UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 169 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 – 28th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD): New agreement signed Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Federalism In News Agreement signed between Ministry of Home Affairs, Bodo Groups and Assam government which has following provisions: Renaming: From BTAD to Bodoland Territorial Region. Redrawing Boundaries: Villages dominated by Bodos that were presently outside the BTAD would be included and those with non-Bodo population would be excluded Bodos living in the hills would be granted Scheduled Hill Tribe status. Bodo language with Devnagri script will become associate official language for entire of Assam and a separate directorate for Bodo medium schools will be set up. Development Package of ₹1500 crore by the Centre for the development of Bodo areas The agreement also involved rehabilitation of members of National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) factions- over 1500 armed cadres will abjure violence and join the mainstream 3rd GLOBAL POTATO CONCLAVE: Held in Gujarat Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Economy, Agriculture In News The Conclave is being organized by Indian Potato Association (IPA) in collaboration with Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, and ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla and International Potato Center (CIP), Lima, Peru. Gujarat is one of the leading producers of Potato in the country with highest productivity of more than 30t/ha. In the last eleven years alone, while the area under potato in India, has increased by 19%, it has increased by about 170% in Gujarat. During last two decades two Global Potato Conferences were organized during 1999, and 2008 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Governance In News The index is prepared annually by the Germany-based Transparency International. India has slipped two spots to number 80 in the CPI, with its score remaining the same at 41 (Zero is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean) The average 2019 score is 43, with more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50. Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th January 2020 Source: Indian Express Nagardhan excavations : Insights into Vakataka dynasty Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Art & Culture; Ancient History In News Vakatakas ruled parts of Central and South India between the third and fifth centuries. Nagardhan (nea Pune) served as the capital of the Vakataka kingdom. Some of the findings of Archaeological excavations are First time clay sealings have been excavated from Nagardhan. Belonged to period when Prabhavatigupta was the queen of the Vakataka dynasty. The sealing is 1500 years old and bears the queens name in Brahmi script, along with depiction of conch The presence of the conch is regarded as a sign of the Vaishnava affiliation that the Guptas held. An intact idol of Lord Ganesha, which had no ornaments adorned, too was found from the site. This confirmed that the elephant god was a commonly worshipped deity in those times Queen Prabhavatigupta Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Ancient History In News She is the daughter of Chandragupta-II and granddaughter of Samudragupta. Vakataka rulers of Central India forged several matrimonial alliances with Guptas of North India so as to maintain harmonious relations. Prabhavatigupta was married to Vakataka king Rudrasena II and enjoyed the position of Chief Queen. After sudden death of the King, Queen Prabhavatigupta ruled for about 10 years until her son Pravarasena II succeeded Vakataka rulers followed the Shaivism while the Guptas were staunch Vaishnavites. She had a pivotal role in propagation of Vaishnava practices in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. AUSCHWITZ – 75th Anniversary of its liberation Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- World History In News During the II World War, the government of Nazi Germany killed approximately 17 million people across Europe in camps specifically designated for killings. The camp at Auschwitz (in German-occupied Poland), was the largest in size which became centre of Holocaust History Allied forces liberated Auschwitz on January 27, 1945, finding hundreds of sick, starving and exhausted prisoners, who had somehow survived. In 2005, the UN-designated January 27 as the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. (MAINS FOCUS) Agriculture & Environment Topic: General Studies 3: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Awareness in the fields of Bio-technology Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Case for Biotechnology adoption Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th January 2020 Pic Source: The Hindu Context Arguments made against Bt Cotton seeds vis-à-vis variety seeds in the article India’s Cotton Story . The article brings out difference between Hybrid Bt seeds vs Varieties and points out to various advantages of High Density Planting of non-Bt varietal cotton seeds – low cost labour, higher producivity, non-dependence on foreign seed companies, less use of pesticides and suitable for India’s climatic conditions. The following are the counter-arguments made in support of Bt Hybrid Cotton seeds. Argument 1: GM cotton covers 95% of the area under cotton and that there are no choices for farmers. Counter Arguments: Farmer adopts technologies which are beneficial to him and does not go by the recommendations of the industry or any other persons. Also, farmers grow varietal crops in 90-100% of the area in the case of rice, mustard, many oilseeds, and pulses. If seed companies were powerful, they would have pushed farmers to adopt hybrid varieties in these crops as well. This shows that farmers adopt only those technologies which yield him benefits. Attributing too much power to seed companies w.r.t. curbing choice of farmers is unreasonable Argument 2: Low productivity of India’s Bt Cotton as compared to other Countries Counter Arguments: Hybrid Bt Cotton has helped increase cotton yields by over 1.8 times — from 241 kg/hectare in 2002-2003 to 541 kg/hectare in 2018-2019. Additionally, increase in yield is not just dependent on technology but also on other factors like knowledge of cultivation and correct agronomic practices, where there is scope for improvement in case of India New technology introduction has stopped in India since 2005, affecting growth of yields. Argument 3: Availability of low cost manual labour for adoption of non-bt varietal cotton seed Counter Argument: Today, labour accounts for over 58% of a farmer’s cost of cultivation per acre. India’s farmers instead need the best technologies to remain competitive. Argument 4: Indian farmers need to buy seeds repeatedly. Counter Arguments: The fact is that not just biotech cotton, but all hybrid seeds lose their benefits if replanted, creating reduced and erratic yields. New seeds help farmers sustain high yields year on year. Other arguments/facts in support of Bt Cotton Seeds are: India’s cotton yields which were at 169 kg/hectare in 1980-81 increased to 278 kg/hectare in 2000-01 and then 542 kg/ hectare in 2016-17 (Cotton Advisory Board data) Increased Revenues: Highest production of 398 lakh bales of cotton in India was achieved in 2013-14, valued at around Rs. 72,000 crore. Additional incomes were generated from cotton seeds oil (1.3 million tons) and cotton seed oilmeal (11 million tons) worth Rs. 13,000 crore and Rs. 22,000 crore, respectively. Meagre Bt Cotton Seed market: It is about Rs. 3,000 crore, making it hardly 2.5% of the total value generated. Global acceptance: Cotton Production (source USDA) - 2017-18 -India (35million bales), China (28m bales), the U.S. (21m bales), Brazil (9m bales) and Australia (5m bales). All of them are GM cotton countries, contributing to more than 90% of global cotton production. Helps conserve biodiversity: with higher production from the same area, the expansion of agricultural land into forest areas has been slowed. Socio-economic ripple benefits reaped by hybrid Bt cotton seed farmers: 85% of them invested in better education for children; 77% reported better intake of nutritious food; 75% reported better health of their family members; 64% invested on the health of livestock; Female workers on Bt cotton fields earned an average 55% higher income; 42.4 crore additional days of rural employment have been generated, thereby doubling cotton production. Way forward New technology introduction that has been stopped in India since 2005, should be restarted. Research extension services should be strengthened. Farmers need to be provided with updated knowledge with regard to adoption of best agronomic practices. Connecting the Dots: Bt Brinjal and Bt Mustard Genetic engineering Appraisal committee (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 Prabhavatigupta She was the granddaughter of Samudragupta who married Vakataka king Rudrasena II She had a pivotal role in propagation of Vaishnava practices in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra 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) Corruption Perception Index is prepared by World Economic Forum World Bank IMF Transparency International Q.3) Which of the following states enjoy special provision under Sixth Schedule of the Constitution Assam Arunachal Pradesh Meghalaya Tripura Mizoram Select the correct answer from the codes given below: 1,2 and 3 only 2 only 1,3,4 and 5 only All of them Q.4) Consider the following statements about Global Potato Conclave The First such edition is being held in Gujarat, India from 28th Jan 2020 – 31st Jan 2020 In the last eleven years alone, while the area under potato in India, has increased by 19%, it has increased by about 170% in Gujarat. 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 Between third and fifth centuries, Vakatakas were ruling the North-Western Part of India while the more powerful Guptas were ruling the Central & Deccan part of India Vakataka rulers followed the Shaivism while the Guptas were staunch Vaishnavites. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 27 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 B 3 A 4 B 5 C MUST READ About Citizenship – The Hindu About the liberation of Auschwitz – The Hindu About Anti-CAA protests – The Hindu
IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) – Showcased during Republic Day Parade Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Science & Technology; Security In News It is missile-based system to attack moving satellites. India had tested the Anti-Satellite System(A-SAT) from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island, an island off the coast of Odisha in March 2019. The test was named as Mission Shakti. With such capabilities India is now in the league of three countries after the U.S., Russia, and China to have such technology Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Culture, Society In News As part of the commemoration of Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, AnSI has dedicated an entire issue of its journal on what it calls “Gandhian insights into applied anthropology” AnSI was formed in 1945 with its HQ at Kolkata Parent Ministry: Ministry of Culture Global Talent Competitiveness INDEX (GTCI) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Economy In News GTCI compiled by INSEAD in collaboration with human resource firm Addeco and Google India has climbed eight places to 72nd rank in the 2020 GTCI which was topped by Switzerland, the US and Singapore. Report also noted that the gap between high income, talent-rich nations and the rest of the world is widening Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Polity, GS-I- Society In News CARA is a statutory autonomous body of Ministry of Women & Child Development. It is the nodal body for adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions. CARA is designated as the Central Authority to deal with inter-country adoptions in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993, ratified by Government of India in 2003. Merchanting Trade Transactions (MTT) – Guidelines Revised Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Economy In News Merchanting transaction is one which involves shipment of goods from one foreign country to another foreign country involving an Indian Intermediary. Hence, it is also called Intermediary Trade. According to revised guidelines, for a trade to be classified as merchanting trade, goods acquired shall not enter the Domestic Tariff Area. Also, the entire MTT shall be completed within an overall period of nine months. Revised guidelines were issued by RBI under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. Kolkata Port Tableau in Republic Day Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Infrastructure, Economy In News 2020 is the 150th year of Kolkata Port Trust, Ministry of Shipping. It was recently renamed as Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port by the Prime Minister. For the first time, a port is featured in the Republic Day tableau Type of Harbour : Coastal Breakwater, River Natural, Medium Seaport Major exports are Iron ore, leather, cotton textiles and major imports are Wheat, Raw Cotton, Machinery, Iron & steel Oslo Accord Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- International Affairs In News Palestine has threatened to withdraw from key provisions of the Oslo Accords if the US announces its Middle East Peace Plan. Oslo Accords are a series of agreements between Israel and the Palestinians signed in the 1990s. Oslo I (1993) formally known as the Declaration of Principles (DOP) established a timetable for the Middle East peace process. It planned for an interim Palestinian government in Gaza and Jericho in the West Bank. Oslo II officially called the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza (1995), expanded on Oslo I. It included Provisions for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from six West Bank cities and about 450 towns. Timetable for elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council. The interim pact was only supposed to last five years while a permanent agreement was finalised but it has tacitly been rolled over for more than two decades. The question of Jerusalem was left undecided under the Oslo Accords (MAINS FOCUS) International Affairs Topic: General Studies 3: 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-Brazil relationship Context Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is on a visit to India and also as chief guest for 2020 Republic Day. Introduction India and Brazil established diplomatic relations between India and Brazil in 1948. The long bilateral strategic partnership is based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster economic growth with social inclusion for the welfare of the people of both countries. Brazil and India formally declared each other ‘strategic partners’ way back in 2006. Convergence of Interests Both India &Brazil have historically been leaders of the Global South Brasilia and New Delhi jointly pursued aspirations of permanent seats in the UN Security Council Both aspire for a multipolar world where large developing countries can frame global rules and democratise international institutions. Innovative coalitions like IBSA & BRICS were not just for practical economic gain but as part of a transformative movement to multilaterally reorder the world. Is there a shift in Brazil’s Foreign Policy in recent times (particularly after Bolsonaro)? Political Worldview Since 1990s, Leftist Brazilian Presidents - Fernando Cardoso and Lula da Silva – had made India the pillar of Brazil’s foreign policy within the context of South-South cooperation and opposition to a Western-dominated world order. However, Far-right Bolsonaro unexpectedly stormed to power in October 2018 following a prolonged economic slump and governance collapse. Ideologically, Bolsonaro’s faction feel closer to the Global North than to the Global South. This has made Brazil move closer to USA often at the cost of Global South-South cooperation. For Example: Bolsonaro agreed to abandon Brazil’s designation as a ‘developing country’ and is wooing USA so as to join OECD Trade Bilateral trade between India and Brazil is $8.2 billion in 2018-19. It comprised $3.8 billion of Indian exports to Brazil and $4.4 million as imports by India Meanwhile, Brazil’s trade with China is over $110 billion in 2018-19. This indicates growing dependence of Brazil’s economy on China thus giving diplomatic advantage to china to pursue its interests often at the cost of Indian interests. Climate Change India has been at the forefront with regard to taking actions so as to tackle Climate Change Ex: International Solar Alliance and ambitious targets under Paris Climate Deal Bolsonaro has been sceptical about the Climate Change and has enacted policies that prioritize development at the cost of environmental degradation. Ex: The controversy over Amazon Forest Fires Does that mean Brazil and India are on path of divergence? – Not Necessarily Trade protectionism offers negligible market access to Brazilian exports, Bolsonaro has no option but to look to Asia for more preferential trade agreements. Brazil is well placed to be an alternative hydrocarbon source for India’s energy security, especially when there is political tensions in neighbouring Venezuela (one of India’s major oil import source) India is often seen by Brazil as a softer benign power for reducing overdependence on China. Key MoUs/Agreements exchanged during the Visit: MoU for establishing a nodal institution in India to carry out research on Bioenergy. Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. MoU on cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy. Cultural Exchange Programme for the period 2020-2024. MoU between Invest India and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency. Connecting the Dots: Non-Alignment Policy – Does India still pursue it India and overall Latin America relations (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 Child Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) It is a statutory body under Ministry of Home Affairs CARA primarily deals with the adoption of the orphan, abandoned and surrendered children through its associated /recognised adoption agencies. 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) Consider the following statements about Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) It is released annually by World Bank in collaboration with International Labour Organisation India has climbed eight places to 72nd rank in the 2020 report of GTCI Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) It is a premier research institute in India for anthropological research in bio-cultural studies. It works under the overall control & guidance of Ministry of Human Resource Development Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Oslo Accords often seen in the news is related to which region/countries? North Korea-South Korea Israel-Palestine India-Pakistan None of the above Q.5) Consider the following statements about ASAT Weapons recently in news It is missile-based system to attack moving satellites. With such capabilities India is now in the league of three countries after the U.S., Russia, and China to have such technology Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 25 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 C 3 A 4 B 5 B MUST READ About Hypersonic Systems: The Hindu About Constitutionalism : The Hindu At the Heart of Republic: The Hindu
UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 168 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
[VIDEO]CONNECTING THE DOTS: Expert Talk by Mr Ashok Kumar, IPS (DG, Crime Law and Order, Uttarakhand) on Life of an IPS, Internal Security, Attitude of civil service aspirants, On Interview Preparation and Ethics Dear Students, As part of IASbaba's 'Connecting the Dots' initiative, Mr Ashok Kumar DG(Crime Law and Order) Uttarkhand has given insights on Life of an IPS, Internal Security, Attitude of civil service aspirants, On Interview Preparation and Ethics. He is one of the renowned officers of our country with many accolades to his name. He has won UN Medal for Serving in KOSOVO, IP Medal for Meritorious Service and President’s Police Medal and many more. He is very famous among UPSC/IAS aspirants credit to his book on Internal Security named “Challenges to INTERNAL SECURITY of India”. We are sure majority of UPSC aspirants and Teachers would have referred to this book. He is also an Author of many other famous Books for a Civil Service aspirant, which includes- Human in Kakhi Ethics in Civil Services Cracking Civil Services the open secret [embed]https://www.youtube.com/embed/6ND6WOL3wU4[/embed] Key Takeaways of the Discussion: The entire discussion can be divided into 3 parts- Part 1: Attitude of civil service aspirants Life of an IPS officer Part 2: Interview Guidance Interview - Test of personality and not of knowledge What type of personality should an aspirant have? Stress management Being confident of what one knows Art of saying no Part 3: Ethics guidance How to approach ethics paper How to study the philosophers. How to handle dilemmas in the questions How to attempt case studies Thank You IASbaba
UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 167 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
UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 165 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
Hidden Secrets of Success: We all know that success is not just a matter of fluke and luck. It takes consistent effort and perseverance in order to succeed at anything. More than anything else, success is a science. It is a precise science of understand you, your life and everything else happening in it accurately. If success is a precise science, then what are some of the hidden secrets of success? Apart from all the obvious things one has to do in order to succeed, there are a few less known but very important aspects to succeeding. Here are some of them: a) Success is defined by you and you alone. The way you define your success actually determines your level of success. You can fail even before you succeed just by the way you define your success. Knowing how to precisely define your success at every step of the journey is extremely important if you have to succeed. b) Knowing your strengths and weaknesses. This might be an obvious one, but very people actually understanding the meaning of knowing your strengths and weaknesses. It is not as simple as listing a few points on your resume. To really know your strengths and weaknesses, you have to systematically test yourself. The results of that testing has to be diligently applied to every aspect of your life. If you don’t know your strengths and weaknesses, you are bound to struggle. c) Application of rational thinking. This again sounds obvious but very few people can truly appreciate the value of rational thinking. Most of the time we are very superstitious in our approach. As the word itself suggests, “superstitious” means a superficial understanding of things, lacking real depth and meaning. Rational thinking is all about going as deep as you can in order to find solutions for your obstacles of success. d) Self-control and discipline. Success requires consistent effort. Just by accident you might succeed once in a while, but if you have to succeed in life, you need great consistency. Self-control and discipline is the only way to remain consistent with your effort. Without self-control and discipline, you will constantly and easily be distracted from your goals. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”
Acidity Archives At the entrance to your stomach is a valve, which is a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Normally, the LES closes as soon as food passes through it. If the LES doesn't close all the way or if it opens too often, acid produced by your stomach can move up into your esophagus. This can cause symptoms such as a burning chest discomfort called heartburn. If acid reflux symptoms happen more than twice a week, you may have acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). What causes acidity? Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal Being overweight or obese Eating a heavy meal and lying on your back or bending over at the waist Snacking close to bedtime Eating certain foods, such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, or spicy or fatty foods Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea Smoking Being pregnant Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medications What are the symptoms? Heartburn: A burning pain or discomfort that may move from your stomach to your abdomen or chest, or even up into your throat Regurgitation: A sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat or mouth Bloating Bloody or black stools or bloody vomiting Burping Dysphagia -- the sensation of food being stuck in your throat Hiccups that don't let up Nausea Wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness, or chronic sore throat Can Acid Reflux Disease Be Treated With Diet and Lifestyle Changes? One of the most effective ways to treat acid reflux disease is to avoid the foods and beverages that trigger symptoms. Here are other steps you can take: Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and modify the types of foods you are eating. Quit smoking. Sleep properly Put blocks under the head of your bed to raise it at least 4 inches to 6 inches. Eat at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down. Don't wear tight clothes or tight belts. Lose weight with exercise and diet changes Check if any medication could be triggering your heartburn or other symptoms of acid reflux disease If antacids don't help, your doctor may try other medications. Some require a prescription. Note: Ranitidine Ranitidine is one of the oldest drugs to be used in acidity and upper intestinal ulcers and has been considered to be safer than similar other drugs like proton pump blockers. It is a commonly prescribed medicine for countering acidity and also on the World Health Organisation’s ‘Model List of Essential Medicines’. Following a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning about the presence of low levels of carcinogens in Ranitidine, there are a lot of misconceptions about its use.
IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 25th January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Establishment of Chairs named after eminent Women in Universities Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Society, GS-II- Education In News Union Ministry of Women and Child Development sets up ten Chairs in different fields with an aim to carry out research activities to encourage women. The initiative was launched with the assistance of University Grants Commission on the occasion of National Girl Child Day (January 24). Objective: To highlight and celebrate women achievers of the country to motivate young girls and women towards higher studies. The chairs proposed by UGC and approved by the Ministry are: Administration: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Literature: Mahadevi Varma Freedom Fighter (North East): Rani Gaidinliu Medicine & Health: Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi Performing Art: Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi Forest/Wildlife Conservation: Amrita Devi (Beniwal) Mathematics: Lilavati Science: Kamala Sohonie Poetry & Mysticism: Lal Ded Educational Reforms: Hansa Mehta Archaea Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Science In News New archaeon was discovered by Indian scientists in Sambhar Salt Lake of Rajasthan Archaea are a primitive group of microorganisms that thrive in extreme habitats such as hot springs, cold deserts and hypersaline lakes. These slow-growing organisms are also present in the human gut, and have a potential relationship with human health. They are known for producing antimicrobial molecules, and for anti-oxidant activity with applications in eco-friendly waste-water treatment. Archaea are extremely difficult to culture due to challenges in providing natural conditions in a laboratory setting. New archaea is named Natrialba swarupiae, after Dr Renu Swarup, secretary, Department of Biotechnology, for her initiative in supporting microbial diversity studies in the country Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Quasi-Judicial Bodies In News It is a quasi-judicial institution set up in 1941 under section 5A of the Income Tax Act, 1922. Initially, it had three Benches at Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. But presently ITAT has 63 Benches at 27 different stations It deals with appeals under the Direct Taxes Acts namely, the Income-tax Act, 1961. The orders passed by the ITAT are final, an appeal lies to the High Court only if a substantial question of law arises for determination. VYOMMITRA Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Space Science & Technology In News It is a half-humanoid designed & developed by ISRO Inertial Systems Unit in Thiruvananthapuram The humanoid will simulate the human functions required for space before real astronauts take off before August 2022 (Gaganyaan Mission) Two trial flights without crew will take place with a humanoid — the first around December 2020 and the second around July 2021. India Climate Collaborative (ICC) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Environmental Conservation; GS-II- Role of Civil Society In News It is a partnership of philanthropy arms of top corporates including the Tatas, Mahindras, Godrejs and Premjis to minimise the climate change impact. It will be working to strengthen the climate community locally, build a climate narrative and drive solutions that will ensure both the natural world and people thrive NATIONAL VOTERS’ DAY (NVD) Part of: GS Prelims In News Celebrated on January 25th since 2011 to mark the Foundation day of Election Commission of India, which was established on 25th January 1950 Objective: To encourage, facilitate and maximize the enrolment, especially for the new voters; To spread awareness among voters for promoting informed participation in the elections. Theme for NVD-2020 is ‘Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy (MAINS FOCUS) Economy Topic: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, Telecommunications etc. Adjusted gross revenue (AGR) Crisis Context In Oct 2019, the Supreme Court had directed telecom service providers to pay the pending dues -aggregating to over Rs 1.47 lakh crore - to the government by 23rd January 2020 The decision impacts over 15 telecom firms, both current and defunct, but those with the highest liabilities are Vodafone-Idea Ltd (Rs 53,038 crore), Airtel (Rs 35,586 crore) and Tata Teleservices (Rs 13,823 crore) Brief History of the issue: 1994 - Telecom sector was liberalised under the National Telecom Policy under which licenses were issued to companies in return for a fixed license fee. 1999 - The government gave an option to the licensees to migrate to the revenue sharing fee model, so as to provide relief from high licence fees . Under this, telecos were required to share a percentage of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) with the government as annual license fee (LF) and spectrum usage charges (SUC). The LF and SUC were set at 8 per cent and between 3-5 per cent of AGR respectively, based on the agreement. Department of Telecom’s(DOT) Stand Telecos Stand AGR includes all revenues (before discounts) from both telecom and non-telecom services AGR should comprise just the revenue accrued from core services and not dividend, interest income or profit on sale of any investment or fixed assets. 2005- Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) challenged the government’s definition for AGR calculation. 2015 - TDSAT (Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal) ruled in favour of Telecos Oct 2019 – Supreme Court set aside TDSAT’s order and upheld DOT’s definition of AGR Jan 2020 – Supreme Court has accepted petition of Telecos request to extend the deadline fixed at 23rd Jan 2020 to pay up the dues (but not on the definition of AGR) Why the definition of AGR is important? Because it has revenue implications for both government & Telecos. For government – it means increase in its revenue collection which helps maintaining fiscal deficit and undertake welfare measures For Telecom Operators- Added financial burden especially at a time where their assets ae over leveraged and profits are under pressure from severe competition (after Jio’s entry) Implication of the Supreme Court’s 2019 Order On Telecom companies: Increased liability means losses in their operation in short term. It also erodes the telcos’ net worth impacting retail investors On Telecom Sector: It could potentially lead to Vodafone Idea’s exit due to its weak financial position & its inability to pay its dues. This leads to the creation of a Airtel-Jio duopoly which may not augur well for the competitiveness in the sector and thus the government’s vision of Digital India. On Banking Sector: AGR issue has triggered panic in the banking industry, given that the telecom sector is highly leveraged. Vodafone Idea alone has a debt of Rs 2.2 lakh crore. mutual fund industry having exposure to telecom sector will also see erosion of value. On Consumers: Competition in the sector will always lead to better prices and better technology. Possibility of creation of duopoly will impact the competition in negative manner. Way ahead Government should realize the consequences of the failure/weakness of the sector on the broader economy & on its long term vision of Digital India. Therefore, instead of being inflexible on AGR for short term revenue gain, it should accommodate the interests of the telecom operators (like extension of deadline, foregoing interest on dues) so that long term vision is not compromised Connecting the Dots Twin Balance sheet problem Which other sectors have duopoly or oligopoly structures? (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 Ministry of Human Resources Development establishes 10 Chairs named after eminent Women in Universities with an aim to carry out research activities to encourage women. National Girl Child Day is celebrated on January 24th 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) Consider the following statements about Archaea They are known for producing antimicrobial molecules, and for anti-oxidant activity with applications in eco-friendly waste-water treatment They are also present in human gut and have a potential relationship with human health. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) It is a quasi-judicial institution set up in 1941 under section 5A of the Income Tax Act, 1922. The orders of ITAT are final and cannot be appealed only in Supreme Court of India 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 Vyommitra It is a half humanoid designed and developed by ISRO in collaboration with NASA It will simulate the human functions required for space before real astronauts take off in India’s Gaganyaan mission. 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 India Climate Collaborative(ICC) It is partnership between Confederation of Indian Industry, Union Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change and NITI Aayog It will be working to strengthen the climate community locally, build a climate narrative and drive solutions that will ensure both the natural world and people thrive Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 24 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 A MUST READ About Struggles of Tamilian Refugees in India: The Hindu About India-USA relationship: The Hindu About the debate of dividing UP state: The Hindu
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