UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 187 Archives Important Note Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) To take the Test - Click Here
IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 24th February 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Regional integration pegged to SAARC revival Part of: GS Prelims –Polity and GS-II- International relations In news: Sri Lanka’s former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said : Postponement of the Kathmandu SAARC Summit in 2017 due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan had brought the regional grouping “to a standstill”. Successful regional integration both economic and security depends on SAARC becoming fully functional at the highest levels BIMSTEC is not a substitute for SAARC Proposed an ‘Economic Integration Road Map (EIRM)’ : a “sub-region”, consisting of the five southern States of India, Sri Lanka (Population of 300 million people and a combined GDP of over $500 billion) From Prelims Point of View: South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Established with the signing of the SAARC Charter Dhaka Headquarters and Secretariat Kathmandu, Nepal. Framework of the SAARC: Respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in the internal affairs of other States and mutual benefit. SAARC comprises of eight member States Afghanistan Bangladesh Bhutan India Maldives Nepal Pakistan Sri Lanka Observers to SAARC, are: (i) Australia; (ii) China; (iii) the European Union; (iv) Iran; (v) Japan; (vi) the Republic of Korea; (vii) Mauritius; (viii) Myanmar; and (ix) the United States of America. BIMSTEC Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional multilateral organisation. Members: Bangladesh Bhutan India Nepal Sri Lanka Myanmar Thailand Features Connects South and Southeast Asia Connects ecologies of the Great Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal. Aims To create an enabling environment for rapid economic development Accelerate social progress , Promote collaboration on matters of common interest in the region. Sub-regional organization came into being in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration Creating an enabling environment for the rapid economic development of the sub-region. Encouraging the spirit of equality and partnership. Promoting active collaboration and mutual assistance in the areas of common interests of the member countries Accelerating support for each other in the fields of education, science, and technology, etc. Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary to be a tiger reserve Part of: GS Prelims –Environment and GS-II- Conservation In news: Approval from the NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) is expected to notify the Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve. From Prelims Point of View: Project Tiger: Launched in 1973 with 9 tiger reserves Currently, The Project Tiger coverage has increased to 50 tiger reserves are constituted on a core/buffer strategy. Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change providing central assistance to the tiger States National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) : Statutory body by 2006 amendment of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Launched in 2005ecommendations of the Tiger Task Force. Supervisory/coordination role, performing functions as provided in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers - Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) is an app based monitoring system, launched across Indian tiger reserves by the NTCA in 2010. Two tamers, including student, killed in jallikattu events in Tamil Nadu Part of: GS Prelims –Culture and GS- I- Festival From Prelims Point of View: Jallikattu is referred to as bull taming event Practiced in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal ‘jallikattu' is derived from Tamil words Jalli refers to gold or silver coins ,Kattu means 'tied'. Found mentioned in the Sangam literature (2500 years ago). Controversial : Because the sport often results in major injuries and even deaths of both bulls and humans. Law: Supreme Court in 2014 banned Jallikattu in response to Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) petitions citing cruelty to animals. The article 51A of the constitution states that citizens should safeguard the wildlife and forests and have compassion for living creatures. (MAINS FOCUS) Governance Topic: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Issues related to Health Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission Context India participated in ministerial round table discussion on “Scaling Up Sanitation in Africa” held at Addis Ababa One of the biggest hurdles African ministers faced in replicating the SBM model in their countries was that they were not able to convince their finance ministries to invest heavily in sanitation like India has done since 2014. Some of the reasons which has led to success of SBM in India are: Political Will especially from the very top. Prime Minister of India provided leadership to the movement and made SBM one of the government’s flagship programme. Large investment on sanitation through public financing: the central and state governments have invested in excess of one lakh crore on sanitation over 2014-19 period Civil Society movement: Media and NGOs realized the socio-economic significance of sanitation. These groups owned up the scheme and made it into social movement which led to behavioural changes at ground level. Community Ownership: The scheme relied upon the community owning up the scheme (through rankings of cities, declaration of ODF villages) instead of government bureaucracy led scheme. This led to sustenance of progress made during initial period. 95% of people with access to toilets in rural India used them regularly, Returns on these investments in sanitation (through SBM): UNICEF estimated that investments in sanitation in India are yielding a 400 per cent return Each rural household in an open-defecation-free village saving Rs 50,000 on account of avoided medical costs and time savings. The Toilet Board Coalition has estimated that the sanitation infrastructure and services market in India will be worth over $60 billion by 2021 –creating many jobs even in the rural parts of the country. A study by UNICEF has estimated that SBM resulted in creating over 75 lakh full time equivalent jobs over the past five years, giving the rural economy a major boost. On October 2, 2019, PM Modi commemorated the ODF declaration by all states and stated that the focus in future has to be on sustaining the success and moving towards ODF++ strategy The next Critical service area which government considers as key pillar for broader rural development is Water. As a result, Government announced Jal Jeevan Mission on August 15th 2019. The goal of JJM is to ensure piped water supply for all households of India by 2024 with commitment of Rs 3.6 lakh crore of central and state funds for the scheme. In the Union budget for 2020-2021, the government has already allocated Rs 11,500 crore for JJM, with an additional Rs 12,000 crore being made available through extra budgetary resources In addition, a huge impetus to the rural water supply and sanitation sector is the earmarking of 50% of the Rs 60,750 crore grant for rural local bodies provided under the 15th Finance Commission for drinking water and sanitation. This ensures that the scheme is driven by local bodies and are sufficiently financed by the government to make it a success Conclusion Investment in sanitation and water is actually a facilitator for broader economic, health and social gains as indicated in UNICEF studies. Government should replicate the model of sanitation, which has led to its success, in the area of water also to bring inclusive development in the country. Connecting the dots NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index Ministry of Jal Shakti (merging of two ministries and reasons) Do you know? ODF protocol - Not a single person is found defecating in the open. ODF+ protocol- Not just open defecation but also no public urination. Additionally, all community & public toilets need to be functional and well-maintained. ODF++ protocol adds the condition that faecal sludge/septage and sewage is safely managed and treated, with no discharging and/or dumping of untreated faecal sludge/septage and sewage in drains, water bodies or open areas. International Affairs Topic: General Studies 2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests India- US relationship: Trump Visit to India Context During Mr. Trump’s visit to India on Feb 24-25, there is the prospect of more cooperation on trade and tariffs and also the possibility of major defence deals. US-India Trade U.S.-India trade in goods and services has grown at a steady clip from $16-billion to $142-billion during 1999-2018. However, the trade growth is not without wrinkles. U.S. and Indian officials have disagreed for years on tariffs, foreign investment limitations, agricultural trade, medical devices, digital economy and IPR issues At the heart of Trump’s foreign policy strategy are concerns about the trade deficit that the U.S. has with its economic partners worldwide, although India does not rank among the top 10 in this regard. In 2019 India’s trade deficit with the U.S. of $23.3-billion is dwarfed by China’s corresponding figure of $346-billion Chronology of U.S.-India trade squabbles In March 2018, the Trump administration slapped “national security” tariffs of 25% on $761-million worth of steel and of 10% on $382-million of aluminium imported from India Trump administration ended a year-long review of the U.S. Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) in June 2019 by removing India from the tariff concession system. These measures are said to have impacted nearly $5.8 billion of India’s exports, or more than 12% of exports to the U.S. in 2017. India immediately imposed higher retaliatory tariffs on 28 U.S. products including almonds, walnuts, cashews, apples, chickpeas, wheat, and peas. U.S. also recently changed the status of India, among other countries, to a “developed” country, to further reduce trade concessions that it could receive from the U.S. India has expressed its concern regarding restrictions on visas for highly skilled professionals seeking to take up employment in the U.S, even though laws that brought in restrictions, for example by imposing higher visa fees, were passed before Mr. Trump entered office. Hope for a positive announcement on trade? There were initial signs that a “limited trade deal” might be hammered out when Mr. Trump and Mr. Modi meet. However, the aspiration of trade deal fell through when it became clear that nothing on that scale would be finalised until after November 2020 US Presidential elections. There is however possibility of a “mini trade deal” or more simply a smaller trade package announcement. This might include an increase in India’s LNG imports from the U.S. An MoU for India’s gas importer Petronet to invest $2.5 billion in U.S. company Tellurian Inc’s LNG project, that was signed during Mr. Modi’s visit to Houston, is likely to be formalised during Mr. Trump’s visit India – US defence prospects (during Trumps Visit) There is more positive news on the defence cooperation with the likely announcement during the visit of Mr. Trump of a deal for 24 Lockheed Martin-built MH-60R Seahawk Multi-Role Helicopters for the Indian Navy. These 24 helicopters, said to be worth $2.4-billion, are likely to be procured through the Foreign Military Sales route of the U.S. government. India’s Cabinet Committee on Security has cleared their purchase India and the U.S. are also said to be in negotiations regarding India’s potential purchase of drones, additional P-8I long-range, multimission maritime patrol aircraft and also Raytheon intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) aircraft. India – US Strategic prospects (during Trumps Visit) Trump has reiterated his promise withdraw US troops in Afghanistan with the prospects of US- Taliban deal This might lead to revival of the Taliban’s influence, Pakistan-based terror elements or Pakistan’s ISI gaining a stronger foothold in the power vacuum that will inevitably develop there. This could compromise Indian interests considerably Way forward India should come out with well defines Strategic Policy in its western sphere, which includes maritime arena also (Western Indian Ocean). India should improve the competitiveness of its own industries to make its products & services attractive to consumers so that they are able to overcome obstacles imposed temporarily by foreign governments. Connecting the dots US-China Trade war India not joining RCEP trade deal Indo-US 2015 joint Vision of Indo-Pacific (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. Apart from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh who are the other member countries of SAARC? Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand and Singapore Nepal, Bhutan, Malaysia and Maldives Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan Nepal, Bhutan, Singapore and Sri Lanka Q 2. Consider the following statements: M-STrIPES is launched by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body. . National Tiger Conservation Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 only 2 only 1, 2 and 3 Q 3. The term M-STRIPES' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of Captive breeding of Wild Fauna Maintenance of Tiger Reserves Indigenous Satellite Navigation System Security of National Highways ANSWERS FOR 22 FEB 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 B Must Read About inequality & resource distribution : The Hindu About Youth being advantage for India : The Hindu About downtrodden & affirmative action: The Hindu
UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 186 Archives Important Note Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) To take the Test - Click Here
Balanced Life: No matter what you achieve, there will always be someone who will be one step ahead of you. This is especially true today, when things are changing so quickly. In just a few years, people are accomplishing what took prior generations ten, fifteen, or twenty years to accomplish. Future generations might look at your whole life’s work and say, “What nonsense is all this? All this effort was not even necessary.” With advancements in technology and the awareness of what is happening in the world, future generations can erase your entire life’s work in a snap. This is why you need to have a balanced understanding of life. This balance should start from within, and not from the outside. You should be your first priority. How you understand and take care of yourself is the most important thing; spirituality is all about you. Spirituality should neither be taken as seriously as religion or as casually as a hobby. It is simply an adventurous journey you undertake to recognize the fact that you are the center of your life, and everything else is secondary. Spirituality is all about rearranging your house; the house where your Self resides. Everything you need is already in your house. Your mind and body contain answers for all the questions of your life, but you have lived your life so unconsciously, so chaotically, that nothing within you is organized. Within this house, you don’t know where things are, what their real meanings are, or what their purposes are. Your internal landscape is a jumbled mess of experiences. Spirituality is a process of entering this house and rearranging everything so that you can make sense of your life. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”
IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 22nd February 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Pakistan retained on ‘grey list’ and Iran in ‘black list’ of FATF Part of: GS Prelims –Polity and GS-II- International organization In news: Pakistan has been retained on the ‘grey list’ of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) To complete the 27-point action plan it has been given by June 2020 or face being put on the ‘black list’ FATF placed Iran on its blacklist after it failed to comply with international anti-terrorism financing norms, a move that will deepen the country’s isolation from financial markets. FATF summary report states that Pakistan must work on eight specific areas: Identifying and investigating ”terror-financing activities Freezing the funds of all designated terrorists “effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions” against all terror entities Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 22nd February 2020 Source: The Hindu From Prelims Point of View: Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Inter-governmental body Established in 1989 during the G7 Summit Secretariat is located at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) headquarters in Paris. Works to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures Combats money laundering, terrorist financing ,related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. Grey list : A country is put on the grey list when it fails to curb terrorism financing and money laundering Blacklist : Putting a country on the blacklist means shutting all doors to international finance for that country. Scientists oppose study into ‘qualities’ of indigenous cow Part of: GS Prelims –Sci & Tech and GS-III- conservation In news: Many scientists have petitioned the Department of Science & Technology (DST) to withdraw a proposal that solicits research into indigenous cows. Concerns The research programme appeared to endorse the belief that indigenous cows had “special” and “unique” qualities Possibility of money being “wasted to investigate imaginary qualities derived from religious scriptures”. Programme did not encourage fair comparison with other breeds of cows around the world or other bovine species within India Proposal was drafted unscientifically From Prelims Point of View: Background: Government has recently unveiled a programme to research on ‘indigenous’ cows. (SUTRA PIC or Scientific Utilisation Through Research Augmentation-Prime Products from Indigenous Cows) led by the Department of Science and Technology Aims To perform scientific research on complete characterisation of milk and milk products derived from Indian indigenous cows Scientific research on nutritional and therapeutic properties of curd and ghee prepared from indigenous breeds of cows by traditional methods; development of standards for traditionally processed dairy products of Indian-origin cow India, Maldives agree to take on terrorism, radicalisation In news: Home Minister Amit Shah met his Maldivian counterpart : Discussed bilateral cooperation in the fields of counter-terrorism and counter-radicalisation, among other things. From Prelims Point of View: India-Maldives Relation India first to recognize the Maldives after its independence in 1965 India established its mission at Malé in 1972. Maldives archipelago comprising 1200 coral Islands lies next to key shipping lanes which ensure uninterrupted energy supplies to countries like China, Japan, and India. More than 97% of India’s international trade by volume and 75% by value passes through the region. Maldives member of SAARC Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 22nd February 2020 Source : World Atlas (MAINS FOCUS) Governance and Economy Topic: General Studies 2: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Crop Insurance Context Flagship Crop insurance schemes of Central government are: RWBCIS -Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme PMFBY - Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Centre decided to restrict its premium subsidy in PMFBY and RWBCIS to 30% for unirrigated areas and 25% for irrigated areas (from the existing unlimited) Also, it decided to make enrolment of farmers in these schemes as voluntary from the 2020 Kharif season. About PMFBY Launched in 2016 after rolling back the earlier insurance schemes viz. National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS). Premium: Farmers need to pay uniform premium of only 2% of insured amount for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops and 5% for horticulture crops. The remaining part of actuarial premium (charged by insurance companies) will be shared equally between Central and State government (with no upper limits) The scheme is mandatory for farmers who have taken institutional loans from banks. It’s optional for farmers who have not taken institutional credit. If a farmer’s Kharif crop was insured for Rs 1,00,000 and the rate of actuarial premium was 40%, then the Old Regime: Premium paid by the farmer was 2% - Rs 2,000 Premium paid by the Centre was 19% -Rs 19,000 Premium paid by the Centre was 19% -Rs 19,000 Under New Regime - the Centre will give subsidy for premium rates up to 30%. This means that the Centre will have to pay premium at the rate of 14% (out of 30%, the farmer’s share is 2%, and the Centre’s and state’s 14% each) The state has to bear the entire burden of the premium subsidy in cases where the rate of premium goes beyond the threshold of 30%. Premium paid by the farmer was 2% - Rs 2,000 Premium paid by the Centre -Rs 14,000 Premium paid by the State – Rs 14,000 + remaining Rs 10,000 A second interpretation is that the Centre may stop supporting insurance of certain crops in certain areas where the rate of premium is more than 30% Why the changes to restrict the premium subsidy? While the average premium rate under PMFBY and RWBCIS at the national level was 12.32% for 2018-19, for some crops in certain districts, the rate of premium has been higher than 30% in recent years. For example: the rate of premium for Kharif groundnut has reached 49% in Rajkot of Gujarat, and the rate for Rabi paddy crop Ramnathapuram (Tamil Nadu) has reached 42%. By capping the subsidy for premium rates up to 30%, the Centre wants to disincentivise certain crops in such areas where growing these crops involve high risks in terms of crop insurance premiums. Implications of Capping premium amount Increased States Share: After the new changes come into effect, the share of the states is expected to go up in those states in which such crops are cultivated. Additional Financial burden on States: The states are already defaulting on their share of premium, and the Centre’s new cap will increase fiscal pressure on them Delay in claim settlement: For example Madhya Pradesh has not paid its share of premium even for Kharif 2018, which comes to Rs 1,500 crore. As a result, farmers have not got their claims. Implication on making insurance schemes voluntary Making the scheme voluntary is expected to increase the disposable incomes of farmers which will help in fuelling rural demand. The area covered under insurance and the number of enrolled farmers are expected to come down significantly as it is now made voluntary In such a scenario, the rate of premium of certain crops in some areas may go beyond 30%. It will further make farmers vulnerable to crop failures thus impacting their income security. The other changes in crop insurance schemes The government has given flexibility to states/UTs to implement PMFBY and RWBCIS It also gives States the option to select any number of additional risk covers/features like prevented sowing, localised calamity, mid-season adversity, and post-harvest losses. Earlier, these risk covers were mandatory. Impact of these changes This may bring down the rates of overall premium as the state governments now will not be required to invite bids factoring these risks. It will make these schemes less attractive for farmers. Do You Know? During 2018-19, about 5.64 crore farmers are enrolled with PMFBY for an insured sum of Rs 2,35,277 crore, and 30% of the gross cropped is insured. During 2018-19, an amount of Rs 29,105 crore was collected as gross premium under PMFBY and RWBCIS, which included farmers’ share of Rs 4,918 crore and share of Rs 12,034 crore each by Centre & States Connecting the dots! Social Security & Insurance for crops Food Productivity and Biotechnology (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 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body established by World Economic Forum. It is a policy-making body and promotes operational measures for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Which of the above statements is/are correct? only 1 only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q 2. Consider the following statements about the Financial Action Task Force (FATF): It is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 by G -20 It sets global standards to tackle the problem of money laundering Pakistan has an observer status in FATF Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 & 2 Only 2 Only 1, 2 & 3 2 & 3 Only ANSWERS FOR 21 FEB 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 B 3 A Must Read About Clashes between Brus and non-tribal Bengalis : The Hindu About Criminalisation of Politics : The Hindu About Terror in Germany: The Hindu About Road accidents: The Hindu
IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st February 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) H1N1: MNC tells staff to work from home Part of: GS Prelims –Sci & Tech and GS-II- Health In news: Multinational company in Bengaluru has given a “work from home” guidance to its employees after two of them tested positive for influenza ‘A’ H1N1 From Prelims Point of View: Swine Flu Human respiratory infection caused by an influenza strain that started in pigs. First recognised in the 1919 Swine flu is caused by the H1N1 virus strain, which started in pigs. Symptoms Fever, cough, sore throat, chills, weakness and body aches. Spreads Airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes). Skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs) Saliva (kissing or shared drinks). Touching a contaminated surface (blanket or doorknob) Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st February 2020 SRC: The Hindu ‘Bulk of Jharkhand’s deleted ration cards weren’t fake’ Part of: GS Prelims –Polity and GS-II- Vulnerable section In news: The randomised control study found 90% of ration cards deemed fake and deleted by the Jharkhand government between 2016 and 2018 actually belonged to existing, valid households. Almost 56% of these deleted ration cards were not linked with Aadhaar. 18 starvation deaths have been reported in Jharkhand due to lack of access to subsidised food, mostly because beneficiaries’ ration cards were not linked to Aadhaar. Government data 5.9% (1.44 lakh) ration cards were deleted out of a total 24.5 lakh cards Study found 88%, were found to belong to valid beneficiary families Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st February 2020 Source: The Hindu From Prelims Point of View: Randomized controlled trial A randomized controlled trial is a type of scientific (often medical) experiment that aims to reduce certain sources of bias when testing the effectiveness of new treatments; This is accomplished by randomly allocating subjects to two or more groups, treating them differently, and then comparing them with respect to a measured response. One group—the experimental group—has the intervention being assessed, while the other—usually called the control group—has an alternative condition, such as a placebo or no intervention. The groups are followed under conditions of the trial design to see how effective the experimental intervention was. Treatment efficacy is assessed in comparison to the control. There may be more than one treatment group or more than one control group. Back in the late 1990s, this was not a well-known concept, let alone a widely practised research method. Moreover, research in economics was still largely theoretical although the shift in a more empirical direction had already started. A.R. Rahman’s NGO gets FCRA licence Part of: GS Prelims –Economy and GS-II- Money laundering In news: The Union government has granted Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence this year to more than 20 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including the A.R. Rahman Foundation Any NGO or association that intends to receive foreign funds has to compulsorily register under the FCRA, monitored by the Union Home Ministry. In 2014, the FCRA licences of more than 16,000 NGOs were cancelled Under the FCRA Act, registered NGOs can receive foreign contribution for five purposes — social, educational, religious, economic and cultural. Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st February 2020 Source: The Hindu From Prelims Point of View: NGOs The term ‘NGO’ is used to describe a body that is neither part of a government nor a conventional for-profit business organisations Groups of ordinary citizens that are involved in a wide range of activities that may have charitable, social, political, religious or other interests. Helpful in implementing government schemes at the grassroots. In India, NGOs can be registered under Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860, Religious Endowments Act,1863, Indian Trusts Act, etc. India has the largest number of active NGOs in the world,(In 2009, 33 lakh) NGOs receive funds from abroad, if they are registered with the Home Ministry under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010 Implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Acts ensures that the recipients of foreign contributions adhere to the stated purpose for which such contribution has been obtained. Under the Act, organisations require to register themselves every five years. Kashmir journalist wins AFP's Kate Webb Prize Part of: GS Prelims –Art & culture In news: Freelance reporter Ahmer Khan was named the winner of the 2019 Kate Webb Prize For his coverage on the ground in India-controlled Kashmir during Delhi's lockdown of the region From Prelims Point of View: Kate Webb New Zealand-born Australian war correspondent Earned a reputation for fearless reporting throughout the Vietnam War She continued to report from global hotspots including Iraq during the Gulf War. Vehicle registrations sputter, slide 7% on poor sentiment Part of: GS Prelims –Polity and GS-II- Policy In news: Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) reports: Automobile sector continued the slow lane in January 2020 total vehicles registrations declining 7.17% year-on-year Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st February 2020 Source: The Hindu From Prelims Point of view: Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) Apex national body representing automobile dealers of India Founded in 1964 by four regional Auto Trade associations Objectives: To protect and promote the Indian retail automobile market. Registered body under the Companies Act 1956. Vodafone Idea pays ₹1,000 cr. in AGR dues Part of: GS Prelims –Economy and GS-III- Taxation In news Vodafone Idea paid ₹1,000 crore more to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) From Prelims Point of View: Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) It is the usage and licensing fee that telecom operators are charged by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It is divided into spectrum usage charges and licensing fees Spectrum Usage Charge It is the charge that is required to be paid by the licensees providing mobile access services, as a percentage of their Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR). The spectrum slabs/rates for the same are notified by the Government from time to time. (MAINS FOCUS) Economy & International Affairs Topic: General Studies 2,3: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. US-India Trade Deal: Threat to Dairy Sector Context During Trumps’s visit to India, these are prospects of Indo-US deal being finalised in specific sectors including dairy sector (with potential of $100 million). Market access for US dairy products in India may have adverse impact on domestic dairy sector. Significance of the dairy sector in India’s overall economic scheme Rural Livelihoods: 80 million rural households are dependent on Dairy sector for their livelihood Largest agricultural commodity- Milk and milk products output is 20.6 per cent of the combined output of paddy, wheat and pulses Provides alternative employment: crop production generates employment for the rural workforce for an average of 90-120 days in a year, while dairy sector can provide employment during the remaining period. Contribution to National Economy: While the share of agriculture and allied (A&A) sector in the gross value added (GVA) has consistently declined from 18.2% in 2014 to 17.2% in 2017, the share of livestock to GVA has increased from 4.4 % to 4.9 % during the same period Within the A&A sector, among the key livestock products, milk and milk products have the highest share, at around 67.2 per cent in 2017. Dairy Trade: India and USA US is a net exporter in dairy trading, with its share in global exports standing at 4.9 per cent as opposed to an import share of around 2.8 per cent in 2018 Share of India is minuscule at 0.3 per cent and 0.06 per cent in global dairy exports and imports, respectively, in 2018. India’s dairy exports to US have increased by almost seven times from $2.1 million in 2015-16 to $14.9 million in 2018-19. However, India’s imports from US has seen moderate increase from $0.07 million in 2015-16 to $0.22 million in 2018-19 Thus, India has a trade surplus vis-à-vis USA in dairy sector of nearly $14.41 million in 2018-19 Reasons behind India’s trade surplus with the US in dairy India has a comparative advantage in the export of ‘melted butter’ and ‘processed cheese’ to the US because the cost of production of both these products is cheaper in India Melted butter’ (ghee) has the largest share in exports to the US at 56%, followed by ‘processed cheese’ (21%), butter (10%), ‘other cheese’ (3.9%), and ‘other fats’ and ‘oils derived from milk’ (3.5%) in 2018-19. Lower duties on dairy products in the US help provide a boost to diary exports from India. An average final bound duty on dairy products in the US is around 19 per cent, as against close to 64 per cent in India. Cultural and religious sentiments: Indian authorities’ mandatory certification (non-negotiable considering religious sentiments) from the concerned US agency states that “the source animal should not have been fed animal-derived blood meal”. This weeds out significant imports from the US Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st February 2020 Comparison of Indian dairy farmer vs US dairy farmer In 2017, India contributed 21% of the world’s milk production, thus making it the largest milk producer in the world. This has been made possible by the almost 73 million marginal and landless farmers who directly work in the dairy sector and hold, on average, two milch animals per farmer. Indian farmers enjoy favourable terms of trade in the dairy arena, with their share in the consumer price standing at around 60 per cent (highest in the world) However, in the US, there are around 0.04 million dairy farmers holding an average of 241 milch animals per farmer. These big farmers only get around 43 per cent of what the consumer pays. According to The World Dairy Situation,2019 report, milk yield per cow in the US is the highest in the world, standing at 10,500 kg per cow as against 1,715 kg per cow in India Importantly, a dairy farmer in the US is able to sell milk at a price 16.6 per cent above the average world market price, as compared with the similar number standing at 15.6 per cent in India Implications on India due to Trade deal in dairy sector It is evident from the numbers that despite lower milk yield and dominance of small and marginal farmers in dairy activity, India is comfortably placed to produce milk at a cheaper rate Thus, opening market access for the sector is likely to place these dairy farmers (largely small & marginal) in a disadvantaged position in relation to the large-scale dairy farmers in US. For the Indian dairy industry, the trade deal will not only adversely affect the industry as a whole but also the socio-economic conditions of millions of small, landless and marginal farmers — especially women, who are active in this industry. It is likely to temper the sentiments in the rural economy, which is already dealing with a gamut of problems at present The deal could play spoil sport in fulfilling the goal of doubling farmers income by 2022 Conclusion Thus, it will be prudent on the part of Indian authorities to take adequate precautionary measures in proceeding ahead with the trade pact with the US on dairy products Connecting the dots! RCEP and India – Dairy Sector (New Zealand) Trade deal in other sectors like manufacturing, financial services etc – implication on India’s domestic economy (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. H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases? AIDS Bird flu Dengue Swine flu Q 2. Robert Webster is known for his work associated with which one of the following? Cardiology Influenza virus HIV/AIDS Alzheimer Q 3. Which of the following statements with respect to the FCRA (Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act ) 2010 are true ? Any person who receives foreign contribution as per provisions of this Act, shall transfer to other person though that person is not authorized to receive foreign contribution as per rules made by the Central Government Any organisation of a political nature have been placed in the category prohibited to accept foreign contribution. All organizations engaged in social sector implementation of government programmes have been exempted from the provisions of the act. 2 only 2 & 3 only 1 & 3 only all of the above ANSWERS FOR 20 FEB 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 A 3 B Must Read About Assistive Reproductive Technology Bill : The Hindu About Politics in Turkey : The Hindu About Politics in Iran: The Hindu About freebies and Welfare measures: The Hindu
National Deworming Day 2020 ARCHIVES Search 10th Feb, 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. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health According to the World Health Organisation, about 241 million children in India in the ages of 1-14 years are at a risk of parasitic intestinal worms or STH. This means, India accounts for approximately 28 per cent of the total number of children globally estimated to be at-risk of STH infections. National Deworming Day The objective of the National Deworming Day is at eradicating intestinal worms also known as Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH), among preschool and school-age children (enrolled and non-enrolled) between the ages of 1-19 years through the platform of schools and anganwadi centers in order to improve their overall health, nutritional status, access to education and quality of life, reads the operational guidelines issued for NDD by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The deworming activity is carried out in all government and government aided schools and anganwadi centers. On this day, Albendazole tablet (deworming drug) is administered to children. The day is followed by a Mop-Up Day (MUD) with the intent of deworming children who missed the dose on the NDD. According to the government data, in the first round of deworming, 8.9 crore children (1-19 years) were covered. With each round, the coverage of NDD has increased and in February 2019, the programme reached out to 22.12 crore children. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India is the nodal agency for providing all States/UTs with guidelines related to National Deworming Day (NDD) implementation at all levels. The programme is being implemented through the combined efforts of Department of School Education and Literacy under Ministry of Human Resource and Development, Ministry of Women and Child Development and Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Urban Development, and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) also provide support to deworming program. What Are Intestinal Worms? Intestinal worms are parasites that live in the human intestines and consume nutrients and vitamins that a child consumes. There are three main types of STH that infect people Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) Hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) These worms depend on the human body for their food and survival and while being there, they lay thousands of eggs each day. STH transmission: Soil-transmitted helminths are transmitted by eggs that are passed in the faeces of infected people. Adult worms live in the intestine where they produce thousands of eggs each day. In areas that lack adequate sanitation, these eggs contaminate the soil. This can happen in several ways: Eggs that are attached to vegetables are ingested when the vegetables are not carefully cooked, washed or peeled; Eggs are ingested from contaminated water sources; Eggs are ingested by children who play in the contaminated soil and then put their hands in their mouths without washing them. In addition, hookworm eggs hatch in the soil, releasing larvae that mature into a form that can actively penetrate the skin. People become infected with hookworm primarily by walking barefoot on the contaminated soil. There is no direct person-to-person transmission, or infection from fresh faeces, because eggs passed in faeces need about 3 weeks to mature in the soil before they become infective. Since these worms do not multiply in the human host, re-infection occurs only as a result of contact with infective stages in the environment. The Symptoms Some of the common and visible signs of intestinal worm infection include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and dysentery. Also, heavy infections often make children too sick or too tired to concentrate at or even attend school. If untreated or undiagnosed, worms can have a long term effect on a child’s health and development. What is the impact? Often children consume enough calories but they still suffer from undernutrition largely because their diets are deficient in the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for proper physical and mental development. In addition to this, suffering from intestinal worms’ infection aggravate and intensify the loss of nutrients, especially vitamin A and Iron. This co-existence of micronutrient deficiencies and worm infestation result in impaired growth and development of our young ones. Soil-transmitted helminths impair the nutritional status of the people they infect in multiple ways. The worms feed on host tissues, including blood, which leads to a loss of iron and protein. Hookworms in addition cause chronic intestinal blood loss that can result in anaemia. The worms increase malabsorption of nutrients. In addition, roundworm may possibly compete for vitamin A in the intestine. Some soil-transmitted helminths also cause loss of appetite and, therefore, a reduction of nutritional intake and physical fitness. In particular, T. trichiura can cause diarrhoea and dysentery. Morbidity is related to the number of worms harboured. People with infections of light intensity (few worms) usually do not suffer from the infection. Heavier infections can cause a range of symptoms including intestinal manifestations (diarrhoea and abdominal pain), malnutrition, general malaise and weakness, and impaired growth and physical development. Infections of very high intensity can cause intestinal obstruction that should be treated surgically. The Treatment Albendazole tablet is the suggested deworming drug and its dosage depends on how young a child is. According to experts, Albendazole is an effective drug and doesn’t have any significant adverse effects. Prevention is better than Cure Two main areas for prevention of worm infestation include Ensuring improved access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene and overall clean surroundings to children so that chances of any infection are minimised Improving the quality of food consumed (by optimal processing and cooking techniques like washing raw fruits and vegetables with clean water) To not let the worms breathe Promote the integration of deworming activities within existing public health programs and inter-sectoral platforms in order to optimise coverage Plan optimal delivery strategies for deworming activities that are responsive to local conditions s: The state must improve sanitation services in the schools to reduce the prevalence of the communicable diseases. Discuss.
Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Archives TOPIC: General Studies 1 Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – significant events, personalities, issues “DEENDAYAL UPADHYAYA is to the BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party] what Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was to Congress” opined R. Balashankar, former editor of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh’s (RSS) organ Organiser Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya is undoubtedly the most significant ideologue of the contemporary Hindutva movement. Upadhyaya’s writings and speeches on the principles and policies of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, his philosophy of ‘Integral Humanism’ and his vision for the rise of modern India, constitute the most comprehensive articulation of what might be described as a BJP ideology. In 1951, when Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Deendayal became the first general secretary of its UP branch. Next he was chosen as all-India general secretary. The acumen and meticulousness shown by Deendayal deeply impressed Dr Mookerjee and elicited his famous remark: 'If I had two Deendayals, I could transform the political face of India.' After Dr Mookerjee's death in 1953, the entire burden of nurturing the orphaned organisation and building it up as a nation-wide movement fell on the young shoulders of Deendayal. For 15 years, he remained the outfit's general secretary and built it up, brick by brick. He raised a band of dedicated workers imbued with idealism and provided the entire ideological framework of the outfit. Political ideologies A fundamental political thinker, the key element was humanism in his political thought. Pandit Upadhyay is one of those thinkers in India who exercised on ‘Swaraj of ideas’ – means decolonisation of ideas, i.e. decolonisation of Indian minds. India was free politically but ideologically, colonial hangover was still there. Introduced the basic concept of Indian philosophy in political, social and cultural discourses After the death of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, he managed Bhartiya Jan Sangh for 15 years Alternative of Congress In 1960, Deendayal Updhyay started polarisation against Congress. He actualised it by 1965 and by 1967, there was anti-congress regime. He is called architect of non-congress movement along with Ram Manohar Lohiya. In 1967 election, for the first time after independence, in the hindi belt of India, a political non-congress government was formed. It was not opportunism. According to him, there should be diversity in democracy. There shouldn’t be one leader-one party-one policy. This is detrimental for democracy. His approach was constructive but at the same time he was not soft when it came to his principles. For example, In Rajasthan, he had expelled 6 MLAs of Jan Sangh out of 8 MLAs because they were opposing Zamindari abolition act. For him, quality mattered than quantity. Deplored the concept of territorial nationalism, which saw the Indian nation as being formed of all the peoples who reside in this land. A territory and its inhabitants, as Westernized Indians seemed to believe; this would embrace Hindus, Muslims, Christians and others under a common nationhood to resist British rule. This was a fallacy, according to Upadhyaya. ‘A nation is not a mere geographical unit. The primary need of nationalism is the feeling of boundless dedication in the hearts of the people for their land. Our feeling for the motherland has a basis: our long, continuous habitation in the same land creates, by association, a sense of “my-ness”. Three cardinal principles for Indian politics: Decentralisation – Rural development and agriculture to be given importance - visualised for India a decentralized polity and self-reliant economy with the village as the base. Diversity in social and cultural ideas: It should not be an environment of uniformity. Planning should be decentralised: Bottom-top approach was proposed so that real needs can be known and taken into account. Hindu revivalism and Deendayal Upadhyaya Hindu revivalism represented a broad trend in the 19th and 20th century India which sought to revitalise Hinduism after a millennium of political, ideological and psychological subjection to Islamic and Western hegemony. Unlike Hindu traditionalism, it sought to co-opt modernity in its programme of Hindu revival or Hindu reconstruction. The concept of Hindu nationalism or 'Hindutva' was given expression by the Hindu Mahasabha (HMS, 1915) and the family of organisations around the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS, 1925), including the Bharatiya Jan Sangh (BJS, 1951-1977) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP, 1980). Chief Architect of Doctrine of integral humanism Deriving from Shankara’s Advaitavad and similar to Buddha’s middle path, Deen Dayal Upadhaya’s Integral Humanism is a negation of the extreme prospects of Capitalism as well as Marxism. Integral Humanism is different from western ideologies. Most of western ideologies are based on materialism, emphasising more on development in economic term and eventually every individual is treated as economic man. His social contacts, his cultural milieu and special bent of mind is ignored in this theory. Economic without ethics and political discourse without morality are creating crisis in society. Therefore he propounded that every economic theory and policy should be in context of specialism, local tradition and nature, and temperament of people. In Indian thought he said- dharm kaam arth moksh- all four are important. If there is balance between them, there is social equilibrium. Dharma and religion are different in Indian context. Dharma is more related to morality of person in individual and collective life. It is less about religion. But religion in western countries is more concerned about sects. There is difference between sects and dharma. No society can live without dharma but can live without religion. Dharma is above religion. On the basis of this truth, he propounded Integral Humanism. Integral Humanism is critical of individualism as well as Communism as social systems. It defines society as a natural living organism with a definitive national soul. Integral humanism insists upon the infusion of religious and moral values in politics. It seeks a culturally authentic mode of modernization that preserver the values of hinduism. Integral humanism consists of visions organized around two themes- Morality in politics – can be a game changer Swadeshi and small scale industrialization in economy – initiating self-reliance that reflects in Gandhiji’s philosophy as well. Thus, Integral Humanism revolves around the basic themes of harmony, primacy of cultural-national values and discipline. This doctrine of Pandit Upadhyay is quite relevant even in the present political and economic situation of India. Note: Pandit Deen Dayal Updhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojna Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry has launched a new scheme named as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Unnat Krihsi shiksha Yojna to fish out the talent of Indian youths and all over development of rural India has launched. Scheme is being implemented by Agriculture Education Division related to Indian Council of Agricultural Research Council (ICAR). Under this course of action the trainers will be selected on village level so as to establish training centre, to impart knowledge about natural/organic/sustainable farming/rural economy. Various training programmes will be conducted in different regions in these centers. Almost 100 training centers will be set up throughout the country for the participation of teachers in various activities for the Advanced India Campaign conducted by Agriculture Research Council/Human Resource Development Ministry under this scheme alongwith. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana Aim: To uplift the urban poor folks by enhancing sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill development. National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) is renamed as Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-(DAY-NULM) and in Hindi as - Rashtriya Shahri Aajeevika Mission. The scheme has two component one for urban India and other for rural India. The Urban component named as Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana will be implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation The rural component named as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana will be implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development. Key features: Employment through Skill Training and Placement - An expenditure of Rs.15, 000 per person is allowed on training of urban poor which is Rs.18, 000 in North-East and J&K. Moreover, Training urban poor to meet the enormous demand from urban citizens by imparting market-oriented skills through City Livelihood Centers. Social Mobilization and Institution Development - It will be done through formation of Self-Help Groups (SHG) for training members and hand holding, an initial support of 10, 000 is given for each group. Assistance of Rs.50, 000 is provided to Registered Area Level Federations. Subsidy to urban poor - An interest subsidy of 5% - 7% for setting up individual micro-enterprises with a loan of up to 2 lakh and for group enterprises with a loan limit of up to Rs.10 lakhs. Shelters for urban homeless - Cost of construction of shelters for urban homeless is fully funded under the Scheme. Other means - Development of vendor markets and also the promotion of skills for the vendors through setting up infrastructure and special projects for the rag picker and differently abled etc. Connecting the dots: Who was Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay? How did he contribute towards ethics in politics? Elucidate. What is the meaning of Integral Humanism? Is it relevant in today’s time and age? Explain.
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IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 20th February 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Bar ‘shocked’ by Collegium decision In News: The Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India recommended the transfer of Justice S. Muralidhar, who is third in the order of seniority in the Delhi High Court, along with two other transfer recommendations of judges. From Prelims point of view: Collegium System A system under which appointments/elevation of judges/lawyers to Supreme Court and transfers of judges of High Courts and Apex Court are decided by a forum of the Chief Justice of India and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. There is no mention of the Collegium either in the original Constitution of India or in successive amendments. The recommendations of the Collegium are binding on the Central Government; if the Collegium sends the names of the judges/lawyers to the government for the second time. Serum Institute hopes to offer COVID-19 vaccine Serum Institute of India, Pune, may begin the human trials for a vaccine for COVID-19 From Prelims point of view: World Health Organisation (WHO) has named the new coronavirus disease as ‘Covid-19’. Taken from the words "corona", "virus" and "disease", with 2019 The latest strain has been designated ‘Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Source : WHO Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 20th February 2020 Swachh Bharat Mission second phase In news: The Centre will begin implementing the second phase of its Swachh Bharat mission in rural areas Focusing on solid and liquid waste management and the sustainability of the abolition of open defecation. Budget for 2020-21 had allocated ₹9,994 crore for the first year of the mission’s Phase-II. Scheme will be implemented by the States, with a fund sharing pattern of 60:40 between the Centre and the States. In the north-eastern and Himalayan states, the Central share will be 90%. From Prelims point of view: Swachh Bharat Mission The Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) entered its fifth and final year of implementation. Aim to achieve Swachh Bharat by 2019, as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th Birth Anniversary. SBM is a demand-centric model. It focuses on behaviour change to generate demand for sanitation services by the rural population which is then followed by supply. Progress Rural sanitation coverage from 39% in October 2014 to 95% in 2018. 8.7 crore household toilets have been constructed 93.4% of the households in rural India who have access to a toilet use it Centre to form new law Commission In news : The Union Cabinet gave its approval to set up the 22nd Law Commission. The new panel, will have a three-year term. chairperson, four full-time members, Law and Legislative Secretaries in the Law Ministry will be ex-officio members of the commission. A retired Supreme Court judge or Chief Justice of a High Court will head the commission. From Prelims point of view: Law Commission Advises the government on complex legal issues. The term of the previous law panel ended last August. Originally formed in 1955, the commission is reconstituted every three years and so far, 277 reports have been submitted to the government. Previous Law Commission, under Justice B.S. Chauhan (retd.), supported simultaneous elections. Law Commission of India is neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body, it is an executive body established by an order of the Government of India. The Commission is established for a fixed tenure and works as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice. Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill proposes national registry of clinics In news: Union Cabinet approved the Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Bill, 2020 Bill proposes to: Monitor medical procedures used to assist people to achieve pregnancy. Provides for a national Board which will lay down a code of conduct to be observed by those operating clinics Formulate minimum standards for laboratory and diagnostic equipment and practices to be followed by human resources employed by clinics and banks. The States and Union Territories will also have to form State Boards and State authorities within three months of the notification of the proposed legislation. Database: A national registry and registration authority will maintain a database to assist the national Board to perform its functions, Punishment : Proposes stringent punishment for those who practise sex selection, indulge in sale of human embryos or gametes and those who operate rackets. Privacy: Ensure confidentiality of intending couples and protect the rights of the child Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 20th February 2020 Source : The Hindu (MAINS FOCUS) Economy Topic: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. LPG prices seen sharp rise Context LPG prices which are revised on a monthly basis rose sharply in February, highest since Jan 2014.The rate for unsubsidised 14.2 kg cylinders rose by ₹144.50 -₹149 in metro cities Comparison of Price rise Prior to this round, the government had raised LPG cylinder prices by ₹62, starting from August 2019 – Indicating less penchant for subsidy rationalisation However, the price had increased by only ₹82 over five years to mid-2019 – indicating retail price has been highly subsidised given the populist sentiment attached to it. Who will the price rise affect? The price increase will affect retail consumers who have given up the subsidy. For those who avail subsidy, the increase would be mostly absorbed by the rise in subsidy. For Ujjwala consumers, the subsidy would go up from ₹174.86 to ₹312.48 per cylinder. Of the 27.76 crore retail consumers, 26.12 crore consumers avail LPG subsidy. Implications for the broader economy At a time when consumer demand, in general, for goods and services in the country has slumped, more cash in the hands of the retail consumer may have helped spur demand Price rise of LPG sucks away even more disposable income from those consumers who pay market rates for LPG. As a result, household budgets are bound to go up, especially for those not availing the subsidy. The increase in LPG price could spur inflation even further. The January inflation metric was the highest since May 2014, when the figure was at 8.33%. What influences LPG prices in India? Domestic prices of LPG are based on a formula — the import parity price (IPP), which is based on international LPG prices. Saudi Aramco’s LPG price acts as the benchmark for the IPP and includes the free-on-board price, ocean freight, customs duties, port dues and the like. This dollar-denominated figure is converted into rupees before local costs are added –bottling, marketing, margins for companies and tax This helps the government arrive at the retail selling price for LPG The government resets the LPG price every month depending on international prices and the rupee-dollar exchange rate in the preceding weeks. Reason for recent steep hike in LPG Prices Crude Oil prices tend to affect Saudi Armaco’s Propane price Owing to rise in crude oil prices in December and early January, Saudi Aramco had raised its propane prices to $565 per metric tonne in January ($440 a metric tonne in December) This increase in propane prices led to increase in LPG price hike in February However, the exchange rate been within the range of ₹71-₹72 to the dollar What is the future outlook? The coronavirus (COVID-19) disease outbreak and fears of a global slowdown have pushed oil prices down through January, save for a few spikes. With international crude prices on the downtrend, it is plausible the LPG prices too would see a slump. Aramco has lowered its propane price for February to $505 per metric tonne. Assuming not much changes on exchange rate front, a softening of LPG prices in the domestic context may be expected. Did You Know? LPG - a mix of propane and butane -is an energy-rich fuel source with a higher calorific value per unit than other commonly used fuels, including coal, natural gas, diesel, petrol. The carbon footprint of LPG is 20% lower than that of fuel oil and 50% lower than coal. LPG is non-toxic and has no impact on soil, water and underground aquifers It is used in transportation, in commercial business, industry, farming, domestic heating and cooking Connecting the dots! PAHAL Scheme - direct cash transfer of subsidy for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) used in household cooking. Give it Up Campaign of LPG Science & Tech Topic: General Studies 3: Science & Technology - developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Awareness in the fields of IT Inflight Wi-Fi Context Domestic aircraft carrier Vistara will be the first to offer inflight Wi-Fi by March-end. As of now, only data services will be offered and voice calls could be introduced later Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 20th February 2020 What is in-flight connectivity? In-flight connectivity essentially allows those onboard aircraft to access voice, video and data services after the aircraft has attained an altitude of 3,000 meters. In-flight connectivity for aircraft flying over Indian airspace was approved by the DoT in May 2018. How does in-flight connectivity work? It relies on onboard antenna as well as satellites for Internet and mobile communications. Onboard Antenna Here, signals are picked from the nearest tower on the ground. However, the connection does become an issue after a certain altitude if the aircraft is passing over an area with no towers, say a large water body. Through Satellite It works in a manner similar to how satellite TV signals are transmitted. So, an onboard router, which connects to the plane’s antenna transmits data to a personal electronic device. The signals are then transmitted to ground station via satellites and is redirected to a billing server for calculation of the data consumption. Finally, the signal is relayed to the World Wide Web. Onboard Wifi While the telecom commission has allowed Internet services onboard, the telecom operator has said it will be made available when devices are used only on flight mode. Internet services, hence, could only be used through onboard WiFi as of now. Cost of in-flight connectivity The airlines are free to decide the tariff, as the DoT has not regulated that aspect Globally, given the high cost of satellite connectivity, the internet services available onboard aircraft are charged at a premium over what is available otherwise The airlines will have to incur high cost of installing equipment, including the installation of antennae on aircraft, increased fuel cost due to extra weight- all these additional cost could find a way into ticket prices. What about mobile communication Services? Even as the process to streamline broadband services onboard flights has been initiated, mobile communication on airlines (MCA) might still take time to be a reality. The TRAI, had, however, recommended that both broadband and MCA should be allowed over Indian airspace. Several stakeholders had raised concerns over providing MCA to passengers citing a complex regulatory framework with issues such as interference, roaming, and spectrum use. Also, with in-flight broadband connectivity allowing messaging services and voice calling, there is little requirement to speed up MCA However, some of the challenges with regard to inflight connectivity includes Relatively slow speeds of Internet Security risks due to possible interference with flight communication systems. Expensive service which may increase the flight ticket price 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”. Q1. Consider the following statements: The mode of removal of a Judge of a High Court in India is same as that of removal of a Judge of the Supreme Court. After retirement from the office, a permanent judge of a High Court cannot plead or act in any court or before any authority in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q 2. Which of the following is an unusual feature of the replication cycle in coronaviruses? The RNAs all terminate in a common 3´ and produce nested set transcripts They take advantage of recombination with the long CGNA genome Both a & b They use capped cellular DNAs Q 3. Which of the following coronaviruses has caused thousands of deaths around the world as an 'emergent' virus? MERS SARS OC43 HIV ANSWERS FOR 19 FEB 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 D 3 A 4 D 5 C 6 B Must Read About Indian Foreign Policy Strategy: The Hindu About decommissioned naval vessels: The Hindu About Political developments in Afghanistan: The Hindu
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