International Affairs In News This is the sixth joint naval exercise between china and Pakistan, but it is the first time that the exercise was named “sea guardians.” It was held in the northern Arabian Sea, with the purpose of enhancing security cooperation between the two countries. The North Arabian Sea is regarded strategically significant for China which is now developing Pakistan's deep water Gwadar port there as a part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) Project of China’s Belt & Road initiative The Gwadar is also located close to Iran's Chabahar Port being jointly developed by Iran, India and Afghanistan to ensure a trade corridor for Indian exports to Afghanistan. Sea guardians is expected to become a series of naval exercises with Pakistan, similar to the ‘warrior’ series of joint land exercises and the shaheen series of joint air exercises. Bojjannakonda: Buddhist site in Andhra Pradesh Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains –I – History, Art & Culture In News Bojjannakonda and Lingalametta are twin Buddhist monasteries dating back to the 3rd century BC.  These sites have seen three forms of Buddhism —  The Theravada period when Lord Buddha was considered a teacher;  The Mahayana, where Buddhism was more devotional; and  Vajrayana, where Buddhist tradition was more practised as Tantra and in esoteric form The site is famous for many votive stupas, rock-cut caves, brick-built edifices, early historic pottery, and Satavahana coins that date back to the 1st century AD. Indian Coast Guard Ships (ICGS) — Annie Besant and Amrit Kaur —commissioned  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Security In News ICGS Annie Besant will be based at Chennai and ICGS Amrit Kaur will be based at Haldia. The ships are fitted with state-of-the-art technology, and navigation equipment, along with Bofors 40/60 guns and 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote Controlled Guns for enhanced fighting efficiency. About Rajkumari Amrit Kaur Kaur co-founded the All India Women's Conference along with Margaret Cousins in 1927.  She was also a member of Constituent Assembly and a member Sub-Committee on Fundamental Rights and Sub-Committee on Minorities. She went on to become independent India’s first health minister (MAINS FOCUS) Indian Polity TOPIC:General Studies 2: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications. Internet Shutdown and Section 144 Context: Supreme Court ruling on the internet shutdown in Jammu & Kashmir since August 5th, 2019. Also, in recent times whenever there is possibility of peaceful democratic protests, the administrative authorities immediately shut down internet & imposes section 144. This is used as a precautionary measure so that the protests doesn’t spiral out of hand leading to violence, arson and law & order issues disturbing public. What is section 144? It is a section of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which prohibits assembly of five or more people, holding of public meetings, and carrying of firearms and can be invoked for up to two months (extendable upto 6 months) Section 144 also empowers the authorities to block the internet access. What are the impact of such restrictive measures, especially blocking internet access? Freedom of peaceful assemble guaranteed under Article 19 (1)(b) is restricted especially when the executive orders imposing this section is not made public Right to Freedom of speech & expression under Article 19(1)(a) is impacted as the medium to access information i.e. internet is blocked Right to carry on trade activities under Article 10(1)(g) is also negatively impacted with the restrictions placed on movement of people.  Economy of the region adversely affected as access to e-banking facilities blocked due to temporary ban on internet. Internet shutdown around the world in 2019 has cost the global economy over $8 billion. Delivery of government welfare provisions affected especially in today’s age of e-governance and digitization of the process Healthcare provisions impacted especially where government schemes like Ayushman Bharat have adopted digital means for delivery process What was the Supreme Court ruling in case dealing with internet shutdown in J&K? Right to Freedom of Speech & Expression is constitutionally protected. Therefore, an order suspending internet services indefinitely is impermissible The Court applied the proportionality doctrine to reason that “complete blocking/prohibition perpetually cannot be accepted”. The review committee should be constituted under the suspension rules (of Indian Telegraph Act) that will conduct a periodic review of the suspension within seven working days of the previous review With regard to Section 144 Any order passed under Section 144, CrPC should be published alongside stating the material facts to enable judicial review of the same.  Lack of public accessibility of these orders (citing National Security reasons) has prevented citizens from filing cases in High Court against such executive order It was against the “sealed cover jurisprudence” that is a recent phenomenon in Indian Judiciary Section 144 cannot be used to suppress legitimate expression of opinion Executive cannot arbitrarily impose section 144. Not just an apprehension of danger, but there has to be an emergency question for passing such executive orders Repetitive orders passed under Section 144 would be an abuse of power Criticisms of the judgement The judgement was a statist expression of law. It was one one premised on legal centrism than one advancing fundamental rights.   Lack of powers to review committee: The committee will be principally composed of bureaucrats and no independent members will lack independence and real power to overturn the initial Internet shutdown orders. The court stopped short of ruling that access to Internet is a fundamental right, it however said that the Internet as a medium is used to exercise other fundamental rights The judicial review, guaranteed by the court, itself takes a long time to provide relief as was in the present case. The Supreme Court should have given a timeframe within which such cases should be dealt with given its impact on the Democratic foundations of society. Way Ahead Given that State has balance the need to ensure liberty & National Security, such type of preventive law & order measures should be used as last resort.  Connecting the dots Sealed Cover Jurisprudence – Cases where such procedures was adopted Is Right to access internet a Fundamental right? What are the possible implications on the Indian Polity with such recognition of new right in the age of internet ?  Indian Federalism TOPIC:General Studies 2: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure 
 Challenges of Non-Scheduled Indian Languages Context An MP from Kerala’s Kasargud region arguing for including Tulu in the Eighth Schedule Present Scheme of Indian Languages Hindi and English are the official languages of the Central Government for communication and administrative purposes, no language in India has been conferred the status of the national language. There is no national language in India as all the states are free to decide their own official languages. This is primarily to address the huge linguistic diversity in the country. The Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India lists the official languages of the Republic of India. Presently, it consists of 22 languages. Also, till date, six languages have been conferred the status of ‘Classical Language’ in India. They are Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Sanskrit, Malayalam and Odia However, Article 351 of the Constitution says that it shall be the duty of the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language, to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India According to the 2001 Census, India has 30 languages that are spoken by more than a million people each.  India also has 1,599 languages, most of which are dialects. These are restricted to specific regions and many of them are on the verge of extinction. Constitutional Safeguards Article 29 of the Constitution provides that a section of citizens having a distinct language, script or culture have the right to conserve the same. Eighth Schedule and Classical Status No National Language Article 350B: Appointment of Special Officer for linguistic minority with the sole responsibilities of safeguarding the interest of language spoken by the minority groups. Cause of Concern  Many languages that are kept out of Eighth Schedule are in some ways more deserving to be included in the Schedule For Example: Sanskrit, an Eighth Schedule language, has only 24,821 speakers (2011 Census). Manipuri, another scheduled language, has only 17,61,079 speakers. Similarly, many unscheduled languages have a sizeable number of speakers: Bhili/Bhilodi has 1,04,13,637 speakers; Gondi has 29,84,453 speakers; Garo has 11,45,323; Ho has 14,21,418; Khandeshi, 18,60,236; Khasi, 14,31,344; and Oraon, 19,88,350. Case for Tulu Language to be included in Eighth Schedule Tulu is a Dravidian language whose speakers are concentrated in two coastal districts of Karnataka and in Kasaragod district of Kerala. The Census reports 18,46,427 native speakers of Tulu in India. The Tulu-speaking people are larger in number than speakers of Manipuri and Sanskrit, which have the Eighth Schedule status. Robert Caldwell (1814-1891), in his book, A Comparative Grammar of the Dravidian or South-Indian Family of Languages, called Tulu as “one of the most highly developed languages of the Dravidian family”. Advantages of Inclusion of a Language in Eighth Schedule: Recognition from the Sahitya Akademi. Members of Parliament (MP) and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) could speak Tulu in Parliament and State Assemblies, respectively. Translation of Tulu literary works into other languages  Option to take competitive exams in Tulu including all-India competitive examinations like the Civil Services exam. Special funds from the Central government. Teaching of Tulu in primary and high school. Way Ahead Placing all language on equal footing will promote Social harmony, inclusion and National Solidarity Protection and preservation of diverse languages should not just remain on paper but also implemented on ground with adequate provision of funds on language development programs Did You know? The Yuelu Proclamation: The Proclamation was made by the UNESCO at Changsha, China in 2018.  The The Yuelu Proclamation is the first UNESCO document of its kind dedicated to the protection of linguistic diversity, and is also an important supporting document for the “UN International Year of Indigenous Languages 2019”.  It confirms that protecting linguistic diversity is the cornerstone for building a global community with a shared future, and for promoting equality, mutual learning and understanding, and facilitating exchanges around the world.  The document calls on member states to formulate action plans to promote language and cultural diversity, and urges academic and indigenous organizations to provide the resources required to help combat the loss of indigenous languages. Connecting the dots Languages are an important identity of India’s liberal and democratic society. Elaborate How can India accommodate the plethora of languages in its cultural discourse and administrative apparatus ? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1) Sea Guardian is a bilateral Naval Exercise between which two countries? India and Japan India and Sri Lanka China and Pakistan Pakistan and Russia Q.2) Jallikattu often seen in the news is predominantly associated with which region/state of India? Karnataka Tamil Nadu Gujarat Nagaland Q.3) Consider the following statements about Amrit Kaur She co-founded the All India Women's Conference in 1927 She was Independent India’s first Health minister Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements about H9N2 It is a subtype of the influenza A virus, which causes human influenza as well as bird flu Recently in Jan 2020, H9N2 viruses has been observed for the first time in poultry in India  Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Yuelu Proclamation is related to which of the following field? Gender Security Terrorism Food Safety Language Protection ANSWERS FOR 11 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 D 3 A 4 C 5 A 6 B MUST READ About religious liberty The Hindu India-Iran Tensions The Hindu About shooting down of Ukranian plane by Iran The Hindu On Sovereignty The Hindu

PIB

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 6th January to 12th January – 2020

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 6th to 12th January, 2019 ARCHIVES IBBI amends the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) Regulations, 2016 The amendment clarifies that a person, who is not eligible under the Code to submit a resolution plan for insolvency resolution of the corporate debtor, shall not be a party in any manner to a compromise or arrangement of the corporate debtor under section 230 of the Companies Act, 2013.  It also clarifies that a secured creditor cannot sell or transfer an asset, which is subject to security interest, to any person, who is not eligible under the Code to submit a resolution plan for insolvency resolution of the corporate debtor. The amendment provides that a secured creditor, who proceeds to realise its security interest, shall contribute its share of the insolvency resolution process cost, liquidation process cost and workmen’s dues, within 90 days of the liquidation commencement date.  It shall also pay excess of realised value of the asset, which is subject to security interest, over the amount of its claims admitted, within 180 days of the liquidation commencement date. Where the secured creditor fails to pay such amounts to the Liquidator within 90 days or 180 days, as the case may be, the asset shall become part of Liquidation Estate. The amendment provides that a Liquidator shall deposit the amount of unclaimed dividends, if any, and undistributed proceeds, if any, in a liquidation process along with any income earned thereon into the Corporate Liquidation Account before he submits an application for dissolution of the corporate debtor.  It also provides a process for a stakeholder to seek withdrawal from the Corporate Liquidation Account. Year End Review 2019- Department of Higher Education National Education Policy: In the year of 2019 Dr K. Kasturirangan Committee submitted the Draft National Education Policy. The Government of India had initiated the process of formulating a New Education Policy to meet the changing dynamics of the requirements of the population with regard to quality education, innovation and research, aiming to make India a knowledge superpower by equipping its students with the necessary skills and knowledge and to eliminate the shortage of manpower in science, technology, academics and industry. Launched Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Program (DHRUV) to identify and encourage talented children to enrich their skills and knowledge. Five-year vision plan 'Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP)' finalised and released by HRD Ministry: Sets out to deliver further on principles of Access, Inclusion, Quality, Excellence and enhancing employability in Higher Education. EQUIP is a vision plan aiming at ushering transformation in India’s higher education system by implementing strategic interventions in the sector over five years (2019-2024). Currently EQUIP has been submitted for in principal approval of EFC. Institution of Eminence (IoE) declared 10 institutions in public sector and 10 institutions in private sector have to be declared as IoE.  Each Public institute (IoE) will be eligible to receive Rs. 1000 crore during next 5 years. 10 Public Institutions are IISc Bangalore, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kharagpur, University of Hyderabad, Banaras Hindu University, University of Delhi, Jadavpur University & Anna University. 10 Private institutions are BITS Pilani, MAHE Karnataka, Jio Institute, Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham, Tamil Nadu , Vellore Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Odisha, O.P. Jindal Global University, Haryana, Bharti Institute, Satya Bharti Foundation, Mohali, Shiv Nadar University, Uttar Pradesh. Scheme for Transformational and Advanced Research in Sciences (STARS) To be implemented, monitored and managed by IISc, Bangalore. For providing extra mural funding to faculty of HE institutions for research projects in basic sciences. Launch of Impactful Policy Research in Social Science (IMPRESS) to support the social science research in the higher educational institutions and to enable research to guide policy making. SWAYAM 2.0 To offer Online Degree Programmes through SWAYAM by Top Ranking Universities Higher Scalability and Performance Enhanced features for faculty and students Improved assessment and evaluation Internationalisation Translation to Indian languages Local chapters and mentors SWAYAM PRABHA- DTH Educational Channels Project for telecasting high quality educational programs through 32 DTH channels on 24x7 basis to reach out to student/learners of India with wide reach and minimal cost.  It aims to support those students who do not have good learning options like lack of teacher or internet etc.  It also aims to provide dedicated channels ‘IITPAL’ to assist the students of 11 and 12 standards aspiring to join premier educational institutions in the country. Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS) A new scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS) was launched for providing industry apprenticeship opportunities to the general graduates exiting through the National Apprenticeship Promotional Scheme (NAPS).  The program aims to enhance the employability of Indian youth by providing ‘on the job work exposure’ and earning of stipend. National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT) Finalized a newly proposed scheme i.e. National Education Alliance of Technologies (NEAT) through PPP Model between MHRD and EdTech companies For offering Adaptive and personalized learning through Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the students with specific emphasis on students from economically and socially backward regions. Year End Review 2019 - Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare Launch of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY) PM-KMY provides for payment of minimum pension of Rs.3000/- per month to the eligible small and marginal farmers on attaining the age of 60 years.   It is voluntary and contributory pension scheme, with entry age of 18 to 40 years.  The monthly contribution by farmer ranges between Rs.55 to 200.  Central Government will contribute an equal amount in the pension scheme.   Till now 19, 19, 802 beneficiaries have been registered. Launch of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) PM-KISAN Scheme provides for transfer of an amount of Rs. 6000/- per year in three equal instalments each of Rs. 2000/- directly into the bank account of beneficiary farmer families. The Scheme initially covered only small and marginal farmer families with land holding upto 2 hectares as beneficiaries, subject to certain exclusion criteria for higher income status.  The Government later extended the scheme with effect from 1st June 2019 to all farmer families irrespective of land holding size, subject to applicable exclusions.  Since the launch of PM Kisan till now about 8.12 crore farmer families have been benefitted and more than Rs. 48,937 crore has been released under the scheme.  A new facility has been provided on PM-KISAN Web-portal (www.pmkisan.gov.in) through ‘Farmers’ Corner’ Link to facilitate the farmers for self-registration, edit  his/her name in PM-Kisan data base as per Aadhar Card, access the beneficiary list and status of payment.  The farmers are being facilitated for self-registration and data correction through Common Service Centers.   e-NAM –One Nation One Market 421 new mandis have been approved for integration under the e-NAM.  Along with these, FPOs have also been on-boarded on e-NAM portal and they have started uploading their produce for trading from their premise.  Other Initiatives and Achievements: 25 Seed-Hub Centres have been sanctioned across the country for increasing availability of quality seeds of Nutri-Cereals (Millets) 12.40 lakh Soil Health Card has been distributed to farmers under Model Village Project. Under Farm Mechanization 1,44,113 machineries have been distributed and 2300 Custom Hiring Centres have been established during current year (2019-20). During 2019-20, 32,808 machineries have been distributed and 8662 Custom Hiring Centres have been established under Crop Residue Management Programme. Muti lingual Mobile App “CHC-Farm Machinery” was launched, which helps the farmers for getting rented farm machinery and implements through Custom Hiring Service Centres (CHC) in their area.  As on date, 41,992 CHCs with 1,33,723 Agricultural machinery for renting out are registered on this Mobile app.   During current year (2019-20) 73,658 hectare additional area has been covered under Horticulture Crops and 59 Nurseries have been established. In-depth Review of India's Energy Policies report By: International Energy Agency (IEA) Vision: Energy Access + Energy Efficiency + Energy Sustainability + Energy Security + Energy Justice During the period 2015 to 2018, investments in the energy sector in India recorded the second highest growth in the world. Ujjwala Yojana: The remotest corners of India have been touched for cleaner fuel access under it. India’s transformation to a gas-based economy and developing indigenously produced biofuels, apart from renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, can potentially achieve the much-needed carbon reductions. As part of the energy transition, decarbonisation of the energy sector is picking up momentum in India. An estimated investment of 100 billion dollar in oil and gas infrastructure has been lined up. The gas pipeline network will soon be covering the length and breadth of the country; from Kutch in Western India to Kohima in the East, and from Kashmir in the North to Kanyakumari in the South. Government has approved viability Gap Funding/ Capital Grant at 60 percent of the estimated cost of Rs 9265 crore for the North East gas grid project to develop gas pipeline grid of 1656 Km in the eight States of the North-eastern region Working to build City Gas Distribution Network covering more than 400 districts of India. This network will serve 72% of India’s population with cleaner and affordable gas over more than 50 % of India’s geography. Enhancing international engagement on global oil security issues is already an active goal being pursued by the Ministry. Energy has become an essential commodity in our bilateral trade engagements with several key trading partners and in positioning India as an important strategic player in global energy landscape. On the way to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol and 5% bio-diesel in diesel by 2030. Indeed, to promote energy sustainability, our new National Biofuel policy focuses on waste-to-wealth creation and targets to generate various types of bio-fuels from agriculture residue and municipal waste Cabinet approves  Agreement between India and Mongolia on Cooperation in the Exploration and Uses of Outer Space for Peaceful and Civilian Purposes This Agreement shall enable pursuing the following potential interest areas of cooperation such as, space science, technology and applications including remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication and satellite based navigation; Space science and planetary exploration; use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system; and application of space technology. The Agreement would lead to set up a Joint Working Group, drawing members from DOS/ISRO and Communications and Information Technology Authority of the Government of Mongolia, which will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this Agreement. Memorandum of Understanding between India and Sweden on cooperation in Polar Science India and Sweden are both signatories to the Antarctic Treaty and to the Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty on Environmental Protection.  Sweden as one of the eight "Arctic States" is one of the Member State in the Arctic Council whereas India has the Observer Status in the Arctic Council.  Sweden has a vigorous scientific program in the Polar Regions, both in Arctic and Antarctic. India likewise, has sustained scientific research programs in both the Polar Regions as well as in the oceanic realm. Memorandum of Understanding between India and United Kingdom for Enabling Energy Self Sufficiency for Indian Railways Each Participant will, subject to the laws, rules, regulations and national policies from time to time in force  governing the subject matter in their respective countries, endeavour to take necessary steps to enable energy efficiency and  energy self-sufficiency for Indian Railways. The parties agree for Energy planning for Indian Railways i.e. Solar & Wind Energy sector, Adopting energy efficiency practices, Enabling Fuel efficiency, Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure deployment, Battery operated Shunting Locomotives.  Capacity development like training programmes, industrial visits, field visits etc. or any other form co-operation may be approved in writing by the Participants. Amendments to the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019: Amendments will ensure concurrence of the State Governments while formulating National Transport Policy and making schemes for national, multimodal and inter-state transportation of goods and passengers by the Central Government. Memorandum of Cooperation between India and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) on cooperation in the field of Health To reduce maternal, neonatal and child morbidity and mortality, improve key nutrition outcomes, by improving the reach, coverage and quality of essential primary health, immunization and nutrition services. To increase the basket of choice and quality for family planning methods, especially for reversible methods, and increase access amongst younger women. To reduce the burden of select infectious diseases [TB, Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), Lymphatic Filariasis(LF)] To strengthen health systems, including aspects such as budget utilization, management and skills of human resources for health, digital health, strengthening supply chains and monitoring systems. Ratification of Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between India and France:  The Agreement represents a major milestone in enhancing people-to-people contacts, fostering mobility of students, academics, researchers and skilled professionals and strengthening cooperation on issues related to irregular migration and human trafficking between the two sides.  The Agreement is a testimony to India's rapidly expanding multi-faceted relationship with France and symbolizes the increasing trust and confidence between the two sides. Prelims oriented news Karmayoddha Granth: On the life of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu National Award for Excellence: Eminent Agricultural Scientist Dr M S Swaminathan Muppavarapu National Award for Social Service: Dr. Gutta Muniratnam PURVODAYA: Accelerated development of eastern India through integrated steel hub in Kolkata, West Bengal; will script rise of Eastern India by accelerated development of steel sector Four Refurbished Heritage Buildings in Kolkata Old Currency Building Belvedere House Metcalfe House  Victoria Memorial Hall Plans to launch Indian Institute of Heritage Conservation: In order to generate resources, take care of the management of these iconic cultural heritage centres, the union government is considering to launch Indian Institute of Heritage Conservation which would be given the status of a deemed university. BEE Notifies New Energy Performance Standards for Air Conditioners: The 240C default setting has been made mandatory from Jan 1, 2020 for all room air conditioners covered under the ambit of BEE star-labelling program vide this notification. Additionally, the Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) as per the new standards will range from (3.30 - 5.00) for split and (2.70 – 3.50) for window air conditioners Steep reduction in pendency of Vigilance complaints: There has been a steep reduction in the pendency of vigilance complaints in the last few years. Administrative Ministry: Department of Personnel & Training From an average of 3,000 in the last three preceding years to 876 in 2019, of which 683 pertain to December, 2019.  A large number of old pending cases of over 5 to 10 years' duration were reviewed and most of the cases were disposed of, thereby drastically reducing pendency from 1,500 cases of the last three years to about 950 at the end of December 2019. Launch of a robust and comprehensive online reporting mechanism for Chief Vigilance Officers of various Ministries/Departments/Organizations under the Commission: This new mechanism has enabled a more focused and timely review of vigilance and anti-corruption cases in various wings and departments of the Central government organizations. In addition, Preventive Vigilance booklet has been brought out with the objective to share the case studies on systematic initiatives/improvements undertaken. Launch of Paperless Licensing process for Petroleum Road Tankers to provide ease of doing business Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has launched paperless licensing process through Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) for road tankers for transportation of petroleum under the Petroleum Rules, 2002. A significant move towards paperless and green India that will provide simpler mechanism, ease of living and business to the petroleum road tanker owners Moving towards digitisation, the process will include filing the applications online. This will also include online payment of fees which will go directly to the concerned officer’s ID without any manual interface.  Applicants, at each stage of processing of the application, will be intimated via SMS and email, whether discrepancy or grant of licence or approval. This will be in addition to the same being reflected in the applicant’s profile. The new process will update the applicant at each stage triggering an e-mail and SMS immediately when the licence is granted by the officer concerned and is dispatched electronically. All this process will be without any need for printing and physical dispatch. This extraordinary and forward looking initiative is directly going to benefit more than one lakh petroleum road tanker owners who together hold more than half of total licences issued under the Petroleum Rules, 2002.  An added advantage of this move is that the authenticity of the licence can be verified through public domain available on PESO’s website. This automation is going to revolutionise the petroleum & gas industry benefitting it immensely. Something to ponder upon: 'The present century might be yours, but the 21st century will belong to India'. Do you agree? Explain.

IASbaba's Monthly Current Affairs Magazine

IAS UPSC Current Affairs Magazine DECEMBER 2019

IAS UPSC Current Affairs Magazine DECEMBER 2019 ARCHIVES Hello Friends, This is the 55th edition of IASbaba’s Current Affairs Monthly Magazine. Current Affairs for UPSC Civil Services Examination is an important factor in this preparation. An effort towards making your Current Affairs for IAS UPSC Preparation qualitative. We hope you make the best use of it! This edition covers all important current affairs issues that were in news for the month of DECEMBER 2019 DOWNLOAD THE MAGAZINE- CLICK HERE

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – You are the Master – Inspirational Educative Articles

You are the Master: Up until now, everything you’ve been doing in your life has been happening through your mind. Even when you wanted to look at things from your heart, love or admire things just for what they are, your mind has always interfered. “Love is dangerous. Something is not right here. What is the use of this compassion? Remember getting hurt?” This is the conversation of the mind, and this is how it interferes and blocks your pure perception of life. In many ways, the mind is nothing but a collection of all your fears. All that you don’t want to experience and relive is hidden in your mind. If you have a negative emotion, what do you do with it? You stuff it away in your mind. There is simply no other place to put it. Meditation is a difficult journey because you have to pass through your entire life’s mess and re-look at it from a new perspective. You have to pass through all the junk, garbage and bullshit you have stored in your mind. You might think that you have hidden away your negative emotions successfully, but negative emotions can never be hidden inside forever; they will always come out as soon as the opportunity arises. Throughout your life, you have been hiding all kinds of desires, emotions and experiences. Without your knowledge, your mind has become a dumping ground for your unresolved emotions. When you sit quiet and try to watch your mind for the first time, you will be disturbed. You will realize how difficult it is to sit quiet and do nothing, even for a few minutes. There are too many thoughts, fears and emotions to deal with. This is why meditation is such an important necessity of life.  Meditation is necessary because your mind has become too noisy. Your mind has hijacked all of your other senses and has completely taken over your life. Your mind is a useful tool, and if you want to use it, you should be able to. If you don’t want to use it though, you should just be able to just leave it aside. It’s like the way you use your hand. Just imagine that your hand insists that you use it all the time. How would you be able to carry on a conversation with someone if your hand is constantly flopping around? You would look stupid not having control of it. Yet, look at the mind: It never sleeps, it never allows you to rest, it is constantly confrontational, constantly arguing, and constantly trying to do something. Mind is a great tool and it has its uses, but only when it is in your control. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 11th January 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 11th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Nepal’s Language Seke Near Extinct Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Society  In News The New York Times recently reported that the “near-extinct” Nepalese language Seke has just 700 speakers around the world. Possible reason: Nepali which is Nepal’s official language is considered to be crucial for getting educational and employment opportunities outside villages.Thus,the younger generation does not find much use in learning the language, giving preference to Nepali and English. The vulnerability of the language is also linked to the migration of people to places where Seke is not spoken, which has reduced the intergenerational transmission of the language Do You know? The year 2019, was the International Year of Indigenous Languages, mandated by the United Nations As per UNESCO, roughly 57 per cent of the world’s estimated 6,000 languages are safe, about 10 per cent are vulnerable, 10.7 per cent are definitely endangered There are roughly 201 endangered languages in India and about 70 in Nepal. Chinese paddlefish (Psephurus gladius): Gone Extinct Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Environment Conservation  In News It is a freshwater fish, dating back from 200 million years ago whose ancestral home was the Yangtze River. It is also known as Chinese swordfish with a snot like structure packed with cells to detect electrical activity in prey animals such as crustaceans It is declared extinct by Chinese researchers based on the Red List criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Overfishing and habitat fragmentation — including dam building — caused its population to dwindle from the 1970s onward Coronavirus: New virus identified by Chinese researchers Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II- Health In News Coronaviruses are a specific family of viruses, with some of them causing less-severe damage, such as the common cold, and others causing respiratory and intestinal diseases A coronavirus has many “regularly arranged” protrusions on its surface, because of which the entire virus particle looks like an emperor’s crown, hence the name “coronavirus” So far, there are four known disease-causing coronaviruses, among which the best known are the SARS corona virus and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus, both of which can cause severe respiratory diseases. Does it impact only humans? Apart from human beings, coronaviruses can affect mammals including pigs, cattle, cats, dogs, martens, camels, hedgehogs and some birds. Integrated Steel Hub Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains –II- Indian Polity- Cooperative Federalism; GS-III- Economy In News Integrated Steel Hub will encompass Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Northern Andhra Pradesh  It aims to attract investment of nearly $70 billion in the steel sector and spur economic growth across eastern India It is a ‘Purvodaya’ initiative for focused development of eastern states. The eastern states collectively hold nearly 80% of the country’s iron ore, most of domestic coking coal reserves and significant portion of chromite, bauxite and dolomite reserves. Out of the 300 mt steel capacity by 2030-31, the region alone is capable of contributing over 200 mt. STATE ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX 2019 released Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Economy In News The index tracks the progress of Energy Efficiency initiatives in 36 States and Union Territories based on 97 significant indicators. The index is developed by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in association with Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE). The first such Index was launched on August, 2018. The index this year incorporates qualitative, quantitative and outcome-based indicators to assess energy efficiency initiatives, programs and outcomes in five distinct sectors – buildings, industry, municipalities, transport, agriculture, and DISCOMs. For rational comparison, States/UTs are categorised as ‘Front Runner’, ‘Achiever’, ‘Contender’ and ‘Aspirant’ based on aggregated Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES) required to meet the state’s actual energy demand (electricity, coal, oil, gas, etc.) across sectors. The top performing states in the State EE Index 2019 - Haryana, Kerala and Karnataka - are in the ‘Achiever’ category. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) Inaugurated  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Cyber Security In News The I4C is a seven-pronged system, which includes a cybercrime reporting portal, analysis of threats, capacity building, research and innovation, creating an ecosystem for cybercrime management and a joint cybercrime investigation platform for law enforcement agencies. I4C is located in New Delhi Do You know? In Aug 2019, the MHA had unveiled its National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal through which citizens can report any kind of cybercrime irrespective of the place where it has occurred So far, more than 700 police districts and more than 3,900 police stations have been connected with this portal (MAINS FOCUS) Health TOPIC:General Studies 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, 
 Polio Disease Context: The World Health Organization announced that polio will continue to remain a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for three months. What is Polio? Polio, short for poliomyelitis, or infantile paralysis, is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. The virus destroys nerve cells in the spinal cord causing muscle wasting and paralysis. There are three wild types of poliovirus (WPV) – type 1, type 2, and type 3. People need to be protected against all three types of the virus in order to prevent polio disease Symptoms: Many people who are infected with the poliovirus don't become sick and have no symptoms. However, those who do become ill develop paralysis, which can sometimes be fatal Is it Curable? There is no cure for polio, it can only be prevented. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life. Vaccine contains weakened-virus activating an immune response in the body, building up antibodies against virus. What is Vaccine derived Polio Virus? These are rare strains of poliovirus that have genetically mutated from the virus strain contained in the oral polio vaccine(OPV) administered to children. 90% of VDPV cases were due to the type 2 component in OPV Does Polio still exist? Polio does still exist, although polio cases have decreased by over 99% since 1988, from an estimated more than 350 000 cases to 22 reported cases in 2017.  Today, only 3 countries in the world have never stopped transmission of wild polio virus (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria). Why has WHO raised the alarm now?  Due to the rising risk of international spread of wild poliovirus type-1. There were 156 cases of wild polio type-1 cases in 2019 compared with 28 in 2018.  An equally disturbing development is on the outbreak of vaccine-derived poliovirus cases in 16 countries; in all, there were 249 vaccine-derived poliovirus cases in 2019. Despite the progress achieved since 1988, as long as a single child remains infected with poliovirus, children in all countries are at risk of contracting the disease.  The poliovirus can easily be imported into a polio-free country and can spread rapidly amongst unimmunized populations.  Failure to eradicate polio could result in as many as 200 000 new cases every year, within 10 years, all over the world. Concern for India On 27 March 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared India a polio free country, since no cases of wild polio been reported in for five years.  With rising case in the neighbouring country, where Pakistan (128 of 156) accounted for the most number of cases in 2019, there are dangers of virus getting exported from Pakistan to Iran and Afghanistan which is already facing humanitarian crisis due to wars. Way forward Vaccine-derived polioviruses must be managed in the same way as wild poliovirus outbreaks. The solution is the same for all polio outbreaks: vaccinate every child several times with oral polio vaccine to stop polio transmission, regardless of whether the virus is wild or vaccine-derived. International community must come together to vaccinate children in Afghanistan (total of 8,60,000 children in Afghanistan did not receive polio vaccine due to security threats) and Pakistan.  Do You know? Nigeria is all set to be declared as having eradicated polio this year, and in turn, the entire African region will become free of wild poliovirus Connecting the dots Mission Indradhanush of the government of India India is one of the largest producers and exporters of vaccines yet has one of the highest preventable childhood mortality rates of any country in the world. Why? (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) Seke language often seen in news is predominantly associated with which region/country? North-East region of India Bhutan Nepal  SriLanka Q.2) Indian Cyber Crime Coordination (I4C) is located in which City of India? Bengaluru Chennai Hyderabad None of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about Chinese paddlefish It is a freshwater fish having an ancestral home in Yangtze river and Yellow river basin in China It is in Critically endangered list of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements about Integrated Steel Hub that is being planned in Eastern part of India It aims to attract investment of nearly $70 billion in the steel sector and spur economic growth across eastern India It is part of ‘Purvodaya’ initiative for focused development of eastern states. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements about CoronaVirus These are newly discovered species of virus which can cause severe respiratory and intestinal diseases They are known to infect only humans Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.6) Consider the following statements about State Energy Efficiency Index  It is released by NITI Aayog It helps states contribute towards national goals on energy security and climate action by helping drive Energy Efficiency policies and programs Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 10 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 C 3 C 4 C 5 D MUST READ About the challenges to Indian Health System The Wire About Supreme Court verdict on Suspension of Internet IE About Dengue The Hindu About evolution of theory of Human Rights The Hindu

60 DAYS PROGRAMME-PRELIMS 2020

PRELIMS EXCLUSIVE PROGRAMME (PEP)- GEOGRAPHY LECTURE by Atyab Sir

Hello Friends, Its been a week that the Prelims Exclusive Programme (PEP)- 2020 started at IASbaba. And we cannot thank you enough for the amazing response to this program. We have been receiving great feedback/suggestions and considering hundreds of requests, releasing one of the Geography Lectures in its entirety. This will surely address thousands of queries regarding the quality of PEP Classroom Lectures. If you have a fear of Prelims and if you wish to crack Prelims in this attempt, then PEP is the program for you.  Prelims Exclusive Programme 2020 comes up with an inclusive Prelims program which will include the following – Click on the features to read complete details. SAMPLE HANDOUTS- DOWNLOAD  SAMPLE TESTS- DOWNLOAD    NOTE- TLP CONNECT MAINS 2020 PHASE will be FREE for all students joining the ENTIRE PEP-2020 program (not for students joining PEP-subject wise or on À la carte basis) 1. Mentorship Based Programme 2. Topper’s Enrichment Sessions 3. Prelims Strategy Classes (1-Week Program) 4. Subject-Wise Daily Class and Tests 5. Prelims Oriented Current Affairs Classes & Tests (Weekly) 6. Tests – Close to 100 Tests & Close to 100 Classes 7. Exclusive features for Online Mode 8. Exclusive for Bangalore Students 9. Quality Hand Outs You can read the details of ENTIRE PEP Programme here 

RSTV Video

Tackling Infant Mortality – The Big Picture - RSTV IAS UPSC

Tackling Infant Mortality Archives General studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health In News:  The death toll of infants at the JK Lon Hospital in Rajasthan's Kota has reached 110 in the past 36 days. In Gujarat the State run civil hospitals in Rajkot and Ahmedabad witnessed death of 134 and 85 infants respectively in the month of December, 2019.  While Rajasthan's Infant Mortality Rate in 2017 stood at 38 which is higher than the national average of 33, this figure for Gujarat was below the national average in 2017 at 30. Infant Mortality Rate:Death of children under the age of 1 is measured by Infant Mortality Rate which is the number of deaths per 1000 live births.  How high are the mortality numbers? India has an annual birth cohort of approximately 26 million. The infant mortality rate (IMR) in the country currently stands at 33 per 1,000 live births. This means babies numbering in the region of 8,50,000 die every year in India, or an average daily toll to 2,350.  Gujarat has an annual birth cohort of 1.2 million. In 2017, the infant mortality rate in the state was 30 per 1,000 live births. This means the state sees about 36,000 deaths a year, or an average 98 a day. In Rajasthan, an estimated 1.65 million births take place every year. The infant mortality rate is 38 per 1000 live births which implies an estimated 62,843 deaths annually, or an average 172 every day. Do Gujarat and Rajasthan have the highest infant mortality? Between 2014 and 2017, India’s IMR has declined by 15.4%.  At a decline rate of 17.4%, Rajasthan has been ahead of the national average in reducing IMR while Gujarat has a decline rate of 14.3%. The IMR in Rajasthan dropped from 46 per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 38, and in Gujarat from 35 to 30.  In 2017, states such as Arunachal Pradesh (42), Madhya Pradesh (47), Assam (44), Uttar Pradesh (41), Meghalaya (39), Odisha (41) and Chhattisgarh (38) had a higher IMR than Gujarat and Rajasthan. Arunachal, Tripura and Manipur have recorded a negative reduction rate between 2014 and 2017, which means child death rates there have gone up. In Arunachal it went up from 30 to 42, in Tripura from 21 to 29 and in Manipur from 11 to 12. Why do so many infants die in India every year? Lack of education in the mother Malnutrition (more than half of Indian women are anaemic) Age of the mother at the time of birth, spacing, and whether the child is born at home or in a facility (infection risks in a non-institutional birth) Pneumonia, Prematurity, low birth weight, Diarrhoeal diseases, Neonatal infections, Birth asphyxia Low vaccine compliance level According to a UNICEF factsheet on child mortality in India, “… Children born to mothers with at least 8 years of schooling have 32% lesser chances of dying in neonatal period and 52% lesser chances in the post-neonatal period, as compared to the illiterate mothers.” It also notes that infant and under-five mortality rates are highest among mothers under age 20. The rates are lowest among children born to mothers between the ages of 20-24, remain low up to 25-34, and increase again after that age. ..and then there is structural violence The deaths in Kota, Muzaffarpur and Gorakhpur should draw our attention to a conglomeration of factors that govern child health in India. Most of the children who died in Gorakhpur, Muzaffarpur and Kota belong to the lowest strata of the society – therefore, they were victims of structural violence. In India, this structural violence is unleashed through a multitude of social, political and economic factors —  Apathy of healthcare professionals,  Poor health services/infrastructure in rural hinterlands,  Low rates of female literacy,  Economic inequality,  The rigid caste system,  Social apartheid,  Lack of political will and patriarchy What measures are in place for sick newborns? Special newborn care units (SNCUs) have been established at district hospitals and sub-district hospitals with an annual delivery load more than 3,000 to provide care for sick newborns: that is, all type of neonatal care except assisted ventilation and major surgeries. It is a separate unit in close proximity to the labour room with 12 or more beds, and managed by adequately trained doctors, staff nurses and support staff to provide 24×7 services. India Newborn Action Plan (INAP) was launched in 2014 to make concerted efforts towards attainment of the goals of “Single Digit Neonatal Mortality Rate” and “Single Digit Still birth Rate,” Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) was started to promote institutional deliveries so as to reduce IMR The Way Forward The death of children due to largely-preventable illnesses is a matter of serious concern and calls for urgent introspection. Unfortunately, we have failed to learn from past experiences. What is urgently required is not the involvement of private players but a sincere engagement by the state in matters concerning peoples’ health. Reports have shown that most of the babies in Kota died due to suffocation at birth; low birth-weight and infections were the other significant causes of death. These are highly-preventable reasons. The role of the state in delivering health to its people cannot be overemphasised. We need to question the government’s priorities in a country where nearly a million children die every year. Connecting the Dots: The deaths in Kota bare the light on a healthcare system founded on apathy towards the poor. Discuss. Kota happened because we slept after Muzaffarpur and the tragedy in Bihar happened because we were complacent after Gorakhpur. Comment. Do you think profit and private involvement in healthcare leads to an erosion of trust? Examine. Does it make more sense for the government to lay more emphasis on women and child development to ensure overall socio-economic transformation. Do you agree? Substantiate.   Essay Topic: The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world.

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