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Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 04th February 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 04th February 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Social/Welfare issue; Government schemes and policies In news: PM-KISAN Scheme aims to extend direct income support at the rate of Rs. 6,000 per year to farmer families, having cultivable land upto 2 hectares. This income support will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of beneficiary farmers, in three equal instalments of Rs. 2,000 each. Around 12 Crore small and marginal farmer families are expected to benefit. This programme will be funded by Government of India. This programme will entail an annual expenditure of Rs.75,000 crore. PM-KISAN would pave the way for the farmers to earn and live a respectable living. Endosulfan agitation ends Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Social/Welfare issue; Health issue In news: Victims of endosulfan poisoning in Kerala ended their five-day long indefinite hunger strike. They have been fighting a long and frustrating battle demanding financial aid, adequate rehabilitation packages and healthcare facilities. Environmental activists call it the biggest pesticide tragedy in India. Why the agitation? People living in more than 20 gram panchayats in Kasargod district were exposed to the insecticide endosulfan – a highly potent neurotoxin – between 1975 and 2000, when the public sector Plantation Corporation of Kerala sprayed the chemical aerially on its 12,000-acre cashew estates. Its residues spread far and wide via wind and rain, leaving a trail of destruction in the district and neighbouring regions of Karnataka, killing more than 1,000 people. It poisoned more than 6,000 people. Thousands of children were born with congenital disabilities, hydrocephalus, diseases of the nervous system, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and severe physical and mental disabilities. The Plantation Corporation of Kerala stopped spraying endosulfan in 2001, but its impact is still being felt in Kasargod – babies continue to be born with genetic disorders and physical deformities. Victims have been fighting a long and frustrating battle demanding financial aid, adequate rehabilitation packages and healthcare facilities. Do you know? Endosulfan is an off-patent organochlorine insecticide and acaricide that is being phased out globally. Endosulfan became a highly controversial agrichemical due to its acute toxicity, potential for bioaccumulation, and role as an endocrine disruptor. Because of its threats to human health and the environment, a global ban on the manufacture and use of endosulfan was negotiated under the Stockholm Convention in April 2011. Endosulfan pesticide was used widely on crops like cashew, cotton, tea, paddy, fruits and others until 2011, when the Supreme Court banned its production and distribution. The health effects of the chemical include neurotoxicity, late sexual maturity, physical deformities, poisoning, among others. People, especially newborns, have suffered deformaties, health complications and loss of family members due to exposure to the agrochemical. Millet Village Scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Government schemes and programmes; Agriculture In news: The Project “Millet Village” was started in year 2017-18 in Attapady, Kerala. The project is intended for rejuvenating the traditional tribal agriculture. The project aims at protecting seeds of traditional varieties of millets and ensures food security and livelihood for tribals. Apart from production of Millets, Pulses, Oilseeds, Vegetables and Apiculture, it is proposed to start Procurement, Processing, Packing, Labelling and Marketing of value added finished products of millets. Similar projects will be implemented throughout the State in suitable locations. Do you know? Kerala Agriculture Department has sought Central support under the national-level mission for promoting millets. Millets are considered as ‘superfood’ and ‘eat smart’ strategies. Under the Millet Village scheme, the department had harvested ragi (finger millet), thina (foxtail millet), cholam (sorghum) and kuthiravaali (barnyard millet) in 1,200 acres. Additionally, a pilot scheme for cultivating Chia, a Central American plant, which is gaining popularity in India as yet another superfood, was progressing at Attappady. High protein content, short growing season, climate change resilience and low water requirement make millets an ideal crop for the State. Millets can grow in poor soil conditions with less water, fertiliser and pesticides. They can withstand higher temperatures, making them the perfect choice as ‘climate-smart’ cereals. Miscellaneous: Centre’s crackdown hits Greenpeace In news: Greenpeace has been forced to close two of its regional offices and “considerably” reduce its staff in India because of a government crackdown on allegedly unlawful foreign funding of NGOs. The organisation has been campaigning on environmental issues in India for nearly two decades. Do you know? Greenpeace India had its foreign funding blocked in 2015 as part of a nationwide crackdown on charities. (MAINS FOCUS) POLITY/NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Separation of powers between various organs. The Doctrine of Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution: A Critique Introduction: One of the most fundamental and equally ambiguous concepts that underlies Indian Constitutional Law is the ‘basic structure doctrine’. It has now been more than 45 years since the Supreme Court ruled in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala that Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution was not unlimited, that the Constitution’s basic structure was infrangible. Criticisms: While there is no denying its significance the doctrine has often been criticized – It is ambiguous and allows the judiciary to tread on the toes of other branches of Government. The phrase “basic structure” finds no mention anywhere in the Constitution. Therefore, some experts even call it undemocratic as unelected judges can strike down a constitutional amendment. The doctrine accords the judiciary a power to impose its philosophy over a democratically formed government – “tyranny of the unelected”. Of recently there has been severe disapproval of the document, because of the Supreme Court’s occasionally confused interpretation of what the Constitution’s basic structure might be. Positives of the doctrine: However, rejecting the doctrine altogether is not a good idea, as – It possesses substantial moral value important to strengthen democracy as it limits the power of a majoritarian government to undermine the Constitution’s central ideals. It implies limitations on the amending powers of the Legislature. Restrains Legislature from stepping into the treacherous realm of arbitrariness by misusing article 368 of the Indian Constitution. It is critical to upkeep the spirit of the constitution document. It performs an important democratic role in ensuring that majoritarian governments do not destroy the Constitution’s essential character. To protect the country’s federal structure, safeguard human rights and established constitutional principles such as the state’s democratic and social order. Parliament is a creature of the Constitution. It should not, therefore, make changes that have the effect of overthrowing or obliterating the Constitution itself. Basic structure doctrine is a safety valve against majoritarianism and authoritarianism; it safeguards citizens’ liberties and preserves the ideals on which the Constitution is based. Conclusion: A Constitution needs to be a living Constitution, to endure the tides of time and adapt to the changing requirements of generations. A Constitution is like a machine, a lifeless thing. It acquires life because of the men who control it and operate it and India needs today nothing more than a set of honest men who will have the interest of the country before them. The basic structure doctrine is a mean to give a momentum to the living principles of the ‘Rule of Law’ and connotes that none is above the Constitution and the Constitution is supreme. Connecting the dots: Does in your opinion the basic structure doctrine undermine parliamentary sovereignty? Critically examine. Examine the doctrine of basic structure, its evolution and significance. NATIONAL/ECONOMY TOPIC: General studies 2 and 3 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Indian Economy and issues related to it. NBFCs and its significance Introduction: India has 10,000 active NBFCs that are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), of which some 275 are systemically important (SI). There are a lot of disruptions taking place in banking sector, but still NBFCs would have an upper hand. Many NBFCs have doubled their balance sheet sizes, whereas majority of the banks either did nothing or got entangled in mess. Unlike banks, NBFCs are insulated from the vagaries of farm loan waivers and priority lending. The NBFC sector in India, which serves a genuine need, has undergone a significant transformation over the past few years. Basic: What is NBFC? Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) refers to a financial institution. NBFC is a type of company engaged in the business of receiving loans and advances, acquisition of stocks or shares, leasing, hire-purchase, insurance business, chit business under Companies Act 2013. The main business activity of the NBFCs is to raise capital funds from public depositors and investors and then lend to borrowers as per the rules and regulations prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India. NBFCs are becoming alternative to the banking and financial sector. In NBFC there is a requirement of minimum net owned fund of Rs. 2 Crore. What is the difference between Banks & NBFCs? Banks are the government authorized financial intermediary that aims at providing banking services to the general people. Whereas NBFC provides banking services to people without carrying a bank license. NBFC is incorporated under the Companies Act whereas a bank is registered under Banking Regulation Act, 1949. NBFCs are not allowed to accept deposits which are repayable on demand whereas banks which accepts demand deposits. In NBFC, foreign Investments up to 100% is allowed. Whereas in case of private sector banks they are eligible for foreign investment, but which would be not more than 74%. Banks are an integral part of payment and settlement cycle while NBFC is not a part of this system. It is mandatory for banks to maintain reserve ratios like CRR or SLR. Whereas in case of NBFC it is not required to maintain reserve ratios. Deposit insurance facility is allowed to the depositors by Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). In case of NBFC, this type of facility shall not be available. Banks can create credit whereas in case of NBFC they are not involved in the creation of credit. Banks can provide transaction services to its customers such as providing overdraft facility, issue of traveler’s cheque, transfer of funds, etc. Whereas these type of services cannot be provided by NBFC. Significance of NBFCs Credit access in our country is vastly under-penetrated, and businesses need constant capital to grow. NBFCs with use of technology and innovation, wide reach, customised products, smart credit underwriting and strong risk management capabilities have been able to control bad debts. With better understanding of clients, they have created clusters and niches which would be impossible for the banks to replicate or cater to. Projects like ‘Make in India’ and the boom in startups are offering huge opportunities. In fact, NBFCs remain a good proxy to bet on the new, agile India. NBFCs serve customer segments that are un-served or under-served by banks. Though their cost of funding is higher than that of banks, a decent spread and lower cost of operations can do the job for them. NBFCs have, so far, achieved a tremendous feat by meeting their massive short-term /commercial paper obligations in this quarter. They have weathered many storms in the past (since the 2008 global financial crisis to demonetisation in late 2016) and seems to have almost overcome the current liquidity crisis as well. NBFCs have evolved strongly over the recent years. The next decade could well belong to them and their shareholders. However, NBFCs in India are going through a rough phase following defaults by infrastructure lender, Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS). Banks are the major resource avenue for NBFCs. After defaults by IL&FS, both public sector and private sector banks almost stopped lending to NBFCs and housing finance companies (HFCs). Such defaults might also keep potential investors away from the debt instruments of companies. Need for an Unified Financial Authority Indian non-banks are governed by a regulatory hodgepodge of RBI, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), NHB, the ministry of corporate affairs (for NIDHI companies) and state governments (for chit funds). Cooperation is on an ad hoc basis and often post-event. The commission chaired by former justice B.N. Srikrishna, also called Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC), recommended that SEBI, IRDA, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority and the Forward Markets Commission (since merged with SEBI) be merged under one regulator to be called the Unified Financial Authority. The FSLRC recommended for a strong legal framework added to Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC). Implementing FSLRC recommendation, with a more focused scope for RBI and creating a unified regulator with teeth for macro-prudential supervision will help NBFCs avoid falling into such crisis. It is time to focus on systemic risk and the only way to do that is to simplify and give that specific scope to one regulatory agency. Connecting the dots: The idea of forming an umbrella regulator for all the financial institutions and related agencies will go a long way in overhauling the financial ecosystem of India. Do you agree? Discuss. Discuss the rationale behind constituting Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). Are they successful? How are they different from the banks? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Supreme Court banned production and distribution of ‘Endosulfan’. It caused which of the following? Abnormalities related to male reproductive system Physical deformities Neurobehavioral disorders Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Which of the following statements are correct about endosulfan? Endosulfan is acutely neurotoxic to both insects and mammals. Endosulfan has high potential to bio-accumulate and bio-magnify. Endosulfan is banned across the world under Stockholm convention. Endosulfan is the cause of death of Indian vultures. Select the code from the following: 1 and 2 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.3) Consider the following with regard to Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme: It is a scheme funded by Government of India. It aims to extend direct income support at the rate of Rs. 6,000 per year to farmer families, having cultivable land upto 2 hectares. It is a loan waiver scheme which transfers Rs. 2,000 into the bank accounts of beneficiary farmers in three equal installments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.4) Which of the following statements are true w.r.t millets? They are kharif crops. Major millets grown in India are Jowar, bajra and ragi. Bajra is grown in moist areas whereas jowar is grown in dry areas. Select the correct code 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1,2 and 3 Q.5) Consider the following statements: Kerala is the India’s leader in the millet sector Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) operates under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.6) Which of the following are ‘Millets’? Sorghum Ragi Bajra Select the correct code 1 and 2 2 only 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 MUST READ Afghanistan at a crossroads The Hindu  Imagining alternative futures The Hindu  Budget’s how question Indian Express The techno dystopia Indian Express The boundaries of welfare Indian Express

AIR

All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - Importance of Internal Security for Good Governance

Importance of Internal Security for Good Governance ARCHIVES Search 21st December, 2018 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Audio-Archive-Search.aspx TOPIC:   General Studies 2 Good Governance; Important aspects of Governance General Studies 3 Internal Security Hallmarks of Good Governance: Legitimacy + Participation Distribution What does Good Governance mean? Participatory, responsive, non-discriminatory and responsible administration with full accountability, honesty and transparency Promotion of inclusive development – education, economic and infrastructural development, employment opportunities, natural resources etc., Improving the moral fibre of the population through education from the primary to the tertiary levels Promoting values like tolerance, secularism, democracy, accommodation, mutuality, and handling dissent. Good Governance and Internal Security There is always a crucial link between “Good Governance” and “Internal Security”. Governance cannot be carried out in the absence of internal security; internal security cannot be safeguarded if governance is delivered by an inefficient and corrupt administration. Kant explained the relationship two centuries ago when he said, “People who feel secure and free, governed by the rule of law and not of men, are much less likely to go to war with each other - either within or across borders – than those who don’t.” It is self-explanatory that if government is responsive to the requirements of its people and is properly and justly utilizing resources whatever available to the benefit of its population will strengthen its bond with people and will lead to a strong internal structure that will help promote and sustain a national security policy based on consensus and support of the masses. If not this condition, bad governance will lead to insecurity that will lead to instability and that would certainly affect national security of a country negatively. Internally in India, whether you talk about the Maoist insurgency or the Kashmir problem, the actual issue is a lack of governance, the lack of development. The average, ordinary person, be it anywhere in the world, wants to lead a peaceful life. So what encourages them to take up arms? It is the lack of opportunities, the lack of the hope of having a better life. What happens is that the civil administration fails to keep up after the military has done its job. This is exactly what has been happening in Kashmir, there is no growth, no employment opportunities, and no presence of government for the people to go and complain to. In such a situation, people will happily follow whoever comes in and offers the hope, however false, of something better. This is the primary cause of such insurgencies. And ultimately, the military is forced to do the same thing over and over, it becomes an endless cycle. But ultimately, it’s a governance failure. Good governance therefore should, and must result in decision making that is fruitful and beneficial for the masses and through which they feel secure and participative as if they themselves would have made those decisions. Connecting the Dots: Is there a relationship between good governance and internal security? Examine. The line differentiating external state and non-state actors creating challenges to India’s internal security has blurred in recent times. Do you agree? Illustrate.

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 165

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 165 Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Black softshell turtle’ It is a species of freshwater turtle found in Assam It is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) ‘Arikamedu’ was recently in news. Where is it located? Goa Maharashtra Puducherry Kerala Q.3) ‘Nilavembu kudineer’ was recently in news. It is associated with Petroglyphs Dengue Night Frog Invasive Plant Species Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘The Strategic Framework on Accessible Elections’ It aims to build on sensitization through education and training, community involvement of different sections of society, effective partnership with institutions and originations and creation of facilities to cater to the specific needs of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with a view to increasing their participation. It is a compilation of guidelines issued by Election Commission of India along with the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) ‘Hoveizeh cruise missile’ is developed by Iran Pakistan Russia Israel To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

PIB

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 27th Jan to 2nd Feb - 2019

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 27th Jan to 2nd Feb - 2019 ARCHIVES Key highlights of the Interim Budget 2019-20 Farmers 12 crore small and marginal farmers to be provided with assured yearly income of Rs. 6000 per annum under PM-KISAN Outlay of Rs. 75,000 crore for FY 2019-20 with additional Rs. 20,000 crore in RE 2018-19 Outlay for Rashtriya Gokul mission increased to Rs 750 crore Rashtriya Kamdhenu Ayog  to be setup for sustainable genetic up-gradation of the Cow resources New separate Department of Fisheries for welfare of 1.5 crore fishermen 2% interest subvention to Farmers for Animal husbandry and Fisheries activities; additional 3% in case of timely repayment Interest subvention of 2% during disaster will now be provided for the entire period of reschedulement of loan Labour Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan scheme to ensure fixed monthly pension to 10 crore unorganized sector workers Rs 3000 per month after 60 years of age with an affordable contribution of only Rs 100/55 per month MGNREGA Rs. 60, 000 crore allocation for MGNREGA in BE 2019-20 Direct Tax proposals Income upto Rs. 5 lakh exempted from Income Tax More than Rs. 23,000 crore tax relief to 3 crore middle class taxpayers Standard Deduction to be raised to Rs. 50,000 from Rs. 40,000 TDS threshold to be raised from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 40,000 on interest earned on bank/post office deposits Existing rates of income tax to continue Tax exempted on notional rent on a second self-occupied house Housing and real estate sector to get boost- TDS threshold for deduction of tax on rent to be increased from Rs. 1,80,000 to Rs. 2,40,000 Benefit of rollover of capital gains increased from investment in one residential house to two residential houses for capital gains up to Rs. 2 crore. Tax benefits for affordable housing extended till 31st March, 2020 under Section 80-IBA of Income Tax Act Tax exemption period on notional rent, on unsold inventories, extended from one year to two years Fiscal Programme Target of 3% of fiscal deficit to be achieved by 2020-21 Fiscal deficit brought down to 3.4% in 2018-19 RE from almost 6% seven years ago Allocation for Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) increased by over 18% to Rs. 27,584 crore in BE 2019-20 Substantial increase in allocation for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes - Allocation for SCs increased by 35.6% - from Rs. 56,619 crore in BE 2018-19 to Rs. 76,801 crore in BE for 2019-20 Allocation for the STs increased by 28% - from 39,135 crore in BE 2018-19 to Rs. 50,086 crore in 2019-20 BE Poor and Backward Classes “First right on the resources of country is that of the poor”: FM 25% additional seats in educational institutions to meet the 10% reservation for the poor Targeted expenditure to bridge urban-rural divide & to improve quality of life in villages All willing households to be provided electricity connections by March 2019   North East Allocation to be increased by 21% to Rs. 58,166 crore in 2019-20 BE over 2018-19 BE Arunachal Pradesh came on the air map recently Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram came on India’s rail map for the first time Container cargo movement through improved navigation capacity of the Brahmaputra Vulnerable sections A new committee under NITI Ayog to identify all the remaining De-notified nomadic and semi-Nomadic tribes New Welfare development Board under Ministry of social justice and empowerment for development and welfare of De-notified nomadic and semi nomadic tribes Defence Defence budget to cross Rs 3,00,000 crore for the first time ever  Entertainment Industry Indian filmmakers to get access to Single window clearance as well for ease of shooting films To introduce anti-camcording provisions in the Cinematograph Act to control piracy MSME and Traders 2% interest subvention on an incremental loan of  Rs 1 crore for GST registered SMEs Atleast 3% of the 25% sourcing for the Government undertakings will be from women owned SMEs Renewed Focus on Internal trade ; DIPP renamed to Department for Promotion of Industries and Internal trade Digital Villages The Government to make 1 lakh villages into Digital Villages over next five years Artificial Intelligence New National Artificial Intelligence portal to support National Program on Artificial Intelligence Achievements during 2014-19 State of the Economy India universally recognized as a bright spot of the global economy during last five years India is now the 6th largest economy in the world from being the 11thlargest in 2013-14 Annual average GDP growth during 2014-19 higher than any government since 1991 Inflation in December 2018 down to 2.19% only Liberalization of FDI policy, allowing most FDI to come through the automatic route Farmers Assured MSP of minimum 50% to all 22 crops Interest subvention doubled in last 5 years Soil Health card, Neem coated Urea game changer in farm sector Labor Employment opportunities expanded; EPFO membership increased by 2 crore Minimum income for every category of workers increased by 42% in last 5 years Poor and Backward Classes 10% reservation for the poor in educational institutions and government jobs Free electricity connection to every household under Saubhagya Yojana World’s largest healthcare programme, Ayushman Bharat, for nearly 50 crore people Aspirational Districts Programme for development in 115 most backward districts Rs. 1,70,000 crore spent during 2018-19 for cheaper food grains to poor and middle class 143 crore LED bulbs provided in mission mode with the cooperation of private sector Poor & middle class are saving Rs. 50, 000 crore p.a. in electricity bills due to LED bulbs 10 lakh patients benefited from free treatment under Ayushman Bharat Jan Aushadhi Kendras providing medicines at affordable prices to poor and middle class 14 out of 21 AIIIMS operating presently have been announced since 2014 Government tripled rural roads’ construction under the PMGSY 15.80 lakh habitations out of 17.84 lakh connected with pucca roads Rs. 19,000 crore for PMGSY in BE 2019-20 against Rs. 15,500 crore in RE 2018-19 1.53 crore houses built under PM Awas Yojana during the 2014-18 Women development to women led development 6 crore free LPG gas connections provided under Ujjwala Yojna ; All 8 crore by next year 70% of MUDRA Loan availed by Women Maternity leave extended to 26 weeks Financial support for pregnant women under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Youth Over one crore youth trained under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikash Yojana Self-employment boost through MUDRA, STAND-UP and START-UP India MSME and Traders Up-to Rs 1 crore loans can be availed in less than an hour 25%-28% is the average savings due to GeM (Government e-Market place) Income Tax Tax collections nearly doubled in five years- from Rs. 6.38 Lakh crore in 2013-14 to almost Rs. 12 lakh crore this year 80% growth in tax base- from 3.79 crore to 6.85 crore in five years GST GST made India a common market; GST led to increased tax base, higher collections and ease of trade as well as Inter-state movements now faster, more efficient, and hassle free Infrastructure Civil Aviation – UDAN Scheme Number of Operational Airports crossed 100 Latest: Pakyong airport in Sikkim Domestic Passenger traffic doubled in last 5 years Roads India is the fastest highway developer in the world Bogibeel rail-cum-road bridge in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Waterways Flagship programme of Sagarmala along the coastal areas For first time, container freight movement started on Kolkata to Varanasi inland waterways Railways ‘Safest year’ for railways in its history All Unmanned Level Crossings on broad gauge network eliminated. Semi high-speed "Vande Bharat Express" introduced - first indigenously developed and manufactured Climate Change International Solar Alliance To promote renewable energy First treaty based international inter-governmental organisation headquartered in India Installed solar generation capacity grown over ten times in last five years Digital India Revolution More than 3 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) exist to deliver services to the citizens India now leading the world in the consumption of mobile data Monthly consumption of mobile data increased by over 50 times in the last five years Under Make in India, mobile and parts manufacturing companies increased from 2 to more than 268 providing huge job opportunities Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) and Direct Benefit Transfer In the last five years, nearly 34 crore Jan Dhan bank accounts opened Aadhaar now near universally implemented Ensure the poor and middle class receive the benefits of Government schemes directly in their bank accounts by eliminating middlemen Customs and trading across borders Customs duties on 36 capital goods abolished Digitization of import and export transactions RFID technology to improve logistics Steps against corruption Government walked the talk on corruption and ushered in a new era of transparency: FM RERA and Benami Transaction (Prohibition) Act have brought transparency in real estate The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 to help confiscate economic offenders Government conducted transparent auction of natural resources such as coal & spectrum   Ten dimensions of Vision for India of 2030 India would be a modern, technology driven, high growth, equitable and transparent society To build physical as well as social infrastructure and to provide ease of living To create a Digital India, digitize government processes with leaders from youth Making India pollution free by leading transport revolution with Electric Vehicles and focus on Renewables Expanding rural industrialisation using modern digital technologies to generate massive employment Clean Rivers, safe drinking water to all Indians and efficient use of water through micro-irrigation Besides scaling up of Sagarmala, Coastline and Ocean waters powering India’s development and growth Aim at our space programme – Gaganyaan, India becoming the launch-pad of satellites for the World and placing an Indian astronaut into space by 2022 Making India self-sufficient in food, exporting to the world to meet their food needs and producing food in the most organic way A healthy India via Ayushman Bharat with women having equal rights and concern for their safety and empowerment Transforming India into a Minimum Government Maximum Governance nation with pro-active and responsible bureaucracy Prelims oriented News The Future of Rail Report: By International Energy Agency (IEA) 2019 is an important milestone for India 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi 150th anniversary of the death of Mirza Ghalib 100th anniversary of the Government of India Act of 1919 100th anniversary of Rowlatt Act or Black Act 100th anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh massacre 50th anniversary of the Gujarat riots of September-October 1969 35th anniversary of first Indian to be in outer space 35th anniversary of Operation Blue Star Nation celebrates 70th anniversary of the Constitution Day this year. 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji this year: He taught us to lead our lives with the spirit of service and goodwill. Note: All the above historic persons and happenings are important for exam this year. While preparing, give more focus on these issues/events. First Swadesh Darshan project in Sikkim: Development of North East Circuit: Rangpo– Rorathang- Aritar- Phadamchen- Nathang-Sherathang- Tsongmo- Gangtok-Phodong- Mangan- Lachung-Yumthang- Lachen- Thangu-Gurudongmer- Mangan- Gangtok-Tuminlingee- Singtam Under this project, the Ministry has developed tourism infrastructure facilities like Tourist Information Centre, Meditation Centre, Organic Eco Tourism centre, Log Huts, Zip Line, Flower Exhibition Centre, Walkways, Souvenir Shops, Cafeteria, Rain Shelters, Wayside Amenity, Last Mile Connectivity, Parking, Public Toilets etc,. National Salt Satyagraha Memorial: In Dandi, Gujarat; Dandi memorial encapsulates the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi- Agrah for Swadeshi, Swatchagrah and Satyagraha One can view statues of Mahatma Gandhi and 80 Satyagrahis who had marched with him during the historic Dandi Salt March in 1930 to make salt from sea water against the British law. The memorial also has 24-narrative murals depicting various events and stories from the historic 1930 Salt March. Solar trees are installed to meet the energy requirements of the memorial complex. CSC launches First Cash and Carry Store in Kanth, Muradabad (Uttar Pradesh): To promote rural marketing and create employment; Each cash and carry store will provide employment minimum 4 persons directly and indirectly. Clubbed with economic census initiative, stage has been set to create 25 lakh job opportunities in the near future in under–exposed parts of India. Integrated Refinery Expansion Project Complex (IREP) at Kochi: IREP will be a modern expansion complex and transform Kochi refinery into the largest PSU Refinery in India with world class standards. It will be equipped for production of cleaner Fuels for India. It will double the production of LPG & diesel and commence production of feedstock for petrochemical projects in this plant. National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP): To attract talent and strengthen higher agricultural education in the country It is a Rs 1100 crore ambitious project to attract talent and strengthen higher agricultural education in the country. This project will be funded by the World Bank and the Indian Government on a 50:50 basis. In addition, a four year degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries and Forestry has been declared a professional degree. Agro-textiles Potential of agricultural textiles has been proven that the income of a farmer who uses agro-tech goes up by 60% - 70%. The job-giving potential of the technical textiles sector is huge; every Rs. 1 crore investment generates 70 jobs. This will lead to growth in sectors such as research, education and facilities such as testing labs as well. A McKinsey Global Institute report states that application of agricultural technologies can help close to 90 million farmers by 2025. India and OECD sign agreement to enable India’s participation in Programme for International Students Assessment (PISA) to be held in 2021 The participation in PISA 2021 would indicate the health of the education system and would motivate other schools /states in the subsequent cycles. This will lead to improvement in the learning levels of the children and enhance the quality of education in the country. Features of India’s participation in PISA: Within the country (or specific geography to be covered in case of large countries), PISA covers a sample of 15-year-old students representing all forms of schooling i.e. public, private, private aided etc. PISA is a competency based assessment which unlike content-based assessment, measures the extent to which students have acquired key competencies that are essential for full participation in modern societies. It would lead to recognition and acceptability of Indian students and prepare them for the global economy in the 21st century. Learnings from participation in PISA will help to introduce competency based examination reforms in the school system and help move away from rote learning. The CBSE and NCERT will be part of the process and activities leading to the actual test. More than 80 countries, including 44 middle-income countries, have participated in the assessment since the first round of testing in 2000.  Next round of PISA is going to be held in 2021. The list of registered countries includes Brazil, China (certain areas like Shanghai and Beijing) and countries from South-East Asia like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. Key features of PISA: PISA is a triennial international survey (every three years) which aims to evaluate the education system worldwide by testing the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students. Students are assessed in reading, mathematics, science and collaborative problem-solving. Participation in PISA allows benchmarking performance against a wide range of countries. PISA uses test items aligned with international benchmarks. Test items are adapted to the local context and language, pilot tested and validated before being used for the test. OECD has agreed to contextualize the questions for Indian students. Quotes: Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu On Education Has called for revisiting education system with emphasis on history, heritage, culture, traditions, values and ethos of India Has also called for reorienting the education system to make students think rationally and independently to enable them face the challenges in life with equanimity. The stories of sacrifice, valour and contributions made by the freedom fighters and other leaders should become an important component of our education system. An education which balances the head, heart, body and spirit alone can be called a truly holistic education. The child should not only be able acquire and absorb knowledge, but should also be able to apply the knowledge in real life situation. Education system must allow children enjoy schooling and make them lifelong learners. True learning takes place through “observation”, “reading”, “discussion”, “reflection”, “analysing” and “synthesizing. Character-building should become the essential dharma of education. Apart from learning and acquiring knowledge, students must also learn to practice yoga and participate in sporting activities as it was essential to develop a sense of equilibrium in the stress- filled world of today.

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 164

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 164 Archives Q.1) ‘Seleka Rebels’ are associated with which of the following countries? Nigeria Central African Republic Ivory Coast Congo Q.2) ‘Anti-balaka’ militants is associated with Yemen Syria Djibouti Central African Republic Q.3) The term ‘Customer Acceptance Test’ was in news recently in the context of Mirage 2000 aircraft PM-KISAN E-Vehicles Train – 18 Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to the term ‘Brumation’ It is a dormant period when cold-blooded reptiles temporarily shut down all activity to conserve energy. It is an innate behaviour for reptiles, regardless of the environment. Select the correct statements: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘microbial fuel cell (MFC)’ It harnesses the power of respiring microbes to convert organic substrates directly into electrical energy It transforms chemical energy into electricity using oxidation reduction reactions Select the correct statement 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Interview Discussion IAS UPSC: Think, Rethink and Perform (TRP)-Day 15

Interview Discussion: Think, Rethink and Perform; (TRP)- Day 15  ARCHIVES Set 1: Ask these questions to yourself; contemplate and come out with a concrete answer (not to be discussed on this forum). Invest at least 30 minutes on this set of questions. Which family member of yours has influenced your personality the most? Is it your father,  mother or sibling? In what ways your personality reflect his/her influence? Do we often underplay the role of family in our lives? Do you care enough for your family? Think about it. Set 2: Analyse the following issue: The opposite party has announced that if they come to power, they will provide a universal basic income (UBI) to all the poor households in India. A rough estimate says that it will cost the government a whopping 4% of the GDP per year! What do you thin about the idea of UBI? Can you think of any other country the has implemented this scheme? What are the pros and cons of this initiative? Think.

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Conflicts – Inspirational Educative Articles

Conflicts: You cannot transcend your thoughts as long as there is a conflict in your thoughts. It is conflict that occupies the Self with thoughts, because thoughts try to resolve conflict. Imagine you pick up a problem to solve and you go sit in meditation. Throughout your meditation you will only be thinking about solving that problem, and your meditation will become an intellectual exercise. You will not be able to observe your breath, nor will you be able to observe your body, because there will be a conflict that needs to be resolved and you will be completely occupied with it. With enough meditation, you can go beyond the conflict of the mind. At one point in time, after observing your mind enough, you will know the game the mind plays with you. It becomes very clear. There is no real problem to solve; there is no actual problem. The problem that you are trying to solve in your mind is an induced idea of a problem. One moment will come, after the same problem has come up again and again, when you will simply drop it. In that moment you will know that there is no need to solve the problem. Dropping a problem simply means shifting your awareness from the problem, from thoughts, to some other domain. That shift is very significant. As of now all of our focus is on our thoughts. We give our thoughts too much importance. By watching the thoughts enough, the shift happens from watching the thoughts to watching the body. The body is also a form of a conflict. Just like two thoughts contradict each other, the body also contradicts itself. You don’t know this because the body has a completely different language. It doesn’t use thoughts to communicate; it uses sensations, it uses pain. The pain and pleasure that you experience in ideas is the contradiction of the mind, while the physical pain and pleasure that the body experiences is its contradiction. Think about it: What are you doing when you try to dissolve a conflict in the mind? You are trying to move from the zone of pain to the zone of happiness. You are trying to move away from the zone of confusion to the zone of clarity. It is the same with the body. The body is constantly juggling, moving around, because it is in conflict. There is one part of the body that only wants to rest, and another part of the body that says, “If you completely rest I’m going to die. Remain alert, keep your spine erect, and don’t fall asleep!” So, there is a conflict. After you have watched enough, you will slowly realize that the body is not a conflict that needs to be solved. You only have to let go of it. And this letting go will happen naturally. It doesn’t happen as a conscious decision. You cannot just say, “Okay, I want to let go of my body now,” because the moment that you say you want to let go of your body, it is actually the body who is speaking, not you. The Self does not speak. The Self does not articulate anything. When the Self is completely fed up with this questioning, asking, learning, meditating, sitting, and watching, then it simply drops all of this. In that one moment, without your knowledge, the body will relax so deeply that you will experience a transcendental state of blissful reality. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Inner Revolution and IASBABA.”

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 02nd February 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 02nd February 2019 Archives (MAINS FOCUS) WELFARE/ECONOMY TOPIC: General studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections General studies 3  Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Tackling Farm Distress: Make farming profitable Six steps to tackle farm distress and make farming profitable – 1. Understanding the difference between farm distress and alleviating poverty About 70% of farmers cultivate less than 1 hectare and have a farm income less than ₹9,000 per month. This group is definitely poor and deserves to benefit from any basic income transfer scheme that might be introduced. Remaining 30% of farmers account for about 75% of agricultural production and an even larger proportion of marketed surplus. This category is not poor, but they are distressed because they find farming is not as profitable as it should be. Therefore, policy makers should focus on making farming more profitable so that it can attract farmers to invest more in farming. This will generate higher levels of income. Prosperous farms in turn will raise agricultural wage rates and also demand for non-agricultural products. It will also increase rural employment. 2. Increasing agricultural productivity Water is the most important input for higher productivity, especially in the 60% of area that is rain-fed. State governments focus far too much on large irrigation schemes, which absorb a great deal of resources, and benefit only a small portion of the land. It would be much more cost-effective to shift to less capital-intensive minor irrigation and water conservation projects. MGNREGA should focus on minor irrigation, water conservation and water harvesting projects. Steps should be taken to protect agricultural production from the effects of climate change. Carefully designed long-term programme and a separate climate change adaptation programme for each district will help. 3. Better technology Improved seeds, increased role of ICAR and state agricultural universities in this area. Make research more result-oriented. Allow scientific testing of new GM technology and farmers should be provided access to genetically modified (GM) technology. Create apps that enable farmers to get high-quality advice. This is an area where innovative public-private partnerships could also be encouraged. 4. Marketing increased production Getting remunerative prices is obviously critical for profitability. Effective minimum support prices (MSPs) and procurement system. The cost reported by the Commission on Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) should take into account world price trends. The states should replace their exiting Agricultural Produce Market Committee Acts with a new modern law that will encourage private markets in competition with mandis. The centre should abolish the Essential Commodities Act, which prevents the emergence of large private traders, as the ability to impose stock limits under the Act creates huge uncertainty, ruling out private investment. 5. Foreign trade policies Export-import policies must be made pro-farmer so that they are able to get the full benefits of higher prices abroad. Farmers should be protected from any sudden collapse in world prices by an appropriate adjustment in duties. Government should anticipate world price developments and should be extremely fast in responding. 6. Income transfers Income transfer scheme can get to the poor efficiently and does not disrupt fiscal prudence. The Rythu Bandhu scheme of Telangana and the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation scheme of Odisha are both income transfer schemes. They are not linked to investment in the farm in any way. Rhythu Bandhu is also tilted towards rich landowners. Government focus should be more on increasing farm profitability. Connecting the words: Agrarian distress has become a serious challenge for the economy and has grave socio-political repercussions. Discuss what steps are needed to tackle farm distress and make farming profitable. WELFARE/ECONOMY TOPIC: General studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections General studies 3  Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. PM- KISAN: The return of targeted cash transfers Introduction: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme was announced during the interim budget 2019-20. The scheme aims to provide an assured income support to the small and marginal farmers. Under this programme, vulnerable landholding farmer families, having cultivable land upto 2 hectares, will be provided direct income support at the rate of 6,000 per year. This income support will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of beneficiary farmers, in three equal instalments of Rs. 2,000 each. This programme will be funded by Government of India. Around 12 crore small and marginal farmer families are expected to benefit from this. PM-KISAN is expected to pave the way for the farmers to earn and live a respectable living. Therefore the proposals in the Indian context have mostly been for a targeted income transfer scheme and not UBI. (No Universality) In developed countries, the UBI is supposed to supplement existing social security provisions and a top-up over and above universal provision of health, education and so on. Concerns: In the Indian context, most arguments in favour of UBI are premised on the inefficiencies of existing social security interventions and seek to replace some of these with direct cash transfers. However, universalisation is the key to efficient delivery of services against targeting proposed by these cash transfer schemes. Also there is obsession with cash transfers as it is assumed that it will take care of all problems. A silver bullet for agrarian crisis to malnutrition to educational deficit and also a solution for the job crisis. The real issue with the approach of a targeted cash transfer scheme is that it envisions the role of the state to only providing cash income to the poor. Conclusion: This kind of ‘Robin Hood approach’ seeks to absolve the state of its responsibility in providing basic services such as health, education, nutrition and livelihood. It seeks to create demand for services without supplying the services, leaving the poor to depend on private service providers. Privatisation of basic services such as health and education leads to large scale exclusion of the poor and marginalised. The best antidote to poverty is enabling citizens to earn their living by providing jobs.  MGNREGA should be strengthened to enable them to earn decent incomes. Similarly, the crisis in agriculture is unlikely to be resolved by income transfers. (As discussed in above editorial) MUST READ Distributing the rewards of reform The Hindu Life after citizenship in West Bengal’s Cooch Behar The Hindu No budget for farmers Indian Express A Kamdhenu budget Indian Express Why farmers disbelieve Indian Express Tax and expenditure reform — a dream beginning Indian Express

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 163

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 163 Archives Q.1) ‘Rakhigarhi’ was in news recently in the context of Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO-India) Mining in the Aravalli mountain range Harappan Civilisation Nuclear Power Plant Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Leptospirosis’ It affects both humans and animals It is a viral disease The most common animals that spread the disease are rodents Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘vote on account’ A vote on account is the process by which an incumbent government obtains votes from Parliament to draw money from the Consolidated Fund of India A ‘vote-on- account’ only deals with the expenditure in Government’s budget, while an “interim budget” includes both expenditure and receipts Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Which of the following statements correctly explains the term ‘Oligopoly’? A market condition where only one firm dominates the market. A state of limited competition, in which a market is shared by a small number of producers or sellers. A state of ideal completion with a number of firms with similar production capacity. A market where firms have made a group to control the prices. Q.5) One of the methods of Money Laundering is ‘Round Tripping’. Which of the following statements regarding ‘Round Tripping’ are correct? Round Tripping refers to a practice of selling an unused asset to another company while agreeing to buy back the same asset for about the same price. Round-trip trading artificially inflates volume and revenues, and adds to large profits. Select the code from the following: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 01st February 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 01st February 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Unemployment rate at four-decade high: NSSO survey Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and issues related to it; Unemployment In news: According to the National Sample Survey Office's (NSSO's) periodic labour force survey (PLFS) – The country's unemployment rate stood at a 45-year-high of 6.1 per cent in 2017-18. The unemployment rate was at its highest level since 1972-73. The report said that joblessness stood at 7.8 percent in urban areas compared with 5.3 parts in the countryside. To compare, the unemployment rate in the country had gone down to 2.2% in 2011-12, according to NSSO data. This data was collected by the NSSO between July 2017 and June 2018 – and is the first official employment survey after demonetisation. However, the official survey has been withheld by the government. While India's economy has been expanding by 7 percent plus annually -- the fastest pace among major economies -- its uneven growth has meant that there are not enough new jobs to keep pace. Do you know? The last report published by the statistics ministry had shown that the unemployment rate rose to 5.0 percent in 2015/16 from 4.9 percent in the previous year and 4.0 percent in 2012/13. Several Indians held across U.S. on visa fraud charges Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Indian diaspora and Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests In news: Several Indian citizens or people of Indian origin have been arrested across cities in the U.S. on student visa fraud charges. Emerging patterns suggest most of the individuals are of Telugu origin. Eight “educational agents” were alleged to be running the racket, to commit visa fraud and to harbour aliens (non-U.S. citizens) for profit. An unspecified number of Indian students have been detained by the Department of Homeland Security in connection with the case. The American Telugu Association has put the number of students arrested at 100 and says it has confirmation of arrest warrants for 600 students based on conversations with attorneys. Naval Airfield Integrated Security System Part of: GS Mains – Security issues; Defence In news: Indian Navy has finalised a ₹700 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for establishing an upgraded Naval Airfield Integrated Security System. After terrorists attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station, the system was formulated as a comprehensive project for upgrading the security of naval airfields. The measures forming part of the project include an anti-climbing fence, drain detection intrusion systems, a CCTV network and under-vehicle surveillance. India asks UK to stop Kashmir event in London Part of: GS Mains II –  International Relations; India and the world In news: India has lodged a strong protest with the UK to stop the hosting of a Pakistan-backed conference on Kashmir to be held in British parliament on February 4. Pakistan has alleged human rights abuses in the Valley by Indian Army and also called for the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the Public Safety Act. UK has said that it will not interfere in the matter and said that UK Members of Parliament are independent of government. The British, for now, are trying to keep out of this diplomatic war that has found its way to London. The UK's longstanding position is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution to the situation in Kashmir, taking into account the Kashmiri people's wishes. SECURITY/TECHNOLOGY TOPIC: General studies 3 Challenges to Nation's Security Security challenges and their management Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Indigenization of technology and developing new technology Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology Disruptive Technologies to Upend Rules of War Context: We can categorize new technology as being of two sorts, either sustaining or disruptive. Sustaining technology is the gradual development of existing technology. Disruptive technology does the opposite, it revolutionises the field, but comes with risks attached because it is new, untested and initially limited in scope. Scotsman Alexander Graham Bell disrupted the way we communicate when he invented the telephone; and British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee disrupted it again when he invented the World Wide Web. Now the military and defence industry are facing their own disruptive technology challenges and dilemmas. Transition from traditional heavy-duty military hardware to high-tech innovations There is a revolution in military affairs across the world. The current focus in military thinking is increasingly moving away from traditional heavy-duty military hardware to high-tech innovations High-tech innovations include – artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, satellite jammers, hypersonic strike technology, advanced cyber capabilities and spectrum denial and high-energy lasers. These high-tech systems offer unprecedented capabilities. In order to accommodate and calibrate such systems, there is also an increased focus on developing suitable command and control as well as doctrinal concepts. Disruptive nature of high-tech innovation technologies The arrival of such high-tech innovation technologies might deeply frustrate strategic stability as we know it given their disruptive nature. Currently, strategic stability in the contemporary international system (especially among the nuclear weapon states) depends on several age-old certainties. The most important strategic stability being the issue of survivability of a state’s nuclear arsenal and its ability to carry out a second strike after a first attack. AI-enabled systems can easily disrupt this strategic stability by taking over the survivability of nuclear arsenal, thanks to high precision, accuracy, real time tracking and surveillance etc. Even the naval leg of a nuclear triad (which is assumed to be the most survivable part since it is hidden away in the depths of the ocean away from the adversary’s gaze) can be detected now due to the potential ability of deep-sea drones. In crux, traditional calculations and strategic stability are things of the past. Need of the hour: It is imperative for states to redesign their systems in the light of these new technologies, especially the digital and cyber components. It is important to prepare for such new age wars. Indian context: In order to address the new age challenges to national security – In late 2018, Government decided to set up three new agencies — the Defence Cyber Agency, the Defence Space Agency and the Special Operations Division. (based on recommendations given by the Naresh Chandra Task Force and the Chiefs of Staff Committee) Constitution of these agencies will indeed be a useful step in the right direction. Connecting the dots: Examine the need for disruptive thinking and modernization of Army to take on the security challenges of the future. The Army of the future will have to be technologically oriented, with many more specialists, as compared to generalists. Elucidate. ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Green India Mission: Expanding ‘good’ green cover in India Introduction: The Green India Mission is one of eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. 8 govt missions under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) National Solar Mission National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency National Mission on Sustainable Habitat National Water Mission National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem National Mission for a Green India National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change National Mission for a Green India Also termed as the Green India Mission/Scheme, it aims at protecting; restoring and enhancing India's diminishing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. Driven by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, it received the nod of approval from the Cabinet in 2014. Mission Goals To increase forest/tree cover to the extent of 5 million hectares (mha) and improve quality of forest/tree cover on another 5 mha of forest/non-forest lands; To improve/enhance eco-system services like carbon sequestration and storage (in forests and other ecosystems), hydrological services and biodiversity; along with provisioning services like fuel, fodder, and timber and non-timber forest produces (NTFPs); and To increase forest based livelihood income of about 3 million households. Study examines effectiveness of Green India Mission According to a study which examined critically at India’s National Mission for a Green India argue that – 1. Contemporary afforestation goals set under GIM are influenced by colonial policies rather than scientific basis. India’s target to bring 33 percent of its total land under the forest cover is more a result of colonial hangover rather than backed by science. The study revealed that the target was primarily developed by Europeans, mainly France, during colonial period and it then quickly spread to British and French colonial territories in Africa and other parts of world including Asia. 2. The target may result in difficulties for forest dwellers and tribal communities. The Mission aims to improve forest-based livelihoods, however, the initiative has all the qualities to disinherit or cut-off forest-rooted populations. The study also said that it remains entirely unclear whether large-scale plantations have positive effects on socioeconomic conditions of communities and noted that a recent systematic review suggests that such efforts have significant negative impacts on local communities in terms of employment, livelihoods, and other intertwined’ social impacts. 3. India’s new Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act has flaws The 2016 Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act legislates that if forest is cleared an equivalent amount of land must be afforested elsewhere. This provision is likely to undermine local control of land and extend the reach of the forest department to the detriment of local livelihoods. 4. Afforestation alone cannot cure all-ills The study emphasised that for at least two centuries, tree planting has been lauded as an environmental cure-all for ills including “civilisational decline, diminished precipitation, warming temperatures, soil erosion, and decreasing biodiversity” despite the “demonstrated failings” in many environments. The study argues that the approach to forestry in India has been “fraught” with “countless, commonly observed problems”. For instance, commitment to fixed rates of forest cover encourages tree plantations in “ecologically inappropriate sites and conditions”. Other problem deals with the enthusiasm for fast growing species and exotic and invasive species, planted in the name of increasing land cover dedicated to ‘forest’. Planting vs greening The Study argues that tree-planting is NOT greening. Greening would take a socio-ecological approach that treated the system as a whole, a ‘Restoration Ecology’ of grasslands, streams, mixed scrub, agro-forestry, and so on. Conclusion: India deserves a true ‘greening’ approach, that takes seriously the genius loci, the peculiarity of local systems, and restores these with local people. The study says “sometimes we do things simply because we have always done them, and think things because we have always thought them”. “By showing that actions and ideas have arbitrary (and sometimes pernicious) roots, it sets us free to imagine new and better things.” Connecting the dots: What is Green India Mission? What are its objectives? Explain. Discuss how India’s afforestation policy has evolved over time. Also, discuss the concerns associated with the new Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act. A scientific national plan to expand good green cover is absolutely essential in India. Discuss. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements with reference to Economic Census in India The census is conducted by National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO). It covers all economic activities (agricultural and non-agricultural) taking place in the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements with reference to women workforce participation rate in India India has women workforce participation of 50% Women workforce participation rate is higher in urban areas than in rural areas  Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Match the following Laffer curve                        Inflation and Unemployment Philips curve                         National Income and Population Lorenz curve                  Tax rates and tax revenue Select the correct answer using code below 1-a, 2-b, 3-c 1-c, 2-a, 3-b 1-b, 2-a, 3-c 1-a, 2-c, 3-b Q.4) Which of the following are the objectives of Green India Mission? Increase forest cover to the extent of 5 million hectares. Enhancing eco-system services. Increase forest based livelihood income. Select the correct answer using code below 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.5) Which of the following mission is not part of the National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC)? National Mission for Plastic-Free India National Solar Mission National Mission for a green India National Water Mission MUST READ Is there a case for reservation for the forward classes? The Hindu Why cash transfers will not solve the crisis in agriculture? Livemint What’s causing extreme cold in US Midwest? Indian Express The regional great game Indian Express For the farmer, things to do Indian Express