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AIR

Scope and Status of Inland Waterways and Tourism - All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC

Scope and Status of Inland Waterways and Tourism ARCHIVES Search 13th Jan, 2020 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx    TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation In India Inland waterways have been accorded a central role in maritime development in India. The National Waterways Act 2016, has declared 111 rivers or river stretches, creeks, estuaries in India as National Waterways. Navigation in rivers, lakes and other water bodies by smaller vessels connecting places not far from each other has been around for centuries, and been the mainstay of our inland waterways. In a few cases, especially near ports and coastal areas, this has also evolved to large-scale, commercial shipping. A Good Alternative Development of transport system using the connections between inland waterways is an alternative to automotive communication.  Introducing new types of inland and coastal ships that are technically advanced, environmentally friendly – to decrease the level of harmful emissions and amount of waste, which apart from the economy values also has significant ecological virtues.  Moreover, moving car transport onto waterway routes shall relieve the burden on land roads in international scale, increasing their flow capacity and driving safety and decreasing the level of atmospheric contamination and noise in areas directly adjacent to them. The National Waterways Act  Intends to create such large-scale, commercial shipping and navigation systems in all these 111 waterways. Expected to realise the potential of cargo and passenger traffic, including tourism and cruise, offer seamless connectivity at lower per-unit cost and make transportation more efficient. The project, in its entire implementation and operation phase, would generate a series of forward and backward linkages with prospects to penetrate deep into the economy. The multiplier effect of the investment and its linkages can result in a virtuous cycle of all-round growth.  Vast network: The National Waterways Act mandates the Central Government to regulate these waterways for systematic and orderly development of shipping and navigation activities. Spread across the Eastern, Western, Southern and Central regions of the country, these waterways cover nearly 15000 kilometres across 24 states and two union territories. They include the country’s 138 river systems, creeks, estuaries and related canal systems, and can be utilised as a channel to move passengers and cargo within the country and to the neighbouring countries. Working on Linkages: The waterways are also proposed to be linked to the eastern and western Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), as well as the Sagarmala Project, which aims to promote port-led direct and indirect development. The linkages are being planned in a manner such that commodities and cargo can be swapped/shifted from and to the waterways, the DFCs and road transport. The inland waterway in its full scope is conceived as part of an ambition to link several big infrastructure projects. Increased Investment: Inland waterway network has no continuous connectivity. It requires a multimodal network comprising water bodies and roadways, including culverts, bridges etc, to be developed. This involves investment in a large number of activities to be carried out for infrastructure development. Moreover, the Integrated National Waterways Transportation Grid plans to link many of the national waterways to each other and also to roads, railways and major ports. The capital cost of the Grid is estimated at Rs. 22,763 crores with phase-I (2015-18) estimated at INR 2,631 crore and phase- II (2018-23) at INR 20,132 crore. In addition, setting up of a large number of ports/terminals, riverside jetties, godowns, boat building workshops, repairing yards and ancillary industries, will spur investment opportunities. Advantages A fundamental alteration in the logistics scenario of the country: It represents a ready built infrastructure network, which can be utilised without any further capital investment.  The network requires no green field investment, but only capex for improvement/upgradation. Waterways can decongest roads, including highways by moving cargo away.  Waterways do not involve challenges associated with land acquisition, which has always been a sensitive issue, causing time and cost overruns of numerous projects.  The significant investment which India needs to build its roads/highways infrastructure network can be conserved through increased utilisation of the waterways. User charges can be levied to meet the expenses on maintenance of the waterways. Waterways are a cheaper mode of transportation vis-à-vis the available alternatives, significantly reducing the point-to-point cost of goods transportation.  “Inland water transport is recognised as fuel efficient, cost effective and environment-friendly mode of transport, especially for bulk goods, hazardous goods and over dimensional cargos. It also reduces time, cost of transportation of goods and cargos, as well as congestion and accidents on highways. They are expected to also “help create seamless interconnectivity connecting hinterlands along navigable river coasts and coastal routes” and “are likely to play a crucial role in connecting the north-eastern states to the mainland.” Implementation Challenges Implementation of the national waterways network is, however, fraught with challenges.  The channel draft of the national waterways is not uniform at 2 meters throughout the year, as is required. Some of these rivers are seasonal and do not offer navigability through the year. Around 20 out of the 111 identified national waterways have reportedly been found unviable.  Further, all the identified waterways require intensive capital and maintenance dredging, which could be resisted by the local community on environmental grounds, including displacement fears, thereby posing implementation challenges. Water also has important competing uses, viz. need for living as well as for irrigation, power generation etc. It would not be possible for local government/others to overlook these needs. The exclusive jurisdiction of the Central Government is only in regard to shipping and navigation on inland waterways declared to be ‘national waterways’ by an act of Parliament. Utilisation/sailing of vessels, in other waterways, is within the ambit of the concurrent list or is in the jurisdiction of the respective state governments. As every riverine system is unique and presents diverse challenges, separate studies based on a detailed micro-level review to assess viability need to be done for each, before taking up implementation. An effective waterways network would necessitate drawing up a well-coordinated strategy on lines of complementarity between the national network and other waterways, not declared as such, as well as between waterways and roadways/railways. The said strategy should closely look into the various undercurrents, including competing uses/needs, possible local resistance and also work closely and in coordination with local governments for quick and successful implementation of this important national project. Inland Waterways Authority of India IWAI is the statutory body in charge of the waterways in India. Its headquarters is located in Noida, UP. Its main function is to build the necessary infrastructure in the inland waterways, surveying the economic feasibility of new projects and also carrying out administration and regulation. It undertakes projects for development and maintenance of IWT infrastructure on national waterways through grant received from Ministry of Shipping. Kalasa Banduri project The project involves diverting water from Mahadayi river, the lifeline of Goa, into the Malaprabha river. The Kalasa Banduri project is aimed at providing drinking water to three important districts of north Karnataka — Belagavi, Gadag and Dharwad — which go parched in summer due to acute water scarcity. Mahadayi river originates from a cluster of 30 springs at Bhimgad in the Western Ghats in the Belgaum district of Karnataka. Then it enters Goa and finally drains in Arabian sea. Goa state capital Panaji lies on the banks of Mandovi Mahadayi Water Tribunal (MWT) Award in 2018:Karnataka has been allocated 13.5tmcft of water, Goa has been 24tmcft while Maharashtra has been allocated 1.3tmcft Connecting the Dots: Examine the potential of inland water transportation in India.   Do you think national waterways in India must get greater policy attention? Critically examine. Waterways has been the most neglected mode for inland transportation in India. Examine. Discuss the challenges associated with waterways in India. How can their potential be tapped? What are the essential geographic conditions for a waterway? Do Indian rivers fulfill these conditions? Examine.

RSTV Video

Regulating Artificial Intelligence – The Big Picture - RSTV IAS UPSC

Regulating Artificial Intelligence Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. In News: One of the most powerful men in IT, Sundar Pichai, has backed regulations for artificial intelligence. While Pichai isn’t the first big tech executive to say so publicly, his voice matters, given that Google is arguably the world’s largest AI Company. Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk has been vocal about the need for regulating AI several times in the past. Musk even said that “by the time we are reactive in AI regulation, it’s too late". Microsoft president Brad Smith is another prominent person in tech who has called for regulation of AI.  Pichai, in an editorial, advocated for AI to be regulated keeping in mind both the harm and societal benefits that the technology can be used for. He also said that governments must be aligned on regulations around AI for “making global standards work".  While India has been vocal about the use of AI in various sectors, it is far from regulating it. A 2018 NITI Aayog paper proposed five areas where AI can be useful. In that paper, the think tank also noted the lack of regulation around AI as a major weakness for India.  Despite all the established entry modes into the global market, AI is yet to have a guidepost, be regulated or even be legally understood. Let’s take the example of Sophia: awarded citizenship under the laws governing citizens of Saudi Arabia, will she be permitted to drive from June 2018? Will she be allowed to purchase property? If she commits a crime, equal to the statement she said apparently by error i e, she wanted to destroy humankind, what punishment would be awarded? AI is wholly based on data generated and gathered from various sources. Hence, a biased data set could evidently lead to a biased decision by the system or an incorrect response by a chatbot. The point being, AI is growing mutli-fold and we still do not know all the advantages or pitfalls associated with it which is why it is of utmost importance to have a two-layered protection model: one, technological regulators; and two, laws to control AI actions as well as for accountability of errors. Accountability for Errors Let’s take the example of AI in the form of personalised chatbots. Chatbots are chat-based interfaces which pop up on websites with which customers can interact. These chatbots can either follow a scripted text or through machine learning (ML) and increased interaction deviate from the standard questions to provide a more human-like interaction. In the course of communicating with the chatbot, if a person were to divulge sensitive personal information for any reason whatsoever, what happens to this data? So in the case of an ML chatbot which does not work as per a scripted text and has collected sensitive personal information, who is responsible if Rule 5(3) is breached? The most obvious answer would be the business unit/company because the rules in the 2011 Rules state that “The body corporate or any person who on behalf of the body corporate…” collects information. However, could the business possibly avoid liability by claiming that it was not aware that the chatbot, due to its AI ability of machine learning, had collected sensitive and personal information? We do not have any clear provisions for advanced chatbots which do not work on a scripted text. With the lack of a clear provision in the law, accountability may take a hit. Additionally, what happens if an AI robot is given citizenship in India? Who is responsible for their actions? Or in case of autonomous car accidents, who is responsible for damage to property or harm caused or death of a person? Reflects existing social biases and prejudice Much recent research shows that applications based on machine-learning reflect existing social biases and prejudice. Such bias can occur if the data-set the algorithm is trained on is unrepresentative of the reality it seeks to represent. Bias can also occur if the data set itself reflects existing discriminatory or exclusionary practices. The impact of such data bias can be seriously damaging in India, particularly at a time of growing social fragmentation. It can contribute to the entrenchment of social bias and discriminatory practices, while rendering both invisible and pervasive the processes through which discrimination occurs. Even if estimates of AI contribution to GDP are correct, the adoption of these technologies is likely to be in niches within the organised sector.  These industries are likely to be capital rather than labor intensive, and thus unlikely to contribute to large scale job creation. Will replace low to medium skilled jobs At the same time, AI applications can most readily replace low to medium skilled jobs within the organised sector. This is already being witnessed in the BPO sector – where basic call and chat tasks are now automated. Re-skilling will be important, but it is unlikely that those who lose their jobs will also be those who are being re-skilled – the long arch of technological change and societal adaptation is longer than that of people’s lives. The Way Forward With all the positive impact AI has to offer, it is of utmost importance for the Government of India to establish sound data policies to ensure that the benefits can be materialized by society. Achieving meaningful results will depend on India’s ability to create an environment that fosters the development of AI and builds trust and confidence in the technology. AI systems are only as strong as the quantity and quality of the data that is available to them for training; if data cannot be accessed and shared, then AI will suffer. This means that the government has a critical role to play in the future of India’s AI landscape. Our laws need to be amended or new laws for AI technologies and processes will need to be adopted to fill up existing lacunae in the growing AI space. There is a need to form the basic guidelines which should be met on a national level for any AI activity – indigenous, foreign or even modifications to an open source AI. The guidelines would serve as the foundation for any amendments in the laws or brand new AI laws. In addition to developing AI applications and creating a skilled workforce the government needs to prioritize research that examines the complex social, ethical and governance challenges associated with the spread of AI-driven technologies. Blind technological optimism might entrench rather than alleviate the grand Indian challenge of inequity and growth. In fact the element of end-to-end ‘human involvement’ has been insisted upon by most AI advanced countries such as Canada, in order to ensure accountability and security of AI systems. Connecting the Dots: Analyse the need and challenges in regulating Artificial Intelligence in India.

PIB

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 20th January to 26th January – 2020

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 20th to 26th January, 2020 ARCHIVES GS-2 Government of India and the World Bank sign USD 210 million loan agreement (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) The Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra and the World Bank signed a loan agreement of USD 210 million to support small holder farmers  Participate in competitive agriculture value chains Facilitate agri-business investments Increase market access and productivity in focus commodities Build resilience of crops to recurrent floods or droughts in the Indian state of Maharashtra The USD 210 million Maharashtra Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project will  Help build capacity of the nodal departments and institutions Increase private sector investments in agricultural value chains Remove constraints for producers and entrepreneurs in accessing emerging domestic and export markets Build the capacity of the state to respond to commodity-price fluctuations by providing access to timely information on markets and production trends Enhance adoption of climate resilient production techniques in the state The project will be implemented in all 36 districts of Maharashtra. Over one million farming households will directly benefit from the project. At least 43 percent of farmers and farm-workers participating in project activities are expected to be women. Specific focus will be given to women-led enterprises and the participation of women in the decision-making processes of farmer producer organizations. Current Situation: Many of these changes have led to several positive developments for Maharashtra where production is labour intensive (example, in horticulture and floriculture), is climate-resilient (pulse-based cropping systems increases resilience, e.g. pigeon pea intercropping leads to higher soil carbon sequestration than monocrop system) and responds to domestic and global market needs. Challenges: However a combination of increasing production and downturn in the commodity prices are affecting farmers’ profitability. Commodities like cotton, soybean, sugar, (covering 44 per cent of the cropped area in Maharashtra), are strongly influenced by global price movements. Broad shifts in the global prices of such commodities affect farmers who then find it difficult to cover the cost of production in many cases. The focus of the project on enhancing the capacity of the state to effectively manage and deliver agricultural technical support and services, increasing credit linkages to formal financing institutions, improving Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards and investing in business development services will help small holder farmers become more competitive and increase their links to organized domestic and export markets. Ministry of Rural Development signs MoU with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)  (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) The MoU reiterates DAY-NRLM and the Foundation’s shared focus on improving the lives of India’s poor and the marginalized with the aim of reducing poverty through institutions of marginalized rural women for promotion of diversified and gainful self-employment while creating skilled wage employment opportunities. Strives to remove barriers such as poor health, gender inequality and lack of opportunities for women’s entrepreneurship while providing them access to financial institutions and markets The foundation’s support will include assistance in improving implementation quality, documenting best practices, and designing of monitoring learning and evaluation. The scheme lays special emphasis on targeting the poorest and the most vulnerable communities, as it recognizes the need to address barriers to their development.  DAY-NRLM is also building social capital and ensuring financial linkages to alleviate poverty and enhance the quality of the life of rural poor women. It has ambitious plans on innovations for alternate channels of financial inclusion like digital finance, creating value chains around rural products, improving market access, rural enterprise and also creating awareness on social development issues and services.   Cabinet approves  MoUs among India, Tunisia and Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission for elections for cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration: The MOUs would promote bilateral cooperation, aimed at building technical assistance/ capacity support for the Independent High Authority for Elections of Tunisia (ISIE) and the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) for elections for cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration, envisaging cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration and providing a leg-up to such bodies in conducting elections in their respective countries. This would also result in bolstering India's international relations. Model MoU with foreign countries for unilateral/bilateral recognition of Certificates of Competency of seafarers: The unilateral MoU would facilitate unilateral recognition by another country of the certificates issued by the Directorate General of Shipping to Indian seafarers, without seeking similar recognition by India of the certificates issued by that country. Indian Seafarers, therefore, will be eligible to be placed on ships under the flag of that country for employment, thus leading to increased employment opportunities. The proposed bilateral MoU will enable India and another country with which such an MoU may be entered, to mutually recognize maritime education and training, certificates of competency, endorsements, documentary evidence of training and medical fitness certificates, issued to the seafarers who are citizens of respective countries in accordance with the provisions of regulation 1/10 of the STCW Convention. The bilateral MoU would therefore, make the seafarers of both the countries to be eligible for employment on ships of either party based on the certificates so recognized.  India being a seafarer supplying nation with large pool of trained seafarers will stand to be benefitted. Agreement between India and Brazil on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters: The Agreement aims to enhance effectiveness of both the countries in investigation and prosecution of crime through cooperation and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. In the context of transnational crime and its linkages to terrorism, the proposed Agreement will provide a broad legal framework for bilateral cooperation with the Federative Republic of Brazil in investigation and prosecution of crime as well as in tracing, restraint and confiscation of proceeds and instruments of crime as well as the fund meant to finance terrorist acts. Extension, of tenure of the Commission constituted under Article 340 of the constitution to examine the issue of sub-categorization within Other Backward Classes in the Central List The Communities in the existing list of OBCs which have not been able to get any major benefit of the scheme of reservation for OBCs for appointment in Central Government posts & for admission in Central Government Educational Institutions are expected to be benefitted upon implementation of the recommendations of the Commission. The Commission is likely to make recommendations for benefit of such marginalized communities in the Central List of OBCs. All persons belonging to the castes/communities which are included in the Central List of SEBCs but which have not been able to get any major benefit of the existing scheme of reservation for OBCs in Central Government posts & for admission in Central Government Educational Institutions would be benefitted. MoU between India and Brazil for cooperation in the oil and natural gas sector: The MoU will enhance cooperation between the two sides in oil and natural gas sector. Under the MoU, both sides will work towards establishing cooperation in the E&P initiatives in Brazil and India, research & development in this sector, explore collaboration in Liquefied Natural Gas projects in Brazil, India and third countries, and also encourage collaboration in oil energy and environmental issues, including energy policies such as energy efficiency, energy research development and expansion of the regional energy infrastructure networks. Signing of MoU between Brazil and India for bilateral cooperation in the field of early childhood: It will strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries and increase bilateral cooperation on the issues of early childhood care.  Both countries will benefit from exchange of best practices of the respective countries in the field of early childhood. MoU between India and Brazil on Cooperation in field of Geology and Mineral Resources: The MoU will provide an institutional mechanism between Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Mines of the Republic of India and Geological Survey of Brazil – CPRM, Ministry of Mines and Energy of the Federative Republic of Brazil for cooperation in field of Geology and Mineral Resources. GS-3 India achieves complete phase out of one the most potent ozone depleting chemical (Topic: Climate Change) India has successfully achieved the complete phase out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-141 b, which is a chemical used by foam manufacturing enterprises and one of the most potent ozone depleting chemical after Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). (HCFC)-141 b is used mainly as a blowing agent in the production of rigid polyurethane (PU) foams. The phase out of HCFC-141b from the country has twin environmental benefits viz.  (i) Assisting the healing of the stratospheric ozone layer (ii) Towards the climate change mitigation due to transitioning of foam manufacturing enterprises at this scale under HPMP to low global warming potential alternative technologies. Steps taken by Government India had proactively and successfully taken the challenge of complete phase out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-141 b, which is a chemical used by foam manufacturing enterprises. Nearly, 50 % of the consumption of ozone depleting chemicals in the country was attributable to HCFC-141 b in the foam sector. The polyurethane foam sector has links with important economic sectors related to buildings, cold storages and cold chain infrastructure, automobiles, commercial refrigeration, domestic appliances such as refrigerators, water geysers, thermoware, office and domestic furniture applications, specific high value niche applications etc. In India, the foam manufacturing sector is mix of large, medium and small enterprises having varying capacities, with preponderance of MSMEs. Many of the MSMEs operate largely in the informal sector. As part of the Government’s commitment for moving towards environment friendly technologies, in a significant first, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) brought out a notification in the Gazette of India through which the issuance of import license for HCFC-141b is prohibited from 1st January, 2020 under Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Amendment Rules, 2019 issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. HCFC-141b is not produced in the country and all the domestic requirements are met through imports. With this notification, prohibiting the import of HCFC-141 b, the country has completely phased out the important ozone depleting chemical. Simultaneously, the use of HCFC-141 b by foam manufacturing industry has also been closed as on 1st January, 2020 under the Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Amendment Rules, 2014. To ensure minimal dislocation in the sector and for enhancing the capacities of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in converting to low-GWP non-ODS technologies, training and awareness programmes on non ODS and low GWP alternatives to HCFCs including adoption of such alternatives have been organized in close collaboration with Industry and MSMEs will also be facilitated for adequate tie-ups with system houses, laboratories for getting their material tested, etc, in addition to organizing study tours, field visits, etc. Prelims oriented News National Voters’ Day: 26th Jan; Theme: Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy Chief Justice of India: Mr. Justice S.A. Bobde President of the Federative Republic of Brazil: Mr Jair Bolsonaro Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep: Ross Island of Andaman & Nicobar Island First Chief Election Commissioner of India: Sukumar Sen; Sh Sen had served as the first Chief Election Commissioner of India from 21st March 1950 till 19th December, 1958. Article 6th of the Paris Convention for the protection of Industrial property of 1883 (1967 Stockholm Act) protects armorial bearings, flags and other State emblems as well as official signs and hallmarks of the States party to the Paris Convention.  The signs published with World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) under this act are prevented from being registered or used as trademarks, across the world, without authorization.  KVIC is fighting cases in several countries for violation of the Khadi Mark Regulations. The regulations issued in 2013 by the Ministry of MSME, empowered KVIC to grant ‘Khadi Mark’ registration and take royalties from any producer using the Khadi Mark.  In continuation, KVIC has issued notices against 600 entities in India, including a renowned garment chain and 3 entities in the International market for misusing these symbols and indulging in unfair trade practices in the recent past. Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar: In the aftermath of any disaster, many organisations and individuals work silently but effectively to alleviate suffering of the affected population.  A good deal of work is done in research/ innovations in early warning, prevention, mitigation, preparedness, rescue, relief and rehabilitation.  In order to recognise the excellent work done by individuals and institutions in India in the field of disaster management, Government of India has instituted an annual award known as Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar.  The award is announced every year on 23rd January, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Critically Analyse: Artificial Intelligence can play a significant role in judicial functioning. Consensus is the lifeblood of Democracy. Discuss: Tax Invasion is a Social Injustice to fellow citizens. Netaji Subhash Chandra continues to be the guiding light for Indian youth in 21st century. A movement of ethics must be initiated at all levels in governance of the country. India needs Process Reengineering in governance. The new decade of 2020, has brought a new ray of hope in the life of the Bru-Reang community.

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – What is a Thought? – Inspirational Educative Articles

What is a Thought? You could have very well asked, “What is life?” or, “What is the universe?” A thought is not an isolated phenomenon - it is not some thing. A thought is not an object that you can point to and say, “This is a thought.” One has to look at the question, “What is a thought?” from the perspective of the questioner. To the one who is questioning, a thought is a mystery, and he wants to understand what it is. Now, who is the questioner? Who really wants to know what a thought is and why? If you actually think about it, you are not the questioner here. The question is coming from a thought. It is as if a thought is seeking to know more about thoughts. Even the question, “What is a thought?” is a part of your thought process, so obviously this cannot be your question. Of course you are asking the question, but in reality the question is simply being asked through you. It is not your desire to know what a thought is, but it is the desire of a thought. This is how deep you are lost in your thoughts. Knowing the difference between you and your thoughts is one of the hardest things to do. Since you are so deeply lost in your thoughts, it is impossible to answer the question, “What is a thought?” directly. The only way for you to understand what a thought is, is by going beyond thoughts completely. When you reach a zone of your mind where there are no thoughts, when you reach the absolute silence of your mind, you will know what a thought is. For a moment, imagine that this light has been on forever. Without turning it off, how can I explain what light is? I can at the most say that light makes things visible, but I can never truly explain what light is. Light is not something you can point to, like an object, and say, “This is light.” Light is a phenomenon that can be recognized only through its effects. The effect of light is that it makes things visible. If you don’t believe that there is such a thing as light, or if you don’t understand what light is, the simplest thing I can do is just switch off this light. In a single moment, you will know what light is - not in terms of what it is made of - but you will know what its function is. Similarly, when your thoughts are turned off, even for a single moment, you will know what a thought is. You will know the purpose of a thought, the meaning of a thought, and why you think so much.

RSTV Video

Multiple State Capitals & Governance – The Big Picture - RSTV IAS UPSC

Multiple State Capitals & Governance Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. In News: The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly passed the AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill, 2020 that intended to give shape to state government's plan of having three capitals —  Executive capital in Visakhapatnam Legislative in Amaravati Judicial in Kurnool The amendments to the Bill proposed by the Opposition Telugu Desam Party were rejected by the House.  The cabinet chaired by Reddy approved  The proposal on three capital cities aimed at “decentralised and inclusive development of all regions of the state” Repealing the Capital Region Development Authority Act and establishes the Amaravati Metropolitan Development Authority.  The ruling YSR Congress Party has also reportedly decided to scrap the state’s Upper House as it is miffed with the Legislative Council stalling bills.  Issue of multiple state capitals [caption id="attachment_56608" align="aligncenter" width="632"] Multiple State Capitals & Governance – The Big Picture - RSTV IAS UPSCMultiple State Capitals & Governance – The Big Picture - RSTV IAS UPSC[/caption] Rationale for three capitals It is against building one mega capital while neglecting other parts of the state. They do not want to develop one area utilising all our available financial resources while other areas suffer due to lack of funds. Historically recommended: According to the government, decentralisation was the central theme in recommendations of all major committees that were set up to suggest a suitable location for the capital of Andhra Pradesh. It had been agreed in the November 16, 1937 Sri Bagh Pact (between leaders of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema) that two university centres should be established in Waltair (Visakhapatnam) and Anantapur in Rayalaseema, and that the High Court and Metropolis should be in the coastal districts and Rayalaseema respectively. In December 2010, the Justice B N Srikrishna Committee, set up to look into the demand for a Telangana state, said Rayalaseema and North Coastal Andhra were economically the most backward, and the “concentration of development efforts in Hyderabad is the key reason for demand of separate states”. In August 2014, the K Sivaramakrishnan Committee appointed to identify locations for the new capital of AP said the state should see decentralised development, and that one mega capital city was not desirable. G N Rao Committee: A Committee constituted by the YSRCP government under former IAS officer G N Rao, in its December 2019 report, recommended three capitals for balanced growth, and four regional commissionerates along the lines of Karnataka. BCG recommendation: The government sought an opinion from the global management consulting firm Boston Consultancy Group, which on January 3, 2020, recommended that Visakhapatnam should be the seat of the Governor, Chief Minister, and all government departments, and a High Court Bench, and have provisions for a Legislative Assembly for use in an emergency; Vijayawada/Amaravati should have the Assembly and a High Court Bench; Kurnool should have the High Court and tribunals. High-powered Committee: A high-power Committee appointed by the government to study the recommendations of the G N Rao Committee and the BCG suggested that the state should be demarcated into zones with separate zonal planning and development boards in order to ensure inclusive development, and that infrastructure projects focussed Rayalaseema and North Coastal Andhra should be prioritised. The issues associated with this Assembly meet: The government argues that the Assembly meets only after gaps of several months, and government Ministers, officers, and staff can simply go to Amaravati when required. However, coordinating between seats of legislature and executive in separate cities will be easier said than done, and with the government offering no specifics of a plan, officers and common people alike fear a logistics nightmare. Distance: The AP Police are headquartered in Mangalagiri, 14 km from Vijayawada, and senior IPS officers who may be required to visit the Secretariat will have to travel 400 km to Visakhapatnam. Likewise, government officers who may have to appear in the High Court will have to travel 700 km to Kurnool, which does not have an airport. All officers and Ministerial staff who may have to be at hand to brief Ministers when the Assembly is in session, will probably have to stay put in Amaravati, leaving behind their other responsibilities in Visakhapatnam. Where else do we see this? South Africa - Three cities serve as capitals of the country– Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial). This arrangement was a result of the Second Boer War (1899-1902) in which Britain annexed the two Afrikaner speaking states -– the Orange Free State and the South African Republic (also called Transvaal Republic). Cape of Good Hope then remained in the British Empire, becoming self-governing in 1872, and uniting with three other colonies to form the Union of South Africa in 1910. Sri Lanka - Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the official capital and seat of national legislature, while Colombo is the de facto seat of national executive and judicial bodies. Malaysia - has its official and royal capital and seat of national legislature at Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya is the administrative centre and seat of national judiciary. Maharashtra has two capitals– Mumbai and Nagpur (which holds the winter session of the state assembly).  Himachal Pradesh has capitals at Shimla and Dharamshala (winter).  The former state of Jammu & Kashmir had Srinagar and Jammu (winter) as capitals. Connecting the Dots: Is it easy to scrap the legislative council? Examine this in context with the decision of scrapping of the Andhra Pradesh’s Upper Assembly.

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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 30th January 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 30th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Operation Vanilla Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- International Affairs In News Launched by Indian Navy Objective: To provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the affected population of Madagascar post devastation caused by Cyclone Diane. Missing Persons Data now available Online Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Governance In News Two Police related Citizen centric service namely ‘Missing Person Search’ and ‘Generate Vehicle NOC’ will now be available online to Citizens. Generate Vehicle NOC’ allows citizens to ascertain the status of a vehicle before its second hand purchase, as to whether it is suspicious or clean from Police records Launched by: National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) on Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS) platform. Prelims Value Addition NCRB was set-up in 1986 under the Ministry of Home Affairs to function as a repository of information on crime and criminals so as to assist the investigators in linking crime to the perpetrators. CCTNS implemented by NCRB is a nationwide network that connects over 15,000 police stations across the country and aims to integrate all the data and records of crime into a Core Application Software Anticipatory Bail Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Indian Polity In News Supreme Court has held that the protection of anticipatory or pre-arrest bail cannot be limited to any time frame or “fixed period” The life of an anticipatory bail order does not normally end at the time and stage when the accused is summoned by the court, or when charges are framed, but can continue till the end of the trial. A denial of bail amounts to deprivation of personal liberty (Article 21), thus, the Court should lean against the imposition of unnecessary restrictions on the scope of Section 438 Do You Know? Sections 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure states that if a person has a reason to believe that he will be arrested on accusation of having committed a non-bailable offence, he can approach High Court or Session Court for anticipatory bail i.e. pre-arrest bail Gurubaksh Singh Sibbia Vs State of Punjab, 1980 – Five Judge SC bench- Power to grant anticipatory bail is cast in wide terms and should not be hedged in through narrow judicial interpretations. It held that courts could impose conditions which were appropriate Nagoba jatara:  Month long fair comes to an end Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Culture In News It is a tribal festival held in Keslapur village Adilabad district, Telangana, It is the second biggest tribal carnival and celebrated by Mesaram clan of Gond tribes for 10 days. Tribal people from Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh belonging to the Mesram clan offer prayers at the festival. The Gusadi Dance performance by dancers from the Gond tribe is a major special attraction of the event. Yellow Rust Disease: Detected in wheat crop in parts of Punjab & Haryana Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Agriculture In News Yellow rust is a fungal disease which turns the crop's leaves into a yellowish colour and stops photosynthesis activity This could eventually result in a drop of wheat crop productivity The recent rains in the region (sub-mountainous) coupled with a slight increase in the temperature and humid conditions are favourable for yellow rust Prelims Value addition Wheat is a rabi (winter) crop, is sown between late October till December while the harvesting of the crop starts from April onwards. India is the second-largest producer of wheat after China. UN’s new rules for ships in the Arctic region Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Environmental Conservation In News International Maritime Organization (IMO), the shipping agency of UN, has banned ships from using fuels with a sulphur content above 0.5 %, compared with 3.5 % previously. It affects more than 50,000 merchant ships worldwide. The new limits are monitored and enforced by national authorities of countries that are members of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex VI. Only ships fitted with sulphur-cleaning devices, known as scrubbers, are allowed to continue burning high-sulphur fuel. Alternatively, they can opt for cleaner fuels, such as marine gasoil (MGO) and very low-sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO). (MAINS FOCUS) International Affairs Topic: General Studies 2 Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary West Asia peace plan by USA Context President Donald Trump’s Middle East plan, Peace to Prosperity: A Vision to Improve the Lives of the Palestinian and Israeli People, was recently released. Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 30th January 2020 Picture Source – The Indian Express Key Elements of the Plan are: Jerusalem During the 1967 war, Israel seized control of East Jerusalem, which has Temple Mount, home to the Western Wall, the al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock. According to plan, Jerusalem will not be divided, and will remain the sovereign capital of the State of Israel. The capital of Palestine can occupy far-flung eastern neighbourhoods lying beyond “the existing security barrier”, which can be renamed Al Quds, the Arabic name for Jerusalem. West Bank: Israel would be allowed to annex the Jewish settlements on the West Bank as well as the Jordan Valley Palestinian Refugees The Palestinian refugees, who were forced out from their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war would not be allowed to return. They could move to the future Palestinian state, be integrated into the host countries or settled in other regional countries. Change of Borders: Israel will not have to uproot any settlements, and will incorporate the vast majority of Israeli settlements into contiguous Israeli territory This means that illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank would become legal and permanent Required Actions from Israel: Freeze further settlement activities on the West Bank for four years — the time for negotiations. Palestine: The Palestinian Authority should dismiss its current complaints at the International Criminal Court against Israel and refrain itself from taking further actions. It should also crack down on “terrorist” groups such as Hamas and the Islamic Jihad What would Palestinians get? $50 billion in investment over 10 years should Palestine accept the proposals. In the final settlement, Palestine would get control over more land than what it currently controls According to the Oslo Accords, the West Bank was divided into three areas and only one of them is under the direct control of the Palestinian Authority (30% is given to Israelis) The plan also seeks to enlarge Gaza and connect the strip with the West Bank through a tunnel. The Arab towns in the southeast of Israel, which are close to Gaza, could become part of a future Palestinian state. Palestine’s Position - backed by most of the world powers The formation of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 border meaning the whole of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital (including the Old City that houses Haram esh-Sharif, also known as Temple Mount, a holy site for both Muslims and Jews). Responses to the Plan Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “realistic path to a durable peace” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas dismissed the plans as a “conspiracy” India urged both Israel and Palestine to “engage with each other, including on the recent proposals put forward by the United States, and find an acceptable two-state solution for peaceful coexistence”. Analysis of the Plan The plan clearly shows that US has completely sided with Israel without even involving Palestinians during drafting process. Critics have said the real intention could be to change the start point of future negotiations — the Palestinians will begin with a disadvantage, and be forced to fight to simply hold on. Connecting the Dots Impact of the plan on region’s stability especially in the backdrop of escalating US-Iran tensions Impact on domestic elections in Israel and USA (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1) Consider the following statements about CCTNS – Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems It is nationwide network that connects over 15,000 police stations across the country It is implemented by NITI Aayog in collaboration with Ministry of Home Affairs Which of the above statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Nagoba Jatara seen in news is celebrated in which State/Union Territory of India? Telangana Madhya Pradesh Chattisgarh Puducherry Q.3) Consider the following statements about Operation Vanilla recently in news It is launched by Indian Navy It objects was to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the affected population of Sri Lanka post devastation caused by Cyclone Diane. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements about Yellow Rust disease It is a fungal disease which turns the crop's leaves into a yellowish colour and stops photosynthesis activity Appropriate insecticides need to be sprayed on the crops so as to contain it. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Section 438 of Code of Criminal Procedure deals with which of the following? Sedition Dowry & Harassment of Women Anticipatory Bail None of the above ANSWERS FOR 29 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 B 3 A 4 A 5 B   MUST READ About Education and Health: The Hindu About Scientific Curiosity and marketability The Hindu About Gandhi: The Hindu

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Raisina Dialogue 2020 - All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC

Raisina Dialogue 2020 ARCHIVES Search 14th Jan, 2020 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx  TOPIC: General Studies 2 India's relation with neighbouring countries The Raisina Dialogue is a multilateral conference committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. Every year, global leaders in policy, business, media and civil society are hosted in New Delhi to discuss cooperation on a wide range of pertinent international policy matters. The Dialogue is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of state, cabinet ministers and local government officials, as well as major private sector executives, members of the media and academics. It is a unique opportunity to discuss the big trends shaping our world and how to define common answers to the most pressing problems. The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs. Theme: Navigating the Alpha Century Significance This year’s Dialogue saw the participation of a large number of ministers from Europe, an area that has long been neglected in Indian diplomacy. Beyond political leaders and government officials, it also drew technology leaders, media personalities and policy wonks from around the world, providing Delhi an opportunity to lay out its position on controversial moves in Kashmir and on citizenship. More broadly, Raisina is facilitating the development of sustainable intellectual networks between the Indian strategic community and its counterparts in the world. Part of the reason for Raisina’s success is the growing international interest in India amidst its rapid economic growth in the new millennium and the recognition of its salience in shaping the future of international order. It is also due to the fact that it is based on collaboration between the government and a private think tank. This collaboration has helped shed the dull rigidity that has marked the government’s past engagement with the global strategic community. Raisina emerged out of a recognition five years ago that Delhi did not have effective international platforms of its own despite the globalisation of India’s economy — trade now contributes nearly 40 per cent of India’s GDP. Raisina was part of the strategy to recalibrate that discourse and discard the traditional bureaucratic pretence that the government knows best. Crises in the wider Middle East: The Middle East is the region where ‘politics and diplomacy deficit’ is the greatest. There have been very serious escalation of violence and tensions in multiple crises in Iraq, Iran, Libya and beyond. All eyes of the world are fixed on the region as we all have a stake in the future of a region that for too long has been marked by extremist forces, cycles of violence and the logic of tit-for-tat. To counter these dangerous trends, the EU is fully engaged and our message is the same for all parties: we call for de-escalation and concrete efforts to heal regional divisions. With respect to Iran, the EU - like India - continues to support the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and, as the EU, we will continue our coordinating work for the full implementation in all its aspects. This agreement is vital for the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture as well as regional stability.  The strategic space of the Indo-Pacific region: Politics and economics are inter-linked, and so are Asia and Europe. The term Indo-Pacific reflects the recognition that India’s power and purpose will be vitally important to the region and to resolving and supporting shared security challenges. India has taken on an increasingly active role in the Indian Ocean. Key focus areas: Terrorism, threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and climate change. Digital age and radicalization: In the digital age, the challenge is even greater, with a greater vulnerability to radicalization. Rules-based order: India reiterated its stand for a democratic and rules-based international order, in which all nations thrive as equals. Persian Gulf Regional Dialogue Forum In order to address the lingering conflicts and mistrust in the Gulf region, Iran proposed a new platform for regional peace building. The announcement of Persian Gulf Regional Dialogue Forum is significant as it comes in the wake of continued erosion of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which in the recent years has been divided between the Iranian and the Saudi spheres. Disruptive policies not an option There is a view among some policy analysts that India too can adopt a “disruptive” approach as a clever tactic in foreign affairs. Disruption is not an end in itself. It has to be a means to an end. Powerful nations can afford disruption as tactics. India cannot risk such tactics without measuring the risk they pose to strategy. Do you know? As far back as 1996, India proposed a draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN, but it remained a draft because of a lack of consensus on a common definition. International Solar Alliance to tackle Climate Change – India jointly launched with France last year with the participation of 120 countries.

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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 29th January 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 29th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) African Cheetah: Supreme Court allows Centre to introduce it in India Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environmental Conservation In News The apex Court's decision followed a petition filed by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) seeking permission for the introduction of the African cheetah from Namibia as rare Indian cheetah is almost extinct in the country. In 2012, the plan to introduce African Cheetahs in Palpur Kuno sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was stalled by the Court Cheetah is the fastest land animal. It has been classified as endangered by the IUCN; and listed under Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). It inhabits a variety of mostly arid habitats like dry forests, scrub forests, and savannahs. Ramsar Sites: 10 more wetland in India declared as Ramsar Sites Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Environment Conservation In News The Convention, signed in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, is inter-governmental accord for preserving the ecological character of wetlands Aim of Convention: To develop a global network of wetlands for conservation of biological diversity and for sustaining human life. Wetlands declared as Ramsar sites are protected under strict guidelines. Maharashtra gets its first Ramsar site - Nandur Madhameshwar Punjab added 3 more - Keshopur-Miani, Beas Conservation Reserve, Nangal UP has added 6 more - Nawabganj, Parvati Agra, Saman, Samaspur, Sandi and SarsaiNawar With this, India totally has 37 Ramsar Sites. SIS-DP PROJECT - Space based Information Support for Decentralised Planning Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Science & Technology In News ISRO had launched 'SISDP' project to assist gram panchayats at grassroots level with basic planning inputs derived from satellite data for preparing developmental plans, its implementation and monitoring of activities. National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), located in Hyderabad, is the lead centre to execute the project. NSRC is one of the centres of ISRO. SISDP Phase-I project was launched in 2011 and successfully concluded in 2017. The second phase has been started now. The geodatabase, products and services prepared under this project are expected to be disseminated through Bhuvan geoportal, an easy to use Geo portal developed for database visualization, data analytics etc. for the benefit of Gram Panchayat members and others. SPITZER SPACE TELESCOPE Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Space Science & Technology In News It is an infrared space telescope named after astronomer Lyman Spitzer, who had promoted the concept of space telescopes in the 1940s. Launched by NASA in 2003 and is planned to be retired on 30 January 2020. It is one of the elements of NASA’s Great Observatories that include the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-Ray. Using different infrared wavelengths, Spitzer was able to see and reveal features of the universe including objects that were too cold to emit visible light. HCFC-141b – India has achieved its complete phase-out Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Environmental Conservation In News Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-141 b is one of the most potent ozone depleting chemical after Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) HCFC-141 b is used mainly as a blowing agent in the production of rigid polyurethane (PU) foams. HCFC-141b is not produced in the country and all the domestic requirements are met through imports. India stopped the iissuance of import license for HCFC-141b from 1st Jan 2020, through notification by Environment Ministry The complete phase out of HCFC 141 b from the country in foam sector is among the first at this scale in Article 5 parties (developing countries) under the Montreal Protocol.  (MAINS FOCUS) Indian Polity - Judiciary Topic: General Studies 2: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary 
 Indian Judiciary’s Evolution Context Constitution of India came into force 70 years ago on 26th Jan 1950 which was an ambitious political experiment involving Universal Adult Franchise, Federalism and Social revolution in deeply unequal Indian Society Thus, we need to see how Supreme Court has interpreted the text over these past seven decades:   Phase One- Textualist Approach In early years, Supreme Court focused on the plain meaning of the words used in the Constitution. Example: K.Gopalan case (1950) – where Preventive detention was challenged on the grounds that it violated Article 19,21 and 22. The Court held that each of these articles covered different subjects and were to be read separately rather than being read together. The Court read the Constitution literally, concluding that there were no limitations on Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution, especially fundamental rights.   Phase two – Structuralist Approach Appeals to the text of the Constitution were gradually overtaken by appeals to the Constitution’s overall structure and coherence Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala(1973), the Court concluded that Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution did not extend to altering its “basic structure” In Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India(1978), the court reject Gopalan approach and conceived the fundamental rights as a cohesive bill of rights rather than a miscellaneous grouping of constitutional guarantees The right to life was incrementally interpreted to include a wide range of rights such as clean air, speedy trial, and free legal aid. Commonality between First & Second Phase: Interpretation of the Constitution were entrusted to Constitution Benches (comprising five or more judges of court) and were carefully reasoned. There was limited scope for precedential confusion and any demand for reconsideration were referred to larger Constitution Benches.   Phase Three- Eclecticism Supreme Court’s interpretive philosophy turned far more result-oriented than it had ever been often at the cost of thorough rights reasoning of the issues. This led to doctrinal incoherence with different Benches adopting inconsistent interpretive approaches based on their conception of the Court’s role Example: Cases that involve substantial questions of interpretation of the Constitution — such as the cases concerning the NRC and the electoral bonds scheme — are still being adjudicated upon by benches of two or three judges This institutional decline was due to two reasons Increased strength of Supreme Court from eight to 31 Judges (currently 34) which began to sit in panels of two or three judges, effectively transforming it into a “polyvocal” group of about a dozen sub-Supreme Courts The Court began deciding cases based on a certain conception of its own role — whether as sentinel of democracy or protector of the market economy.   Phase four -Purpose We are currently in the midst of transitioning from the third phase to the fourth. In this phase, the Court has acknowledged that the purpose for which the Constitution has been enacted becomes critical to its interpretive exercise The Court is now beginning to interpret the Constitution in accordance with its revolutionary and transformative potential which was originally intended by our founders. Way Forward With about a dozen significant Constitution Bench decisions from the Supreme Court since September 2018, there has been a renaissance in decision-making by Constitution Benches. This includes the Court’s decisions striking down Section 377 and the criminal offence of adultery, and bringing the office of the Chief Justice of India within the scope of RTI Supreme Court should keep the focus on the purpose for which Constitution was brought in while interpreting the laws/Constitution/executive decision etc. Connecting the Dots Regional Benches of Supreme Court – Will it alter the overall doctrinal approach with regard to interpretation of Constitution? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”.   Q.1) Consider the following statements about Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-141 b It is a chemical used by foam manufacturing enterprises and one of the most potent ozone depleting chemical India is one of the leading producer and exporter of this chemical Which of the above statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Palpur Kuno sanctuary is located in which State/Union Territory of India? Maharashtra Madhya Pradesh Chandigarh Puducherry Q.3) Consider the following statements about Ramsar Convention It is an inter-governmental accord for preserving the ecological character of wetlands India got its first Ramsar Site in 2019 through addition of Chilka Lake under the aeigis of the Convention. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements about SIS-DP recently in news It is a project to assist gram panchayats at grassroots level with basic planning inputs derived from satellite data. It is being implemented by NITI Aayog in collaboration with ISRO & NASA. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements about Spitzer Space Telescope It is a space telescope developed by Russia It could see through large amounts of gas using infrared wavelengths to find objects that may otherwise have been invisible to human beings. These included exoplanets, brown dwarfs and cold matter found in the space between stars Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 28 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 D 3 C 4 B 5 B MUST READ About China: The Indian Express About merging of Railways – its criticism: The Hindu About dissent and foreign policy – its criticism: The Hindu About examining the Slowdown: The Hindu

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