Posts

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th October 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th October 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) PRAKASH PORTAL Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Economy In News PRAKASH stands for ‘Power Rail Koyla Availability through Supply Harmony’. The Union Minister for Power and the Union Minister for Coal & Mines jointly launched PRAKASH portal for transparency and better coordination in coal supplies to power plants. The Portal aims at bringing better coordination for coal supplies among all stakeholders viz - Ministry of Power, Ministry of Coal, Coal India, Railways and power utilities. PRAKASH Portal is developed by NTPC and sources data from different stakeholders such as Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS) and coal companies.  VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III -Infrastructure In News Union government started New Delhi-Katra 'Vande Bharat' Express to give boost to religious tourism in Jammu. Katra is a small townlocated 42 km from the city of Jammu which serves as the base camp for pilgrims who visit Vaishno Devi. The coaches of this train are indigenously manufactured at the Chennai Rail coach factory. Vande Bharat Express has been tested at 180 kmph and can run upto maximum speed of 160 kmph on passenger service. All Coaches are equipped with automatic doors; GPS based audio-visual passenger information system, onboard hotspot, wi-fi for entertainment purposes, and very comfortable seating. This is the second ‘Vande Bharat’ express after the New Delhi - Varanasi semi-high speed train was started in February this year. NH 766 Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III – Environment Conservation In News NH 766 is a key highway between Karnataka and Kerala that passes through the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka. Kerala’s Wayanad district has witnessed a series of protests against a ban on night traffic on the forest stretch of NH 766. Although the night ban was first enforced a decade ago, the immediate trigger for the current agitation was a recent Supreme Court direction to the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and NHAI to suggest alternative routes so that NH 766 could be shut down permanently Bandipur Tiger Reserve: Spread over 990.51 sq km, Bandipur Tiger Reserve is part of interconnected forests that include Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) and Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka). A large variety of wildlife including the elephant moves from one stretch to another, cutting the states. Do You Know? Night traffic would affect behaviour biology such as breeding and parental care of animals, disrupt their life cycle and make them stray to human habitats. Using the central Motor Vehicle Act read with the Karnataka Motor Vehicle Rules, traffic was banned from both sides of stretch from 9 pm to 6 am https://images.indianexpress.com/2019/10/forest.jpg?w=759&h=797&imflag=true In economic growth, Bangladesh leads South Asian group Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II –International Relations In News Since 2016, Bangladesh has been growing at 7%-plus every year, and its growth is likely to cross the 8% mark both in this and the coming year, according to the Asian Development Bankreport. Garments accounted for 84.2% of Bangladesh exports Over this same period, India has seen a secular decline in growth rates, even though an uptick is expected in the coming year. Sri Lanka has been the worst performing South Asian economy in terms of growth Asian Development Bank (ADB) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank established on 19 December 1966. ADB is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. It aims to promote social and economic development in Asia. ADB now has 67 members, of which 48 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside. It is modeled on the World Bank and has a similar weighted voting system where votes are distributed based on member’s capital subscriptions. As of 31 December 2018, Japan and United States hold the largest proportion of shares at 15.571%. China holds 6.43%, India holds 6.32%, and Australia holds 5.77%. ADB provides financing to both Sovereign Nations and private companies. https://images.indianexpress.com/2019/10/Graph.jpg Drone cameras threatening Nilgiris wildlife Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III – Environment Conservation In News Birds may get injured when they attack drones of photographers which may lead to endangering of species and abandoning nesting sites, Use of drone cameras or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles mounted with filming equipment in forest areas, without the permission of the Chief Wildlife Warden is a criminal offence. Niligiris The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first biosphere reserve in India established in the year 1986 It forms a part of Western Ghats shared among Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka Main vegetation of the region is montane grasslands and shrub lands interspersed with shola forests Niligir Tahr (enadangered species) is endemic to Nilgiri hills. It is also State animal of Tamil Nadu Miscellaneous Blood4Pet - mobile app that brings together canine blood donors In order to bridge the gap between canine-blood demand & supply, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Tanuvas)has launched a mobile app — Blood4Pet — to bring ‘pet-parents’ together across the country. There’s also a provision in the app for calculating the amount of blood required. A dog can safely donate blood once in three weeks. The app will help both pet owners and veterinarians to find suitable donors for dogs and thus help save lives of dogs Repatriation Mizoram Bru refugees Over 30,000 Bru, also known as Reang, refugees are now housed in camps in north Tripura, since they fled ethnic violence in Mizoram in September 1997. Initiatives to repatriate the Mizoram Bru refugees back to their homes in Mizoram have failed as the refugee leaders refused to return citing mainly security reasons in their home State. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2: Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) under RTI Purview Context: Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) receiving substantial financing from the government are bound to give information to the public under the RTI Act, the Supreme Court.( D.A.V. College Trust and Management Society Vs. Director of Public Instructions) Institutions like schools, colleges and hospitals which receive substantial aid from the government both directly or indirectly in the form of land at discounted rate are also bound to give information to the citizens under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Why? Several schools and colleges and associations running this educational institution have moved the apex court claiming that NGOs are not covered under the RTI Act Do you know? Non-governmental organisations which were substantially financed by the appropriate government fall within the ambit of ‘public authority’ under Section 2(h) of the Right to Information Act, 2005. Under this section of the RTI Act, ‘public authority’ means “any authority or body or institution of self-government established or constituted by or under the Constitution and included... any non-government organisation substantially financed directly or indirectly by funds provided by the appropriate government.” ‘Substantial’ means a large portion which can be both, direct or indirect. For instance, if land in a city is given free of cost or at a heavily subsidised rate to hospitals, educational institutions or other bodies, it can qualify as substantial financing. Political parties: The Law Commission opines that political parties are the lifeblood of our entire constitutional system.  Political parties act as a conduit through which interests and issues of the people get represented in Parliament.  Since elections are predominantly contested on party lines in our parliamentary democratic polity, the agenda of the potential government is set by them. Transparency in Political parties: In 2010, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) filed an application under the RTI to all national parties, seeking information about the “10 maximum voluntary contributions”. None of the national political parties volunteered to disclose the information.  Consequently, ADR and RTI activist Subhash Agarwal filed a petition with the Central Information Commission (CIC). In 2013, a full bench of the CIC delivered a historic judgment by declaring that all national parties came under ‘public authorities’ and were within the purview of the RTI Act. Notwithstanding the binding value of the CIC’s, none of the six political parties complied with it Finally, in 2019, a PIL was filed in the Supreme Court seeking a declaration of political parties as ‘public authority’ and the matter is sub judice Ambedkar’s remarks: “The working of a Constitution does not depend wholly upon the nature of the Constitution. The Constitution can provide only the organs of State…The factors on which the working of those organs of the State depend are the people and the political parties they will set up as their instruments to carry out their wishes and their politics.” Implication: It can be argued that national parties are ‘substantially’ financed by the Central government.  If an entity gets substantial finance from the government, there is no reason why any citizen cannot ask for information to find out whether his/her money which has been given to the entity is being used for the requisite purpose or not. Connecting the dots: The creation of an ‘informed’ citizenry, containment of corruption and holding of government and its instrumentalities accountable to the governed is a need of hour .Justify. ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and related issues  Investment models Foreign Direct Investment 2.0 Context : Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for the review of Foreign Direct Investment in various sectors. This will result in making India a more attractive FDI destination, leading to benefits of increased investments, employment and growth.    As of now (March 2019), Singapore remains India’s top FDI source, twice that from Mauritius. Situation demanding policy response: Emergence of Internet Multinational Companies (MNCs) such as Microsoft, Google, Facebook and Twitter that are based on ‘winner-takes-all’ platform business models. These firms are characterised essentially by inequitable dynamics, since they distribute most gains to themselves vis-à-vis their host countries. In 1978, the Indian government adopted a policy that required equity dilution by 100% foreign-owned companies. This led to the ‘Listing of MNCs’, and many of which then provided handsome returns to both MNCs and Indian shareholders. In China: China banned Internet MNCs.  China strategically deploys a quid pro quo policy.  MNC firms are mandated to transfer technology, share patents and enter into 50:50 joint ventures with Chinese partners in return for market access. Foreign direct investment (FDI) It is an investment from a party in one country into a business or corporation in another country with the intention of establishing a lasting interest.  Lasting interest differentiates FDI from foreign portfolio investments, where investors passively hold securities from a foreign 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. FDI 2.0 100% FDI under automatic route is permitted for sale of coal, for coal mining activities including associated processing infrastructure.  The government has allowed 100% FDI through the automatic route for contract manufacturing.  It will augment the Make in India initiative and will attract global companies in India looking to establish alternative manufacturing hubs Merit: FDI 2.0 could deploy ‘List or Trade in India’ as a strategic policy tool to enable Indian citizens become shareholders in MNCs such as Google, Facebook, Samsung, Huawei and others, thus capturing the ‘upside’ they create for their platforms and companies. This is equitable to all, since Indian consumers contribute to the market value of MNCs. Proposals: (List in India): Majority (more than 51%) foreign-owned Indian-listed MNCs could be eligible to domestic company tax rate whereas unlisted MNC subsidiaries could be subjected to a higher tax rate. Many countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand have used tax incentives to attract listing by MNCs.  (‘Trade in India’ i.e. U.S. dollar-denominated parent MNC Shares to be ‘Admitted for Trading’ on Indian bourses): In , Indian investors could buy shares of parent MNCs (where global profits and value get consolidated). This can be permitted within the $250,000 Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) limit. What needs to be done? Indian bourses could admit only S&P 500 stocks. The Mexican Stock Exchange allows trading of international shares listed in other stock exchanges. India could replicate such models Measures for successful implementation of above mentioned “Trade in India”: Permit Indian bourses to implement international trading system on the lines of Mexico.  Parent MNCs in S&P 500 with business interests in India could be mandated to facilitate trading of their shares in India. MNCs would readily agree as it does not envisage listing in India.  For taxation purposes, no distinction should be made between transactions in comparable domestic and foreign securities.  LRS implementation for buying foreign stocks in GIFT City/NSE/BSE could be simplified and work as single click functionality.  Educate Indian investors about the value of diversification of their portfolio in international stocks for achieving better risk adjusted returns.  Problem with implementation: For Indian citizens, U.S. estate taxes @40% apply above portfolio value of $60,000. Solution: National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) could design a sovereign trust for holding parent MNC stocks.  The NSDL could then issue BharatShares to retail investors. Nominees of the government of India would get voting rights in parent MNCs.  In addition, the government could make available a ‘Fully Disclosed Model’ for holding foreign stocks in line with our NSDL/Central Depository Services Ltd (CDSL) system. The prevalent ‘Omnibus model’ carries the risk of U.S broker default because investors’ shares are held in the U.S. broker’s name. For this reason, it could also lead to higher tax liabilities in Indi What is the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) of USD 2,50,000? Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, all resident individuals, including minors, are allowed to freely remit up to USD 2,50,000 per financial year (April – March) for any permissible current or capital account transaction or a combination of both.   Further, resident individuals can avail of foreign exchange facilities for the purposes mentioned in Para 1 of Schedule III of Foreign Exchange Management(Current Account Transactions) Amendment Rules 2015, within the limit of USD 2,50,000 only. Way forward: Increasing Indian equity ownership of MNCs would offer diversification benefits and make Indians more prosperous.  Wealth distribution through mutual funds would create a virtuous cycle of innovative ideas, entrepreneurship, employment, consumption, higher taxes, social and physical infrastructure for the benefit of Indian society.  MNCs would earn the goodwill of Indian consumers while expanding their investor base.  Connecting the dots: List or trade in India’ should be used as a strategic policy tool to enable Indians to become shareholders in MNCs. Comment. (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) NH 766 often seen in news passes through which of the following States of India? Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Gujarat and Maharashtra Karnataka and Kerala None of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements Asian Development Bank (ADB) Japan and India hold the largest proportion of shares ADB  It provides financing to both Sovereign Nations and private companies. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Nilgiris The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was the first biosphere reserve in India established in the year 1986 Itsmain vegetation of the region is montane grasslands and shrub lands interspersed with shola forests Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) PRAKASH PORTALoften seen in news is related to which of the following area? Management of Waste Promotion of energy efficient LED lights Coal supply to Power plants None of the above. MUST READ Toilet targets: On ending open defecation  The Hindu Co-operative banks: Is dual regulation the problem? The Hindu  How to read RBI’s monetary policy review The Indian express Subdued GST collections, lower tax devolution will impact state finances, pose macro risks The Indian express

RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Abortion Rights Vs Ethics

Abortion Rights Vs Ethics Archives TOPIC: General Studies 1 Society – Women issues  General Studies 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector or Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources In News: On July 15th, the Supreme Court agreed to examine the constitutional validity of certain legal provisions that allow abortion only to save the woman's life or in case of abnormal foetus and allegedly violate women's right to health, free reproductive choice as well as privacy. Admitting a writ petition filed by Swati Agarwal, Garima Sekseria and Prachi Vats, the apex court issued a notice to the Centre on their contention that several provisions of the 48-year-old Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1971 imposes severe restrictions on the reproductive choice of a woman, her personal liberty and bodily autonomy. In their plea, the petitioners have contended that the right to choose whether to conceive and carry pregnancy to its full term or to terminate it was at the core of one's privacy, dignity, personal autonomy, bodily integrity, self-determination and right to health.       According to the UNICEF India and World Bank data, India has one of the highest numbers of maternal deaths. (45,000 maternal deaths every year or an average of one maternal death every 12 minutes) Unsafe abortions are the third leading cause of maternal deaths in India. An update -  Government has initiated the process for an inter-ministerial consultation on raising the gestation period for terminating a pregnancy to 24 weeks, from 20 at present, in case of health risk to the mother or foetus. The Supreme Court, in 2017, had declined to amend the Medical Termination Pregnancy (MTP) Act which prohibits termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks, saying that the issue fell within the legislative realm. The amendment in the MTP act aims to provide equal reproductive rights and also a provision for unmarried females and widows to undergo legal abortion. Presently, woman must seek legal recourse if the pregnancy has gone over 20 weeks to terminate the pregnancy.  Due to slow judicial process a pregnant woman is unable to get the abortion done thus pushing her to depend on illegal service providers for termination of unwanted pregnancies Unsafe abortions: A major concern For women in India, access to abortion has been marred by extreme stigma, lack of awareness about its legality, unavailability of safe services near the community, and high costs charged by providers. Unsafe abortion practices were the third largest contributor of maternal deaths in India. While India has legalised abortion by the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, this privilege is clouded by the fact that unsafe abortions remain the third highest cause of pregnancy-related deaths. The Lancet Research shows that half of the pregnancies in India are unintended and that a third result in abortion. Only 22% of abortions are done through public or private health facilities. Lack of access to safe abortion clinics, particularly public hospitals, and stigma and attitudes towards women, especially young, unmarried women seeking abortion, contribute to this. Doctors refuse to perform abortions on young women or demand that they get consent from their parents or spouses despite no such requirement by law. This forces many women to turn to clandestine and often unsafe abortions. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 provides for termination only up to 20 weeks. If an unwanted pregnancy has proceeded beyond 20 weeks, women have to approach a medical board and courts to seek permission for termination, which is extremely difficult. The MTP Act is long overdue for a comprehensive reform. Issue: Pro-choice & Pro-life Pro-choice: are proponents who support choice of child bearer and hence support the cause of abortion at will. Pro-life: are proponents who support life in consideration i.e. the foetus which is considered life from the women’s womb itself. In India, pro-life versus pro-choice debates are confined primarily to academia, as the abortion narrative has been determined by the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. Pro-Choice: This pro-choice endowment was a need based public health strategy aimed at the alarming increase in the population growth before the 1970s. It was also targeted towards preventing maternal deaths from illegal abortions, carried out by back-alley abortionists. India was the first country to launch a family planning programme in 1952. The idea of this programme was to promote the use of contraceptives to delay or space out a pregnancy. Whatever the family planning programme has tried over the years through different marketing strategies has only made a small dent. Sterilisation remains the permanent method of contraception, after she or the family has decided on the desired number of children. Unfortunately, legalised abortion has become a convenient standby, as a woman can cite contraceptive failure to abort an unwanted pregnancy. Beyond the actual cases of true contraceptive failure, the easy access to abortion services has perhaps promoted a certain amount of irresponsibility, with women’s rights often over-riding discussions on the rights of the unborn child. Misuse of Pro-choice: The next saga in India’s abortion narrative was the mis-utilisation of the pro-choice endowment provided by the MTP Act. Son-preference saw voiceless women being coerced to determine the sex of the baby. The upsurge of selective abortion of female foetuses was accompanied by an explosion of imaging technology. Indian towns without life-saving healthcare services invariably have at least one ultrasound clinic. The profusion of ultrasound clinics and sex-selective abortion hastened the decline of the sex-ratio. So alarming was the decline that the Pre-Conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PCPNDT) had to be legislated. Pro-choice versus Pro-life: The pro-life and pro-choice movements primarily come into conflict on the issue of abortion. The pro-life movement argues that even a non-viable, undeveloped human life is sacred and must be protected by the government. Abortion must not be legal according to this model, nor should it be practiced on an illegal basis. The pro-choice movement argues that in pregnancies prior to the point of viability – a point at which the fetus cannot live outside the womb –the government does not have the right to impede a woman’s decision to terminate the pregnancy. The court has observed that in the case of pregnant women, there is a “compelling state interest” in protecting the life of the prospective child. Therefore, the termination of a pregnancy is only permitted when the conditions specified are fulfilled. But from a women’s rights perspective, should not a pregnant mother have the right to decide whether to go through full-term when there is even the slightest chance of a foetal infirmity and not “substantial foetal abnormalities”? It is fair to state that no woman who voluntarily chose to get pregnant is likely to seek an abortion unless there are compelling circumstances. Should not the wishes and desires of the person who will be the caretaker be considered? We need to urgently address this – First, recognise a woman’s right to exercise her choice and protect her by amending the Indian Penal Code to decriminalise abortion for the woman. Second, support and provide last-mile access and availability of safe abortion by widening the provider base as proposed by the pending amendments to the MTP Act. Third, acknowledge the termination of pregnancies with major abnormalities as a part of standard medical care any time in pregnancy as was traditional practice, without having to seek legal exception for each case. Fourth, further grounds should be incorporated for the abortion – for example it should be extended to 24 weeks and not just 20 weeks as other abnormalities may surface then. Finally, identify and avoid potential conflation of the MTP Act with the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act that results in stigmatisation of all doctors providing abortions to ensure women are not denied abortion. Conclusion Awareness amongst women is of paramount importance.  The judiciary and lawmakers need to maintain a secular outlook and strive to ensure that the women citizens of this country have equal citizenship rights in consonance with the Constitution and with accepted international covenants on human rights. These include a right to life for the woman, as also a right to dignity and a right to benefit from scientific progress. Religion and other traditional frameworks are inherently imbued with patriarchy and cannot be used by a secular state to direct its laws and policies. Political parties, which also represent India’s women, have an obligation to take forward the debates on reproductive rights, equality, and access to abortion in political debates as well as in framing laws and policies. The responsibility also lies with civil society and development actors to bring up these issues for public debate and in demands. The silence around unsafe abortions is leading to deaths of women and hides important problems that lie at the intersection of these concerns, such as the formidable barriers for adolescent girls to access reproductive health services, including abortion services. Access to legal and safe abortion is an integral dimension of sexual and reproductive equality, a public health issue, and must be seen as a crucial element in the contemporary debates on democracy. Connecting the Dots: Will liberalizing abortion law help reduce the high number of unsafe abortions in the country or will it lead to more sex election abortions? Is liberalizing the law enough? What are the steps Government should further take? Differentiate between the terms ‘legality’ and ‘legitimacy’ of a decision with the help of suitable examples. What do you mean by the terms pro-life and pro-choice. Discuss the deabte over it in Indian context

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd October 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd October 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) OPEN-DEFECATION FREE (ODF) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Health In News On the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi announced that rural India and its villages have declared themselves open-defecation free (ODF). What is ODF? A village is ODF when: (i) there are no visible faeces in the village, and (ii) every household as well as public/community institution uses safe technology options for faecal disposal. After a village declares itself ODF, states are required to carry out verification of the ODF status of such a village. This includes access to a toilet facility and its usage, and safe disposal of faecal matter through septic tanks.  Do You know? In 60 months, more than 60 crore people were provided with 11 crore toilets. According to UNICEF report, there is a positive impact, worth Rs 20 lakh crore, on the Indian economy due to the Swachh Bharat campaign.  It has created opportunities of 75 lakh jobs out of which a majority have been availed by the rural population” Vayoshreshtha Samman Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-I - Society In News These are given to eminent senior citizens and Institutions involved in rendering distinguished services for the cause of elderly persons. The series of awards were instituted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in the year 2005 and were elevated to the level of national awards in 2013.  Generally, the awards are conferred by the President of India on the 1st October i.e. on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons (IDOP).  This year Tamil Nadu is given the award for the best State in implementing the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 Tamil Nadu State has set up maintenance tribunals under the Act in each sub-division, but half of the cases are resolved through conciliation. The municipal council of Unhel, in Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh, will receive the award for the best urban local bodyfor itsprovision of medical services, income generation schemes and pension to seniors.  India hails U.K. verdict on former Nizam Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains I – Modern History In News The case relates to the transfer of £1,007,940 (now worth £35 million) and nine shillings by the Nizam’s envoy and foreign minister in Londonon September 16, 1948 to Pakistan which the bank processed on September 20, 1948 However, Hyderabad’s armed forces had already surrendered to India on September 17, 1948 after a military operation known as “Operation Polo.” Within days of surrender, Nizam sent a message to Bank demanding that the money be transferred back to his account which was objected by Pakistan Do You Know? Nearly 560 Princely states acceded to India at the time of Independence- except Junagadh, Hyderabad and Kashmir. Later these three states were integrated into India through Plebiscite, Military action and Signing of Instrument of Accession respectively India’s external boundaries has changed only three times—when Goa was subsumed into the Indian Union in 1961, Pondicherry in 1962 (officially) and Sikkim in 1975 Inter-State portability for ration cards launched Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II - Governance In News An inter-State portability for ration cards has been launched for Rajasthan and Haryana to facilitate the distribution of foodgrains to beneficiaries of the National Food Security scheme. Labourers in the unorganised sector, migrating from one State to the other in search of work, will mainly benefit from the scheme Do You Know?  In August 2019, Government of India launched the One Nation-One Ration Card scheme on a pilot basis in four States namely Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. This will provide freedom to the beneficiaries as they will not be tied to any one PDS shop and reduce their dependence on shop owners and curtail instances of corruption. Monsoon Prediction Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains I - Geography In News The new monsoon model, called the Coupled Forecast Model (CFS), deployed by the IMD under the National Monsoon Mission (NMM) has failed to forecast the excess rainfall received during August-September 2019. India this year may have recorded its highest monsoon rain in 25 years.  India ended up with 10% more monsoon rain (or 110% of the long period average LPA of 887 mm) than usual National Monsoon Mission (NMM) It was launched by Ministry of Earth Sciences to build an ocean atmospheric model for improved prediction of monsoon rainfall on extended range to seasonal time scale (16 days to one season) and improved prediction of temperature, rainfall and extreme weather events on short to medium range time scale (up to 15 days). Dynamical models also called CFS relies on capturing the interactions between the land, ocean and atmosphere and tracking how the changes in each affect the other for forecasting the monsoon. The land, atmosphere and ocean state at a particulate time, generally March, is mathematically simulated on supercomputers (Prithvi High Performance Computers at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology Pune) and extrapolated into the monsoon months. Pyrofuse Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III –Science & Technology In News Cutting off power in an accident is key in Electric Vehicles to prevent car occupants, rescuers from suffering electric shock Pyrofuse are small devices that “blow out” whole sections of the cable connection to the high-voltage battery by means of miniature explosive charges, thus quickly and effectively shutting off the power circulation For example, if the airbag sensor detects an impact, the tiny devices — measuring no more than 10 mm by 10 mmand weighing a few grams — trigger the pyrofuse. This sets off little explosions that drive a wedge into the high-voltage cable between the battery unit and the power electronics, disconnecting the two.  By thus cutting off the flow of power, the risk of electric shock or fire is fully eliminated. Miscellaneous ‘Einstein Challenge’ Albert Einstein’s famous words on Gandhi: “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth” PM announced Einstein Challenge to ensure the ideals of Gandhi are remembered by future generations In this he invited thinkers, entrepreneurs and tech leaders to take the lead to spread Gandhi’s ideas through innovation. Community fridge To mark Gandhi Jayanti, South Western Railway in association with Feeding India NGO, installed a community fridge at Bangalore Railway Station Anyone can keep excess food in the fridge and people in need of it can take it.  The move will benefit migrant labourers, daily wage workers, and poor people. Bioswale These are vegetated channels to manage rainwater, recommended as long –tern sustainable solution for urban floods (Patna Floods) They are long, channeled depression or trench that receives rainwater runoff and has vegetation (such as grasses, flowering herbs, and shrubs) and organic matter (such as mulch) to slow water infiltration and filter out pollutants Bioswales are the most effective type of green infrastructure facility in slowing runoff velocity and cleansing water while recharging the underlying groundwater table. (MAINS FOCUS) INDIA’S FOREIGN RELATIONS TOPIC: General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests India-Bangladesh ties to move to the next level Context: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will embark on a four-day visit to India beginning from with an aim to further intensify bilateral relations between the two countries. There is scope for India-Bangladesh ties to move to the next level, based on cooperation, coordination and consolidation Did you know: Img: https://www.mapsofindia.com/neighbouring-countries-maps/maps/india-bangladesh-map.jpg Bangladesh shares land borders with India to the west, north and the east and Myanmar to the east, whereas the Bay of Bengal lies to its south. Bangladesh’s land border with India is quite long stretching up to 2,582 miles. Indian states Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and West Bengal share the India-Bangladesh border. The country's geography is dominated by the Ganges delta which empties into the Bay of Bengal the combined waters of several river systems, including those of the Brahmaputra and the Ganges The endangered Bengal tiger, the national animal.. The borders of modern Bangladesh were established with the separation of Bengal and India in August 1947, when the region became East Pakistan as a part of the newly formed State of Pakistan following the Boundary of the Partition of India. Later the rise of the Bengali nationalist and self-determination movement led to the Liberation War and eventually resulted in the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent sovereign in 1971 Bengalis, who speak the official Bengali language, make up 98% of the population of Bangladesh Islam is the country's established religion In the recent years Bangladesh has registered notable success in using Microcredit as a tool for poverty alleviation, women empowerment, generation of income through export of RMG, population control, reducing child mortality and combating natural disasters;  The country continues to face the challenges of Rohingya refugee, terrorism, corruption, and erratic climate change India- Bangladesh relations: Common members of SAARC, BIMSTEC, IORA and the Commonwealth.  The two countries share many cultural ties. (esp :Bengali-speaking) In 1971, the Bangladesh Liberation War broke out between East Pakistan and West Pakistan; India intervened in December 1971 on behalf of East Pakistan and helped secure East Pakistan's independence from Pakistan as the country of Bangladesh. Since 2015, the notable developments  have taken like resolution of long-pending land and maritime boundaries. Observed increase in bilateral trade from US$9 billion to US$10.46 billion in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-19, followed by US$7 billion to US$9 billion in FY 2017-18, an increase of 28.5 percent. Present scenario: India and Bangladesh today enjoy one of the best periods of their relationship, with positive development in the areas of diplomatic, political, economic and security relations. The current Bangladesh government has uprooted security threats and acts of insurgency against India  The India-Bangladesh border is one of India’s most secured The signing of the Land Boundary Agreement in 2015 was a milestone Land Boundary Agreement in 2015 Bilateral trade was a little over $9 billion in FY 2017-18 and Bangladeshi exports increased by 42.91%. Indian export of electricity increased by another 500 MW. A 1,600 MW power station with a dedicated transmission system is being developed to boost power trade. Train services are doing well, Five additional bus services were introduced in 2018 Bangladeshi tourists accounted for 21.6% of the total percentage of tourists visiting India in 2018 Bangladesh contributes 50% of India’s health tourism revenue Border killings have decreased. Since 2010, India has approved three lines of credit to Bangladesh of $7.362 billion to finance development projects. Due to bureaucratic red tape, just $442 million has been disbursed till December 2018 Memoranda of understanding were also signed for cooperation between the naval forces. Issues yet to be settled : Teesta Water Sharing Agreement.  Img: https://iasbaba.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Bengal-min.jpg Teesta River  long river that rises in the eastern Himalayas, flows through the Indian states of West Bengal and Sikkim through Bangladesh and enters the Bay of Bengal. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s refusal to endorse water-sharing terms agreed upon by Prime Minister Modi in 2015 has resulted in the current impasse. Read more on Teesta river dispute here : https://iasbaba.com/2015/08/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-15th-17th-august-2015/ National Register of Citizens (NRC) The National Register of Citizens (NRC) has left out 1.9 million Assamese from the list with a group labelled as “illegal immigrants from Bangladesh” living in Assam post-1971.(Bangladesh refuses) Rohingya issue The Rohingya issue and India’s remarks in 2017 on the issue have been upsetting for Bangladesh . The Indian government is concerned over Rohingyas' stay in India for security regions, it is looking for ways to deport over 40,000 Rohingyas living in the country illegally. Way forward: Removal of non-tariff barriers will help Bangladeshi exports such as harmonising the standards for goods accepted by India Approved lines of credit to Bangladesh must be cleared on time Both countries must reach consensus  on the issues like NRC, Rohingya and Teesta rivers. Conclusion: In a neighbourhood where distrust and cynicism prevail over friendship and hope(Pakistan & China), the relationship between the two countries(India & Bangladesh) has given hope for optimism. Connecting the dots: India-Bangladesh relations have matured in the last decade with development in many areas of cooperation. Substantiate. HEALTH TOPIC: General Studies 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared India “open defecation-free”. Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi  said that the villages in India have declared themselves open defecation free.  The prime minister made the announcement in the presence of over 20,000 village heads at an event to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Riverfront in Gujarat. The prime minister said that 99 per cent of rural India was open defecation free Background: Open defecation and contamination of drinking and bathing water has been an endemic sanitary problem in India.  In 2014, India was the country with the highest number of people practicing open defecation, around 530 million people Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) or Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): A nation-wide campaign in India for the period 2014 to 2019 that aims to clean up the streets, roads and infrastructure of India's cities, towns, urban and rural areas. The objectives of Swachh Bharat include eliminating open defecation through the construction of household-owned and community-owned toilets and establishing an accountable mechanism of monitoring toilet use. The mission aimed to achieve an "open-defecation free" (ODF) India by 2 October 2019, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, by constructing 100 million toilets in rural India at a projected cost of Rs 1.96 lakh crore (US$28 billion) The mission will also contribute to India reaching Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), established by the UN in 2015. The mission has two thrusts: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ("gramin" or 'rural'), which operates under the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation; and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ('urban'), which operates under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Volunteers, known as Swachhagrahis, or "Ambassadors of cleanliness", have promoted indoor plumbing and community approaches to sanitation (CAS) at the village level. In the past five years, the Indian government has built a 100 million toilets. With a country as large as India, this is a big achievement. Survey in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh: Between 2014 and the end of 2018, latrine ownership in the region had increased by 34 percentage points States that had already been declared open defecation-free, the actual coverage was far below 100%. the percentage of people defecating in the open declined by 26 percentage points, but  close to half still reported to be relieving themselves in the open The programme barely managed to bring any change in the behaviour of latrine owners. Like in 2014, about a quarter of people who own a functional latrine continued to defecate in the open Criticisms: With unrealistic targets pushed down from the top, “Swachh Bharat Mission beneficiaries” were  facing coercion. Many rural Indians were threatened with or even denied their legal rights, such as PDS ration, for not building a latrine. Government officials at every level faced immense pressure and threats from their bosses one in every four families told  that they have heard of government benefits being withdrawn for not having a latrine. Conclusion: The spirit of bidding farewell to open defecation as a gift to Gandhi deserves accolades. But we must not forget that there are still miles to go.  India needs to have a sanitation policy that focuses on reducing open defecation. Connecting the dots: How is access to toilet and better sanitation under the Swachh Bharat Mission leading to socio-economic transformation of rural India? Explain. (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) Coupled Forecast Model often seen in news dealt with which of the following area? Flood prediction and Riverbed management Cyber threat predictions Smart Traffic management Weather predictions Q.2) Consider the following statements According to UNICEF report, there is a positive impact, worth Rs 20 lakh crore, on the Indian economy due to the Swachh Bharat campaign  A village is declared Open Defecation Free when there are no visible faeces in the village, and every household as well as public/community institution uses safe technology options for faecal disposal. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Vayoshreshtha Samman These are annual awards instituted by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare  It is awarded for eminent senior citizens and Institutions involved in rendering distinguished services for the cause of elderly persons. It is conferred by the President of India on the 1st October i.e. on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.4) Bioswales often seen in news is related to which of the following area? Management of Oil spills Decomposition of Plastics Management of rainwater None of the above. MUST READ A sound review: On Supreme Court recalling its verdict diluting SC/ST anti-atrocities law The Hindu Raining misery: On ongoing monsoon fury The Hindu Telling Numbers: All the carbon in Earth, and CO2 from volcanoes The Indian express In last five years, Swachh Bharat mission has captured people The Indian express The rising storm Indian Express From protest to governance Indian Express

RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – UK's Constitutional Crisis

UK's Constitutional Crisis Archives In News: Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s brutal battle with lawmakers over Britain’s plan to leave the European Union has led the country into uncharted waters. Along the way, the U.K.’s highest court overturned Johnson’s suspension of Parliament, political norms are being tested and even the Queen has been dragged in. There are more fights ahead over where power resides and how it may be exercised in a country governed by a mass of unwritten rules heaped up over centuries. A defiant Boris Johnson hit back at the UK’s top judges and vowed to take the country out of the European Union next month, despite suffering an unprecedented legal defeat over his Brexit strategy in the highest court in the land.  In a sweeping rebuke to the prime minister, Britain’s Supreme Court ruled that Johnson broke the law when he decided to suspend Parliament for five weeks in the run-up to the October 31 deadline for leaving the EU.  He gave Queen Elizabeth II “unlawful" advice to pause the legislature and his decision wrecked the ability of Britain’s elected politicians to fulfill their crucial democratic role overseeing his government’s actions, the court found. Johnson said he would “obviously" respect the verdict, but retaliated immediately. While Johnson says it is customary for parliament to be suspended - or “prorogued” - before a government outlines its new policy priorities in a Queen’s Speech, his opponents say the timing and length of the suspension is designed to sideline parliament in the countdown to Brexit. Britain has an uncodified constitution, meaning it is largely upheld through convention and precedent. The constitution has changed dramatically down the centuries, with monarchs steadily surrendering their once-vast powers to the government and prime minister of the day. Johnson required Queen Elizabeth’s formal consent to suspend parliament but she was equally required, by custom, to grant it. But there definitely exists – Conflict between representative democracy and direct democracy Will of Parliament; on the other, the will of the people, as expressed in the 2016 referendum on European Union membership Source: https://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/infographic/uk-constitutional-crisis-what-next/  Where does this leave Brexit? If the U.K. and EU don’t reach a negotiated transition agreement by Oct. 19, Parliament has required Johnson to seek an extension, likely until Jan. 31, 2020. That demand is part of a law sponsored by Labour Party grandee Hilary Benn that was passed on Sept. 9. The prime minister has promised to continue negotiating with Brussels, but has also said he’d prefer to be “dead in a ditch” than to ask for more time. Members of Parliament are worried he may try to exploit loopholes to evade the Benn Act, which has been described by some legal experts as “not watertight.” Such a move, if the government attempted it, would set up further legal battles over the power of the prime minister to evade the will of Parliament. Why the UK needs a written constitution? Today, the UK constitution is still a piecemeal collection of conventions and common law open to misuse and abuse. The current crisis demands that we put this right and agree a written constitution that clarifies beyond doubt the separation of legislative, judicial and executive powers and the role, if any, of the monarchy. This would be hugely preferable to the current situation, which requires expensive judicial reviews to decipher the blurring of legal and political power. However a written constitution won’t be a panacea. It will need to be a living document with the flexibility to be interpreted as the world changes. Recent debates on gun control in the US and the right to self-determination in Catalonia demonstrate that constitutions can also be barriers to change if they do not allow for contemporary amendments. 1215: MAGNA CARTA – Issued in June 1215, the Magna Carta was the first document to establish the principle that the monarch was not above the law and to place limits on royal power. Connecting the Dots: The pressure in the British constitutional cooker is intensifying beyond endurance, and all the safety valves are failing. Comment.

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd October 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd October 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Infrastructure In News This is the first train which is not operated directly by the Railways. IRCTC will be operating this train. IRCTC has promised Tejas passengers compensation for delays – Rs100 will be paid if the delay is for over an hour and ₹250 if delay is more than 2 hours The IRCTC has announced a slew of offers, including free travel insurance worth ₹25 lakh and on-board infotainment services, doorstep baggage collection, local food and no tatkal quota, to make the travel on its first train attractive ahead of its first commercial run on October 5. Do You know? In Japan and Paris, a delay certificate is issued to passengers by railway companies as proof that a train arrived at a station later than stated in the timetable (even for delay as little as five minutes) The document can be shown in schools or offices for late admission at university exams.  In the U.K., rail passengers are entitled to get automatic compensation for delayed journeys. Parichay (Identity) Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II - Polity In News In an innovative collaboration, law schools from across the country have come together to launch legal aid clinic named Parichay( Identity) with HQ in Guwahati to help people excluded from NRC More than 19 lakh out of a total of 3.3 crore applicants were left out of the Supreme Court-monitored NRC that was published on August 31.  Those who were left out are required to file appeals against their exclusion within 120 days of receiving their rejection order from the NRC authority. Parichay is envisaged to function as a clearing house of litigation and research assistance for lawyers filing appeals against exclusion from the NRC. Parichay consisting largely of student volunteerswill assist lawyers in drafting appeals, conduct research on pertinent questions of the law, assist in training lawyers and paralegals, and generate documentation on the functioning of Foreigners’ Tribunals. SC recalls verdict diluting SC/ST anti-atrocities law Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II - Polity In News The Supreme Court had diluted the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989 in March 20, 2018 verdict in Subhash Kashinath Mahajan vs State of Maharashtra case The 2018 judgement had provided  To grant anticipatory bail to accused persons and  Directed that the police should conduct a preliminary enquiry on whether complaint under the 1989 law is “frivolous or motivated” before registering a case.  Both the above conditions were not part of the original legislation. The judgement had created widespread protests and the Centre also filed a review against the judgment citing dilution of safeguards provided under the legislation SC in a review petition has now recalled the verdict given earlier. Do You know? ‘Review’ of a Supreme Court judgment is done by the same Bench.  ‘Overruling’ means that the law laid down in one case is overruled in another case.  When a higher court on appeal alters the judgment of a lower court, it is called ‘reversal.’ A crime is committed against an SC every 15 minutes.  Six SC women are raped every day on an average.  Between 2007 and 2017, there was a 66 per cent growth in crimes against SCs Miscellaneous Climate change is prompting a habitat change in Himalayas. The butterfly named Himalayan tailless bushblue was known to occur at an altitude between 1,300 m to 2,400 m in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand.  Recent studies however, have located the species at 3,577 m in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand, at least 1,200 m higher than it’s known range. Most of the species that were found at lower attitude had moved up possibly due to climate change, according to research Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) are known as potent ecological indicators Humans pollute more than volcanoes The Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO), a 500-strong international team of scientists, noted that Human activity churns out up to 100 times carbon each year as all the volcanoes on Earth. Manmade emissions in 2018 alone topped 37 gigatonnes. By comparison, the CO2 released annually by volcanoes hovers around 0.3 and 0.4 gigatonnes Modern manmade emissions were the “same magnitude” as past carbon shocks that precipitated mass extinction. (MAINS FOCUS) EDUCATION  TOPIC: General Studies 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. NITI Aayog's Education Index Niti Aayog released the school education quality index (SEQI) aimed at evaluating the performance of states and Union Territories (UTs) in the school education sector. The top five performing states are Kerala, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Assam. Background: The School Education Quality Index (SEQI) was developed to evaluate the performance of States and Union Territories (UTs) in the school education sector. The index aims to bring an outcomes focus to education policy by providing States and UTs with a platform to identify their strengths and weaknesses and undertake requisite course corrections or policy interventions.  To foster the spirit of competitive and cooperative federalism, the index strives to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices across States and UTs.  SEQI aims to drive policy reforms that will improve the quality of school education.  The index seeks to institutionalise a focus on enhancing education outcomes by driving improvements in learning levels, access, equity, infrastructure and governance processes. Indicators The indicators are categorized into Outcomes and Governance Processes Aiding Outcomes (GPAO).   Outcomes include learning outcomes, access outcomes, infrastructure and facilities for outcomes and equity outcomes,  GPAO includes the support system necessary for learning to take place like training and availability of teachers, attendance of students and teachers, administrative adequacy etc. Img: https://images.firstpost.com/optimize/HCrW65Th2elr7st-OGgux80tZ_4=/images.firstpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/School-Performance-Index.jpg A case study In Haryana: Among the lakhs of employees on the payrolls of State governments in India, the education department, unarguably, has the largest share of employees. Any effort to introduce education reforms must ensure that the incentives of all stakeholders are aligned throughout the system to ensure their participation. Ex : Haryana, which has created a race among its administrative blocks to be declared as ‘Saksham’ (Hindi for abled/skilled), i.e.  Block have 80% or more students who are grade level competent.(appropriate level of competence for a particular grade) If Officials are confident that their block has achieved the 80% target, state officials nominate their block for the ‘Saksham Ghoshna’. Then followed by rigorous rounds of third party assessments to check their claims. If a block is found to be ‘Saksham’, the block officials are recognised and honoured by the State administration. when all blocks in a district are declared as ‘Saksham’, the entire district is also accorded the ‘Saksham’ status. At present , 94 blocks out of a total of 119 in Haryana have been declared ‘Saksham’. Conclusion: The index recognises that school education is a subject on the Concurrent List and that State-level leadership is crucial for improving outcomes in a cost-effective manner.  The index will serve as a regular and transparent review of the status of school education quality across the States and UTs. Connecting the dots  : The NITI’s Aayog’s State ranking not only encourages competition among States but also rewards and motivates other States to consistently improve. substantiate. LAW TOPIC: General Studies 2: 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 SC reverses dilution of SC/ST Act Context: In 2018, the Supreme Court of India banned immediate arrest of a person accused of insulting or injuring a Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe member to protect innocents from arbitrary arrest. Why? A number of cases of misuse of this Act has been reported from different parts of the country as mentioned  The Supreme Court has recently recalled its directions Did you know? In August, 2018, the parliament of India passed the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2018, to bypass the ruling of the Supreme Court of India laying down procedures for arrests under the Act. In what manner had the 2018 judgment diluted provisions for arrest? Keeping in view the special nature of crimes against Dalits , anticipatory bail under Section  will not be available to an accused under the Act. Supreme Court laid in 2018 down safeguards, including provisions for anticipatory bail and a “preliminary enquiry” before registering a case under the Act In 2018 SC ordered that neither is an FIR to be immediately registered nor are arrests to be made without a preliminary inquiry by an SSP. An arrest can only be made if there is “credible” information and police officer has “reason to believe” that an offence was committed. Now SC rejected the need of an SSP’s approval for arrest. Justice Goel had observed that “interpretation of Atrocities Act should promote constitutional values of fraternity and integration of the society. This may require ‘check on false implication of innocent citizens on caste lines’.” Terminologies: ‘Review’ of a Supreme Court judgment is done by the same Bench.(Generally, a review is heard in the judge’s chamber, but may be heard in open court in important cases — as in the Sabarimala and Rafale cases, in which no order has been pronounced yet)  ‘Overruling’ means that the law laid down in one case is overruled in another case.  When a higher court on appeal alters the judgment of a lower court, it is called ‘reversal.’ Justice Mishra said “despite various measures to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, they remain vulnerable. They are denied number of civil rights. They are subjected to various offences, indignities, humiliations and harassment. They have, in several brutal incidents, been deprived of their life and property” Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted to prevent atrocities against scheduled castes and scheduled tribes It was enacted when the provisions of the existing laws (such as the Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955 and Indian Penal Code) were found to be inadequate to check these crimes (defined as 'atrocities' in the Act).  Recognising the continuing gross indignities and offences against Scheduled Castes and Tribes, the Parliament passed the ‘Scheduled Castes and Schedule Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989. The practice of untouchability, in its overt and covert form was made a cognizable and non compoundable offence, and strict punishment is provided for any such offence. The purpose of the Act was to help the social inclusion of Dalits into Indian society Data : A crime is committed against an SC every 15 minutes.  Six SC women are raped every day on an average. Between 2007 and 2017, there was a 66 per cent growth in crimes against SCs. Conclusion: The Supreme Court can lay down guidelines only in cases of legislative gaps. But where the field is occupied by parliamentary legislation, the judiciary is bound by the text of law. Connecting the dots: Interpretation of Atrocities Act should promote constitutional values of fraternity and integration of the society. Justify (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) Subhash Kashinath Mahajan Case often seen in news dealt with which of the following area? Doctrine of Basic structure Right to Privacy Judicial Independence SC/ST atrocities law Q.2) Consider the following statements about Tejas Express between Delhi and Lucknow This is the first train which is not operated directly by the Railways Passengers in this train can avail compensation for delays in train operations Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Parichay(Identity) It islegal aid clinic launched by Government of Assam and Government of India  It is envisaged to function as a clearing house of litigation and research assistance for lawyers filing appeals against exclusion from the NRC Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is present in which state of India? Uttar Pradesh Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand Arunachal Pradesh Q.5) Lichens can be used as an indicator for which of the following? Air and Water Pollution Presence of radioactive metals Presence of heavy metals Select the correct answer from the codes given below. 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 MUST READ The worst may be over: On economic numbers  The Hindu What would Gandhi say about the Indian media? The Hindu Recovering Gandhi’s religious vision The Hindu Why 2005 declaration on synergy between government and NGOs is still relevant Indian Express In last five years, Swachh Bharat mission has captured people’s imagination Indian Express

RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – India Post Mahatma Gandhi & India Post

India Post Mahatma Gandhi & India Post Archives   TOPIC: Paper I: Essay General Studies 1: Personalities in Indian national movements General Studies 4: Ethics; Indian thinkers and philosophers   Mahatma Gandhi: Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat Gandhi: Philosophy and significance in present times Opinions and views about his person and his non-violent technique of struggle remain deeply divided. For some, he was a puritanical, conservative critique of modernity. For them he created and perpetuated unrealistic and confused ideas about economic development and technological progress. For his admirers, Gandhi was a man of spiritual truthfulness and democratic action, both at the public and personal levels, with a unique method of struggle that combined political pragmatism with ethical integrity. Some among these admirers evaluate Gandhi’s impact on human history as being as significant as that of Jesus, Buddha and Karl Marx. Two Gandhi’s In the minds of people around the world, Gandhi represents two different and contradictory characters. The first Gandhi is the political Gandhi who fought against British colonialism and is the father of the modern Indian nation. This is the man Albert Einstein lauded as “a leader of his people, unsupported by any outward authority, a politician whose success rests not upon craft nor the mastery of technical devices, but simply on the convincing power of his personality.” The second Gandhi is the Ashramic Gandhi who is more of a mystic than a politician, who used fasting as a method of struggle, and who Rabindranath Tagore considered as the “Mahatma”, the “Great Soul”. Quest for spiritual cause - Satya In Gandhi’s autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, one can find the idea that life is nothing but a spiritual experience with truth, and a struggle against all forms of untruth and injustice. As such, Gandhi claimed that his life was his message, simply because he extended his practice of satyagraha to all walks of life. Gandhi, in short, was a leader looking for a spiritual cause. He found it, of course, in his non-violence and, ultimately, in independence for India. Truth, Satya, was the central axis of the Gandhian system of thought and practice. For Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, everything turned on Truth — satyagraha, swaraj, ahimsa, ashram, brahmacharya, yajna, charkha, khadi, and finally, moksha itself.  “Truth is not merely that which we are expected to speak and follow. It is that which alone is, it is that of which all things are made, it is that which subsists by its own power, which alone is eternal.” Truth alone triumphs? Outcome hinges exactly on the truth of her testimony versus his defence. Only one can be true. When Truth is rendered negotiable and dispensable, the balance of justice is disastrously upset. Gandhi strained to hear the “small, still voice” within himself, the voice belonging to one he called “antaryami”, “atma” or “God” — an inner prompt, the self as a guide and a compass – so that he could keep moving ever closer to Truth. It was this voice that he followed, sometimes to the bafflement of others who could not hear it. This was the voice that made him undertake life-threatening fasts his health wouldn’t permit; withdraw from active politics at the most crucial junctures of India’s anti-colonial struggle; and many other decisions which are still difficult for us to understand. Even close and loyal associates like Jawaharlal Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel were often confounded by Gandhi’s actions and decisions; more sceptical and antagonistic peers like M.A. Jinnah and B.R. Ambedkar couldn’t make sense of his motivations at all. Home and the world Of late, many musicians in south India have faced vicious attacks from rightwing Hindutva groups for singing hymns and psalms, thereby allegedly hijacking “Hindu” Carnatic music for “Christian” evangelical aims.This despite the fact that the violin, central to the Carnatic system in modern times, is a European gift to Indian music. Both Christian and Muslim religious lyrics and poetry have been a constitutive part of the Carnatic repertoire throughout the 20th century. Gandhi made great use of the Bible in his prayers, teachings, writings and Ashram liturgies. He was often accused of being a crypto-Christian. However, he flatly refused to give preference to the Vedas over the Bible. He is no Sanatani Hindu who is narrow, bigoted and considers evil to be good if it has the sanction of antiquity and is to be found supported in any Sanskrit book. Just before the Kristallnacht (an incident known as “Kristallnacht”, Nazis in Germany torched synagogues, vandalized Jewish homes, schools and businesses and killed close to 100 Jews), Gandhi advised European Jews to relocate to Palestine and make it their homeland only with the cooperation and goodwill of native Arabs, and not otherwise. This appalled even sympathetic Jews like Buber and Magnes, who had admired and supported Gandhi at the time of the Salt March in 1930, before the Nazi takeover of Germany. Gandhi a political thinker and a social reformer There is more to Gandhi which makes him a political thinker and a relevant social reformer. Gandhi was a dialogical thinker who was open to other horizons of thinking. He firmly believed that the spirit of genuine reciprocity and solidarity is not just a moral requirement, but also a geopolitical necessity. Gandhi rejected the idea that there is one privileged path to god. He also believed that all religious traditions are an unstable mixture of truth and error. He encouraged inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, so that individuals could see their faith and culture in a comparative and critical reflection of the other. As such, Gandhi considered interculturalism as a call for simultaneous awareness of commonalities, acceptance of differences, and recognition of shared values. Interestingly, Gandhi was a political thinker and a social practitioner who was constantly experimenting with modes of comparative and cross-border cultural constellations. In Gandhi’s political thinking, the experience of freedom derives not only from constitutional rights but mainly from the diverse modes of participation of the individual in a common humanity. Today, many around the world consider Gandhian ideas as impractical, not to say utopian. Gandhian ethics of social and political reconstruction are more relevant than ever, since they represent an act of self-transformation of humanity rather than an illusory dream of a political leader. Gandhi wanted to change the values that govern the social, political and economic activities in human society. Gandhi believed that decentralised politics and an egalitarian economy function better at the level of micro-communities, where citizens can operate in relations of reciprocity and mutuality. For him, it was clear that neither society nor the individual can live without a moral vision of the world. Gandhi had his moral and political dreams of changing humanity. There are ample events and incidents insisting that we can continue to consult Gandhi on all manner of issues that may trouble our individual or collective conscience. Truth is the key to Gandhi’s philosophy, and we rely on Gandhi even decades after his death and long after his supposed lapse into political irrelevance. Gandhi was a man of experimentation, a man who insisted on the quest for truth. Therefore, it should not come to us as a surprise that the literal meaning of satyagraha is “asserting for truth”.   Tid-Bits Einstein Challenge: Albert Einstein’s famous words on Gandhi: “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth.” Proposed by PM Modi on Mahatma’s 150th birthday celebration Challenge: How do we ensure the ideals of Gandhi are remembered by future generations? Gandhi’s favourite hymn: “Vaishnava Jana To,” which says that a true human is one, who feels the pain of others, removes misery and is never arrogant. In 1925, Gandhi wrote in “Young India”: “It is impossible for one to be internationalist without being a nationalist. Internationalism is possible only when nationalism becomes a fact, i.e., when peoples belonging to different countries have organized themselves and are able to act as one man.” He envisioned Indian nationalism as one that was never narrow or exclusive but one that worked for the service of humanity. First World Youth Conference on Kindness Organised by the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development and Ministry of Human Resource Development on the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Gandhi for the Contemporary World: Celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’ at the VigyanBhavan in New Delhi.  Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, the conference aimed to provide global youth and policymakers an innovative, engaging and inspiring platform to come together and strive to discover ground-breaking pathways to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention 116 foreign delegates including sanitation ministers visited select sites related to the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi on the “Gandhi Trail”. The “Gandhi Trail” is a trip to Gujarat, where the delegates will visit the Sabarmati Ashram and see Swachh Bharat at work on the ground in Punsari village. The MGISC is a four-day convention which includes more than 160 international representatives from 68 countries. It aims to share sanitation success stories and lessons from the participating countries. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs): Inspired by Gandhian philosophy; Co-operative societies, women participation and empowerment, socio-economic equality etc,. Decentralization: Keeping Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of ‘Swarajya’ in mind to strengthen grass root administration. Do or Die Speech by Gandhiji: In 1942, Mahatma Gandhi gave the clarion call of ‘Do or Die’ from Gowalia Tank Maidan to end the British rule and launched the Quit India Movement.   Who gave the title of ‘Mahatma’ to the ‘Father of the Nation’: Gurudev – Rabindranath Tagore   The first Nationwide Movement: Rowlatt Satyagraha   Quit India is also called as India August Movement (August Kranti) Majoor Mahajan Sangh: Gandhi formed the Majoor Mahajan Sangh, an association for workers’ rights. During those days, “Mahajan” was used as a title of respect for elites. Gandhi inverted the social structure by attaching the name “Mahajan” to “Majoor,” or laborers. With that linguistic choice, Gandhi enhanced the pride of workers. Dyerism: In 1919, the Rowlatt Act enacted by the British government took away the civil rights of Indians. Those who protested peacefully in Jallianwala Bagh faced merciless police firing on the orders of General R Dyer. That cold-blooded assault was described by Mahatma Gandhi as Dyerism. He employed the concept to denote practices of exclusion, including the ostracisation of the Dalits from all spheres of social life in 1919. Pietermaritzburg: A railway station in South Africa where a young Mahatma Gandhi was thrown out of a “Whites-only” compartment 125 years ago On the night of June 7, 1893, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, then a young lawyer, was thrown off the train’s first class compartment at Pietermaritzburg station after he refused to give up his seat as ordered by racially prejudiced officials The incident led him to develop his Satyagraha principles of peaceful resistance and mobilize people in South Africa and in India against the discriminatory rules of the British   Gandhi called it “the prince among the political sections of the IPC designed to suppress the liberty of the citizen”: Section 124A of the IPC The section deals with the offence of sedition, a term that covers speech or writing, or any form of visible representation, which brings the government into hatred or contempt, or excites disaffection towards the government, or attempts to do so. It is punishable with three years in prison or a life term. “Disaffection”, it says, includes disloyalty and feelings of enmity. However, it also says expressing disapproval of government measures or actions, with a view to getting them changed by lawful means, without promoting hatred or disaffection or contempt towards the government will not come under this section. Origin: Sedition was introduced in the penal code in 1870, a decade after the Indian Penal Code came into force. It was a colonial law directed against strong criticism of the British administration. Its most famous victims included Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhijis Nai Talim On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s upcoming 150th birth anniversary celebrations, a movement has begun, across the educational institutions in the country to promote Nai Talim, Work Education and Experiential Learning. A special effort is on school and teacher education in the areas of work education and experiential learning through the education departments of Universities as well as Central and State Governments and the SCERTs. Union HRD Ministry released the curriculum on Experiential Learning – Gandhijis Nai Talim. This curriculum was brought out simultaneously in 13 languages i.e., Assamese, Tamil, Bengali, Odiya, Kannada, Malyalam, Punjabi, Marathi, Telugu, Gujarati, Urdu, Hindi and English. It is in consultation with the state councils of educational research and training along with the universities in the country. The curriculum was a holistic approach of developing body, mind and soul (hand, head and heart), by making a productive art, craft or community engagement activity as the centre of learning. Gandhipedia  With the government marking the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi with several programmes throughout the year, an encyclopedia-like “Gandhipedia” would be among the efforts to spread his values (under Union Culture Ministry). The National Council for Science Museums (NCSM), based in Kolkata, is developing a Gandhipedia “to sensitize” youth and society “at large” about positive Gandhian values. This comes about 10 months after President launched a web portal http://gandhi.gov.in/ to provide people with free access to an online repository of Gandhian literature, philosophy, audios, videos and rare photographs of the Father of nation Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha: To improve Hindi literacy among the non-Hindi speaking people of South Indi and is headquartered in Chennai. The organisation was established by Annie Besant with support from Mahatma Gandhi, who became the founder president of the Sabha, who held the post till his death. The first Hindi class here was taken by M. Gandhi’s son Devdas Gandhi. In 1964, the institution was recognised by the Indian Government as one of the Institutes of National Importance. The Story of Indian Flag Pingali Venkayya was a freedom fighter and the designer of the Indian National Tricolour who went on to become synonymous with the spirit of free and independent India. Venkayya earlier served as a soldier in the British Army in South Africa during the Anglo Boer war in Africa. Acknowledging the need for a national flag, Gandhi then asked Venkayya to design a fresh one at the national congress meeting in 1921. Initially, Venkayya came up with saffron and green colours, but it later evolved with a spinning wheel at the centre and a third colour-white. The flag was officially adopted by the Indian National Congress in 1931.   Gandhi & Indian National Congress (INC) had launched 3 major mass movements against British during the freedom struggle: (i) 1920-22: Non-cooperation Movement (NCM) - Nagpur session (1920) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: Gandhi launched a nationwide protest against the Rowlatt Acts with the strongest level of protest in the Punjab. The situation worsened in Amritsar in April 1919, when General Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on demonstrators hemmed into a tight square, resulting in the deaths of 379 civilians. Montagu ordered an inquiry into the events at Amritsar by Lord Hunter. The Hunter Inquiry recommended that General Dyer, who commanded the troops, be dismissed, leading to Dyer’s sacking. The Amritsar massacre further inflamed Indian nationalist sentiment ending the initial response of reluctant co-operation. At the Indian National Congress annual session in September 1920, delegates supported Gandhi’s proposal of swaraj or self-rule – preferably within the British Empire or out of it if necessary. The proposal was to be implemented through a policy of non-cooperation with British rule meaning that Congress did not field candidates in the first elections held under the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms in 1921. (ii) 1930-34: Civil Disobedience movement (CDM) - Lahore session (1929) Dandi March On March 12, 1930, Gandhi along with 80 satyagrahis started out from Sabarmati Ashram and marched over 390 km to reach the coastal village of Dandi. The march, a protest against the coercive salt tax imposed by the British, was the most significant organised challenge to British authority after the Non-Cooperation Movement of the early 1920s. The march sparked a series of acts of civil disobedience across India against the salt laws. Over 60,000 people were arrested across the country. Soon after, the Congress planned a Satyagraha at the Dharasana Salt Works, 25 miles south of Dandi. However, the plan was shelved after Gandhi was arrested days before the beginning of the movement.  (iii) 1942-44: Quit India movement (QIM) - Bombay on 8th August 1942 After the failure of Cripps Mission, Mahatma Gandhi decided to launch his third major campaign against the British rule – ‘Quit India Movement’ (QIM) in August 1942. And on 8th and 9th August, all senior leaders were arrested leaders of younger generation carried on with the plan. Prevalence of violence & underground activities – Parallel governments were setup in many parts of countries. Removal of railway tracks, Looting of treasury, Blowing up bridges, Burning post-office and police stations, Cutting telephone lines, etc.  Despite the lack of centralized planning and coordination, Indians actively participated in large numbers. Lord Linlithgow had to use the help of army and arrest over 90,000 Indians to crush this movement.  But we understand that Quit India movement was more of a spontaneous revolt than a planned one. Global Success of Satyagraha Gandhi applied his experiments with truth and practice of non-violence, not only at an individual level but also in the process of the global affairs. In Gandhi’s model of national and international politics, truth (satya) and non-violence (ahimsa) were brought into a mutually interacting and reinforcing relation. Therefore, as in the case of means and ends, truth and non-violence were, for Gandhi, interchangeable entities beyond cultural borders and mental ghettos. By Gandhi in India Champaran Satyagraha – 1917 Persuaded by Raj Kumar Shukla to study the conditions of the Indigo Plantation workers in Champaran, a district in Bihar The system prevalent in the Indigo Plantations was the Tinkathia System, in which, the peasants were required to mandatorily cultivate indigo in 3/20th of their land holdings. Govt. had appointed a Commission of Inquiry to go into the whole issue and nominated Gandhiji as one of its members > found the planters guilty of exploitation. A compromise was reached and planters were ordered to refund 25% of the amount they had illegally taken. There were two main systems of indigo cultivation – nij and ryoti. Ahmedabad Satyagraha – 1918 Due to plague, the mill owners had increased the pay to 75% to attract workers. However, once the plague conditions subsided, the mill owners wanted to bring down the pay to 20%. The workers didn’t agree with this reduction and wanted 50% of the pay to remain.  The logic they sited was that WW1 had increased the prices. Gandhiji didn’t want the interest of the industrialist class to be hurt. He tried hard to persuade Ambalal Sarabhai who was his friend but failed. Left with no option, he asked workers to go on a strike. When Gandhiji saw the strike subsiding, he went on a fast. This put pressure on the mill owners who agreed for the 35% increment. Kheda Satyagraha – 1918 Teamed up with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to help the cause of peasants. The peasants were in extreme distress as their crop produce had been 1/4th of the original. As per the revenue code, they were entitled for a full concession. However, the Govt. wasn’t willing to let go of their revenues and kept pressurizing the peasants. Gandhiji urged all farmers to fight unto death against this injustice of the British. He appealed the rich farmers to support to the poor farmers by not paying revenues despite having the capability.  Later the British came out with a policy asking the rich farmers to pay their due voluntarily. (Which backfired as no rich farmer willingly wanted to pay revenue) Rowlatt Satyagraha – 1919 British, in the name of curbing terrorist violence, had introduced a Bill that severely curtailed the liberties of the Indians. It had provisions for arrest without warrant and detention for 2 years.  Gandhiji called for a nation-wide hartal accompanied by fasting and praying. The Movement went in a different direction than what was expected - events of violent outbreaks. The Rowlatt Satyagraha was withdrawn on 18th April, 1919 because of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre that happened on 13th April 1919. Image Source: https://www.livemint.com/Politics/AeKzn7TXUJNXKSoLF6wpVN/How-Satyagraha-still-drives-change-globally.html  In 2018-July, Government decided to grant Special Remission to Prisoners on the upcoming occasion of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.  HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEWS Prisoners, including politicians, convicted in cases of murder, rape or corruption, will not be released Women convicts aged 55 and above, who have completed half of their sentence, will be released Male convicts of aged 60 or more, who have completed half of their sentence, will be released Those convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act, The Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, 1985 (TADA), The Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002 (POTA), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO), Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 will not be released. Pardon: It removes both the sentence and the conviction and completely absolves the convict from all sentences, punishments and disqualifications. Commutation: It denotes the substitution of one form of punishment for a lighter form. For example, a death sentence may be commuted to rigorous imprisonment, which in turn may be commuted to a simple imprisonment. Remission: It implies reducing the period of sentence without changing its character. For example, a sentence of rigorous imprisonment for two years may be remitted to rigorous imprisonment for one year. Respite: It denotes awarding a lesser sentence in place of one originally awarded due to some special fact, such as the physical disability of a convict or the pregnancy of a woman offender. Reprieve: It implies a stay of the execution of a sentence (especially that of death) for a temporary period. Its purpose is to enable the convict to have time to seek pardon or commutation from the President. Prelims-centric Questions A. With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements:  Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of 'indentured labour'.  In Lord Chelmsford's 'War Conference', Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.  Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.  Which of the statements given above are correct?  (a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 1 and 3 only  (c) 2 and 3 only  (d) 1, 2 and 3  Solution (b)  Explanation: Lord Chelmsford, the then Viceroy of India, invited Gandhi to Delhi at a War Conference. In order to gain the trust of the empire, Gandhi agreed to move people to enlist in the army for World War I.  Hence Statement 2 is wrong. Statement 1 and 3 are correct. B. Movement leader of All India Anti-Untouchability League: Mahatma Gandhi – While in jail, Gandhi set up the All India Anti-Untouchability  League in September 1932 C. In 1932, Mahatma Gandhi began a fast unto death in Yerwada Jail against: Communal award of Ramsay Mac Donald Violation of Gandhi-Irwin Pact British repression of Satyagrahis Communal riots in Calcutta D. Harijan Sevak Sangh born out of the historic Poona Pact between: Dr.BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi E. Gandhiji relinquished his title ‘Kaiser-e-hind’ bestowed on him by the British for his services during the Boer War in South Africa. F. Mahatma Gandhi undertook fast unto death in 1932, mainly because: Round Table Conference failed to satisfy Indian political aspirations Congress and Muslim League had differences of opinion Ramsay Macdonald announced the Communal Award None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context Explanation: Gandhi took fast unto death on the announcement of communal award and Poona pact was signed after that with agreement of Gandhiji and Ambedkar Connect the dots:  Evolution of separate electorate in British Raj Three round table conferences Participation of Congress and its outcome G. Mahatma Gandhi said that some of his deepest convictions were reflected in a book titled, “Unto this Last” and the book transformed his life. What was the message from the book that transformed Mahatma Gandhi? Uplifting the oppressed and poor is the moral responsibility of an educated man The good of individual is contained in the good of all The life of celibacy and spiritual pursuit are essential for a noble life All the statements (a), (b) and (c) are correct in this context H. Reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda? The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought. The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a.) 1 only (b.) 2 only (c.) Both 1 and 2 (d.) Neither 1 nor 2 Connecting the Dots: Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (UPSC 2018: GS I; 10 marks) Discuss the moral principles given by Mahatma Gandhi. Quote instances from his life where he practiced his principles before preaching them. “A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” – M.K.Gandhi What was more important to Mahatma Gandhi- means or end of an action? How did he practice these principles in his public life? The life of Mahatma Gandhi is a perfect example of restraint, forgiveness and magnanimity. Comment. Why are these attributes important in today’s world? Discuss. How did Gandhi’s arrival change the discourse of the nationalist movement? Did it make the movement more inclusive and representative? Critically comment. The Champaran Satyagraha catapulted Mahatma Gandhi as the true leader of the Indian national movement. Do you agree? Substantiate. What were the similarities and dissimilarities between the approach of Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar towards the upliftment of the so called lower castes? What factors do you think led to attitudinal change of Mahatma Gandhi from a non-compromising peaceful Gandhi of Non – Cooperation (1920) to an aggressive Gandhi of Quit India Movement (1942)? Why according to Mahatma Gandhi, nonviolence was an act of courage and needed to immense mental strength to practice? Analyse. Serious consideration must be given to the idea of a universal basic income as a more effective way of achieving Mahatma Gandhi’s objectives of “wiping every tear from every eye.” Comment. Discuss the ideas of Gandhi on Gram Swaraj and rural economy. We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world. Comment. “Nationalist movement in India before the arrival of M. Gandhi was a movement representing the classes as opposed to the masses”. Critically analyse Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in their struggle for freedom. Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. “The Quit India Movement was more of a spontaneous revolt than a planned movement of Congress.” Discuss. Highlight the similarities and differences in the approach of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom of their respective countries? “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding. “ Discuss. “Rights accrue automatically to him who duly performs his duties.” Explain. Explain Gandhi’s spirit of ownership and how it fits in the current challenge that we face today -Climate Crisis. (Hint: We, as inheritors of the earth, are responsible for its well-being, including that of the flora and fauna with whom we share our planet.) Had Gandhiji not withdrawn the Civil Disobedience Movement, India would have achieved freedom much earlier. Do you agree? Critically comment. Even though the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movement had ended in apparent failure, the national movement had been strengthened in many ways? Do you agree? Substantiate. What role did students play in India’s freedom struggle? Examine. During the Quit India movement, the masses were united irrespective of their background. However, today, when India faces much severe challenges, the unity seems elusive. Identify the major challenges faced by Indian society today and how can they be forced to ‘Quit India’? Examine the concept of ‘satyagraha’. Was it a successful strategy? Examine.   

Website
Terms and Conditions Privacy Refund Policy Learning Management System by Testpress