Jan 24, 2020 RSTV Video

India State of Forest Report 2019 – Vishesh - RSTV IAS UPSC

India State of Forest Report 2019 Archives TOPIC: General Studies 3 Environment and Biodiversity; Protecting ecologically fragile areas In news: Forests play an extremely important role in ensuring ecological balance and existence of life on the earth. However, rampant cutting of trees and thinning of forests has been taking place in the country due to activities related to development and infrastructure building, emphasise the environmental experts. Thus, in a bid to keep up the pace of conservation of forests amidst developmental activities, the Forest Survey of India (FSI), an organisation under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), started monitoring forest cover in 1987. Under the same initiative, FSI released its biennial assessment report, India State of Forest Report 2019 on Monday (December 30). India State of Forest Report 2019 states that the forest area in the country has increased by 5,188 square km in the last two years. The green area covers about 25% of the total geographic area of the country. Key Highlights The total forest cover of the country is 7,12,249 sq km which is 21.67 percent of the geographical area of the country.  The tree cover is estimated as 95,027 sq km which is 2.89 percent of the geographical area.  The total forest and tree cover is 8,07,276 sq km which is 24.56 percent of the geographical area. There is an increase of 42.6 million tonnes in the carbon stock of the country as compared to the last assessment in 2017. The mangrove cover in the country has increased by 54 sq km (1.10 percent) as compared to the previous assessment. The top three states showing an increase in mangrove cover are Gujarat with an increase of 37 sq km, Maharashtra with an increase of 16 sq km and Odisha with an increase of 8 sq km. The top five states in terms of increase in forest cover:  Karnataka (1,025 sq km)  Andhra Pradesh (990 sq km)  Kerala (823 sq km)  Jammu & Kashmir (371 sq km)  Himachal Pradesh (334 sq km) There are 62,466 wetlands covering 3.83 percent of the area within the Recorded Forest Area/Green Wash the country. Gujarat has largest area of wetlands within RFA in the country followed by West Bengal.  Dependence for fuelwood on forests is highest in Maharashtra, whereas, for fodder, small timber and bamboo, dependence is highest in Madhya Pradesh.  21.40 percent of the forest cover of the country is highly to extremely fire prone - forests in Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur. Decline in the forest and tree cover was recorded in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. In these states, a total decline of 955 sq km was observed in forest cover and a decline of more than 740 sq km was recorded in the tree cover in these states. The forest loss was majorly caused by developmental activities like railways and construction of highways and roads. Criticisms: For the Report A. Hidden Figures An analysis by the Legal Initiative on Forests and Environment has shown that over 49,583 ha of forests were approved for diversion in 2017-2018. This land was required for the construction of industries, mines, dams, ports roads, real estate and other infrastructure projects promoted by the Centre and state governments. A recent case allowed for the use of 1,038.18 ha of forests for the expansion of the Talabira coal mine in Odisha, requiring the cutting of over 130,000 trees. Such losses are considered to have “negligible impact” and simply don’t figure in elaborate quantitative accounting of forests in India. Projects that encourage forest grabs by corporate houses that lead to poverty and vulnerability in rural areas give a dismal picture of the state of India’s forests. The “unverifiable” ISFR data confuses more than it clarifies, making impossible to explain why 30% of the recorded forest area, i.e. 215,000 sq. km, has no forest cover. Such data is crucial to evaluate the effect of state development policies on systemic forest loss and degradation. For example, a senior forest official in Maharashtra attributed the increase in the state to more land being officially recorded as “reserved” forests. This includes the land acquired for compensatory afforestation to offset losses due to development projects. These usually are common or revenue lands used for agriculture, grazing or any other livelihood use. B. Greenwashing The methodology relies primarily on remote-sensing techniques that can pick anything that is green and of a certain scale on its radar. This is used to generate data on the extent of ‘green cover’. For years, foresters and ecologists have said that this report, put together by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), does not distinguish between natural forests, commercial plantations, orchards and bamboo groves while enumerating forests. According to them, areas with ‘tree stands’ of over 10% canopy cover are counted as forests, irrespective of whether they function ecologically as forests or not. A 2012 news report by M. Rajshekhar quotes several experts saying plantations can’t perform the tasks of holding soil, retaining moisture or supporting wildlife the way good forests do. The ISFR does include attempts at verification through field-level sample assessments but they don’t seem capable of informing the reader about the challenges that India’s forests face. C. Securitised forests In addition to enumerating forests in India, the report draws problematic inferences regarding who caused the losses. Their singular focus on “forest fringe villages” to understand the extent of dependence and loss of forests is prejudiced and unscientific. It is not backed by any data that persuades the reader to agree that this is indeed the group that deserves attention in such a report. In the 1970s and 1980s, communities of poor people living within and around forests were seen as the destroyers of this resource because they depended on forests for fuelwood and grazing. But this scenario has changed a lot today, when forest areas are increasingly securitised because they are essential to absorb private capital. As a result, Adivasi and other communities that depend on forests have been displaced, state governments have been kept from granting legitimate forest rights to communities, and the basic reasoning behind conservation policies has changed. By placing the onus of forest loss on the poor, the report trumpets the Centre’s schemes for “agroforestry practices, fodder improvement and renewable energy programmes” as solutions to forest loss. There needs to be a way forward – How do you define a “forest?” What are the rules regarding inviolate forests? And when will India get its new national forest policy? Many questions loom even as India pursues its goal of having 33% of its land under forest cover. While the latest data reveals increasing forest cover in the country, will the uptick continue without a comprehensive and focused forest policy?

Jan 24, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 165

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

Jan 24, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 23rd January 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 23rd January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Blue Corner notice, issued against Nithyananda Part of: GS Prelims Polity and GS Mains II–International organization In news: The Interpol has issued a blue corner notice to help locate self-styled godman Nithyananda Prelims Point of View Notices are international requests for cooperation or alerts allowing police in member countries to share critical crime-related information. There are seven types of notices — Red Notice, Yellow Notice, Blue Notice, Black Notice, Green Notice, Orange Notice, and Purple Notice.  Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 23rd January 2020 https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcT41MvioL3SxsdYkIZw3B8p9NwvUrnv8ytb7V5misjIiKLhcZof China Myanmar Economic Corridor Part of: GS Prelims  and GS Mains II– Foreign relations In news: China’s President Xi Jinping will be visiting Myanmar to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar. President’s visit will focus on the three pillars of the China Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC)— the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone, the China-Myanmar Border Economic Cooperation Zone and the New Yangon City. From Prelims Point of View China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) is a number of infrastructure projects supporting connectivity between Myanmar and China. It is an economic corridor of the Belt and Road Initiative building road and rail transportation from Yunnan Province in China through Muse and Mandalay to Kyaukpyu in Rakhine State. Rakhine state is also in news due to Rohingya crisis Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 23rd January 2020 https://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1579249718_image3.jpg United Nations Military Observer Group for India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) Part of: GS Prelims Polity and GS Mains II–India’s Neighborhood relations In news: Imran Khan asks US and United Nations to help de-escalate tension between India, Pakistan From Prelims Point Of View: India took Jammu Kashmir matter to the UN Security Council which established the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) to investigate the issues and mediate between the two countries.  Following the cease-fire of hostilities, it also established the United Nations Military Observer Group for India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to monitor the cease-fire line. India drops 10 ranks in Democracy Index Part of: GS Prelims  and GS Mains II– Democracy In news: India slipped 10 places in the 2019 global ranking to 51st place. The average global score also recorded its worst value ever, down from 5.48 in 2018 to 5.44, driven by a sharp regression in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa, a lesser one in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and by stagnation in the remaining regions that were covered. The report, “A year of democratic setbacks and popular protest”, was done by The Economist Intelligence Unit — the research and analysis division of The Economist Group. Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 23rd January 2020 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) vvDaily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 23rd January 2020 Miscellaneous Topics for Prelims  Brahmakalashothsava Brahmakalashothsava festival is celebrated in the ancient Chandkuru Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple annually in Polali, Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka Mein Kampf Mein Kampf (My Struggle or My Fight) is a 1925 autobiographical manifesto by Nazi Party leader Adolf Hitler.  The work describes the process by which Hitler became antisemitic and outlines his political ideology and future plans for Germany. On Speakers and disqualification Landmark judgment in Kihoto Hollohan (1992)  Upheld the validity of the Constitution’s Tenth Schedule, or the anti-defection law.  This verdict had also made the Speaker’s order subject to judicial review on limited grounds. Constitution Bench judgment (Rajendra Singh Rana, 2007) The Uttar Pradesh Speaker’s order refusing to disqualify 13 BSP defectors was set aside on the ground that he had failed to exercise his jurisdiction to decide whether they had attracted disqualification, while recognising a ‘split’ in the legislature party. (MAINS FOCUS) Indian Polity Topic: General Studies 2: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. 
 Speaker’s role in disqualification Context: The Supreme Court’s latest decision on the Speaker as the adjudicating authority under the anti-defection law. About Anti-Defection Law The anti-defection law is contained in the 10th Schedule of the Constitution and was enacted by Parliament Constitution (52nd Amendment) Act, 1985.  Legislators used to change parties frequently bringing in Political Instability and was also considered as betraying the mandate of voters (who voted for the legislator considering his political party) The purpose of 10th Schedule is to curb political defection by the legislators. There are two grounds on which a member of a legislature can be disqualified. One, if the member voluntarily gives up the membership of the party, he shall be disqualified. Second, if a legislator votes in the House against the direction of his party and his action is not condoned by his party, he can be disqualified. However, there is an exception - The 10th Schedule says that if there is a merger between two political parties and two-thirds of the members of a legislature party agree to the merger, they will not be disqualified. The Presiding officer of the House (Speaker/Chairman) is the adjudicating authority with regard to disqualification of legislators under the Tenth Schedule Criticism of the anti-defection Law Curbs the freedom of speech & expression of law makers Tyranny of Political Parties: Legislators have to abide by the line taken by Political parties even it is against their own stand or against the interest of her constituency Role of the Speaker is biased: Speaker who is a member of a political party is often not neutral and comes under the influence of his political party instead of deciding the cases on merit Delay in decision making: several presiding officers have allowed defectors to bolster the strength of ruling parties and even be sworn in Ministers by merely refraining from adjudicating on complaints against them Supreme Court Judgements in Kihoto Hollohan (1992) case:  Five Judge Bench of SC upheld the validity of the Constitution’s Tenth Schedule, or the anti-defection law.  It was also held in this case that a Speaker or a Chairman, acting Tenth Schedule, is a Tribunal and thus his discretionary powers were protected by Constitution.(dissenting minority view by Justice JS Verma who questioned the fairness of speaker in adjudication) This verdict had also made the Speaker’s order subject to judicial review on limited grounds and that mere procedural infirmities could not prompt judicial intervention. It was also held that judicial review cannot be available at a stage prior to the making of a decision by the Speaker/Chairman.  Recent Supreme Court judgement on the role of Speaker Background: The top court was hearing the appeal of Congress leader against the Manipur High Court order. The High had refused to direct Speaker to decide on disqualification of another Congress legislator who had defected to BJP & made minister. Following are the pronouncements of the SC in this case The Speakers should decide Tenth Schedule disqualifications within a reasonable period. Unless there were “exceptional circumstances”, disqualification petitions under the Tenth Schedule should be decided by Speakers within three months (This question on time period raised by two judge bench of Supreme Court in S.A. Sampath Kumar vs. Kale Yadaiah, 2016 case) Asked the Parliament to consider having an independent and permanent body to decide disqualification petition. Given the fact that a Speaker belongs to a particular political party, the Court mooted this idea, which requires an amendment to the constitution. Also, Speaker wasn’t adjudicating election disputes or disqualification of members under Articles 103/ 192/ 329 for good reason, because their fairness could be suspected. Way Forward: The Constitution is called a living document because of its ability to grow and change with time and circumstances. Clearly, the Tenth Schedule has fallen short in fulfilling its objective of preventing defections and needs a relook. Parliament must fix this flaw and institute a tribunal recognising the significance of anti-defection provisions in upholding the sanctity of Parliament. Connecting the dots Speakers role in deciding whether the bill is money bill or not Britain’s model of Speaker’s post 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 Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 23rd January 2020 Source:The Hindu India’s Cotton Story India’s Cotton Productivity is low in comparison to other major cotton producing nations in spite of India expected to be world’s largest cotton producer this year surpassing China Genetically Modified (GM) pest resistant Bt cotton hybrids have captured the Indian market since their introduction in 2002. These now cover over 95% of the area under cotton, with the seeds produced entirely by the private sector. India’s cotton production in 2019 is projected as the highest ever: 354 lakh bales. This threefold increase in cotton production during past two decades is used by proponent of GM crops to extend the technology to other crops as well  India is the only country that grows cotton as hybrids and the first to develop hybrid cotton back in 1970 Difference between hybrids and varieties Varieties (Used in Brazil) Hybrids (Used in India since 1970s) Varieties are those for which seeds are produced by self-fertilization. Hybrids are made by crossing two parent strains having different genetic characters.  These plants have more biomass than both parents, and capacity for greater yields Varieties can be propagated over successive generations by collecting seeds from one planting and using them for the next planting;  Hybrid seeds have to be remade for each planting by crossing the parents. So for hybrids, farmers must purchase seed for each planting. Increased dependence on seed companies High Density Planting (HDP) Methodology: These varieties are planted at high density (5 kg seeds/acre) Hybrids are planted at ten-fold lower density (0.5 kg seeds/acre).  They are compact and short duration. hybrids in India are bushy and long duration Lower boll production by compact varieties (5-10 bolls per plant) – compensated by high density High boll production (20-100 bolls/plant)  Cotton is a dryland crop; therefore, shorter duration variety has a major advantage as it reduces dependence on irrigation 65% of area under cotton in India is rain-fed. Farmers with insufficient access to groundwater in these areas are entirely dependent on rain. Thus risk associated with hybrid cotton cultivation is higher due to unpredictability of rains Low requirement of fertilizer (100 kg/ha for varieties) High fertilizer requirement: 200 kg/ha for hybrids lLess vulnerability to damage from insect pests due to a shorter field duration. High vulnerability to damage from insect pests due to a longer field duration. Low water requirement High water requirement Low cost of seeds High Cost of Hybrid seeds. Increased yield from a hybrid is supposed to justify the high price Hybrid model is inferior to the HDP model being used in other countries on three important counts: much lower productivity; higher input costs; and increased risk particularly for low resource farmers in rain-fed areas. The steep increase in productivity for Brazil, from 400 to 1,000 kg/hectare lint between 1994 and 2000 coincides with the large-scale shift to a non-GM compact variety. Why HDP model not adopted despite having advantages for India? During First Phase (From 1980 to 2002): Hybrids were promoted at the cost of Compact varieties. This was primarily due to weakness of agricultural research establishment who failed to identify the benefits of compact varieties Second phase (2002 onwards): During introduction of GM Bt hybrid seeds. However, the scope of evaluation by the GM regulatory process in India was narrow and did not take into account on the form in which it would be deployed (hybrids versus varieties) Consequently, commercial Bt hybrids have completely taken over the market, accompanied by withdrawal of public sector cotton seed production.  The Indian cotton farmer today is left with little choice but to use Bt hybrid seed produced by private seed companies. The current annual value of cotton seed used for planting is about ₹2,500 crore, and that of lint cotton produced is ₹68,000 crore. It is likely that production levels could have been much higher, with considerably lower risk and input costs, had compact varieties been developed and used in India, especially given the agricultural distress faced in India. Conclusion We must be clear that the outcome of using a technology such as Bt is determined by the context in which it is deployed, and not just by the technology itself. Brazil (until 2012) and Turkey (up to the present) have achieved high productivity without the use of GM cotton by using alternative pest-management approaches.  There is a need for better consultation in policy, be it agriculture as a whole or crop-wise. Socioeconomic and need-based considerations should be a part of GMO regulatory process in India. Connecting the Dots Bt Brinjal Controversy Genetic Engineering in other fields – Medicines, disease prevention and cure. (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) Other than India and China, which one of the following groups of countries border Myanmar?  Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia Thailand, Laos and Bangladesh Q.2) Consider the following pairs:  Community sometimes in the affairs of mentioned in the news Kurd Bangladesh Madhesi Nepal Rohingya Myanmar Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? 1 and 2  2 only 2 and 3  3 only ANSWERS FOR 22 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 D 3 A MUST READ About reviving Economy: Indian Express About Myanmar’s growing dependence on China: The Hindu About WHO: The Hindu About Climate Action: The Hindu

Jan 23, 2020 RSTV Video

Article 131 - Special Powers of Supreme Court – The Big Picture - RSTV IAS UPSC

Article 131 - Special Powers of Supreme Court Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Indian Polity Judiciary Recent suits under Article 131 Kerala: Kerala became the first state to challenge the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) before the Supreme Court. However, the legal route adopted by the state is different from the 60 petitions already pending before the court. The Kerala government has moved the apex court under Article 131 of the Constitution. Chhattisgarh: The Chhattisgarh government filed a suit in the Supreme Court under Article 131, challenging the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act on the ground that it encroaches upon the state’s powers to maintain law and order. Article 131 of the Constitution. Original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Supreme Court shall, to the exclusion of any other court, have original jurisdiction in any dispute between the Government of India and one or more States; or between the Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more other States on the other; or between two or more States, if and in so far as the dispute involves any question (whether of law or fact) on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends: Provided that the said jurisdiction shall not extend to a dispute arising out of any treaty, agreement, covenant, engagements, and or other similar instrument which, having been entered into or executed before the commencement of this Constitution, continues in operation after such commencement, or which provides that the said jurisdiction shall not extend to such a dispute In simplest terms, this gives Supreme Court original jurisdiction—meaning the Supreme Court can hear the case first-hand rather than reviewing a lower court's judgment—to mediate disputes between states or between the Centre and states. For a dispute to qualify as a dispute under Article 131, it has to necessarily be between states and the Centre, and must involve a question of law or fact on which the existence of a legal right of the state or the Centre depends. Article 131 cannot be used to settle political differences between state and central governments headed by different parties. In a 1978 judgment, State of Karnataka v Union of India, Justice P N Bhagwati had said that for the Supreme Court to accept a suit under Article 131, the state need not show that its legal right is violated, but only that the dispute involves a legal question. How is a suit under Article 131 different from the other petitions challenging the CAA? The other petitions challenging the CAA have been filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, which gives the court the power to issue writs when fundamental rights are violated. A state government cannot move the court under this provision because only people and citizens can claim fundamental rights. Under Article 131, the challenge is made when the rights and power of a state or the Centre are in question. However, the relief that the state (under Article 131) and petitioners under Article 32 have sought in the challenge to the CAA is the same — declaration of the law as being unconstitutional. But can SC test validity of law under Article 131? In 2011, in State of MP v Union of India, the Supreme Court held that validity of central laws can be challenged under Article 32 of the Constitution and not under Article 131. In the case, Madhya Pradesh had sought to challenge — under Article 131 — the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act, asserting that they violated Article 14 of the Constitution. The two-judge bench of Justices P. Sathasivam and B.S. Chauhan, however, felt that a petition under Article 32 would’ve been more appropriate for the challenge.    Three years later, in 2014, another two-judge bench — hearing the case of State of Jharkhand v State of Bihar — disagreed. This bench, comprising Justices J. Chelameswar and S.A. Bobde, held that Article 131 could be used to examine the constitutionality of a statute.  The question was then referred to a three-judge bench, headed by Justice N.V. Ramana. It is currently pending there.  Is it unusual for states to challenge laws made by Parliament? Under the Constitution, laws made by Parliament are presumed to be constitutional until a court holds otherwise. However, in India’s quasi-federal constitutional structure, inter-governmental disputes are not uncommon. The framers of the Constitution expected such differences, and added the exclusive original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court for their resolution. The quasi-federal structure envisaged in 1950 has consolidated into defined powers of the states. Kerala's arguments The Kerala government has sought from the apex court that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 be declared as violative of Articles 14 (Equality before law), 21 (Right to life and personal liberty) and 25 (Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion). CAA is violative of the basic principle of secularism enshrined in the Constitution.  The Passport (Entry to India) Amendment Rules, 2015 and Foreigners (Amendment) Order are ultra vires (beyond Centre's authority) the Constitution and be declared void. The CAA, the amended Passport Rules and Foreign Order are class legislations harping on the religious identity of an individual, thereby contravening the principles of secularism, which has been recognised by the court as a basic structure of the Constitution. These amendments make religion and a person's country of origin a criteria for grant of citizenship and result in classifications based on religion and country, which are discriminatory, arbitrary, unreasonable and have no rational nexus with the object sought to be achieved. The religious classification brought forth violates the twin test of classification under Article 14, the protection of which is not limited or restricted to citizens alone and extends to all persons. The CAA and rules and orders are bereft of any standard principle or norm in discriminating migrants from other countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bhutan, which are sharing international borders with India and to which and from which there has been trans-border migration. If the object of the CAA is to protect the minorities who faced religious persecution in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, then the Ahmaddiyas and Shias from these countries are also entitled to treatment equal to that being now extended to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities. In accordance with the mandate of Article 256 of the Constitution, the plaintiff state (Kerala) will be compelled to ensure compliance of Impugned Amendment Act (CAA) and the Rules and Orders, which are manifestly arbitrary, unreasonable, irrational and violative of fundamental rights. "Thus, there exists a dispute, involving questions of law and fact, between the plaintiff state of Kerala and the defendant Union of India, regarding the enforcement of legal rights as a State and as well for the enforcement of the fundamental, statutory constitutional and other legal rights of the inhabitants of the State of Kerala. Hence, this Original Suit under Article 131 of the Constitution is being preferred," the plea said.

Jan 23, 2020 Motivational Articles

Motivational Article: "Yes, I too have failed"- Abhijeet Sinha, Rank 19 CSE 2017 (ILP Student)

Hello Friends, As the result of the mains were announced recently, around 2500 students burst with joy. There was a sense of accomplishment and relief. Let me first congratulate them and convey my best wishes for the next round. But, not everyone is equally lucky. Around 10 thousand failed to make the cut. Thankfully, in my 2 attempts in UPSC, I did not stop at this round. But, nonetheless, in my first attempt at UPSC CSE 2016, I failed after giving the interview. And a failure is a failure, regardless of the stage that it comes at. Therefore, yes I too have failed 31st May 2017  That was the night of 31st May 2017. I had been eagerly waiting for the results. I have always been an optimistic person. So, I used to indulge in more daydreams than anxieties. I would imagine the result coming with my name in it, somewhere in the first page itself. I would imagine the celebratory tone in which I would share my result to my parents. I would even visualize giving a toppers speech. Yet, the night was to prove different. I was waiting for it along with my 2 other friends who were giving the interview. Finally, after opening the UPSC website and PIB no of times, the result appeared on the website. The first page appeared first. I saw the first few names and couldn’t see my name in it. A drop of sweat had already fallen. I picked up myself, saying that one does not require to be in the top 20 in the IAS. So, I browsed the next few pages. But, no, no name still. The tension was growing. By now, I had realized, I was not to become an IAS. But, I had a hope still. That somewhere in the list, my name would be there. Any service would have done at that moment. I scrolled and scrolled and scrolled. But, still no. Maybe I had missed my name. That’s when I dared to do the Ctrl + F option to search my name.  The computer returned a Ting sound. I tried again and again and again. Each time, the sound was the same. And that was when the lightning struck. I had been unable to make it. It seemed as if the ground beneath me had collapsed. Whole-body started itching. The weight of my body seemed too high.  On top of it, I heard a cry of ecstasy from my friend in the next door. I searched his name Ravi Prakash Meena, and there he was, with a rank that would make him an IAS. That was when the 3 idiots movie struck me. It pains when your friend does poorly, but it pains more when you do poorly and he does so well. Not that I despised his success, but more because his success seemed like everything I had lost. It was then, that I realized the most difficult part that I still had to do. And that was to call my parents and tell about it. There is probably nothing more sorrowful in this world than breaking the heart of your loved ones. With the heaviest of hands, I dialed. My father picked up. Words failed to come out of my mouth. But, I mustered the courage and told it. He was silent for a moment. For a second, his words were irregular, perhaps waiting for me to say, its all a joke. But unfortunately, it wasn’t. He sounded slow, but then he said in Hindi ki that’s how life is. An ant does not go to the summit in the first attempt. It falls and falls again. But every time, it picks itself up, more determined than ever, until it reaches the top. He was right, but these words meant nothing to me at that moment. And so did the calls of numerous relatives and friends, who tried consoling me. For me, these words seemed hollow. And I felt like a loser, the biggest one I had known. I was completely dejected and questioned myself, whether I can ever make it. There were not even tears, there only flowed the invisible tears of frustration and regret. Everything was lost. I know this would sound familiar to many of you. But, my post is not just meant to empathize with you. I aspire more to do something else and focus on something deeper, which is the psychology of sadness and grief.  And only when you understand that, would you be able to take the next step. No consolatory words can help you as much as you analyzing this state and overcoming it yourself. The psychology of sadness and grief.  I have already described how it feels like. It’s depressing, that we all know. But what we fail to appreciate is that we feel sad because we want to feel sad. We are in grief because we want to to be In grief.  It seems ironic, but it is true, at least to a certain extent. Take it this way. We feel all bad and sad because our brain wants to do something, make some effort to change the situation, but is unable to do so. In this case, we can’t change the UPSC result. But, still, the brain needs to do something, so as to assure itself that it is making an effort. Therefore, we try the easier solutions. So we itch your body, we cry and we may even drink and smoke and we also feel depressed.  And in a way, it feels ironically good to do all these. Because now our brain has a false assurance that we are making an effort to alleviate the pain. But, remember this is nothing but a trap. We are indeed doing something, but we are not doing what we ought to do. Our brains have become victims of a mirage. This is because every one of us is inherently smart yet lazy. We like to do these easier things like crying, but not the more difficult solutions such as work harder and prepare better. In trying these easier solutions, we do not take the more necessary and required steps, such as preparing in a more organized way and working on one's negatives. I know it is easier said than done. But you will have to do it. You will have to work hard according to a plan. You will have to find your own flaws and work on them. You will have to know yourself, accept it and remedy that. Whatever these steps may be, what is more, important is to get the attitude right, to not fall prey to the trap of easier solutions like grief and sadness. Remember, there are only 2 solutions, either to accept the result and leave it or to gear up and work hard and take the desired steps. Any other solutions such as crying or being depressed is only a mirage, a feel-good factor that helps no one. Back to the story  Coming back to my story, in spite of what I have told you, I know it is easier said than done. That night the sadness and grief were unparalleled. My life had never felt so bad before. And I was sad. Any rational words and pieces of advice seemed hollow. That’s one reason why I am writing this after 3-4 days after the result when you gradually become more rational. So, that night, I did one thing good. That was to make an effort from there and then itself. Half an hour after the result, I was back at my study table. I didn’t know what to read. But, I had to do something and do something constructive. I tried the textbooks, but the words seemed hollow. So, I took up a test series. Because that would give me a challenge and would engage me back. I had taken the initial step and this made a difference. Unlike many others, I helped myself avoid the trap. It was not perfect. Over the next few months, till the time of CSE Mains 2017, there were many nights in which I would cry my way to sleep. There were many days in which I would question myself. There were still times when I felt like a looser. But, these were lesser and fewer. Every-time there was such a moment, I would tell myself about the science of grief and get back to my study table to do the more productive thing. 27th April 2018 This way, I studied, cleared prelims, mains and gave the interview. Finally came the date of 27th April 2018. I knew I had done a lot better, both in mains and in the interview since I had accepted my mistakes and worked hard on them. But still, UPSC requires an element of luck. No one can question that. So, on 27th April, when there was enough rumor of the result coming out that day itself, I was more than just nervous. The images of last year were struck in my eyes. The feeling was not yet lost. All-day, I kept clicking at the UPSC website and following the UPSC blogs. Many people were there at the gate of the UPSC Dholpur house and every single movement there was tracked eagerly. My eyes had become tense, being at the computer and mobile screen the entire day. Finally, around 6:30 pm, someone sent a photo from the Dholpur house of the 1st page of the result. My hands were trembling at the thought of opening it. My eyes felt too weak and blur. But, somehow I opened the photo. There were 50 names in it. I glanced it upar upar se. Rank 1 – no, rank 2 – no, rank 3  – no. Top 10 –  no. Top 50 – no.  Shit It was like last year again. Even though this was just 1 page, I had resigned to a feeling of failure again. I called my mother to join me and give me strength in seeing the result. I didn’t say her that 1 have already seen the 1st page. But, she said that “ye to 1st-page raha. Open it”. I opened it again, with the thought that I’ll disappoint her again. But, surprisingly she shouted at the top of her voice and read out my name aloud. And it was then that I saw it. Abhijeet Sinha –  All India Rank 19. It was then I realized that in nervousness I had missed reading my own name. And then came the frenzy. My papa, mummy, uncles, brothers, all almost shouting, dancing, living it. They were all giving TV and press interviews.  That day I realized another truth, there is perhaps no bigger happiness than making your loved ones happy.  But, what a difference a year had made. And probably, all was down to the attitude that I showed during the most difficult time, and in deciphering my own psychology of grief and failure. That evening, while everyone was enjoying, I escaped to the balcony, dialed my nana Nani, and said ki “ Aapka Naati ab IAS ban Gaya hai”. On both sides, Eyes were moist, moistened with happiness. Follow Abhijit Sinha on his BLOG. Click Here

Jan 23, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 164

UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 164 Archives Important Note Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :)  To take the Test - Click Here

Jan 22, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 22nd January 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 22nd January 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) High Court of Karnataka : Police need to be trained to follow SC guidelines on registering FIRs Part of: GS Polity and GS-II – Law & order In news: The High Court of Karnataka observed that police officers, including IPS officers, required proper training in the fundamentals of registering First Information Reports in criminal cases as per the guidelines issued in a 2013 Supreme Court verdict in the case of Lalita Kumari vs. Government of Uttar Pradesh. From Prelims Point of view: Supreme Court has given Directions to be followed in regards to Registration of an FIR Registration of FIR is mandatory under section 154 of the Code, if the information discloses commission of a cognizable offence and no preliminary inquiry is permissible in such a situation. If the information received does not disclose a cognizable offence but indicates the necessity for an inquiry, a preliminary inquiry may be conducted only to ascertain whether cognizable offence is disclosed or not. If the inquiry discloses the commission of a cognizable offence, the FIR must be registered. In cases where preliminary inquiry ends in closing the complaint, a copy of the entry of such closure must be supplied to the first informant forthwith and not later than one week. It must disclose reasons in brief for closing the complaint and not proceeding further. The police officer cannot avoid his duty of registering offence if cognizable offence is disclosed. Action must be taken against erring officers who do not register the FIR if information received by him discloses a cognizable offence. The scope of preliminary inquiry is not to verify the veracity or otherwise of the information received but only to ascertain whether the information reveals any cognizable offence. The gig economy Part of: GS Economy and GS-III – Employment In news: A gig economy is a free market system in which temporary positions are common and organizations contract with independent workers for short-term engagements Examples of gig employees in the workforce could include freelancers, independent contractors, project-based workers and temporary or part-time hires. From Prelims and Mains Point of view: Global Gig Economy Index report  has ranked India among the top 10 countries. The report says there has been an increase in freelancers in India from 11% in 2018 to 52% in 2019, thanks to various initiatives including Startup India and Skill India. Hawaii telescope:  Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Part of: GS Sci & Tech and GS-III – Technology In news: India Wants Thirty-Metre Telescope Shifted Out of Hawaii (Mauna kea) Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 22nd January 2020 https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcSC0buIVmDVIo1VFN3i3R3GEZq-C0_f7wID1bcGBuecpO6BU3W4 Why oppose? The proposed site is considered sacred to indigenous Hawaiians. From Prelims Point of view: The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT): The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is a proposed astronomical observatory with an extremely large telescope (ELT). It is an international project being funded by scientific organisations of Canada, China, India, Japan and USA. Planned location: Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii in the US state of Hawaii. The TMT is designed for near-ultraviolet to mid-infrared observations, featuring adaptive optics to assist in correcting image blur. TMT will enable scientists to study fainter objects far away from us in the Universe, which gives information about early stages of evolution of the Universe It will give us finer details of not-so-far-away objects like undiscovered planets and other objects in the Solar System and planets around other stars. SC : Disqualification power from Speakers Part of: GS Sci & Tech and GS-III – Technology  In news: The Supreme Court asked Parliament to amend the Constitution to strip Legislative Assembly Speakers of their exclusive power to decide whether legislators should be disqualified or not under the anti-defection law. SC Suggestions: Disqualification petitions under the Tenth Schedule should be adjudicated by a mechanism outside Parliament or the Legislative Assemblies.  The court suggested a permanent tribunal headed by a retired Supreme Court judge or a former High Court Chief Justice. From Prelims Point of view: Tenth Schedule: anti-defection law The Tenth Schedule was inserted in the Constitution in 1985 by the 52nd Amendment Act.   Lays down the process by which legislators may be disqualified on grounds of defection by the Presiding Officer of a legislature  The decision on question as to disqualification on ground of defection is referred to the Chairman or the Speaker of such House, and his decision is final. The law applies to both Parliament and state assemblies. Disqualification: If a member of a house belonging to a political party: Voluntarily gives up the membership of his political party, or Votes, or does not vote in the legislature, contrary to the directions of his political party. However, if the member has taken prior permission, or is condoned by the party within 15 days from such voting or abstention, the member shall not be disqualified. If an independent candidate joins a political party after the election. If a nominated member joins a party six months after he becomes a member of the legislature. Supreme Court in 1992, thereby allowing appeals against the Presiding Officer’s decision in the High Court and Supreme Court. However, it held that there may not be any judicial intervention until the Presiding Officer gives his order. Exceptions : Legislators may change their party without the risk of disqualification in certain circumstances.  The law allows a party to merge with or into another party provided that at least two-thirds of its legislators are in favour of the merger.  In such a scenario, neither the members who decide to merge, nor the ones who stay with the original party will face disqualification. India and Brazil :  Bilateral Investment Treaty Part of: GS International  and GS-II – India’s Foreign relations In news: India and Brazil will upgrade their strategic partnership with an “action plan” and sign a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) Strategic Partnership Action Plan will serve as an “umbrella agreement”, for plans between the two countries to increase defence cooperation, technology sharing and a logistics agreement. From Prelims Point of view: Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) A bilateral investment treaty (BIT) is an agreement establishing the terms and conditions for private investment by nationals and companies of one state in another state. In 2018 Indian investments in Brazil were around U.S.$ 6 billion and Brazilian investments in India are estimated at U.S.$ 1 billion.( Total 8 bn ) Nepal PM positive of resolving all 'pending issues' with India Part of: GS International  and GS-II – India’s Foreign relations In news: Nepal Prime Minister said bilateral disputes with India should be dealt with dialogue, indicating Kathmandu’s political willingness to resolve the row over the Kalapani territorial issue. The Kalapani issue was reignited after India published a new political map in November 2019 that displayed its continued position over the territory as part of Uttarakhand.  From Prelims Point of view: Kalapani territorial issue: Kalapani is a valley that is administered by India as a part of the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It is situated on the Kailash Mansarovar route. The Kali River in the Kalapani region demarcates the border between India and Nepal. The Treaty of Sugauli signed by the Kingdom of Nepal and British India (after Anglo-Nepalese War) in 1816 located the Kali River as Nepal's western boundary with India.  Kalapani has been controlled by India's Indo-Tibetan Border Police since the Sino-Indian War with China in 1962 The discrepancy in locating the source of the river led to boundary disputes between India and Nepal, with each country producing maps supporting their own claims. Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 22nd January 2020 https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcS7waP7ZNWzuJgWy11L9HDrinF7oa53Vwh6o_Ua4lq-y8HLT6Yb Miscellaneous Topics in News   All Assam Students' Union All Assam Students' Union or AASU is a students' organisation in Assam Known for leading the six-year Assam Movement against illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.  It formed a political party Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which formed government in Assam twice. Coronaviruses (CoV) Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).  A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. Some transmit easily from person to person, while others do not. spreading through of contact with animals, contaminated food, and/or person-to-person. Trillion Tree Campaign In 2006, the Billion Tree Campaign was launched, by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a response to the challenges of global warming, as well as to a wider array of sustainability challenges from water supply to biodiversity loss The Billion Tree Campaign was inspired by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement. WWF, the Wildlife Conservation Society and BirdLife International today launched the Trillion Trees programme, a new 25-year initiative to help scale global forest commitments and spur greater ambitions towards protecting and restoring one trillion trees by 2050 During the World Economic Forum 2020 in Davos, World Economic Forum announced a platform for governments, businesses, civil society to support UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030, led by UNEP and FAO Buriganga river Bangladesh’s High Court has asked authorities to shut down 231 factories surrounding the highly polluted Buriganga river The Buriganga River is a river in Bangladesh that ranks among the most polluted rivers in the country. Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) FMCG grew at 9.7% in 2019, much lower than the previous year’s growth of 13.5%. Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) are products that are sold quickly and at a relatively low cost.  Examples include non-durable household goods such as packaged foods, beverages, toiletries, over-the-counter drugs, and other consumables (MAINS FOCUS) Governance: Elections Topic:General Studies 2: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. 
 Electoral Bonds Context: The Supreme Court declined to stay the electoral bond scheme of the government.  Also, a fresh window for purchase of bonds is set to open, coinciding with the Delhi Assembly election. What is Electoral Bond Scheme? An electoral bond is like a promissory note that can be bought by any Indian citizen or company incorporated in India from select branches of State Bank of India.  An individual or party will be allowed to purchase these bonds digitally or through cheque after disclosing their identity through know your customer (KYC) norms The citizen or corporate can then donate the same to any eligible political party of his/her choice. The bonds are similar to bank notes that are payable to the bearer on demand and are free of interest. It has to be redeemed by Political parties within 15 days only in their specified account. The electoral bonds were introduced with the Finance Bill (2017). On January 29, 2018 the NDA government notified the Electoral Bond Scheme 2018. Electoral bonds: Conditions Any party that is registered and has secured at least one per cent of the votes polled in the most recent General elections or Assembly elections is eligible to receive electoral bonds The electoral bonds will not bear the name of the donor. Thus, the political party might not be aware of the donor's identity. Why were electoral bonds introduced in India? The government said that electoral bonds would keep a tab on the use of black money for funding elections. In the absence of electoral bonds, donors would have no option but to donate by cash after siphoning off money from their businesses Electoral bonds were being introduced to ensure that all the donations made to a party would be accounted for in the balance sheets without exposing the donor details to the public Restrictions that were done away with after the introduction of the electoral bond scheme Earlier, no foreign company could donate to any political party under the Companies Act.  A firm could donate a maximum of 7.5 per cent of its average three year net profit as political donations according to Section 182 of the Companies Act Also, companies had to disclose details of their political donations in their annual statement of accounts. Criticisms of EBS Legalising Political Corruption: Since neither the purchaser of the bond nor the political party receiving the donation is required to disclose the donor’s identity, the shareholders of a corporation will remain unaware of the company’s contribution. Voters, too, will have no idea of how, and through whom, a political party has been funded. Possibility of Money Laundering: Since the identity of the donor has been kept anonymous, it could lead to an influx of black money. With doing away with all the safeguard that were present in Corporate donations to Political parties (through Companies Act), Indian, foreign and even shell companies can now donate to political parties without having to inform anyone of the contribution. Large Corporations and not common man is utilizing this route: Nearly 91.76% (Rs 5,624 crore) of the total number of bonds purchased during the 12 phases were in the denomination Rs 1 crore. Thus, there is possibility of unholy nexus developing between Corporates and Political parties for favourable policies which comes at the cost of public welfare Against Smaller Regional Parties: 80.5% of the total Electoral Bonds redeemed between March 2018 and October 2019 were encashed in New Delhi (while maximum value of bonds was purchased in Mumbai) where national parties’ headquarters are located  New sale windows during State elections: The government’s scheme was meant for Lok Sabha elections, but the sale window for bonds had been opened before State Assembly elections repeatedly, which is beneficial for Central ruling party. Non Transparency: The SBI has refused to divulge the names of those who purchased the electoral bonds under the RTI Act. The scheme infringes the citizens’ fundamental ‘Right to Know’ by withholding crucial information regarding electoral funding Election Commission of India's view on electoral bonds ECI, in its response filed in the court, said the provisions would enable the creation of shell companies for the sole purpose of making political donations. It also stated that the amendments to the law on foreign contributions would mean that there would be unchecked foreign funding of political parties, leading to foreign influence on India’s policy-making.  Reserve Bank of India on electoral bonds scheme The central bank had warned the government that the bonds would "undermine the faith in Indian banknotes and encourage money laundering." Supreme Court’s View on Electoral Bonds In an order in April 2019, SC had asked political parties to disclose to the Election Commission of India (ECI), in sealed covers, details of the donations they had received through the anonymous bond. However, it had refused to stay the scheme on the grounds of “limited time” available then (impending General Elections to Lok Sabha) and “the weighty issues” involved in the matter. Way Forward According to ADR, political parties redeemed 12,173 electoral bonds worth Rs 6,108.47 crore between March 2018 and October 2019 in 12 phases. Clear Judicial pronouncement on such matter is of urgent concern The concept of donor "anonymity" threatens the very spirit of democracy, the anonymity should be removed by amending the legislation Connecting the dots: Cash donations to Political Parties also capped at Rs 2000 through Finance Act of 2017. Why cash donations are still allowed? Do Political Parties come under the ambit of RTI? Environment Topic:General Studies 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment 
 Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 22nd January 2020 Source: Livemint What is the state of forests in India? Context:  The India State of the Forest Report 2019 was released recently which shows that India has increased its forest cover About India State of the Forest Report (ISFR) ISFR is a biennial publication of Forest Survey of India (FSI), an organization under the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change. The ISFR assesses the forest and tree cover, bamboo resources, carbon stock and forest fires. The 2019 report for the first time has assessed the qualitative nature of the forest cover, including listing its biodiversity and the type of plants and trees found. It also created a national forest inventory for the first time on produce from forests. Some of the findings of the report India’s forest cover has increased by 3,976 sq. km since 2017—a rise of 0. 56%.  Tree cover—tree patches of size less than one hectares outside the recorded forest areas, also showed a rise, albeit a little higher at 1.29% India’s total forest and tree cover now stands at 80.73 million hectares—roughly 24.5% of its geographical area, and still far from the eventual target of 33%, which India has committed to raise to, by 2030. Concerns expressed by ecologists are: Definition of Forest Cover Forest Survey of India defines forest cover as “all patches of land, with a tree canopy density of more than 10% and more than one hectare in area, irrespective of land-use, ownership and species of trees”—an assessment relying majorly on satellite mapping. Counter Arguments: Therefore, then any fruit garden, coconut or coffee plantation, or even urban parks would come under ‘forest cover’ Such a definition will give incomplete picture of our Natural forests, especially with regard to what is happening in Western Ghats & Himalayan Forests Blame on Forest-dwelling communities  FSI’s new study to assess the dependence of people, living in over 170,000 ‘forest fringe villages’,  states that this dependence could be a “major driver of impairment of forest productivity” Counter Arguments These communities have been living in harmony with nature since centuries and dependent on forests for their livelihood. Coexistence with nature and not competition with the nature is their way of life However, the big impact areas—the diversion of forest land for roads, dam projects— has been completely disregarded while putting blame on these communities Compensatory Plantation Compensatory plantation done to replace the original, natural forests during diversion of forest-lands for projects have so far yielded no impactful results. Some of these new areas were even earmarked for other projects or expansion of existing ones, even though they remain under government’s Recorded Forest Area (extent of forests in terms of legal status). Way Ahead Changing the definition of Forest Cover: Instead of just canopy cover or hectares, the need is to focus on what is a ‘thriving forest’ or an ‘ecosystem Real time spatial data of our forest land. share those maps in real time so we know where we are losing our forests. Any afforestation activity undertaken must include an adaptation programme in the light of Climate Change, else the exercise will be futile To stop the fragmentation of forests—especially a problem in the North-East where forest cover is declining—so that forest areas remain connected to form one big habitat Do You Know? Forests are sink and reservoirs of carbon, thus critical in adaptation to climate change.  As part of its climate action plan, India has committed to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent through additional forest cover and tree cover by 2030. Connecting the Dots: Other findings of the State of Forest report 2019 Kasturirangan and Gadgil Committee report on Western Ghats Environmental Impact Assessment (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) In the context of space technology, what is “Hawaii telescope ”, recently in the news?  A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayan-II A geoportal of ISRO with 3 D imaging capabilities of India proposed astronomical observatory with an extremely large telescope Q.2) Which one of the following schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection Act?  Second Schedule  Fifth Schedule Eighth Schedule  Tenth Schedule Q.3) Consider the following statements: The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly shall vacate his/her office if he/she ceases to be a member of the Assembly. Whenever the Legislative Assembly is dissolved, the Speaker shall vacate his/her immediately. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 21 JAN 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 B 3 D 4 C MUST READ About Changing scenario in Pakistan: The Hindu About Kashmiri Pandits : The Hindu About Right to Protest: The Hindu

Jan 22, 2020 PIB

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 13th January to 19th January – 2020

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 13th to 19th January, 2020 ARCHIVES GS-2 Signing of Historic Agreement to end the Bru-Reang Refugee Crisis (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Signing of an agreement between: Government of India, Governments of Tripura and Mizoram and Bru-Reang representatives Under the new agreement Around 34,000 Bru refugees will be settled in Tripura and would be given aid from the Centre to help with their rehabilitation and all round development, through a package of around Rs 600 crores.  These people would get all the rights that normal residents of the States get and they would now be able to enjoy the benefits of social welfare schemes of Centre and State governments. Each of the displaced families would be given 40x30 sq.ft. residential plots, in addition to the aid under earlier agreement of a fixed deposit of Rs. 4 lakhs, Rs. 5,000 cash aid per month for 2 years, free ration for 2 years and Rs. 1.5 lakhs aid to build their house. The government of Tripura would provide the land under this agreement. What is Bru-Reang refugee crisis? In 1997, following ethnic tension, around 5,000 families comprising around 30,000 Bru-Reang tribals were forced to flee Mizoram and seek shelter in Tripura. These people were housed in temporary camps at Kanchanpur, in North Tripura. Since 2010, Government of India has been making sustained efforts to permanently rehabilitate these refugees. The Union government has been assisting the two State governments for taking the care of the refugees. Till 2014, 1622 Bru-Reang families returned to Mizoram in different batches.  On 3rd July, 2018, an agreement was signed between the Union government, the two State governments and representatives of Bru-Reang refugees, as a result of which the aid given to these families was increased substantially. Subsequently, 328 families comprising of 1369 individuals returned to Mizoram under the agreement. There had been a sustained demand of most Bru-Reang families that they may be allowed to settle down in Tripura, considering their apprehensions about their security. IBBI amends the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Voluntary Liquidation Process) Regulations, 2017 (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has notified the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Voluntary Liquidation Process) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 on 15th January. 2020. The aforesaid amendment provides that a Liquidator shall deposit the amount of unclaimed dividends, if any, and undistributed proceeds, if any, in a liquidation process along with any income earned thereon into the Corporate Voluntary Liquidation Account before submission of an application for dissolution of the corporate person. It also provides a process for a stakeholder to seek withdrawal from the Corporate Voluntary Liquidation Account. MoU between NITI Aayog and Union Territory of Ladakh for Development of Infrastructure Projects (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Under this MoU, NITI Aayog will be supporting the UT’s administration through its key initiative ‘Development Support Services to States for Infrastructure Projects (D3S-i)’. The partnership lays thrust on the identification of high-impact priority projects, expedited project implementation, addressing structural-level issues and creating unique models of development for the Union Territory of Ladakh.  NITI Aayog has committed to assist the UT’s administration in creating a strategic plan for identifying prioritized infrastructure projects and by providing end-to-end transaction-management support for the identified projects.  A dedicated team of professionals is expected to be stationed at Ladakh for identification and development of projects in the UT, especially in tourism, solar energy and basic infrastructure. India and Bangladesh ink key agreements in Information & Broadcasting sector (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation with neighbouring countries) A formal co-production agreement was signed on the biopic of “BangaBandhu”, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, which will be released during the birth centenary year of Bangabandhu. Bangladesh has decided to celebrate the ‘Mujib Year’ from March 17, 2020 to March 17, 2021 to mark the centenary year of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the first President of Bangladesh. Deepening India’s engagement with Bangladesh, an airtime exchange programme between Prasar Bharati and Bangladesh Radio Betar was also launched. With today’s launch content from Maitree service has started airing in Dhaka and reciprocally content from Bangladesh Radio Betar has started airing on All India Radio in Kolkata. India and Finland ink MoU to enhance bilateral defence cooperation (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation with other countries) The MoU on co-operation in the field of Production, Procurement, Research and Development of Defence related Equipment and Industrial cooperation has been inked on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2020.  Under the broad ambit of the MoU, cooperation between Finnish companies and Indian Defence Public Sector Undertakings could be explored. Timelines: A draft MoU between the two countries in the field of defence cooperation amongst others was under discussion since the DefExpo 2018 and has now been formalised in the run up to DefExpo 2020, to be held in Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow between February 5-9, 2020. In 2019, Mr Juusti had led a delegation to Aero India in Bengaluru and post his visit, the Permanent Secretary had evinced their interest to participate in the ‘Make in India’ vision and formalise an arrangement for Defence Industrial cooperation through an MoU.  On February 13, 2016, Prime Minister of Finland Mr Juha Sipila had bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his visit to India for the inauguration of the ‘Make in India’ week.  In April 17, 2018, Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting with Mr Sipila during the first India-Nordic Summit in Stockholm, Sweden. Also, a delegation from Finland had visited India between November 29 – December 02, 2018 to explore new business opportunities for Finnish companies. World Bank and Government of India Sign $88 million loan agreement for the implementation of Assam Inland Water Transport Project (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation with international organisations) The Government of India, the Government of Assam and the World Bank signed a loan agreement of $88 million to help modernize Assam’s passenger ferry sector that runs on its rivers including the mighty Brahmaputra. A majority of Assam’s more than 361 ferry routes cross the Brahmaputra or serve its islands, providing a crucial means of transport to thousands of commuters in both the urban and rural areas of the Brahmaputra Valley. The Assam Inland Water Transport Project (AIWTP) will  Help Assam improve the passenger ferry infrastructure and its services Strengthen the capacity of the institutions running the inland water transport Technically better designed terminals and energy-efficient vessels (both new and retrofitted) will make the ferry services more sustainable with least disruption to nature. The Assam Inland Water Transport Project will help develop a modern, efficient and safe river transport system for the large volume of passengers and cargo carried by the vessels. Inland Water Transport is also a more sustainable mode of transport. It provides low-carbon and low-cost options when compared to the cost of constructing and maintaining flood-resilient roads and bridges across the long stretches of the Brahmaputra river. The project will also help build modern ferry terminals. In doing so, the project will draw guidance from ‘working with nature’ principles that aim to design new infrastructure or rehabilitate existing infrastructure in a way that works with natural river processes. The terminals will have better access, lighting and signages while the new vessels will allow for individual seats, and separate toilets. Moreover, a strengthened regulatory regime will ensure reduction in overloading, adherence to time schedule and better crew standards. Assam has the largest network of navigable waterways in India. The Government of Assam has taken on the challenge of modernizing the ferries sector which, though vital to the state, remains largely informal. With World Bank support, the government is creating an institutional framework that will mainstream Inland Waterways as a mode of transport that is both attractive and well-suited to a wide cross-section of people living in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam. GS-3 India’s communication satellite GSAT-30 launched successfully (Topic: Space Technology) GSAT-30  has a unique  configuration of  providing flexible  frequency segments and  flexible coverage.     The  satellite  will provide  communication services  to Indian mainland and islands  through Ku-band and wide coverage  covering Gulf countries, a large number  of Asian countries and Australia through  C-band. GSAT-30  will provide  DTH Television  Services, connectivity  to VSATs for ATM, Stock-exchange,  Television uplinking and Teleport Services,  Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) and  e-governance applications. The satellite will also  be used for bulk data transfer for a host of emerging  telecommunication applications. In  the days  ahead, orbit-raising  manoeuvres will be performed  to place the satellite in Geostationary  Orbit (36,000 km above the equator) by using  its onboard propulsion system. During the final  stages of its orbit raising operations, the two solar  arrays and the antenna reflectors of GSAT-30 will be deployed.    Following this, the satellite will be put in its final orbital configuration.    The satellite will be operational after the successful completion of all in-orbit  tests. Meeting of the Island Development Agency focusing on ‘Green Development in the Islands to reach a new Height' (Topic: Tourism; Environment) The Island Development Agency reviewed the progress made towards the programme “Holistic development of islands”. For the first time in the country, under the guidance of IDA, an initiative of sustainable development in the identified Islands within scientifically-assessed carrying capacity has been taken-up.  Development Plans with focus on creation of jobs for the islanders through tourism promotion as well as export of seafood and coconut-based products made in the Islands have been prepared and are being implemented in four islands of Andaman & Nicobar and five islands of Lakshadweep. In the second phase, suitable sites in 12 more islands of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and 5 islands in Lakshadweep have been covered. Model tourism projects Both Land-based and Water Villas were planned and bids have been invited for private sector participation.  As a unique initiative, to spur investment, it was decided to obtain clearances for implementation of the planned projects up-front.  All necessary clearances would be in place before bids finalization.  Environment and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances have already been obtained for four exemplary tourism projects of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Strengthening infrastructure support Projects for improving air, sea and digital connectivity are being implemented.  Port Blair and another 7 islands in Andaman & Nicobar would get digitally connected through submarine optical fibre cable by June, 2020.  Better communication services would facilitate setting up of Information Technology based and other Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the islands with incentives through Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Industrial Development Scheme (LANIDS), 2018 notified on 1st January, 2019.  The proposed airports in Great Nicobar Island of Andaman & Nicobar and Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep would catalyze the development process in the region. Way Forward Formulate separate policy for maintaining a clean, green and healthy environment in the islands.  Implement suitable strategies for sustainable utilization of fisheries resources available in Exclusive Economic Zone around the islands.  Adequate technology-based facilities need to be provided to enhance fish collection, storage, processing and export of value-added products which would provide more jobs and generate additional income for the islands. Year End Review 2019 – Ministry of Power Availability of reliable and affordable energy is key for development of any country.  Electrification of approximately 2.6 Crores households achieved Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA): Launched in Sept., 2017 with the objective to achieve universal household electrification by providing last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all remaining un-electrified households in rural and urban areas by 31st March, 2019 Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram JyotiYojana (DDUGJY): 100% villages across the country stands electrified as on 28thApril, 2018 Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) was launched in the year 2014 for improving and augmenting the distribution and sub-transmission systems in Urban areas with a view to improve reliability. Under the scheme, till today, system strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution network has been in 371 circles. 560 additional urban Towns have been IT-enabled, and about 30,000 kms of HT/LT lines have been installed across 546 circles in the country. 820 new substations have been constructed, while more than 50,000 Distribution transformers have been installed. For better work flow management in the Utilities, IPDS has also funded Enterprise resource planning (ERP) across several Utilities, out of which implementation has been completed in 6 Utilities. Smart Metering: In the current financial year, Ministry of Power has issued guidelines to all States to convert all existing consumer meters into Smart meters in prepaid mode. Operation of Smart meters in prepaid mode would allow consumers to pay as per their own financial convenience and electricity consumption requirements. Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY): A scheme for financial and operation turnaround of Power Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) was launched by the Government for State owned Distribution Utilities at a time when the outstanding debts and losses of the Distribution utilities had increased to levels that were adversely affecting the viability of the Power and Banking Sectors. The purpose of UDAY was to usher reforms across the Power and coal Sectors through competitive and cooperative federalism to pave the way for 24X7 affordable and reliable Power for all. UDAY incorporated a slew of measures, including financial re-engineering measures, as well as operational improvement measures. Atal JyotiYojana (AJAY) and Solar Study Lamp scheme: Over 1.48 lakh Solar LED Street Lights commissioned in rural areas under AJAY and over 59.18 lakh Solar Study Lamps distributed to school going students under Solar Study Lamp scheme. North Eastern states: Over 1 crore LED bulbs, 93,900 LED tube lights and 3.65 lakh energy efficient fans distributed under UJALA scheme. Over 1 lakh LED street lights installed under SLNP. Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA): Over 36.10 crore LED bulbs, 71.61 lakh LED tube lights and 23.10 lakh energy efficient fans distributed across the country. This has resulted in estimated energy savings of 47 billion kWh per year with avoided peak demand of 9,590 MW, estimated GHG emission reduction of 38 million CO2 per year and estimated cost saving of INR 18,935 crore per year in electricity bills of consumers. Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP): Over 1 crore energy efficient LED streetlights have been installed across the country. This has resulted in estimated energy savings of 6.9 billion kWh per year with avoided peak demand of 1,152 MW, estimated GHG emission reduction of 4.76 million t CO2per year and estimated annual cost saving of INR 2,686 crore in electricity bills of Municipalities. National E-Mobility Programme: Procurement process of 10,000 e-cars concluded. The price discovered for e-cars is 25 % less than similar cars in market. Till date, 1510 e-cars deployed/under deployment for Government offices and 470 Captive Chargers (300 AC & 170 DC) commissioned in these offices. Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure: EESL is also installing Public Charging Stations to promote Electric vehicles. Till date, 65 nos. of Public Charging Stations (PCS) have been commissioned in New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) area. MoUs signed with multiple stakeholders across the country. Building Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP): Building energy efficiency project has been completed in 10,310 buildings including Railway stations and Airports. Agricultural Demand Side Management (AgDSM): Over73,600 energy efficient pumps have been installed in Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Decentralized solar power plants: Decentralized solar power plant of60 MW cumulative capacity commissioned in the state of Maharashtra.   Prelims oriented News National Youth Day: 13th Jan Thuglak, a Tamil magazine: Founded by the late Cho Ramaswamy November 26, 2019: 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu National Award: Prof. M S Swaminathan - Doyen of Agricultural Science National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): The largest singular & specialized disaster response force in the world IRAD project: Will enhance the analytical capabilities based on international best practice, and will also help to perform analysis based on collected data for further improvement/corrective measures to be taken at accident spot/accident prone areas by the concerned Road Authority. There are two main agricultural seasons in India –  ‘Kharif’ from 1st April to 30th September ‘Rabi’ from 1st October to 31st March. FASTag Rules relaxed for 65 NHAI toll plazas having High Cash Transactions The concerned fee plazas have been allowed to convert up to 25 per cent of all fee lanes to hybrid (cash plus FASTag) lanes during this time. The move comes in the wake of NHAI raising concerns regarding high cash transactions on its 65 identified fee plazas. NHAI has pointed out that most of the fee plazas are functioning with one hybrid lane on each side and while efforts are being made to bring more fee plazas within the ambit, the said identified fee plazas were facing heavy traffic rush on the hybrid lanes. With a view to save the citizens from inconvenience, the Ministry has decided that depending on the traffic pile up at these 65 fee plazas, not more than 25 percent FASTag lane of Fee Plaza may be temporarily converted to hybrid lanes. At least 75% lanes of these 65 fee plaza remain declared and operational as ‘FASTag lane of Fee Plaza’ in order to incentivize the vehicles carrying FASTag. Novel coronavirus outbreak in China Coronaviruses are large family of viruses, which cause illnesses to people and also circulate in animals including camels, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can also evolve and infect people. Also known as Wuhan coronavirus, Wuhan seafood market pneumonia virus and Wuhan pneumonia, is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA coronavirus first reported in 2019 The clinical signs and symptoms are mainly fever with a few patients having difficulty in breathing. The mode of transmission is unclear as of now.  2019-nCoV can transmit between humans (it was earlier believed to transmit only from animals to humans). This is a worrying development because it means the viral infection may spread further and much more rapidly, especially in the backdrop of the ongoing yearly migration in China on account of the Chinese New Year festivities when millions of people travel across China. Although as per World Health Organization’s risk assessment the risk for global spread has been stated as low.

Jan 22, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 163

UPSC Quiz - 2020: IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 163 Archives Important Note Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :)  To take the Test - Click Here

Jan 22, 2020 Important Articles

QUICK UPDATE: DAF Session @ DELHI (as part of IMP Program) by Serving IRS Officer on 23rd January, 6 PM (Thursday)

QUICK UPDATE: DAF Session @ DELHI (as part of IMP Program) by Serving IRS Officer on 23rd January, 6 PM (Thursday)   Dear Students, Based on many Requests in Delhi, we are conducting a DAF session on 23rd January 2020 (Thursday) at 6 PM to guide you on filling the DAF. The session shall be conducted by serving IRS Officer, on pro-bono basis. The most important step right now is filling up your Detailed Application Form(DAF). Your DAF introduces you to the board before you get to introduce yourself. And utmost care is needed to ensure that you do not make blunders in filling it up. The session is FREE and OPEN TO ALL !!  About DAF Session @ Bengaluru -> CLICK HERE P.S. : Get a print out of your DAF (mandatory). IMP Workshop will be held on 1st February in Bengaluru and 2nd February in Delhi. Details will be announced soon. VENUE: IASBABA, 5B, PUSA road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi -110005 (Landmark: Just 50m from Karol Bagh Metro Station, GATE No.8 (Next to CROMA Store). DATE & TIMINGS: 23rd January (Thursday) at 6 PM Email id: support@iasbaba.com Contact No.: DELHI: +91 11-41678500/+91 11-41672600 ( Office Timings: 10 am – 6 pm) Going forward we will be conducting Workshop for Interview as part of Interview Mentorship Program (IMP).  HIGHLIGHTS of INTERVIEW MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME (IMP): Workshop – 3 hour session to set the mood for Interview preparation. Open Mocks – a Unique Approach Pioneered by IASbaba!! Mock Interviews – Conducted by the board of five Eminent resource persons chosen to exactly replicate the UPSC Interview board. This session shall be recorded and the video will be provided to the candidate. One-to-one discussion – to analyse the candidate’s performance in the mock interview. DAF discussion Current Affairs Sessions To REGISTER and to Know more about IMP Program -> CLICK HERE Thank You IASbaba