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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 6th January 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 6th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Belum Caves Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Geography In News Belum Caves in Andhra Pradesh is the second longest cave in the Indian subcontinent open to public. The cave is second natural cave only after Krem Liat Prah caves in Meghalaya. Belum caves are renowned for their speleothem structures, such as stalactite and stalagmite formations. With long passages, narrow galleries, and spacious tanks filled with fresh water, this cave was formed over the course of tens of thousands of years by the constant flow of underground water from the now-disappeared river Chitravathi. The caves hold immense historical significance as there are several indications that these were occupied by Jain and Buddhist monks many centuries ago Smog Towers: Delhi gets its first tower to tackle pollution Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III- Environment Conservation. In News Smog towers are structures designed to work as large-scale air purifiers.  These air filters shall draw in the air through fans installed at the top before passing it through the filters and releasing it near the ground. The filters installed in the tower will use carbon nanofibres as a major component and will focus on reducing particulate matter load. The Supreme Court had directed the Centre and the Delhi government to prepare a plan to install ‘smog towers’ across the capital to deal with air pollution. The 100m Xi’an tower in China which is dubbed the world’s largest has reportedly brought down PM 2.5 by 19% in an area of around 6 sq km in its vicinity. Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC): To be established in Karnataka Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains –III- Space Science & Technology In News India’s world-class facility for training astronauts will come up at Challakere, a shrubby, arid oilseeds town in Karnataka. will be the single-stop consolidating infrastructure and activities related to space travellers. It will be a self-contained facility there so that in future, whatever training and activities India is now doing in Russia for the Gaganyaan crew can all be done here About Gaganyaan Gaganyaan is the human space flight programme under which 3 Indian astronauts will go into space by 2022.This will be done by using its own capabilities. A GSLV-Mk III launch vehicle will lift them to their orbit. If successful, India would become the fourth nation to conduct a human space flight programme after USSR/Russia, USA and China. Bibi Ka Maqbara Part of: GS Prelims In News It is a tomb located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.  The structure, known as the ‘Taj of the Deccan’ because of its striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal, was commissioned by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1660 in the memory of his wife Dilras Banu Begum. Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN): Calls for objective assessment & transparency of scheme Part of: GS Prelims and GS II- Governance In News The Air Passengers Association of India wants UDAN scheme to be fine-tuned and recalibrated with details of the scheme to be made public -money spent by the government in airline subsidies, the number of routes suspended 35 lakh passengers have availed benefit under the scheme since its inception Value Addition for Prelims Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) was launched in 2016 to make air travel affordable for people through subsidised ticket rates and to provide air connectivity to smaller towns In order to expand UDAN to international circuits, Centre has also unveiled the International Air Connectivity (IAC) scheme. Saras Mk2 Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Security In News It is a light transport aircraft which is indigenously developed by National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) The 19-seater aircraft, developed with a target cost of ₹50 crore, is at least 20-25% lower in cost than other aircraft in the similar category. NAL is been pitching Saras Mk-2 for the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), since it has the capacity to operate in “ill-equipped”, “semi-prepared” and “unpaved airstrips”. Scientific Social Responsibility Part of: GS Prelims  In News Under this programme, researchers who are working on a science project funded by any of the Ministries under the Central government will have to undertake activities to popularise science and make it more accessible to the public. Centre would draw up a list of activities which could be taken up under the Scientific Social Responsibility programme, that was similar to Corporate Social Responsibility. The activities could range from going to colleges delivering lectures, writing an article in a magazine or doing something beyond the curriculum. The move would not only bridge the gap between research institutes and the civilians, but also help scientists hone their communication skills. Drosophila conference: To be held in India for first time Part of: GS Prelims  In News Drosophila is a genus of two-winged flies commonly known as fruit flies. Pune is set to host the fifth edition of the Asia-Pacific Drosophila Research Conference which is being organised in the country for the first time by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER). Its genome is entirely sequenced and there is enormous information available about its biochemistry, physiology and behaviour, Drosophila is one of the most widely-used and preferred model organisms in biological research across the world for the last 100 years.  Approximately 60% of a group of readily identified genes that are mutated, amplified, or deleted in a diverse set of human diseases have a counterpart in Drosophila. (MAINS FOCUS) POILTY TOPIC: General Studies 2: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. World Trade Organization: U.S. crippled the functioning of the WTO Context: Recently  the U.S. chose to spike the Appellate Body of WTO by starving funds for its functioning.  US  stalled the selection process for filling six vacancies at the Appellate Body. Consequently, the Appellate Body is left with only one member, who will not be able to deliver any rulings on pending trade disputes (a minimum of three members is required to adjudicate any dispute) Why US Chose to spike? Appellate Body has posed hurdles to the U.S. for adopting unilateral measures. Several U.S.  provisions for imposing countervailing and anti-dumping measures were found to be inconsistent with core provisions of the WTO agreements. Finally, the U.S. chose to spike the Appellate Body by resorting to starving funds for its functioning as well as blocking the selection process for filling six vacancies.  Consequently, the Appellate Body is left with only one member, who will not be able to deliver any rulings on the pending trade disputes.  A minimum of three members are required to adjudicate any dispute. World Trade Organization’s Appellate Body : For proper enforcement of trade rules, a binding, two-stage dispute settlement system was established at the World Trade Organization in the 1990s.  The Appellate Body is the scaffolding of the dispute settlement system, with seven standing members. Working: In the first stage for adjudicating trade disputes, a panel would decide cases brought before it by the members. Rulings issued by the panels can be appealed at the Appellate Body.  As part of the second-stage of adjudication, the Appellate Body can uphold, modify or reverse the legal findings and conclusions of a panel.  The Appellate Body’s decisions are final and adopted within 30 days by the dispute settlement body.  Sanctions can be imposed on a member in case of its failure to comply with the Appellate Body’s rulings. Cases dealt: Cases involving trade remedies such as countervailing and anti-dumping measures, and the use of a controversial practice called the zeroing methodology that inflated the anti-dumping duties. Significance: The establishment of the Appellate Body has given teeth and credibility to the rules-based multilateral trading system.  Moreover, it provided security and predictability in the multilateral trading system. India’s Stand:  “At the core of a functioning multilateral trading system is an effective dispute resolution mechanism.” Although not perfect, the dispute settlement system has led to meaningful reductions in unfair trade practices and has helped to strengthen the rules-based international trading system.” The U.S. has been one of the bigger users of the dispute settlement system and also a beneficiary “of this public good,” India said, cautioning that “unless the Membership acts in concert … to lift the block on AB vacancies, we are going to lose this public good which has served all of us so well.” Impact: It is a tremendous loss for the majority of WTO members who are all developing and poor countries.  they “lack the political and economic clout to enforce their rights and protect their interests in a system governed by power and not rules. Conclusion: The absence of the Appellate Body will create a jungle raj and paves the way for a steep descent into the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, 1947 rules. Connecting the dots: How do you think it impacts India? Do you think US will change its stand? Is the World Trade Organization dying? HISTORY TOPIC: General Studies 1: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country Inter- state border dispute: Maharashtra-Karnataka Belgaum tension (Part-2) In news: Recently Bus services between Kolhapur and Belgaum were suspended after the decades-old border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka flared up again. Various Kannada organisations had staged a protest in Belgaum and burnt the effigy of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Controversy  In 1957, slighted by the implementation of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, Maharashtra demanded readjustment of its border with Karnataka.  It invoked Section 21 (2) (b) of the Act, and submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Home Affairs stating its objection to Marathi- speaking areas being added to Karnataka.  It claimed an area of 2,806 square miles that involved 814 villages, and three urban settlements of Belagavi, Karwar and Nippani with a total population of about 6.7 lakh, all part of the Mumbai Presidency before independence.  The villages are spread across Belagavi and Uttar Kannada in north-western Karnataka, and Bidar and Gulbarga districts in north-eastern Karnataka — all bordering Maharashtra. when a four-member committee was formed by both States, Maharashtra expressed willingness to transfer predominantly Kannada-speaking 260 villages with a population of about 3.25 lakh and total area of 1,160 square miles in lieu of accepting its demand for 814 villages and three urban settlements, which was turned down by Karnataka. Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 6th January 2020 SRC:Newsminute  Remember: Karnataka declared Belagavi its second capital, holds its winter session at the newly constructed Vidhan Soudha, changed the name of Belgaum to Belagavi and also held the World Kannada Summit there — all in the last 15 years.  In 2004, Maharashtra approached the Supreme Court for a settlement under Article 131(b) of the Constitution.  Karnataka has questioned the suit. With one of the judges recusing, the court has to set up a new bench. Maharashtra’s claim: Maharashtra’s claim to seek the readjustment of its border was on the basis of contiguity, relative linguistic majority and wishes of the people.  If the claim over Belagavi and surrounding areas was based on Marathi-speaking people and linguistic homogeneity, it laid its claim over Karwar and Supa where Konkani is spoken by citing Konkani as a dialect of Marathi.  Its argument was based on the theory of village being the unit for calculation and enumerated linguistic population in each village.  Maharashtra also points out the historical fact that the revenue records in these Marathi-speaking areas are also kept in Marathi. Karnataka’s position: Karnataka has argued that the settlement of boundaries as per the States Reorganisation Act is final.  The boundary of the State was neither tentative nor flexible.  The State argues that the issue would reopen border issues that have not been contemplated under the Act, and that such a demand should not be permitted. Initially, Karnataka was open to adjusting the border in the 10 mile belt from the drawn boundary. Karnataka also points out that when Congress, which redrew its circles on linguistic basis in 1920, included Belagavi in the Karnataka Provincial Congress Committee. Besides, the States Reorganisation Commission vested Belagavi with Karnataka. Way forward: In 1960, both States agreed to set up a four-man committee with two representatives from each State.  Except on the issue of contiguity, the committee could not arrive at a unanimous decision, and respective representatives submitted reports to their government.  Between the 1960s and 1980s, chief ministers of Karnataka and Maharashtra have met several times to find a solution to the vexed issue but with no avail. Central govt’s stand: In 1966, the Centre announced setting up a one-man commission under former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India Meher Chand Mahajan to look into border issues between Karnataka (then Mysore state) and Maharashtra.  The commission was also asked to look into Karnataka’s demand for integration of Kannada-speaking areas in Kasargod in Kerala. Karnataka sought areas in Kolhapur, Sholapur and Sangli districts from Maharashtra, and Kasargod from Kerala. The commission rejected Maharashtra’s claim over Belagavi city while recommending transfer of about 260 villages in the border to Maharashtra and about 250 villages in Maharashtra to Karnataka. Maharashtra said the report was inconsistent and an unfair application of its own principle. It also said the report was not a final word on the issue. Karnataka, however, agreed to the report. Connecting the dots: Do you think this dispute is detrimental for the integrity of the country? How do you think the dispute can be resolved? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Smog Towers These air filters shall draw in the air through fans installed at the top before passing it through the filters and releasing it near the ground. The filters generally use carbon nanofibres as a major component and will focus on reducing particulate matter load. Which of the above statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Saras Mk2 It is a light transport aircraft which is indigenously developed by Hindustan Aeronotics Limited (HAL) It will be ideal for commuter connectivity under the UDAAN scheme and other applications like aerial search/survey, executive transport, disaster management and border patrol Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Belum Caves is located in which state of India?  Kerala Maharashtra Andhra Pradesh Karnataka Q.4) Consider the following statements about Gaganyaan Mission It is ISRO’s human space flight programme under which 3 Indian astronauts will go into space by 2022. Russian launch vehicle will lift Indian astronauts to their orbit. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 04 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 C 3 D 4 A 5 D MUST READ Life of science: On Indian Science Congress The Hindu Least surprise: On Tamil Nadu local body poll results The Hindu Scoring a foreign policy self-goal The Hindu The prospect of food and fuel inflation makes it necessary for the government to initiate structural reforms IE Woods that aren’t dark or lovely enough ET Fiscal discipline isn’t a small deficit ET In the rage-filled India of 2020, could we give Reason a chance? Live mint

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Controlling your noisy mind – Inspirational Educative Articles

Controlling Your Noisy Mind: When you say, “My mind is noisy,” you are right! You need to understand that the mind is nothing but noise. If you were to take away all the noise, all the distractions, and all the happenings in your mind, then where is the mind? There would be absolutely no mind, what Buddha called the state of “no-mind”. To understand the nature of the mind, first you need to investigate the mind: What does it want? How does it function? What is its motive? The mind has always been the master, and wants to continue to be the master. When you sit quietly, it wants to be in charge, so it tells you to do this or that, and constantly pushes you to think about something. When you tell the mind to keep quiet and say, "This is my time for meditation, why don’t you just relax and be quiet?” you are literally threatening the existence of the mind, or at least that is how the mind perceives it and retaliates with, “No, I don’t want to be quiet. Why are you sitting quietly, anyway? You’re just wasting time. I don’t understand this sitting quiet thing.” This conversation, this noise, is what you need to observe. The objective of meditation is not to run away from this noise, but to understand what it is. Not understanding the mind is the actual fuel that drives the mind. The more time you spend understanding the mind, the less noisy it becomes. The mind loves to function in darkness; it wants to remain elusive, and hidden. The moment you begin observing the mind through meditation, it’s as if you are lighting a lamp in the dark. The mind is like a monster that cannot stand bright light; it wants to remain hidden. In that hidden nature, it wants to make you do a lot of things. Once you begin watching your mind, it reveals its true nature and loosens its grip on you. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”

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RSTV IAS UPSC – Ensuring Water Security

Ensuring Water Security Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment In News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently released the operational guidelines of Jal Jeevan Mission. Jal Jeevan Mission Government of India has restructured and subsumed the ongoing National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) into Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to provide Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household i.e., Har Ghar Nal Se Jal (HGNSJ) by 2024. Proposed Jal Jeevan Mission will be a decentralised, community-managed and sustainable water management scheme - Out of 17.87 crore rural households in the country about 14.6 crore which accounts for 81.67 percent are yet to have household tap connections for water.  JJM envisages a structural change in the provision of drinking water supply services. The service provision should change to ‘utility based approach’ centered on ‘service delivery’ The government had also integrated different ministries and departments dealing with water into one ministry — the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Work to be taken up under JJM:  In-village water supply (PWS) infrastructure for tap water connection to every household Reliable drinking water source development/ augmentation of existing sources Transfer of water (multi-village scheme; where quantity & quality issues are there in the local water sources) Technological intervention for treatment to make water potable (where water quality is an issue, but quantity is sufficient) Retrofitting of completed and ongoing piped water supply schemes to provide FHTC and raise the service level Grey water management Capacity building of various stakeholders and support activities to facilitate the implementation 73rd Amendment of Constitution of India: Gram Panchayats or its sub-committees will play a crucial role in planning, designing, execution, operations and maintenance of the in-village infrastructure under the Jal Jeevan Mission - Every village is to prepare a village action plan (VAP) which will be essentially having three components namely;  Water source & its maintenance Water supply and  Grey water management. The Issue: In 1951, per-capita water availability in India was just over 5,000 cu m per year. In 2011, it was 1,545 cu m. The figure has almost certainly come down since. Should it drop below 1,000 cu m per year, India will formally become a water-scarce country for the first time in its 5,000-year history. If water availability is a problem, inequality in access is even more so. India has 180 million rural households. About 33 million have access to piped water; a little over 145 million don’t. This mission means 4.5 times more houses have to be linked to piped water in the coming five years than has been done in the past 72 years- Augmenting water availability will be the sum of several efforts:  Conservation and revival Recycle and reuse of water (including grey water) Rainwater harvesting Judicious use of water for farming (an expansion of ‘per drop, more crop’) Efficient use of water in industry In situ treatment of waste rather than transporting it long distances using copious quantities of water Labelling products, or pushing industry to benchmark optimal use of water The Way Forward Need to relook at water-guzzling sugarcane —with a value chain that sucks is terrible in terms of subsidies at various stages  Need to reimagine the public health engineering department (PHED) as not just a technical body but also as a public utility that oversees water entitlements as well as pricing of such entitlements is a goal. Digital sensors could facilitate remote monitoring of household water supply and quality, and eliminate tedious meter readings. This devolution can be incentivised by GoI, linked to milestones state governments and gram panchayats must reach, and hand-held by NGOs. For instance, JJM could tie up with the skill development ministry to train village women to measure turbidity and quality. On the lines of the Swachh Bharat Mission, extensive information, education and communication will be needed to create a jan andolan for water management. The ongoing Jal Shakti Abhiyan will help in creating awareness about the importance of integrating source sustainability and water reuse with the provision of household water supply.  Note: SDG-6: Ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030  Water-stressed districts: Districts with critical or over-exploited groundwater levels as per the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) 2017. For states without critical and over-exploited groundwater levels, districts with the least availability of groundwater in comparison to the rest of the districts in the state have been selected. Water stress and water scarcity Water stress is the difficulty of obtaining sources of fresh water for use during a period of time and may result in further depletion and deterioration of available water resources. Water scarcity involves water stress, water shortage or deficits, and water crisis. Water scarcity can be due to physical water scarcity and economic water scarcity. Physical water scarcity refers to a situation where natural water resources are unable to meet a region’s demand and economic water scarcity is a result of poor water management resources. The latter is found more often to be the cause of countries or regions experiencing water scarcity, as most countries or regions lack the means to provide water in an accessible manner. Connecting the dots: Enlightened water policy needs infrastructure. But more than that, it requires institutions with local and village ownership. Analyse. How severe is the problem of groundwater contamination in India? What are its most causative factors?

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th January 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Lord Curzon Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Modern history In News Lord Curzon, India’s Viceroy between 1899 and 1905, was one of the most controversial and consequential holders of that post.  The partition of the undivided Bengal Presidency in 1905 was one of Curzon’s most criticised moves, which gave impetus to the freedom movement (Swadeshi movement) Partition was finally reversed in 1911 by Lord Hardinge in the face of unrelenting opposition. He became the youngest Viceroy of India in 1899 at age 39, and remained in office until his resignation in 1905. NORTHEAST (WINTER) MONSOON Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains I- Geography In News The northeast, or winter, monsoon has ended on a high, with an overall surplus rainfall being recorded for the season. North-East monsoon- permanent a feature of the Indian subcontinent’s climate system – from October to December - rainfall is experienced over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, along with some parts of Telangana and Karnataka Winter monsoon season contributes only 11 per cent to India’s annual rainfall of 1,187 mm. South-west Summer monsoon season between June-September bring about 75 per cent of India’s annual rainfall (the remaining rain comes in other non-monsoon months). Many other parts of the country, like the Gangetic plains and northern states, also receive some rain in November and December but this is not due to the northeast monsoon. It is caused mainly by the Western Disturbances. Western Disturbance: It is an eastward-moving rain-bearing wind system that originates beyond Afghanistan and Iran, picking up moisture from as far as the Mediterranean Sea, even the Atlantic Ocean. Savitribai Phule Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains –I- Modern history, Society In News Savitribai Phule, the social reformer who is considered to be one of India’s first modern feminists, was born on January 3, 1831 Both Savitribai Phule & her husband Jyotirao Phule went on to found India’s first school for girls called Bhide Wada in Pune in 1848. The Phules started the Satyashodhak Samaj (Society for Truth-Seeking), through which they wanted to initiate the practice of Satyashodhak marriage, in which no dowry was taken. The Phules also started the Literacy Mission in India between 1854-55 Savitribai Phule is especially remembered for being India’s first female teacher who worked for the upliftment of women and untouchables in the field of education and literacy. Extraocular vision Part of: GS Prelims In News The ability to see without eyes is known as extraocular vision Latest research shows that species of brittle stars, which are relatives of starfish, can see even though it does not have eyes. It becomes only the second creature, after a sea urchin species, known to have this ability The brittle star sees with the help of light-sensing cells that cover its entire body. These light-sensing cells give the brittle star visual stimuli, allowing it to recognise coarse structures such as rocks National Human Rights Commission Part of: GS Prelims and GS II- Indian Polity In News NHRC issued a notice to the Rajasthan government in connection with the deaths of over 100 children at the government-run hospital in Kota, Rajasthan in December 2019. Value Addition for Prelims NHRC of India is an independent statutory body established in 1993 as per provisions of Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, later amended in 2006. It was established in conformity with the Paris Principles, adopted for the promotion and protection of human rights in Paris (October, 1991) and endorsed by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 20 December, 1993. NHRC is a multi-member body which consists of a Chairman and seven other members appointed by the President, on recommendation of high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister. Out of the seven members, three are ex-officio member. NHRC can only make recommendations, without the power to enforce decisions. NHRC does not have any mechanism of investigation. In majority cases, it asks the concerned Central and State Governments to investigate the cases of the violation of Human Rights Zonal Councils Part of: GS Prelims and GS II- Indian Polity In News The 25th meeting of the Western Zonal Council, to be chaired by Union Home Minister, will be co-chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister  Value Addition for Prelims The Zonal Councils are the statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies. They are established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act of 1956. The act divided the country into five zones (Northern, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern) and provided a zonal council for each zone. The Union Home Minister is the common chairman of the five Zonal Councils While forming these zones, several factors have been taken into account which include: the natural divisions of the country, the river systems and means of communication, the cultural and linguistic affinity and the requirements of economic development, security and law and order. In addition to the above Zonal Councils, a North-Eastern Council was created by a separate Act of Parliament—the North-Eastern Council Act of 1971. These are advisory bodies that will discuss and make recommendations with regard to any matter of common interest in the field of economic and social planning between the Centre and States. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TOPIC: General Studies 2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora US-Iran: Qassem Soleimani , the head of Iran's elite Quds Force Killed Context: Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated after a US air raid killed Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces, or PMF. Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th January 2020 SRC: TOI Consequences: These deaths are a potential turning point in the Middle East and are expected to draw severe retaliation from Iran and the forces it backs in the region against Israel and US interests. About Soleimani: Soleimani, had a unique celebrity status among Iran’s military leaders, was highly popular among the hardliners.  He was very close to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who once called him a “living martyr of the revolution”.  He  was also the main architect of Iran’s recent foreign operations, mainly in Syria and Iraq, which were crucial in saving the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria and defeating the Islamic State (IS) in both countries. Impacts: The attack has already killed off even the possibility of renegotiating the nuclear deal.  Iran might see this as an act of war like any sovereign country would do. It could trigger multiple attacks across the region, destabilising it further, cause heavy casualties and help the jihadist groups such as al-Qaeda and the IS regroup and re-emerge. Resumed attacks on oil tankers and other low hanging but high value economic targets, particularly in the oil sector Impact on India: India need to be on the right side of the U.S., our ties with Iran, have their own geostrategic logic. Rises India’s oil import bill Creates difficulties in supplies,  The safety of an estimated eight million expatriates in the Gulf may be affected. Iran has the capacity to influence the U.S.-Taliban peace process in Afghanistan which could impact India The possibility of some of Shia Muslims being radicalised by this event cannot be ruled out.  Conclusion: U.S. President Donald Trump is responsible for where U.S.-Iran ties stand today as he single-handedly destroyed the co-operation between the two nations established by the 2015 Iran nuclear deal by unilaterally pulling the U.S. out of the agreement in 2018 and reimposing sanctions on Iran.  By sabotaging the fragile peace  negotiated over years between world powers, Mr. Trump, in a single act, pushed both the U.S. and Iran down a dangerous slope. Connecting the dots: How to think Iran – US relations Impacts India? What would be the next step of Iran? GOVERNANCE TOPIC: General Studies 2: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures Civic technology: An Indian Case  Context: Civic technology, or civic tech, enhances the relationship between the people and government with software for communications, decision-making, service delivery, and political process.  It includes information and communications technology supporting government with software built by community-led teams of volunteers, non-profits, consultants, and private companies. India’s Case: IChangeMyCity In the Indian context, civic technology can broadly be divided into two themes—tools aimed at improving civic engagement, and those directed at streamlining government services. In 2012, IChangeMyCity enabled citizens to share complaints about civic issues through its platform.  It also provided municipalities with real-time grievance data to resolve.  Organizations such as Reap Benefit, through their online platform, work with young people to create solutions for civic problems such as low-cost sanitation systems from discarded plastic. Foreign Example: Since 2014, the vTaiwan project, which started out as a citizen movement, has been working to build consensus among Taiwanese citizens about contentious issues. Consensus derived through vTaiwan is utilized to draft new laws and regulations for citizens. In the US, Vote.org uses technology to register voters and increase voter turnout. Case study: A field worker for his local corporator in Mumbai, notices that in his slum dengue claims several lives every monsoon. Authorities turn a blind eye because the deaths are often not documented.  Field worker uses an online tool, designed to conduct surveys in low literacy areas, to gather feedback from his community. He presents his corporator with data that states that 94% of residents in his slum are aware of the causes of dengue, yet, the disease remains widespread because of uncovered sewage lines.  The corporator presents this data to the municipality and the sewage lines are promptly covered, preventing further dengue deaths. Conclusion: In India, a growing number of internet users is coupled with a young population, accustomed to demanding participation in all facets of their lives, including greater participation in governance. This combination is pushing governments to be more participatory and efficient. Connecting the dots: How do you think Civic Technology leads to good governance? Do you think it brings in transparency into the system? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Lord He became the youngest Viceroy of India in 1899 at age 39, and remained in office until his resignation in 1905 It was during his tenure as Viceroy that Bengal was partitioned in 1905 which was finally reversed in 1911 by Lord Hardinge Which of the above statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Northeast monsoons It does not have anything to do with India’s Northeast, even though a part of the system does originate from the area above it. Rather, it derives its name from the direction in which it travels — from the northeast to the southwest. The northeast monsoon brings rain to just five of the 36 meteorological divisions in the country Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Satyashodhak Samaj was started by _________  Bal Gangadhar Tilak Raja Ram Mohan Roy Dayananda Saraswati Savitribai Phule & Jyotiba Phule Q.4) Consider the following statements about Zonal Councils They are the statutory bodies established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act of 1956 & North-Eastern Council Act of 1971. Prime Minister is the Common Chairman of all Zonal COuncils 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 National Human Rights Commission(NHRC) It is a Constitutional Body established under Article 338-A It has its own institutionalised mechanism for investigation of Human rights abuses and also the power to enforce its decisions. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 03 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 A 3 C MUST READ Missing the wood: On anti-CAA resolution in Kerala Assembly The Hindu An act of war: On U.S. killing of Iran commander The Hindu Defying the legalisation of the unjustifiable The Hindu In the ruins of unilateralism The Hindu When defection is a mere detour for an MLA The Hindu Deaths of children in government hospital must be a wake-up call, draw attention to state of public healthcare IE SDGs: Miles to go but a nap is doable ET

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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd January 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Mobile Aided Note Identifier (MANI) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Science & Technology In News RBI has launched a mobile app, Mobile Aided Note Identifier (MANI) to help visually challenged people to identify denomination of currency notes. Through the downloaded app, users can scan the notes using the camera. The audio output will give the result in Hindi and English. The app can also work offline once it is installed. Aadhaar: Must for Welfare Pension in Odisha Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II- Governance  In News The Odisha government has announced that only beneficiaries with Aadhaar card will be given pension under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and the Madhubabu Pension Yojana (MBPY). NSAP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Government of India that provides financial assistance to the elderly, widows and persons with disabilities in the form of social pensions.  NSAP at present, comprises of Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS), Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS), National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) and Annapurna. NSAP represents a significant step towards the fulfillment of the Directive Principles in Article 41 of the Constitution The MBPY beneficiaries, who include elderly, widows, persons with disabilities and HIV/AIDS-affected patients, get ₹500 to ₹700 per month. But they must not be part of any Central schemes DRDO Young Scientists Laboratories (DYSL) Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains -III- Security In News Five defence laboratories led by under-35 directors and young military scientists were formally launched by Government Objective: To drive the country’s war technologies of the future under the Defence Research & Development Organisation. The labs operating in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad will each pursue a key technology necessary for developing the nation’s next generation of defence systems. There would be no fund constraints for the new labs and the new leaders enjoy the same administrative and financial powers as the directors of existing defence labs Indian Science Congress: 107th Edition to begin in Bengaluru Part of: GS Prelims and GS II- Education In News 107th Indian Science Congress, will be held from January 3 to 7, 2020 at University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru The main focus of this year’s congress will be on Rural Development through Science and Technology Farmers Congress: for the first time in the history of ISC, a Farmers Science Congress is being held. It will cover themes ranging from farmers innovation on integrated agriculture and entrepreneurship for doubling farmers income, climate change, bio-diversity, conservation, agrarian distress etc. Children’s Science Congress: The aim is to provide a unique opportunity for children to view selected projects and listen, interact with eminent scientists and Nobel Laureates. Organisers have also taken “special care” to ensure that ‘pseudo-scientific’ articles or talks did not creep in during this Congress. Indian Science Congress Association is a premier scientific organisation of India with headquarters at Kolkata, West Bengal. The association started in the year 1914 in Kolkata and it meets annually in the first week of January Sugar production fallen Part of: GS Prelims and GS III- Economy In News The country’s sugar production has fallen sharply by 30.22% to 7.79 million tonne (MT) in the first three months of current marketing year ending September Sugar production has been pegged lower at 26 MT this year from 33.16 MT in 2018-19. The average sugar recovery in Maharashtra has declined to 10% from 10.5% achieved in the year-ago period due to loss of sucrose content in the flood-affected sugarcane crop Value Addition for Prelims Price of sugarcane is fixed by the centre/State, while the price of sugar is market determined Fair and remunerative price (FRP) is the minimum price at which rate sugarcane is to be purchased by sugar mills from farmers The FRP is fixed by Union government on the basis of recommendations of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).  FRP assures margins to farmers, irrespective of whether sugar mills generate a profit or not.  This will be uniformly applicable all over the country. Besides FRP, some states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, UP and TN announce a State Advised Price, which is generally higher than the FRP.  (MAINS FOCUS) POLITY TOPIC: General Studies 2: Role of civil services in a democracy Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS): Trimming of the Railway Board, the powerful body that governs the Indian Railways Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd January 2020 SRC: Twitter Context: The Cabinet recently approved trimming of the Railway Board, the powerful body that governs the Indian Railways. From nine, the Board will now have only five Members. The Cabinet also decided to merge all central service cadres of Railways officers into a single Indian Railways Management Service (IRMS).  What does it mean? Any eligible officer could occupy any post, including Board Member posts, irrespective of training and specialisation, since they will all belong to IRMS. The five members of the Board, other than a Chairman-cum-CEO, will now be the Members Infrastructure, Finance, Rolling Stock, Track, and Operations and Business Development. Present system: The Indian Railways is governed by a pool of officers, among whom engineers are recruited after the Indian Engineering Service Examination, and civil servants through the Civil Services Examination.  The civil servants are in the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS), Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) and Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS). The engineers are in five technical service cadres — Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE), Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME), Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE), Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSSE) and the Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS). Until the 1950s, the Railways system was run by officers from just three main streams: Traffic, Civil Engineering, and Mechanical. The other streams emerged as separate services over time. Why reforms? End inter-departmental rivalries, which it says have been hindering growth for decades  Bibek Debroy committee in 2015 have noted that “departmentalism” is a major problem in the system and recommended merging of railways A separate exam under the Union Public Service Commission is proposed to be instituted in 2021 to induct IRMS officers. Why opposition? The merger is unscientific and against established norms, because it proposes to merge two fundamentally dissimilar entities, with multiple disparities. Various studies have noted that engineers join the Railways around the age of 22-23, while the civil servants join when they are around 26, barring exceptions. The age difference starts to pinch at the later stages of their careers, when higher-grade posts are fewer. There are more engineers than civil servants. Protesters are also saying that the merger is against the service conditions which civil servants sign up for while choosing an alternative if they cannot make it to IAS. Conclusion: This methodology involves interpolation of officers of various services in a combined list, arranged in proportion to total strength of each service. The service with the largest number of officers will form the base. At the top of the combined list, toppers of all services will be placed in order of their date of birth—those born earlier being assigned higher seniority. Thereafter, officers of various services will be interpolated in between the officers of the base service in the ratio of the number of officers in that service vis-à-vis the number of officers in the base service Connecting the dots: Do you think restructuring of Indian railways impact Indian civil services? How do you think it impacts Employment? POLITY TOPIC:General Studies 2: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary -Ministries and Departments of the Government Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): The dual-hatted role Context: General Bipin Rawat taking over as the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on New Year’s Day, a new structure is being created in the Defence Ministry.  The dual-hatted role: The dual-hatted role refers to the two hats the CDS wears: one of the permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee which has the three service chiefs as members, and the other of the head of the newly created Department of Military Affairs (DMA) in the ministry.  The former is a military role while the latter is a role in the government. Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd January 2020 SRC: IE The Army, the Navy and the Air Force — not departments of the ministry: The Army, the Navy and the Air Force used to come under the Department of Defence so far, but will now fall under the ambit of DMA, and will have an appropriate mix of civilian and military officers at every level. Attached offices are generally responsible for providing executive direction required in implementation of policies laid down by the department to which they are attached, in this case now the DMA. Working: CDS acts the Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Minister only on tri-services matters. In fact, the three service chiefs will continue to advise the Defence Minister, as done so far, on matters exclusively concerning their respective services.  CDS will not exercise any military command, including over the three service chiefs. The service chiefs will be members of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, which will be headed by the CDS. Conclusion: The Department of Defence — headed by the Defence Secretary — will be responsible for the “defence of India and every part thereof, including defence policy and preparation for defence and all such acts as may be conducive in times of war to its prosecution and after its termination to effective demobilisation”. Connecting the dots: Do you think CDS brings structural changes in army? What is the   relationship between the new four-star general and the ministry? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1) Consider the following statements about DRDO Young Defence Laboratories These are led by under-35 directors and young military scientists The aim is to drive the country’s war technologies of the future under the Defence Research & Development Organisation. Which of the above statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Fair and remunerative price (FRP) FRP is fixed by Union government on the basis of recommendations of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices. This will be uniformly applicable only in the sugar producing states which are Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu . Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) NSAP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Government of India that provides financial assistance to the elderly, widows and persons with disabilities in the form of social pensions It represents a significant step towards the fulfillment of the Directive Principles in Article 41 of the Constitution Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 02 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 C 3 D 4 C MUST READ A weak test: On Swachh ranking of cities The Hindu In the ruins of unilateralism The Hindu When defection is a mere detour for an MLA The Hindu Should the FM tweak direct taxes to spur the economy? The Hindu For a debt market to fund infrastructure ET With sluggish tax collection, little disinvestment, government is unlikely to meet targets. Budget must present true picture IE The financial system remains choked IE

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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd January 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Satcom technology: Rajasthan to utilize it in big way Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II- Governance  In News Rajasthan Government has started using satellite communication technology to enhance the learning outcome in educational institutions - for getting the services of subject experts in the government schools and colleges  The institutions with the shortage of teachers will especially benefit from the geostationary satellite uplinking facilities. Government is also using the technology to generate awareness about social welfare schemes, while giving priority to the five aspirational districts selected by NITI Aayog in the State. About Aspirational Districts. The Aspirational District Programme was launched by the Prime Minister on January 5, 2018. It aims to quickly and effectively transform some of India's most underdeveloped districts. It will identify areas of immediate improvement, measure progress, and rank districts (done by NITI Aayog) The broad ideas of the programme include - convergence of central and state schemes collaboration of central, state level ‘Prabhari’ (in-charge) officers and district collectors competition among districts Pharma City in Telangana Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II- Competitive Federalism; GS-III- Economy In News Pharma City project planned by Telangana Government as world’s biggest pharma cluster near Hyderabad has obtained the National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) approval and the environmental clearance for it from the Centre Basic infrastructure at the Pharma City like setting up sub-stations and laying roads has already commenced. The government would have to work on establishing an effluent treatment plant to make it a pollution-free project. About NIMZ NIMZs are one of the important instruments of National Manufacturing Policy, 2011. Objective: To increase the share of manufacturing to 25 percent of the country’s GDP while also creating 100 million jobs over the next decade NIMZs have been conceived as large integrated industrial townships with state of-the-art infrastructure; land use on the basis of zoning; clean and energy efficient technology; necessary social infrastructure; skill development facilities, etc.  To enable the NIMZ to function as a self-government and autonomous body, it will be declared by the State Government as a Industrial Township under Article 243 Q (I) (c) of the Constitution These NIMZs would be managed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which would ensure master planning of the zone; pre-clearances for setting up the industrial units to be located within the zone and undertake such other functions  Invasive alien plants in Nilgiri Biosphere Region Part of: GS Prelims and GS III- Environment In News Invasive alien species are plants, animals, pathogens and other organisms that are non-native to an ecosystem, and which may cause economic or environmental harm or adversely affect human health The spread of invasive plants, especially Senna Spectabilis, is posing a major threat to the Nilgiri forest region, owing to its quick growth and coppicing character The thick foliage arrests the growth of other indigenous species of trees and grass, and causes food shortage for the wildlife population, especially herbivores, during summer.  Moreover, wildlife would not feed on the leaves of the tree as it was not palatable for them The plant started to invade in adjacent tiger reserves, including Bandipur and Nagarhole in Karnataka and the Mudumalai tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu Import duty on crude, refined palm oils Cut Part of: GS Prelims and GS II- International Affairs In News Acting on the ASEAN and the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements, the Centre slashed import duty on refined palmolein from 50% to 45%, while that on crude palm oil (CPO) from 40% to 37.5% The action is said to have a serious impact on the domestic palm oil refining industry and oilseeds farmers Value Addition for Prelims ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It was formed in 1967, by Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Membership has been extended to include Vietnam, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Brunei. Apart from economic and political growth it also focuses on social progress, social-cultural evolution among member countries, and provision of mechanisms and strategies to resolve differences peacefully. (MAINS FOCUS) GOVERNANCE  TOPIC: General Studies 2: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India :  NITI Aayog recently released the Baseline Report of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index Context: The NITI Aayog recently released the Baseline Report of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index, which comprehensively documents the progress made by India’s States and Union Territories towards implementing the 2030 SDG targets. The SDG India Index was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Global Green Growth Institute and United Nations in India. Background: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted in September 2015 as a part of the resolution, ‘Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’. India is committed to achieve the 17 SDGs and the 169 associated targets, which comprehensively cover social, economic and environmental dimensions of development and focus on ending poverty in all its forms and dimensions.  At the Central Government level, NITI Aayog has been assigned the role of overseeing the implementation of SDGs in the country. Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas NITI Aayog has the twin mandate to oversee the implementation of SDGs in the country, and also promote Competitive and Cooperative Federalism among States and UTs.  The SDG India Index acts as a bridge between these mandates, aligning the SDGs with the Prime Minister’s clarion call of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, which embodies the five Ps of the global SDG movement – people, planet, prosperity, partnership and peace.  [caption id="attachment_55624" align="aligncenter" width="505"] Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd January 2020[/caption] Src: Quora SDG: The SDGs are ambitious global development goals that address key aspects of universal wellbeing across different socio-economic, cultural, geographical divisions and integrate the economic, social and environmental dimensions of development. SDG & India: India’s National Development Agenda is mirrored in the SDGs.  India’s progress in SDGs is crucial for the world as the country is home to about 17% of the world population. The SDG India Index tracks progress of all States and UTs on 62 Priority Indicators selected by NITI Aayog, which in turn is guided by MoSPI’s National Indicator Framework comprising 306 indicators and based on multiple-round consultations with Union Ministries/Departments and States/UTs. Working: A composite score was computed between the range of 0-100 for each State and UT based on their aggregate performance across 13 SDGs, which indicates average performance of State/UT towards achieving 13 SDGs & their respective targets. If a State/UT achieves a score of 100, it signifies that it has achieved the 2030 national targets. The higher the score of a State/UT, the greater the distance to target achieved. Classification Criteria based on SDG India Index Score is as follows: Aspirant: 0-49 Performer: 50-64 Front Runner: 65-99 Achiever: 100           OVERALL Aspirant Assam, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh Performer Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Delhi and Lakshadweep Front Runner Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh and Puducherry Achiever NA   Significance: The SDG India Index will also help highlight crucial gaps related to tracking SDGs and the need for India to develop its statistical systems at National & State/UT levels. This shall lead to the index evolving and becoming more comprehensive over the coming years.  The indicators shall be further refined and additional indicators will be added with improvement in data collection, reporting processes & methodology.  NITI Aayog is also exploring potential for disaggregating data and developing capacity for real time monitoring and measuring incremental progress. Overall Findings: Particular State UT SDG India Index Score Range 42-69 57-68 Top Performer/s Himachal Pradesh & Kerala Chandigarh Aspirant Uttar Pradesh Dadra & Nagar Haveli Himachal Pradesh ranks high on providing clean water & sanitation, in reducing inequalities & preserving mountain ecosystem Kerala’s top rank is attributed to its superior performance in providing good health, reducing hunger, achieving gender equality & providing quality education Chandigarh leads because of its exemplary performance in providing clean water & sanitation, affordable & clean energy, generating decent work & economic growth, & providing quality education Connecting the dots: Do you think SDG brings governance change in India? How do you think it Impacts Indian Economy? SPACE TOPIC: General Studies 3: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. Gaganyaan : In mission mode, says ISRO In news: Four pilots from the Indian Air Force (IAF) will leave for Russia this month to receive training as astronauts of Gaganyaan, the first Indian crewed flight to space. It is a ₹10,000-crore Indian human space flight scheduled for 2022.  The chosen astronauts will be sent to space on-board Gaganyaan, a crew capsule, to be launched with the help of Geo-Synchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) If Gaganyaan is successful, India would become the fourth nation to achieve the feat India has signed agreements with Russia and France for cooperation on the Gaganyaan mission. DRDO signed MoUs with ISRO to offer technologies for the mission, including space food, survival kits for crew, radiation protection equipment and parachutes. India's first man in space Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard the Soyuz T-11, launched on 2 April 1984, was an Indian Air Force pilot. [caption id="attachment_55623" align="aligncenter" width="551"] Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd January 2020[/caption] SRC: The Hindu Background and Timeline: From an idea to a plan Preparations have been going on since 2004, when the manned space mission was first endorsed by the ISRO Policy Planning Committee; there was lack of clarity on when exactly the mission would be launched, the target initially in was 2015. 2004: ISRO Policy Planning Committee recommends manned space mission 2006: National committee comprising 80 scientists and technocrats endorses proposal 2007: First public announcement of the human space programme 2009: Another experts’ committee, discusses the desirability and feasibility of the programme and expresses support 2010: Failure of GSLV-D3 and Failure of GSLV-F06 2014: Successful testing of experimental flight of GSLV Mk-III; this also successfully tests an experimental crew module, demonstrating re-entry capability June 2017: First ‘developmental’ flight of GSLV Mk-III July 2018: First successful flight of the crew escape system or “pad abort” test. August 15, 2018: Prime Minister announces manned mission to take place before 2022 Challenges: A manned space mission is very different from all other missions that ISRO has so far completed. In terms of complexity and ambition, even the missions to the Moon (Chandrayaan) and Mars (Mangalyaan) are nowhere in comparison. For a manned mission, the key distinguishing capabilities that ISRO has had to develop the ability to bring the spacecraft back to Earth after flight, and to build a spacecraft in which astronauts can live in Earth-like conditions in space. Over the years, ISRO has successfully tested many of the technologies that are required, but many others are still to be developed and tested. The rocket: GSLV Mk-III The spacecraft carrying human beings, called crew module, is likely to weigh in excess of 5 to 6 tonnes. ISRO’s main launch vehicle, the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), which carried the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions too, can carry payloads that are barely up to 2 tonnes, and that too only to orbits at about 600 km altitude from the Earth’s surface. That is why the development of GSLV Mk-III, a launch vehicle with capabilities to deliver much heavier payloads much deeper into space, was necessary. After three decades of efforts, mainly concentrated at developing an indigenous cryogenic engine to power the rocket, ISRO successfully tested GSLV Mk-III, now called LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), in an experimental flight in December 2014. June 2017, ISRO successfully launched the first “developmental” flight of LVM-3, which carried the GSAT-19 satellite into space. The LVM-3 is the declared launch vehicle for taking the manned crew module into space. Over the next few years, many more flights of GSLV are scheduled. Re-entry & recovery tech The satellites launched by ISRO including Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, normally meant to remain in space, even when their life is over. Any manned spacecraft, however, needs to come back. This involves mastering of the highly complicated and dangerous re-entry and recovery ability. While re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, the spacecraft needs to withstand very high temperatures, which is created due to friction. Also, the spacecraft needs to renter the atmosphere at a very precise speed and angle, and even the slightest deviation could end in disaster. The first successful experimental flight of GSLV Mk-III on December 18, 2014, also involved the successful testing of an experimental crew module that came back to Earth after being taken to an altitude of 126 km into space. The Crew module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE) spacecraft re-entered the atmosphere at about 80 km altitude and landed in the sea near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Crew Escape System This is a crucial safety technology, involving an emergency escape mechanism for the astronauts in case of a faulty launch. The mechanism ensures the crew module gets an advance warning of anything going wrong with the rocket, and pulls it away to a safe distance, after which it can be landed either on sea or on land with the help of attached parachutes. Recently, ISRO completed the first successful flight of the crew escape system. A simulated crew module weighing about 3.5 tonnes was launched from Sriharikota. Life support The Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS) is meant to ensure that conditions inside the crew module are suitable for humans to live comfortably. The inside of the crew module is a twin-walled sealed structure that will recreate Earth-like conditions for the astronauts. The ECLSS maintains a steady cabin pressure and air composition, removes carbon dioxide and other harmful gases, controls temperature and humidity, and manages parameters like fire detection and suppression, food and water management, and emergency support. While the design and configuration of the ECLSS and the inside of the crew module has been finalised, other components and systems are in the process of being tested. Ground testing will have to be followed by tests in the space orbit while simulating zero gravity and deep vacuum. Astronaut training In the early part of the planning, a proposal for setting up an astronaut training centre in Bangalore was floated. Initially targeted by 2012, it is yet to take off. While ISRO still plans to set up a permanent facility, the selected candidates for the first manned mission will most likely train at a foreign facility. Candidates will need to train for at least two years in living in zero gravity and dealing with a variety of unexpected experiences of living in space. Some training would also be imparted at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine of the Indian Air Force at Bengaluru. Budget During the early years of planning, the cost of India’s first manned space mission was estimated at about Rs 12,400 crore. But that was for a mission to be launched in 2015. The mission would now be completed for less than Rs 10,000 crore. Recently, the government approved the funding for the next 10 flights of GSLV Mk-III at an estimated cost of Rs 4,338.2 crore. This was supposed to take care of GSLV Mk-III missions till 2024. Conclusion: If India does launch the Gaganyaan mission, it will be the fourth nation to do so after the United States, Russia and China. These developments will help ISRO in perfecting the cryogenic technology for sending up heavier and heavier payloads and will reduce India’s dependency on other countries to launch heavier satellites. Connecting the dots: What advantages would India’s proposed manned mission to space bring to the society? Do you think this mission makes India the world leader in space mission? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Gaganyaan Mission Astronauts will be sent to space onboard Gaganyaan, a crew capsule, to be launched with the help of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) India is cooperating with Russia and France for a successful Gaganyaan mission. Which of the above statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about National Investment Manufacturing Zones The aim to increase the share of manufacturing to 25 percent of the country’s GDP while also creating 100 million jobs over the next decade It will be declared by the State Government as a Industrial Township under Article 243 Q (I) (c) of the Constitution Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Mudumalai tiger reserve is located in which State of India? Karnataka Kerala Andhra Pradesh Tamil Nadu Q.4) Consider the following statements about ASEAN The 10-member South East Asian grouping not only has objective on improving economic cooperation and growth but on social progress, social-cultural evolution among member countries India has a Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 01 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 B 3 A 4 C MUST READ  Infrastructure push: On Centre’s ₹102-lakh-crore plan The Hindu The new worry of depleting diplomatic capital The Hindu The need for a single energy ministry The Hindu No country for procedural justice The Hindu Tax certainty matters, not just tax rates ET Welcome decision on inclusive 5G trials ET

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