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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

UPSC Interview Discussion-TRP

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.”

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

UPSC Interview Discussion-TRP

Interview Discussion IAS UPSC: Think, Rethink and Perform (TRP)-Day 14

Interview Discussion: Think, Rethink and Perform; (TRP)- Day 14  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. What does ‘choice’ mean to you? Do you have control over the choices that you make? Who influences your choices the most? Why? Do you have influence over the choices made by others? Don’t you curtail one’s freedom because of this? Set 2: Analyse the following issue: The interim budge was presented by the Government yesterday? What is your assessment of the budget? Has budget become a populist instrument now a days? How do electoral compulsions of the government affect the budget? Think in terms of resource mobilisation and fiscal prudence.  

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 31st January 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 31st January 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Centre hikes scholarships Part of: GS Mains II and III – Government schemes and programmes; Science and Technology; Research and Development In news: Centre hiked the research scholarship Junior Research Fellowship – scholarship hiked to ₹31,000 per month from the existing ₹25,000. Senior Research Fellowships (SRF) - scholarship hiked to ₹35,000 per month Stipends for Research Assistants would range from ₹47,000 to ₹54,000 per month. For months, research scholars across India have organised protests demanding that the scholarship be hiked as the stipend hadn’t been revised since 2014. The hikes were recommended based on inflation. However, in percentage terms, this is the lowest hike since 2010. In spite of being a leading scientific power in terms of research publications, India spends only about 0.7% of its GDP on research and development, which is much lower than countries of comparable scientific prowess. Study says cow urine may be adding to global warming Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Ecology; Pollution; Global Warming In news: As per study conducted by  in Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Nicaragua, Trinidad and Tobago – Cow urine may also contribute to global warming The urine from the ruminant is a source of nitrous oxide emissions (N2O), a gas that is 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. That cattle and livestock are a significant source of methane, a greenhouse gas, and therefore a contributor to global warming, is well-known. However, the role of cow urine is less understood. Degraded pastures emitted significantly more N2O — sometimes up to three times as much. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/01/31/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/49fe98e7_2700835_101_mr.jpg Do you know? Dung and urine are commonly mixed together for manure in Indian fields. Since, India also hosts the world’s largest livestock population, as well as significant tracts of degraded land, the findings may have a bearing on nitrogen emissions from Indian fields. As per 2012 ISRO satellite study, 30% of India’s geographical area is degraded. Degraded grasslands emitted more N2O than healthy pastures because the vegetation in the latter took up some of the reactive nitrogen compounds and only the leftovers were emitted. Revamped Khelo India Scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II– Government schemes and programmes; Human Development Key pointers: Under Khelo India Scheme, 1,000 selected athletes will receive an annual scholarship of Rs 500,000 each for eight years. The scheme, which would cost the government Rs 1,756 crore between 2017-18 and 2019-20, will also promote 20 universities across India as hubs of sporting excellence. The revamped Khelo India programme would impact the entire sports ecosystem, including infrastructure, community sports, talent identification, coaching for excellence, competition structure and sports economy. Until now, sports schemes were focused on building infrastructure such as stadiums. However, the new scheme will focus on nurturing talent and connecting rural India to global games. Companies could also fund the Khelo India scheme under corporate social responsibility. India-Russia ties Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II - India and the world; International Relations In news: Russian envoy said the $5.2-billion deal for the S-400 missile defence system, (despite pressure from the U.S. and threats of sanctions), is a proof of the special nature of the partnership between the two countries. The S-400 is a highly advanced surface-to-air missile defence system that can shoot down hostile jets and missiles. Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu was being developed successfully (with assistance from Russia). DIPP rechristened to include internal trade Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III - Indian Economy and related issues In news: The government has notified changing the name of the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, and has enhanced its role. Four new categories of responsibilities – The renamed body will be in charge of promotion of internal trade (including retail trade), The welfare of traders and their employees, Matters relating to facilitating Ease of Doing Business, and Matters relating to start-ups. Do you know? Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is also responsible for Intellectual Property Rights relating to Patents, Designs, Trade Marks, Geographical Indication of Goods, Copyrights and Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout Design and oversees the initiative relating to their promotion and protection. Miscellaneous: 1. ‘Project Gaushala’ In news: Madhya Pradesh government to set up 1,000 ‘gaushalas’ or cow shelters in the State in the next four months to accommodate around one lakh stray cows and their progeny. Setting up ‘gaushalas’ in every village panchayat was a key promise made by the Congress in its manifesto for the 2018 Assembly elections. With this announcement, the government expects to not only tackle stray cattle menace but also create 40 lakh man-days employment. The Department of Rural Development will be the project’s nodal agency. The project will be implemented by gram panchayats, self-help groups, the institutions empanelled with the State Board for Conservation of Bovine Animals etc. 2. ISRO launched Human Space Flight Centre In news: The Human Space Flight Centre, which will be the hub of ISRO’s manned missions, was inaugurated at the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru. Gaganyaan, the country's first crewed mission, is set to happen by 2022. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2  India and its neighbourhood Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests India to face difficult external situation in 2019 As India enters 2019, the world outlook looks gloomy. Global Outlook: Global disorder is on the rise: A global leadership vacuum is leading to chaos concerning rules governing the international order. Beginning of a new Cold War:S. President Donald Trump’s utterances and actions are provoking strong counter-reactions, especially from China and Russia. (U.S. Vice President Mike Pence’s attack on China; Trump has threatened to pull out of a major arms control treaty with Russia) Rising political tensions, trade wars and protectionism are indications of the world processes that threaten to destroy globalization. A decline in Britain’s financial assets and of the pound sterling following Brexit, as well as signs of increasing fragility of China’s economy, are newer concerns. Asian Outlook: 1. Rise of Russia: Russia is vigorously pursuing its pivot to Asia and for greater influence in Eurasia. It has deepened its partnership with China, and enhanced relations with Japan and South Korea. Growing tensions in the Sea of Azov (following Russia’s seizure of Ukraine’s ships) could well lead to a major conflagration between Russia and the West. 2. China’s rising outreach: China is consolidating its position in Asia. In addition to its strategic partnership with Russia, China has mended fences with Japan. The strengthening of the Russia-China strategic relationship and the recent warmth in China-Japan relations could impact India’s relations with both countries. Its Belt and Road Initiative has become the most potent weapon in China’s armoury, with Vietnam and Japan endorsing this concept. In 2018, China had initiated certain moves to create a China-Myanmar Economic Corridor on the lines of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Chinese Navy is also poised to challenge India’s position in the Indian Ocean. Chinese submarines already outnumber India’s here. China is preparing to seek control f the Kyaukpyu Port on the Arakan Coast in Myanmar, and planning a canal (the Kra canal), connecting the Andaman Sea with the Gulf of Thailand. China has already control over the Gwadar (Pakistan) and Hambantota (Sri Lanka) Ports. 2019 could see a further consolidation of the ‘all weather friendship’ of China-Pakistan. (Pakistan facilitated China’s involvement in Afghanistan; CPEC etc) 3. The prospects of India-Pakistan relations improving look extremely bleak Cross-border terror attacks are likely to continue Sponsorship of terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammed India has been kept out of talks with the Afghan Taliban 4. The outlook for India in the rest of South Asia is also mixed Towards the end of 2018, India retrieved its position in the Maldives. India also succeeded in re-establishing its influence in Bhutan. The return of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister after the general elections in Bangladesh has been a welcome relief. The way ahead: India cannot hope to remain insulated from the above trends. India will need to work harder in 2019 to check China from weaning away its neighbours, including Nepal as also Bangladesh, with offers of economic and military aid. India will also need to use all its resources to assist Bangladesh to limit the influence of radical Islamist groups there. India will need to use up a great deal of its diplomatic capital to ensure that relations with Russia and Japan do not decline to any considerable extent. At same time, managing relations with China should be India’s top priority. On the diplomatic front, India will need to be more dexterous. Connecting the dots: India needs to drive an independent foreign policy with its neighbours and Asian countries, rather than being massively influenced by China's activities in the region. Discuss. WELFARE/ECONOMY TOPIC: General studies 3 Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.  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 Why a simple universal basic income will not solve the fundamental problems of the economy? Introduction: In previous day’s editorial analysis we read about - Why Guaranteed basic income is not a solution to mass poverty? Today’s editorial deals with why a simplistic universal basic income will not solve the fundamental problems of the economy? Key pointers: We know that India’s GDP is growing quite well. Despite its achievements on economic front, India failed to do much better to improve overall human development. (Its performance is poorer compared with countries in Sub-Saharan Africa) Even its poorer sub-continental neighbours are improving health and education faster. Benefits of India’s economic growth must trickle down much faster to people at the bottom of the pyramid. (Poor farmers, landless rural labour, and hundreds of millions of workers living on the edge in low-paying, ‘flexible’ forms of employment with no social security) Economists are offering universal basic income (UBI) as a solution to the economy’s structural problems. However, even these economists admit that a lot more must be done to improve education and health care, and to address the persistent informality and small scale of enterprises that are providing most of the employment in the country. Disruption and basic income Structural forces within the global economy have been driving down wages and creating insecure employment. There has been increasing economic inequalities around the world. ‘Industry 4.0’, which has not yet spread too far, is expected to worsen these problems. Declining global wage income growth means reduction of consumption and there is no guarantee of success of automated Industry 4.0 production systems. (Who will buy all the material and services that these systems will produce?) Therefore, the UBI has appeared as a silver bullet solution. It will be an income provided to everybody by the very state. The beauty of a ‘universal’ basic income is that it avoids messy political questions about who deserves assistance. It also side-steps the challenge of actually providing the services required: education, health, food, etc. Just give the people cash: let them buy what they need. Therefore, the concern lies here. Concerns: Providing cash alone will not provide citizens with good quality and affordable education and health, because neither the government nor the private sector is able or willing to, this will not solve the basic human development problems that must be solved. India’s proposed UBI is diluted form. Economists have diluted their simplistic concept of UBI to make it financially and politically feasible. They propose a QUBRI (quasi-universal basic rural income), targeted only at poorer people in the rural areas. Their scheme is no longer universal. As we discussed in previous day’s editorial analysis – The proposed UBI fails to identify who to identify the poor to be included. It will not cover the masses of urban poor working for low and uncertain wages (as it is targeted only at poorer people in the rural areas). Also it is proposed to offer income support by cutting back other schemes which can have other consequences. However, this still begs the question about how to provide good quality public services for people to buy. Therefore, a simplistic UBI will not solve the fundamental problems of the economy. Need of the hour: Fix India’s fundamental problems by strengthening of institutions of the state to deliver the services the state must (public safety, justice, and basic education and health) Services provided by the state should be available to all citizens regardless of their ability to pay for them. (Inclusive services) The institutions of the state should also regulate delivery of services by the private sector and ensure fair competition in the market. The building of state institutions, to deliver and to regulate, will require stronger management, administrative, and political capabilities, not just better economists. Reduce inequality - opportunities for progress should be made equal and accessible to create a more just society. Concept of Universal Basic Capital A better solution to structural inequality than UBI is universal basic capital, or UBC, which has begun to pop up in international policy circles. In this alternative approach, people own the wealth they generate as shareholders of their collective enterprises. Amul, SEWA, Grameen, and others have shown a way. Some economists go further and also propose a ‘dividend’ for all citizens, by providing them a share of initial public offerings on the stock market, especially from companies that use ‘public assets’, such as publicly funded research, or environmental resources. Conclusion/Crux To conclude, three better solutions to create more equitable growth than the ones on offer are: Focus on building state capacity beginning with implementation of the recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission. Strengthen the state institutions and missing middle-level institutions for aggregation of tiny enterprises and representation of workers. Creativity of economists could be better applied to developing ideas for UBC than UBI. Connecting the dots: Serious consideration must be given to the idea of a universal basic income as a more effective way to address mass poverty concern. Comment. The idea of a Universal Basic Capital instead of Universal Basic Income is gaining traction across the world. Do you think UBC will be a better solution to structural inequality and more effective than UBI? 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) The government has relaunched ‘Khelo India’ program. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the program? 1000 sportsmen will receive a scholarship of 5,00,000 for eight years. It will promote 20 universities as the hub of sports excellence. Select the code from below: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Agriculture is one of the largest Green house gas contributors on earth. Which of the following statements are correct regarding this? Cattle rearing is responsible for release of a large amount of Methane and nitrous oxide in atmosphere. Use of manure in soil leads to production of Methane and Nitrogen oxides. Burning of crop stubble release a large amount of CO2 and soot in air. Clearing space for agriculture leads to deforestation and hence global warming. Select the code from following: 1,2 and 3 2,3 and 4 1,3 and 4 All of the above Q.3) Which of the following are greenhouse gases? Methane Nitrous oxide Carbon dioxide Ammonia Carbon monoxide  Select the correct codes: 1, 2, 3 only 1 and 2 only 1, 2, 3 and 5 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Q.4) Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) is responsible for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) relating to Geographical Indication of goods Copyrights Semiconductor integrated circuits’ layout design Select the correct code: 1 and 2 Only 2 2 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Consider the following statements about Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant It is the first in the world to have post-Fukushima safety enhancement requirements implemented and operated successfully It has a pressurized heavy-water reactor (PHWR) type of nuclear reactor Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ The case for minimum basic income The Hindu Getting back on track The Hindu Delay in release of official statistics has dire consequences for addressing job crisis Indian Express When investigation is intimidation  Indian Express Why government must spend more  Indian Express

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