Jan 12, 2020 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – You are the Master – Inspirational Educative Articles

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

Jan 11, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

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

Jan 11, 2020 60 DAYS PROGRAMME-PRELIMS 2020

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

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

Jan 10, 2020 RSTV Video

Tackling Infant Mortality – The Big Picture - RSTV IAS UPSC

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

Jan 10, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 10th January 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 10th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)  Part of: GS Prelims – Important events and GS-I- Modern History In News Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January every year to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India. January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa, led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is celebrated once in every two years to strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India and reconnect them with their roots. During the Convention, selected overseas Indians are also honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to recognize their contributions to various fields both in India and abroad.  World Hindi Day: Celebrated on Jan 10 Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Society; GS-II- Polity (Schedule Languages) In News World Hindi day is commemorated every year with the objective to promote use of Hindi language abroad On this day in 2006 the First World Hindi Conference was organized in Nagpur with the aim to promote the language worldwide and since then every year 10th January is being observed as the World Hindi Day. Madhavpur Mela Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains I - Culture In News The eight States of the Northern Eastern Region will participate in a big way during the Madhavpur Mela of Gujarat due to be held in the first week of April 2020. Madhavpur lies on the seashore, close to Porbandar. A 15th century Madhavrai temple marks the site. The Madhavpur Ghed, a small but culturally significant village, is the place where, according to folklore, Lord Krishna married Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhishmaka. This event is commemorated by a cultural fair held every year, commencing on Ram Navam The Madhavpur Mela of Gujarat shares its connect to the Mishmi Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The Mishmi Tribe traces its ancestry to the legendary King Bhishmak and through him to his daughter Rukmini and Lord Krishna. Curative Petition: Nirbhaya Case convicts file Curative pleas in Supreme Court Part of: GS Prelims- Judiciary and GS Mains –II- Indian Polity In News A curative petition, which follows the dismissal of a review petition, is the last legal avenue open for convicts in the Supreme Court. Came into Existence: It is a rare remedy devised by a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in its judgment in the Rupa Ashok Hurra case in 2002.  Grounds of Filing Curative Petition: A party can take only two limited grounds in a curative petition —  One-that he was not heard by the court before the adverse judgment was passed, and  Two- the judge was biased.  NITI Aayogs’s PPP Policy for Health Sector Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Health and Governance In News The PPP plan drafted by NITI Aayofg involves linking private medical colleges with the government district hospitals, in which the private entities can convert half of the hospital beds into paid beds Reason: Limited resources available with the Union and State governments Criticism:  Regressive model which commercialises the already small public health system  It would further reduce access to public health institutions: especially when only 25% of non-hospitalised and 45% of hospitalised patients seek health care from public health institutions Increases out-of-pocket health expenditure of Citizens Rann Utsav Part of: GS Prelims and GS I- Geography In News It is the annual white desert carnival held by Gujarat Tourism Department in the country’s largest salt desert ‘Great Rann of Kutch’. It celebrates cultural and artistic heritage of Kutch. The activities include folk dance performances, handicraft shopping, star gazing and sightseeing. Tiger Reserves: Demand to notify certain areas of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa as Tiger Reserve Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Environment Conservation In News Mahadayi, Netravali and Cotigao sanctuaries and some part of Mahaveer National Park in Goa has seen the presence of Tigers that has pushed Politicians & activists to demand Tiger Reserve status in these areas Sanctuaries and National Parks are areas of significant ecological, floral, faunal or natural significance. They are notified by State Governments and protected by the Forest Department under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.  A National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary that is considered significant for protecting tigers can be additionally designated as a Tiger Reserve A Tiger Reserve consists of a ‘Core’ or ‘Critical Tiger Habitat’, which is to be managed as an inviolate area, and a ‘Buffer’ or Peripheral area immediately abutting a Core area, which may be accorded a lesser degree of habitat protection. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body formed in 2005-06, with an overarching supervisory/coordination role, performing functions as provided in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Green Credit Scheme Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Economy, Conservation In News In the current system, industry needs to compensate the loss of forest acquired for its commercial activity by paying the Forest department a fee. The department is then responsible for reforesting on other patch of land acquired by industry. About Green Credit Scheme – yet to be implemented It allows agencies to identify land and begin growing plantations. After three years, they would be eligible to be considered as compensatory forest land An industry needing forest land could then approach the agency and pay it for parcels of such forested land, and this would then be transferred to the Forest Department and be recorded as forest land. Benefits of the Scheme This allows “forests” to be traded as a commodity.  The Scheme allows the Forest Department to outsource one of its responsibilities of reforesting to non-government agencies. It thus fast tracks industrial projects and enhances ease of doing business without compromising on the environmental assets of the Nation.  (MAINS FOCUS) Indian Economy TOPIC:General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. 
 Infrastructure: Energy Investment Models Coal Sector in India: Norms liberalised for entry and regulations relaxed Context: The Cabinet approved the promulgation of Mineral Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2020. Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 10th January 2020 What provisions does Ordinance contain? It allows Coal mining by any Companies Earlier: Only those in Power, Iron & Steel and Coal washery Business could bid for Mines It also does away with captive end-use criteria i.e. Coal can be commercially mined and sold to any buyer in an open market Earlier: The Coal mined by a licensee could be used for only specified purpose like for its own Thermal power plant i.e. they could not be sold in Open market like that of Coal India Ltd (Public Sector Enterprise) What are the advantages accruing from this changed regulatory regime?  Expands the pool of Potential bidders:  This will lead to better competition during auctions thus fetching better revenues for the government. Development of Coal market: End use restriction inhibited the growth and development of the market thus driving down the Coal production and also distorting free price discovery of the mined coal. Reduces Coal imports: India imported 235 million tonnes worth 1.71 Lakh Crore Rupees. Of these 135 million tonnes could have been substituted by domestic Coal production. Reduction in Coal imports leads to saving on foreign exchange reserves and also betters our trade balance. Brings an end to Monopoly of Coal India Ltd.: Movement from State controlled system to free-market economy which incentivizes the private sector to act as engines of growth. Efficient use of resources: Enhanced competition will inevitably lead to better utilization of the natural resources available in the country. Employment: Large investments in mining will create jobs in the country. Demand creation for other Sectors: Opening up of the sector will set off demand in critical sectors such as mining equipment and Heavy commercial vehicle industries. Infusion of Modern technologies into Coal Sector: The move will also help India gain access to sophisticated technology for underground mining used by global miners Helps achieve government target of 1.5 billion tonnes of domestic coal production by 2023-24. What are the possible challenges/demerits of this step? Procedural Delays: Government should ensure that approval and compliance procedures are not archaic & draconian which will increase the upfront cost thus deterring private players to enter the sector. Climatic Concerns: When countries across the world are moving away from fossil fuel resources this step to enhance Coal production is criticized by environmentalists Health Concerns: Coal burning releases Carbon dioxide, particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and mercury- thus damaging the health of many people around the region. Interest of Coal India Ltd: This is a Maharatna PSU which is considered as a National asset and is listed in the stock exchanges. Opening up of the sector should not compromise the capability of CIL and avoid the way BSNL went down in telecom market. Employers of CIL: Nearly 3 Lakh people are employed in CIL. Opening of the sector should not endanger the growth prospects of CIL and the livelihood aspects of the employers. Labour Standards: Private companies in order to reduce their input costs and maximise their profits may subvert labour guidelines which may have detrimental effect on workers engaged in those enterprises. Way Ahead The move comes at a time when the window for fossil fuels is rapidly closing, and the global energy landscape evolving, with fundamental changes to the investment culture amid growing climate concerns.  Government thus needs to balance its commitments towards Climate Change and its imperative to push the developmental agenda. Promotion of Clean Coal Technology which is at present Cost prohibitive is the way to move ahead Connecting the dots Impact of opening up of Coal sector on India’s pledges made during Paris Climate Deal, especially in the backdrop of US withdrawing from the deal Should Railway sector also be opened up for private players Lessons learnt from Liberalisation of Telecom sector in the wake of declining fortunes of BSNL Should Air India be privatized in the light of mounting losses Environmental Conservation TOPIC: General Studies 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. 
 General Studies 2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, 
 Australia Wildfires Context Australia’s devastating fire season that began in August 2019 continues unabated and caused large scale destruction particularly in New South Wales and Queensland region Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 10th January 2020 Source: Newsweek.Com Why are the wildfires unprecedented? Although Australia has always had bushfires, this season has been a lot worse than normal with nearly 12 million acres burned by the fires Very high temperatures (averaging 42O C), extended drought period(driest spring on record) and strong winds (spreads the bushfires) have converged to create disastrous fire conditions. Is Climate Change to Blame? Australia is normally hot and dry in the summer, but climate change, which brings longer and more frequent periods of extreme heat, worsens these conditions and makes vegetation drier and more likely to burn. Australia’s bush fires will become now more frequent and more intense as climate change worsens. Impact of Such wildfires Agricultural Production impacted Loss of Human lives Loss of Flora and Fauna- Loss of Biodiversity Leads to evacuation of communities – Temporary migration to other places Economic disruption Frequent wildfires in near future will make the region uninhabitable and thus catalysing environmental migration. Questions the developmental Model of the Country (Dependence on Coal Sector for its economic development which leads to GHG emissions) Questions the commitment of World towards battling Climate Change especially its impact now being clearly felt. This will pressurize US (which has withdrawn from the Paris deal) and other Countries to increase their Paris Deal commitments Impact on India Strengthen the voices of people who argue against India’s dependence on fossil fuels like Coal & petroleum India’s ability to import high quality of Coal from Australia will be impacted. Indian investment in Australia’s coal sector will be endangered Ex: Adani Carmichael Coal mine project in Galilee Basin in Queensland, Australia Moral Pressure on India to take up leadership of fighting climate change in the Asia-Pacific region. Way Ahead Adoption of Cleaner technologies which emits less greenhouse gases. Enhancing capabilities of government authorities to face similar such incidents in the future. Citizen awareness about the dangerous of Climate Change and thus persuade them to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle having less carbon footprint Diversifying energy basket so as to reduce dependence on Coal & other fossil fuels. Instead promoting use of renewable energy like solar power. Developing a comprehensive Migration & Refugee Policy in the wake of increasing possibilities of environmental refugees Connecting the dots Does India also have Climatic conditions similar to that in Australia which were responsible for wildfires? Do You Know? Coal is Australia’s second largest export behind iron ore. In 2016-17 Australia exported 202 million tonnes of thermal coal and 177 million tonnes of metallurgical coal with a combined value of $54 billion. Australian coal is highly sought after around the world for its high energy content and low impurities which make it ideal for use in modern High Efficiency-Low Emission (HELE) power plants and steel mills. India is the fourth largest producer of Coal and second largest importer of Coal (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1) Mahadayi and Mahaveer National Park are located in which State/UT of India? Karnataka Goa Pondicherry  Maharashtra Q.2) Rupa Ashok Hurra case in 2002 led to related to which of the following judicial remedies/pronouncements? Writ of Habeas Corpus Restriction of detention by State authorities Curative review petition None of the above Q.3) Which of the following are the benefits of the Green Credit Scheme? It allows forests to be traded as a commodity.  It allows the Forest Department to outsource one of its responsibilities of reforesting to non-government agencies Select the correct answer from the codes given below 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Madhavpura Mela often seen in news is celebrated in which State? Rajasthan Uttar Pradesh Gujarat Maharashtra Q.5) Consider the following statements Project Tiger was launched in 1973 with 9 tiger reserves for conserving our national animal, the tiger.  Project Tiger is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change providing central assistance to the tiger States for tiger conservation in designated tiger reserves. A National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary that is considered significant for protecting tigers can be additionally designated as a Tiger Reserve Which of the statement(s) given above is/are corr 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 ANSWERS FOR 09 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 B 3 B 4 D 5 A MUST READ About the challenges to Chief of Defence Staff The Hindu Importance of Ethics in research The Hindu About State of Open Source Software The Hindu On Democracy The Hindu

Jan 10, 2020 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance: Book Review – World of our fathers – Irving Howe

World Of Our Fathers: Irving Howe In the animal kingdom, migration is one of the greatest of phenomenon. Migration is even more so adventurous and memorable among human beings. Millions of people around the world have migrated to other parts of the world in search of a better way of life. None can be as challenging as one to the Promised Land – America. World of our fathers is a beautiful, robust and comprehensive book written about the migration of Jews to America. This book is a fascinating read about their journey, their way of life, their early settlements and the challenges they faced. A migration is a very complex and emotional journey. Everything changes when you decide to move and settle down in a faraway land. The most important question one faces is that of their social and religious identity. How do you hold on to your traditional values while trying to make a new life? This book covers these and many other fascinating aspects of the Jewish migration to America.

Jan 10, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 155

UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 155 Archives Important Note Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :)  To take the Test - Click Here

Jan 9, 2020 RSTV Video

Gaganyaan Mission - Vishesh - RSTV IAS UPSC

Gaganyaan Mission Archives TOPIC: General Studies 3: Awareness in the field of Space – Space Missions Indigenization of technology and developing new technology In News: Gaganyaan is the human space flight programme under which Indian astronauts will go into space by 2022.This will be done by using its own capabilities.  A GSLV-Mk III launch vehicle will lift them to their orbit, which has the necessary payload capability to launch a three-member crew module in low earth orbit. If successful, India would become the fourth nation to conduct a human space flight programme after USSR/Russia, USA and China. It is a ₹10,000-crore Indian human space flight scheduled for 2022.  India has signed agreements with Russia and France for cooperation on the Gaganyaan mission. DRDO signed MoUs with ISRO to offer technologies for the mission, including space food, survival kits for crew, radiation protection equipment and parachutes. [caption id="attachment_55865" align="aligncenter" width="545"] Gaganyaan Mission - Ayushman Bhav - RSTV IAS UPSC[/caption] SRC: The Hindu Challenges: A manned space mission is very different from all other missions that ISRO has so far completed. In terms of complexity and ambition, even the missions to the Moon (Chandrayaan) and Mars (Mangalyaan) are nowhere in comparison. For a manned mission, the key distinguishing capabilities that ISRO has had to develop - The ability to bring the spacecraft back to Earth after flight To build a spacecraft in which astronauts can live in Earth-like conditions in space. The rocket: GSLV Mk-III The spacecraft carrying human beings, called crew module, is likely to weigh in excess of 5 to 6 tonnes. ISRO’s main launch vehicle, the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), which carried the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions too, can carry payloads that are barely up to 2 tonnes, and that too only to orbits at about 600 km altitude from the Earth’s surface. That is why the development of GSLV Mk-III, a launch vehicle with capabilities to deliver much heavier payloads much deeper into space, was necessary. After three decades of efforts, mainly concentrated at developing an indigenous cryogenic engine to power the rocket, ISRO successfully tested GSLV Mk-III, now called LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), in an experimental flight in December 2014. June 2017: ISRO successfully launched the first “developmental” flight of LVM-3, which carried the GSAT-19 satellite into space. The LVM-3 is the declared launch vehicle for taking the manned crew module into space.  A. Re-entry & recovery tech The satellites launched by ISRO including Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, normally meant to remain in space, even when their life is over. Any manned spacecraft, however, needs to come back. This involves mastering of the highly complicated and dangerous re-entry and recovery ability. While re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, the spacecraft needs to withstand very high temperatures, which is created due to friction. Also, the spacecraft needs to renter the atmosphere at a very precise speed and angle, and even the slightest deviation could end in disaster. The first successful experimental flight of GSLV Mk-III on December 18, 2014, also involved the successful testing of an experimental crew module that came back to Earth after being taken to an altitude of 126 km into space. The Crew module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE) spacecraft re-entered the atmosphere at about 80 km altitude and landed in the sea near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. B. Crew Escape System This is a crucial safety technology, involving an emergency escape mechanism for the astronauts in case of a faulty launch.The mechanism ensures the crew module gets an advance warning of anything going wrong with the rocket, and pulls it away to a safe distance, after which it can be landed either on sea or on land with the help of attached parachutes. Recently, ISRO completed the first successful flight of the crew escape system. A simulated crew module weighing about 3.5 tonnes was launched from Sriharikota. C. Life support The Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS) is meant to ensure that conditions inside the crew module are suitable for humans to live comfortably.  The inside of the crew module is a twin-walled sealed structure that will recreate Earth-like conditions for the astronauts. The ECLSS maintains a steady cabin pressure and air composition, removes carbon dioxide and other harmful gases, controls temperature and humidity, and manages parameters like fire detection and suppression, food and water management, and emergency support. While the design and configuration of the ECLSS and the inside of the crew module has been finalised, other components and systems are in the process of being tested. Ground testing will have to be followed by tests in the space orbit while simulating zero gravity and deep vacuum. D. Space Communication The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that it aims to launch its own satellite pair for space communication purposes, called Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS). It will be pivotal in helping  ISRO's ground control room to uniformly monitor the space crew and communicate with them at any given point of time, and can be used in both low orbit missions and farther missions such as those to the moon, Mars and beyond. Conclusion: These developments will help ISRO in perfecting the cryogenic technology for sending up heavier and heavier payloads and will reduce India’s dependency on other countries to launch heavier satellites. Connecting the dots: What advantages would India’s proposed manned mission to space bring to the society? Highlight the achievements of ISRO in the area of indigenisation of technology. 

Jan 9, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 9th January 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 9th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) NASA reported the discovery of an Earth-size planet Part of: GS Prelims – National Income and GS-III- Science & Technology In News NASA reported the discovery of an Earth-size planet, named TOI 700 d  Found by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission Do you know? Life on Earth started in water, and water is a necessary ingredient for life When scientists search for the possibility of alien life, any rocky exoplanet in the habitable zone of its star is an exciting find. Value addition for Prelims Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission Space telescope for NASA's Explorers program,  Designed to search for exoplanet Goldilocks zone: Also called as  the habitable zone It is the range of orbits around a star within which a planetary surface can support liquid water given sufficient atmospheric pressure Exoplanet : Also Extrasolar planet is a planet outside the Solar System. least massive planet known is Draugr HR 2562 b is the most massive planet known Foreign direct investment (FDI): Ordinance enabling FDI in coal mining Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Economy In News The decision was taken to boost domestic production of Coal to one billion tonnes by 2023-24 as it leads to cheaper inputs and increase in competitiveness About Ordinance:  Ordinances are laws that are promulgated by the President of India on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet, which will have the same effect as an Act of Parliament.  They can only be issued when Parliament is not in session.  They enable the Indian government to take immediate legislative action Foreign direct investment (FDI) Investment from a party in one country into a business or corporation in another country  Foreign direct investment can be made by expanding one’s business into a foreign country or by becoming the owner of a company in another country. North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid: CCEA approves Viability gap funding Part of: GS Prelims- Geography and GS-III- Economy,GS-I- Geography In News The 1,656-km pipeline will connect Guwahati in Assam to major cities in the region such as Itanagar, Dimapur, Kohima, Imphal, Aizawl and Agartala covering all eight states in North-Eastern region The project is critical towards implementing the government's Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for the North-East Implementation Agency: Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL)- a joint venture company of five CPSEs (IOCL, ONGC, GAIL, OIL and NRL)  Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement signed between India and France Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- International Affairs In News The Agreement was signed in March, 2018 during the State Visit of the French President to India. Validity of Agreement: seven years. It incorporates provision for automatic renewal and a monitoring mechanism through a Joint Working Group. Significance: It is a major milestone in enhancing people-to-people contacts, fostering mobility of students, academics, researchers and skilled professionals and strengthening cooperation on issues related to irregular migration and human trafficking between the two sides.  Amma Vodi' scheme Part of: GS Prelims- Government Schemes and GS-II- Governance, Education In News Under the scheme, a financial assistance of ₹15,000 will be given (directly deposited into bank account) to nearly 43 lakh mothers or guardians who send their children to school (government, private aided, private unaided schools/junior colleges)  Orphans and street children studying in schools through voluntary organisations have also been covered under the scheme and the money will be given to the organisations. Only for the deserving sections: School and college dropouts are not eligible for this scheme and neither are government employees and income-tax payers. Impact of the Scheme: Student enrolment has already increased by 30% in the current academic year after the announcement of the scheme. MAINS FOCUS) Indian Polity Federalism TOPIC:General Studies 2: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure. Naga Peace Process: Stuck due to inflexibility of NSCN(I-M) Context: The government announced ‘Christmas Gift’ deadline for concluding talks with Naga groups has passed without any concrete results on the progress made since government Framework Agreement with NSCN(I-M) in 2015 Origin of the Issue and the timeline of the events The assertion of Naga Nationalism began during Colonial period and continued in Independent India. Below is the pictorial representation of the timeline Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 9th January 2020 What are the key demands of the Naga groups?  Greater Nagalim (sovereign statehood) i.e redrawing of boundaries to bring all Naga-inhabited areas in the Northeast under one administrative umbrella. It includes various parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Assam and Myanmar as well. Naga Yezabo (Naga Constitution)  Naga national flag. What was the Ceasefire Agreement which was signed in 2015? The Government of India recognised the unique history, culture and position of the Nagas and their sentiments and aspirations. The NSCN(Isak-Muivah) also appreciated the Indian political system and governance. Significance: It shows the governments strong intent to resolve the long standing issue and adoption of diplomatic peaceful approach by Naga Society to fulfil their aspirations. Reasons for not accepting Naga Demand of Separate Flag & Separate Constitution Regressive: Yezhabo is far less liberal than what Indian Constitution presently offers for Naga people. It is regressive and some of its provisions are against modern Constitutional values of liberty, equality & rule of law Challenges of Wider Acceptance: Yezhabo also proposes Naga leader Muivah as the over-arching figure of Naga politics, development and destiny which will not be acceptable to Naga Citizenry which are spread in adjoining states of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam Sets a Bad Precedent: Acceding to the demand of Separate Flag will set a dangerous precedent whereby other states also demand similar provisions Identity Politics: Acceding to these demands is akin to giving racial and ethnic identity an equal footing with National Identity which will act as catalyst to Identity Politics in rest of India. Weakens National Integrity: The overall National Consciousness and National integration process will be weakened. Failure of Article 370: Working of Article 370 which had provided for separate Flag and Constitution has shown that such type of measures has not yielded results but has instead widened the gap between regional society and Indian mainstream. Why the agreement has not been finalised yet? It was signed only with NSCN (I-M) which in uneasy ceasefire since 1997. The agreement excluded half a dozen more groups, besides Naga citizenry. This has weakened the process Inflexibility by NSCN(I-M) over the contentious issue of Naga Flag and Naga constitution—Yezhabo. Muivah who is now 85 has decided he cannot die leaving a legacy of surrender Union government’s and the North-East’s political energy has been considerably spent on allaying the fears over CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) and the proposed NRC (National Register of Citizens) thus diluting the focus on Naga peace talks Steps taken by government over last 2-3 years to fast track the process of finalising the agreement Talks with I-M has clearly spelt out disarmament, rehabilitation and assimilation of cadres and leaders through induction in paramilitary forces and political structures (expanded legislature in Nagaland)- thus ensuring smooth integration into Indian political system Legislative and administrative autonomy for Naga regions outside Nagaland has been a part of talks with the Naga leadership A breakaway faction of I-M’s arch enemies, NSCN’s Khaplang, joined the peace process with government in 2019 Government-led outreach programs to bring on board non-Naga people in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam, promising much development as a trade-off for offering Naga people in these states more legislative representation and administrative autonomy The State government that has decided to prepare the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) but later due to pressure from various fractions, the decision has now been put on hold. Way Ahead The government will whittle away at I-M’s political, administrative and military structure and strive to reduce I-M’s heft along with Muivah’s and also stoke other lines of leadership.  Reaching a consensus with broader Naga Citizenry and also convincing the non-Naga people in adjoining states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur & Assam is necessary to ensure sustainable workable agreement. Connecting the dots: What would be the consequence if Naga peace deal is not signed at the earliest in the backdrop of growing tensions over CAA-NRC in North east? Impact of acceding to demand of Nagalim on other States in North East. Indian Polity Federalism TOPIC:General Studies 2: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure.
 Indian Constitution - Unitary tilt & Future Federal Challenges Context: Kerala Legislative Assembly passing a resolution stating that Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed by Parliament contradicts the basic values and principles of the Constitution. West Bengal Government had put anti-CAA advertisements on its websites using public funds which was later withdrawn on order of High court. Several States have declared that they will not participate in NPR (National Population Register) exercise which will be used as basis for NRC (National Register of Citizens) In this background where Centre and States are on conflicting stands it becomes important to analyse the Constitutional features of Federalism.  The below pictorial representation explains the plausible reason for the emergence such type of opposition by States Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 9th January 2020 Some of the features of Federalism in India: Division of Powers: Presence of Union List, State list and Concurrent list Written Constitution Supremacy of the Constitution Rigidity of the Constitution Independent Judiciary Bicameralism However, there are various other features that makes the Constitution tilted towards Centre (Unitary bias) Single Constitution Single Citizenship Integrated Judiciary Flexibility of the Constitution under Article 368 Appointment of State Governors by the State All India Services – Controlled by Centre but deputed in State administrative set up Emergency Provisions No equality of State representation in Rajya Sabha Parliament’s authority over State List Veto Over State Bills Article 256 of the Constitution obligates the State government to ensure implementation of the laws made by Parliament. If the State government fails to do so, the Government of India is empowered to give “such directions to a State as may appear... to be necessary” even resulting in dismissal of the State government and imposition of Presidents Rule under Article 356 & 365. Why was the Constitution structured with Unitary Bias? The Indian Constitution is not based on American Model but based on Canadian Model. The reason why India adopted Canadian model was because: The way federal governments are formed is by way of disintegration and not by the way of agreement amongst the states coming together like in American Federation The States have no right to secede from the federation. Giving this right would have further strengthened the “fissiparous tendencies” in newly born Nation which was reeling under the aftereffects of Partition. Thus to avoid such secession tendencies a Strong centre was created. Working of Federalism However, Indian working of Constitution has shown that Federalism is not just limited to legal space where there is division of Power between Centre & State governments but Federalism has peculated into Public participation in Democratic process. Federalism has been reflected in people’s voting behaviour. There are examples of huge vote swings between national and State elections, separated by only a few months, in the same constituencies. This indicates that people make distinction between regional concerns and National concerns. As shown in the diagram above, the emergence of Single Party Dominance system since 2014 along with vacating of Opposition Space (partly due to decline in Parliament) has allowed regional & State governments to occupy this space.  This opposition by State governments now poses a threat to Federalism and questions the bias provided for in the original Constitution especially when India is integrated now more than ever (declining fissiparous tendencies) Decline of Parliament involves Using disruption as a tactic to oppose legislative discussions and stall executives agenda Misuse of Office of Speaker to push forward ruling party’s agenda without meaningful debates (ex: Certifying bills as Money bill so as to avoid scrutiny by Rajya Sabha) Tyranny of Political Parties: The presence of Tenth Schedule prohibits legislators to freely air their opinion. Instead they are supposed to follow their Party’s dictates thus prioritising Political Party’s interest over and above the Public interest Criminalization of Politics: 43% of the 17th Lok Sabha members (2019 general elections) have criminal charges against them according to Association of Democratic reforms Less number of time spent on legislative deliberations: In fact, in the last 10 years, the lower House has met for an average of 70 days a year. Lack of Leader of Opposition since 16th Lok Sabha: With no political party gaining 10% of the strength of the Lower House, the position has remained vacant. This has effectively weakened the opposition voice in various platforms & committees which hold government accountable But All is not Gloomy, this is because  There is thrust by the Central government on Cooperative & Competitive Federalism, in spite of having majority in Lok Sabha Political and Administrative leadership realizes that there has to be decentralization where States will act as engines of growth and Centre will act as facilitator of growth. The 42% devolution of funds from Central pool of taxes to State is a reflection of this sentiment The example of GST Council clearly shows that Constitution provides an outlet for Sates to engage collaboratively with Centre so as to get its concerns addressed. Federalism is a Basic Structure of Constitution: Examples of Indian Judiciary reversing some of the Central government’s decisions like the imposition of  Article 356, reversing President’s or Speaker’s decision (Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka) shows that Federalism will be an integral of our system. Connecting the dots Will the emergence of single party system good or bad for Democracy and economic development? Is opposition necessary in a Democratic Polity especially it when it creates obstacles in economic development weakening Indian hand to deal with China. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1) The term 'Goldilocks Zone' is often seen in the news in the context of  (UPSC 2015) (a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth (b) regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available (c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space (d) search for meteorites containing precious metals  Q2) Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds? Decreased salinity in the river Pollution of groundwater Lowering of the water-table Select the correct answer using the code given below : (a) 1 only  (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only  (d) 1 ,2 and 3 Q3)Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:  List-I (Minerals)                        List-II (Mining area) Graphite                                    1. Bellary Lead                                       2. Didwana Salt                                         3. Rampa Silver                                      4. Zawar Select the correct answer using the code given below : (a) A-3; B -4; C-1; D-2      (b) A-1; B -4; C-2; D-3 (c) A-3; B-1; C-4; D-2          (d) A-2; B-3; C-1; D-4 Q4) Ecological research over the last quarter of the century has established the deleterious effects of habitat fragmentation due to mining, highways and such other intrusions on forests. When a large block of forests gets fragmented into smaller bits, the edges of all these bits come into contact with human activities resulting in the degradation of the entire forests. Continuity of forested landscapes and corridors gets disrupted affecting several extinction-prone species of wildlife. Habitat fragmentation is therefore considered as the most serious threat to biodiversity conservation. Ad hoc grants of forest lands to mining companies coupled with rampant illegal mining is aggravating this threat.  What is the central focus of this passage? (a) Illegal mining in forests (b) Extinction of wildlife (c) Conservation of nature (d) Disruption of habitat Q5) What is the purpose of maintaining the continuity of forested landscapes and corridors? Preservation of biodiversity. Management of mineral resources. Grant of forest lands for human activities. Select the correct answer using the codes given below. (a) 1 only  (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3  (d) 1, 2 and 3 ANSWERS FOR 08 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK)  1 B 2 C 3 D 4 B 5 D 6 A 7 A MUST READ About the growing public protests across the world The Hindu Impact of increased importance given to religious identity The Hindu Need for National Defence University The Hindu Impact of divisiness on Intellectual progress of a society IE

Jan 9, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 154

UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 154 Archives Important Note Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :)  To take the Test - Click Here