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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st September 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st September 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Climate movements Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment Conservation In News Students in more than 2,000 cities across the world are holding demonstrations under the #FridaysforFuture movement, protesting inaction towards climate change. Also known as the Youth Strike for Climate Movement, it started in August 2018 after Greta Thunberg (16-year-old student) sat outside the Swedish parliament for three weeks to protest against inaction towards climate change and called for concrete government action. Then in September 2018, Thunberg called for a strike every Friday until the Swedish parliament revised its policies towards climate change. The movement soon spread to other countries which turned into a global movement supported by Civil Society activists and Scientists. Students are protesting because they are the ones who are going to be bearing the brunt of Climate change in the coming decades and the governments continue to rely on fossil fuels. In the present phase of the strikes, students are demanding “urgent” and “decisive” action in order to keep global average temperatures from rising above 1.5 degree Celsius. Also, millions of adults will be joining them in the Global #ClimateStrike movement, which will commence just as the UN Climate Action Summit 2019 is set to take place in New York on September 23. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-I - Women In News PMMVY has achieved a significant milestone by crossing one crore beneficiaries. The total amount disbursed to the beneficiaries under the scheme has crossed Rs. 4,000 crores. It is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) schemeunder which cash benefits are provided to pregnant women in their bank account directly to meet enhanced nutritional needs and partially compensate for wage loss Under the ‘Scheme’, Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM;) receive a cash benefit of Rs. 5,000 in three instalments on fulfilling the respective conditionality, viz. early registration of pregnancy, ante-natal check-up and registration of the birth of the child and completion of first cycle of vaccination for the first living child of the family. The scheme was launched in 2017 as Centrally SponsoredScheme and implemented by Ministry of Women and Child Development Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Rajasthan are the top five States & UT in the country in implementation of the scheme. Odisha and Telangana are yet to start implementation of the scheme. National Recruitment Agency  Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II -Governance In News Finance Ministry has approved the proposal for creation of a NRA to streamline recruitment process of Group-B (non-gazetted), Group-C (non-technical) and clerical posts in the government along with various equivalent recruitment in PSB. It will be set up to conduct the Common Eligibility Test (CET) for all these competitive examinations, in which an estimated 2.5 crore candidates appear annually. NRA will conduct preliminary examinations for all these recruitment, which are at present conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) The SSC and IBPS will not be disbanded for now and will conduct the mains examinations as usual. NRA is thus expected to reduce the burden on SSC & IBPS whereby NRA will work as a preliminary single-window agency to shortlist qualifying candidates Lotus Tower Part of: GS Prelims In News Sri Lanka unveils South Asia’s tallest tower (called Lotus Tower) in Colombo It is 350-metre-tall and in the shape of Lotus It comprises a hotel, a TV tower, restaurants, a mall, a telecommunications museum, and auditorium. The tower, which is expected to function as Sri Lanka’s ‘digital TV tower’, is built with fibre optic cables and is fully equipped with necessary telecommunication equipment. The tower costs more than $100 million. The 80% of costs incurred has been funded by China under the controversial Belt and Road Initiative(BRI). Wawe Summit 2019 Part of: GS Prelims In News Union Human Resource Development Minister has launched the Waste Management Accelerator for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs (WAWE Summit 2019). The summit will be the largest gathering of young women students who will promote entrepreneurship in waste management and provide alternatives to single-use plastic carry bags It is organized by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Institute of Waste Management(IIWM) at Jaipur. Theme of summit: “Make your own bag – empowering women to take up income generation activity and entrepreneurship in waste management, through making a business out of this record-creating concept.” AICTE is the statutory body responsible for proper planning and coordinated development of the technical education and management education system in India. AICTE works under Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3: Government Budgeting Parliamentary Budget Office a need for an hour Parliamentary Budget Office: A PBO is an independent and impartial body linked directly to Parliament. It provides technical and objective analysis of Budgets and public finance to the House and its committees. It can generate quality public debate on Budget policy and public finance, enabling parliamentarians to engage meaningfully in the Budget process. Traditionally, independent budgetary units are more common in developed countries. Need for PBO: Executive-led budgetary governance has not been successful in India. To carry out the functions effectively, Parliament requires institutional, analytical and technical competence. There is a growing trend among legislatures, particularly within the OECD countries to establish specialised Budget research units. Function of PBOs across the world: Independent and objective economic forecast. Baseline estimate survey. Analysing the executive’s Budget proposal. Providing medium- to long-term analysis What is to be done? The body needs to be appointed not based on political allegiance or expediency, but on its expertise in budgetary, fiscal and economic matters. This body must serve parliamentarians equally and without prejudice. These bodies must help shape the debate and discourse around the state of the nation’s finances and the fiscal implications of significant proposals. Crux: What is gravely in danger is evidence-based discussion around important policies that affect the trajectory of our Republic, discussions which can quickly blur the line between fact and fiction. Example:  The Rafale deal with Dassault Aviation. Part of the controversy resulted from uncertainty regarding the true lifecycle costs of the aircraft bought. In 2011, the Canadian PBO released a cost estimate for Canada’s purchase of F-35 jets. This estimate far exceeded the one presented by the Department of National Defence. Working of PBOs: It is often the case that economic and fiscal projections of a PBO and the Ministry of Finance are similar. This is unsurprising as data sources and economic methodologies for such projections are well established and uniform. without the existence of another data point l generated by an independent, non-partisan office, (PBO)it is difficult for parliamentarians to ensure that these projections and estimates continue to be reliable enough for them to make decisions on. When these projections come into question, the Cabinet can tap the civil service for further research and analysis. Most parliamentarians do not have this luxury and may have to rely on poor quality third-party data and analysis, done without relevant expertise. This is a situation that must be avoided AG vs PBO : Auditor general performs, which is to provide retrospective audits and analysis of the financial accounts and performance of government operations. A PBO provides prospective, forward-looking economic and fiscal projections, as well as policy costings. International examples: Congressional Budget Office in the United States ,Offices in the Netherlands, Korea, Australia and the United Kingdom. In some of these countries PBOs provide independent cost estimates of electoral platform measures to political parties. Conclusions: The amount of information parliamentarians need to scrutinise in Budget documents has exponentially increased and a PBO would assist parliamentarians in this process of scrutiny. India’s Parliament and government need to work quickly and energetically to establish such an office; it is in everyone’s interests to do so. As the process toward the Union Budget 2020 has already kicked off, it would be prudent for parliamentarians to examine the case for a PBO more deeply. Connecting the dots: Legislatures across the world have witnessed an increasingly stronger executive try to wrest away its rightful power of the purse. A PBO would help resuscitate these powers that have fallen into disuse. ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Investment models. Finance Minister cuts corporate taxes Context: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cuts corporate taxes for domestic, new manufacturing companies How much? Corporate tax rate has been cut to 22% from 30% for companies that do not avail exemptions — this means that the effective tax rate for such companies will fall from 34.94% presently to 25.17% companies opting for 22 per cent income tax slab would not have to pay minimum alternative tax (MAT). The government has also decided to not levy enhanced surcharge introduced in Budget on capital gain arising from the sale of equity shares in a company liable for securities transaction tax (STT). Auto firms looking to make in India will have to pay an even lower tax rate of 15%, provided they start by 31 March 2023 Why? The idea behind this move is obviously to generate private investment which is now at a low ebb, and also be to attract foreign investors looking for alternative sites for their global value chains disrupted now by the tariff war between China and the U.S. With these cuts, the government has delivered on a long-standing demand of Corporate India. Positive impacts: Tax concessions will bring investments in Make in India, boost employment and economic activity, leading to more revenue The new corporate tax cuts are expected to boost economic growth, which slipped to a six-year low of 5% in the April-June quarter. Vehicle prices may come down significantly following cut in corporate tax Negative impacts: Revenue foregone on reduction in corporate tax and other relief measures will be Rs 1.45 lakh crore annually. This is very significant, especially in the context of the over-estimation of revenues in the Budget and the under-performance in terms of tax collections so far this year The deficit target of 3.3% for this fiscal is unattainable, as things stand Minimum alternative tax (MAT): Companies try to minimise giving taxes by taking advantage of depreciation, deductions, exemptions, etc from the government. So the government imposes a Minimum Alternate Tax or MAT as an advance tax on these companies. This makes the companies give at least a minimum amount of tax. In India MAT is levied under Section 115JB of the Income Tax Act, 1961 Conclusion: The onus is now in passing on the benefit of lower taxes down the chain to consumers and investors. The one route open to the government is to go big on disinvestment where it has already budgeted Rs 1,05,000 crore for this year The corporate tax cuts are certainly good for the economy in the medium term but in the short term, until revenues bounce back, the government has a fiscal problem on its hands. Connecting the dots: Tax cuts have enthused Corporate India, but there is the fiscal problem to deal with. Elucidate. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is being implemented by which Ministry? Ministry of Health Ministry of Finance Ministry of Women and Child Development None of the above Q.2) “Fridays for Future” movement often seen in news is related to which of the following areas? Awareness about ill-effects of alcoholism Wage parity between men and women employees Students protesting for action by government towards Climate change None of the above Q.3) Which of the following are the objectives of setting National Recruitment Agency To streamline recruitment process on subordinate-rank posts in the government. To reduce the burden of SSC and the IBPS, among others, from holding preliminary recruitment exams, which is an extensive exercise. Select the correct answer from the codes given below. 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements about Lotus Tower It is South Asia’s tallest tower located in Thailand It has been funded by China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ One people, many countries The Hindu  A rural stimulus The Hindu Fix the fundamentals first Indian Express Modi government ought to recognise that diaspora diplomacy is double-edged Indian Express    

PIB

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 16th Sep to 21st September – 2019

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 16th to 21st September, 2019 ARCHIVES GS-2 Launch of NIRVIK – a new Export Credit Insurance Scheme (ECIS) By: Ministry of Commerce & Industry through Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC)  Aim: To enhance loan availability and ease the lending process The ECGC cover provides additional comfort to banks as the credit rating of the borrower is enhanced to AA rated account. Enhanced cover will ensure that Foreign and Rupee export credit interest rates will be below 4%and 8% respectively for exporters. Under ECIS, insurance cover percentage has also been enhanced to 90% from the present average of 60% for both Principal and Interest.   Launch of Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP) - 2019 and Annual Refresher Programme in Teaching (ARPIT) – 2019 Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP)- To build higher managerial capabilities of existing higher education leaders and administrators and to draw fresh talent into the management of higher education systems, a National Initiative “Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP)” was launched to design and deliver a structured scheme of leadership development for HEIs. LEAP is a three weeks leadership development training programme (2 weeks domestic and one week foreign training) for second level academic functionaries in public funded higher education institutions. The main objective is to prepare second tier academic heads that are potentially likely to assume leadership roles in the future. Annual Refresher Programme in Teaching (ARPIT) – Ministry of Human Resource Development launched Annual Refresher Programme in Teaching (ARPIT) in November, 2018. ARPIT is a major and unique initiative of online professional development of 1.5 million higher education faculty using the MOOCs platform SWAYAM. For implementing ARPIT, discipline-specific National Resource Centers (NRCs) are identified which are tasked  to prepare online training material with focus on latest developments in the discipline, new & emerging trends, pedagogical improvements and methodologies for transacting revised curriculum. President of India in Slovenia This is the first ever presidential visit from India to Slovenia. India’s growth and Slovenia’s technology and manufacturing capacity complement each other. India is targeting to become a 5 trillion dollar economy by 2025. There are immense possibilities of cooperation between the two countries in the fields of high technology, especially clean technology, robotics and artificial intelligence. Start-up and innovation sectors also present opportunities. Slovenia has developed niche technology in the defence sector and is a proven leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence, defence equipment and clean water technologies. India values Slovenia’s support for India’s candidature for permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council. The President urged Slovenia to join the International Solar Alliance and strengthen India’s efforts to combat climate change. India and Slovenia signed and exchanged seven MoUs and Programmes of Cooperation in the fields of Investment, Sports, Culture, River Rejuvenation (Clean Ganga Mission), Science & Technology and Standards in the presence of the two Presidents. Do you know? Slovenia is located in southern Central Europe at a crossroads of important European cultural and trade routes. It is bordered by Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the northeast, Croatia to the southeast, and the Adriatic Sea to the southwest Cabinet approves  Promulgation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement) Ordinance Electronic-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that produce aerosol by heating a solution containing nicotine, which is the addictive substance in combustible cigarettes. These include all forms of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Heat Not Burn Products, e-Hookah and the like devices. These novel products come with attractive appearances and multiple flavours and their use has increased exponentially and has acquired epidemic proportions in developed countries, especially among youth and children. Implementation: Upon promulgation of the Ordinance, any production, manufacturing, import, export, transport, sale (including online sale), distribution or advertisement (including online advertisement) of e-cigarettes shall be a cognizable offence punishable with an imprisonment of up to one year or fine up to Rs. 1 lakh or both for the first offence; and imprisonment of up to three years and fine up to Rs. 5 lakh for a subsequent offence. Storage of electronic-cigarettes shall also be punishable with an imprisonment up to 6 months or fine up to Rs 50,000 or both.  Impact: The decision to prohibit e-cigarettes will help protect population, especially the youth and children, from the risk of addiction through E-cigarettes.   Enforcement of the Ordinance will complement government's efforts for tobacco control and will help in reduction of tobacco use and reduction in associated economic and disease burden. GS-3 World Ozone Day Day: 16 September Theme: "32 years and healing” The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet. The phase-out of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and the related reductions have not only helped protect the ozone layer for this and future generations, but have also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change; furthermore, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth. The latest Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion completed in 2018, shows that, as a result, parts of the ozone layer have recovered at a rate of 1-3% per decade since 2000.  At projected rates, Northern Hemisphere and mid-latitude ozone will heal completely by the 2030s. The Southern Hemisphere will follow in the 2050s and Polar Regions by 2060.  Ozone layer protection efforts have also contributed to the fight against climate change by averting an estimated 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, from 1990 to 2010. Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol: It entered into force on 1 January 2019. By phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent climate-warming gases, this amendment can avoid up to 0.4°C of global temperature rise by the end of the century, while continuing to protect the ozone layer. And by combining action to phase-down HFCs with energy efficiency improvements in the cooling industry, we can achieve bigger climate benefits. India’s efforts India became one of the first countries in the world to launch a comprehensive Cooling Action plan in March, 2019, which has a long term vision to address the cooling requirement across sectors such as residential and commercial buildings, cold-chain, refrigeration, transport and industries. The India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) lists out actions which can help reduce the cooling demand, which will also help in reducing both direct and indirect emissions. ICAP has been appreciated internationally as an important policy initiative which has the potential to provide socio-economic and environmental benefits related to reduced refrigerant use, climate change mitigation and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Many countries are now involved in development of cooling action plans keeping in view the significant environmental benefits and the fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goals. The India Cooling Action seeks to  (i) reduce cooling demand across sectors by 20% to 25% by 2037-38,  (ii) reduce refrigerant demand by 25% to 30% by 2037-38,  (iii) Reduce cooling energy requirements by 25% to 40% by 2037-38,  (iv) recognize “cooling and related areas” as a thrust area of research under national S&T Programme,  (v) training and certification of 100,000 servicing sector technicians by 2022-23, synergizing with Skill India Mission. ICAP recommends synergies with ongoing government programmes and schemes such as Housing for All, the Smart Cities Mission, Doubling Farmers Income and Skill India Mission, in order to maximize socio-economic co-benefits. As part of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) phase out programme, India has proactively taken the challenge of complete phase out of HCFC 141 b, which is a chemical used by foam manufacturing enterprises by 1.1.2020. Towards meeting this compliance target, the Ozone Cell of the Ministry is providing technical and financial assistance to foam manufacturing enterprises along with UNDP. MoEFCC is implementing a project jointly for upskilling and certification of 100,000 Refrigeration and Air-conditioning service technicians with Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) under Skill India Mission - Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). Training and certification of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning (RAC) service technicians will allow securing environmental benefits and livelihood enhancement for technicians. This sector is largely unorganized. Already 20000 service technicians have been upskilled and certified in the first phase. In addition 14, 000 technicians have also been trained under HPMP in collaboration with GIZ. Please Note: First Raksha Mantri to fly ‘LCA Tejas’: Shri Rajnath Singh Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh green signals writing of India’s border history: The work will cover various aspects of borders including tracing its making; making & unmaking and shifting of borders; role of security forces; role of borderland people encompassing their ethnicity, culture and socio-economic aspects of their lives. The project is expected to be completed within two years. FM hands over restituted 12th Century Buddha statue to Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Culture Minister The 12th Century Buddha statue, which was stolen 57 years ago and finally traced at an auction in the United Kingdom (UK) The 12th Century AD Bronze image of Buddha seated in the Bhumipasara mudra was amongst the 19 bronze images/statues stolen from the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) Nalanda site museum in August 1961. RTI can be filed locally in the Union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, even after the new arrangement comes into existence after the 31st of October, 2019. There were mischievous rumours that, because J&K will become a Union Territory, the applicant will have to travel to Delhi to file an RTI. The first RTI application is made to the Public Information Officer (PIO) locally and in matters involving “life and liberty”, the time limit for the PIO to provide the information is 48 hours. For the PIO to reply to the application, timeline of 30 days has been laid down from the date of receipt of the application.  For applicant to make first appeal after the receipt of PIO’s reply, the first Appellate authority  in the form of the designated officer will also be available locally, whether it is the State or Union territory.  Only in case of second appeal, the application has to be submitted to the Information Commission and even if the Information Commissioner is not available locally, in case of Union territory, the second appeal can be sent to the Central Information Commission on-line within 90 days from the receipt of the first appeal orders or from the date the orders were to be received. Waste Management Accelerator for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs (WAWE Summit 2019): It will be jointly organized by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Institute of Waste Management (IIWM) at Jaipur. It will be part of a series of activities to encourage entrepreneurship amongst young graduates. Skill India and IBM come together for nationwide Train-the-Trainer program in Artificial Intelligence: As part of the program, ITI trainers will be trained on basic Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills towards using the technology in their day-to-day training activities. This program aims at enabling the trainers with basic approach, workflow and application of artificial intelligence that they can apply in their training modules. IBM aims at training 10,000 faculty members from ITIs across the country and the program will be executed over aperiod of one year with 14 trainers across 7 locations with over 200 workshops. National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT) Scheme for better learning outcomes in Higher Education Objective: To use Artificial Intelligence to make learning more personalised and customised as per the requirements of the learner. This requires development of technologies in Adaptive Learning to address the diversity of learners. MHRD would act as a facilitator to ensure that the solutions are freely available to a large number of economically backward students. MHRD would create and maintain a National NEAT platform that would provide one-stop access to these technological solutions.  EdTech companies would be responsible for developing solutions and manage registration of learners through the NEAT portal. They would be free to charge fees as per their policy. As their contribution towards the National cause, they would have to offer free coupons to the extent of 25% of the total registrations for their solution through NEAT portal.  MHRD would distribute the free coupons for learning to the most socially/economically backward students. AICTE would be the implementing agency for NEAT programme. The scheme shall be administered under the guidance of an Apex Committee constituted by MHRD. Independent Expert Committees would be constituted for evaluating and selecting the EdTech solutions. MoUs will be signed with the shortlisted EdTech companies. Awareness programs would be taken up by MHRD to create awareness of the NEAT solutions to teachers and students. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Reaches One Crore Beneficiaries Scheme: A flagship scheme of the Government for pregnant women and lactating mothers PMMVY is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme under which cash benefits are provided to pregnant women in their bank account directly to meet enhanced nutritional needs and partially compensate for wage loss. Under the ‘Scheme’, Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM) receive a cash benefit of Rs. 5,000 in three installments on fulfilling the respective conditionality, viz. early registration of pregnancy, ante-natal check-up and registration of the birth of the child and completion of first cycle of vaccination for the first living child of the family. The eligible beneficiaries also receive cash incentive under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). Thus, on an average, a woman gets Rs. 6,000. Joint Unveiling of Buddha Statue by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of Mongolia HE Mr. Khaltmaagiin Battulga Installed at the historic Gandan Tegchenling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar Prime Minister had offered prayers at the Gandan Tegchenling Monastery during his visit to Mongolia in 2015 and had announced to gift a statue of Lord Buddha to the monastery, underlining the common Buddhist heritage and civilizational links between our two countries and peoples. The Statue depicts Lord Buddha in a sitting posture along with his two disciples conveying the message of compassion along with peace and co-existence. The statue was installed and consecrated at the Gandan Monastery earlier this month during the third edition of SAMVAAD dialogue held in Ulaanbaatar from 6 – 7 September 2019. Third edition of SAMVAAD dialogue brought together Buddhist religious leaders, experts and scholars from different countries to deliberate on contemporary issues related to Buddhism. Gandan Tegchenling Monastery is a prominent centre of Mongolian Buddhists and a treasure house of valuable Buddhist heritage. It hosted the 11th General Assembly of Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) from 21-23 June 2019 marking the 50th anniversary of the Conference. Over 150 guests from 14 countries including India, South Korea, Russia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, North Korea, LPDR, Thailand, Japan etc. had participated in the event. India and Mongolia are not just 'Strategic Partners' but also 'Spiritual Neighbours' connected by our shared Buddhist Heritage The President appreciated Mongolia for its consistent support to India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.  He also appreciated Mongolia’s decision to join the 'International Solar Alliance’. He said that this will strengthen our partnership in the renewable energy sector and help us combat Climate Change. Centuries-old people-to-people exchanges have been the bedrock of our ties. Buddhist monks and traders from India traveled to Mongolia with the message of peace, harmony and friendship. Similarly, over the ages, Mongolian scholars and pilgrims came to India in pursuit of Buddhist studies and spiritual blessings. This ageless tradition continues. India, today, is privileged to host around 800 Mongolian students engaged in Buddhist studies. ISRO and DRDO ink MoUs to provide technologies for human centric systems for Human Space Mission Aim: To demonstrate its human space flight capabilities The technological capabilities existing in DRDO laboratories for defence applications will be customised to meet the requirements of the human space mission of ISRO. Some of the critical technologies to be provided by DRDO to ISRO include space food, space crew health monitoring and emergency survival kit, radiation measurement and protection, parachutes for safe recovery of crew module and others. Air-to-Air missile Astra successfully flight tested from Su-30 MKI: The missile was launched from Su-30 MKI as a part of User trials. The live aerial target was engaged accurately demonstrating the capability of first indigenous air-to-air missile. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested the Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) ‘Astra’ from Su-30 MKI platform: Astra BVRAAM has range of more than 100 kms with modern guidance and navigation techniques. The missile has midcourse guidance and RF seeker based terminal guidance to achieve target destruction with pin point accuracy. The present flight trials have proved the end to end performance of the missile system in various combat scenarios giving greater confidence to users. The five successful trials of Astra will culminate into induction of the missile system into Indian Air Force, which will certainly be a force multiplier considering its accuracy and effectiveness in neutralizing aerial threats.

UPSC Question Papers

UPSC General Studies Paper - 2 (GS 2) 2019: UPSC MAINS 2019: UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS EXAM

UPSC General Studies Paper - 2 (GS 2) 2019: UPSC MAINS 2019: UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS EXAM Download - UPSC Mains: General Studies Paper -2 (GS 2) - 2019   There are TWENTY questions. Answers to questions no. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to questions no. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words. Q1. Do you think Constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain. (10 Marks) Q2. “The Central Administrative Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain. (10 Marks)      Q3. What are the methods used by the farmer’s organizations to influence the policy-makers in India and how effective are these methods? (10 Marks) Q4. From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain. (10 Marks) Q5. What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism? (10 Marks) Q6. Despite Consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. (10 Marks)   Q7. There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-food essential items squeezing their food-budget – Elucidate. (10 marks)  Q8. Implementation of Information and Communication technology (ICT) based projects/programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors and suggest measures for their effective implementation. (10 marks)  Q9. ‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment. (10 marks)  Q10. ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. (10 marks)  Q11. On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the representation of people act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification. (15 marks)  Q12. “Parliament’s power to amend the constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power”. In the light of this statement explain whether parliament under article 368 of the constitution can destroy the Basic structure of the constitution by expanding its amending power? (15 marks)  Q13. “The reservation of seats for women in the institution of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian political process”. Comment. (15 marks) Q14. “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss  (15 Marks) Q15. Individual parliamentarian’s role as the national law maker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss. (15 marks) Q16. ‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of developmental planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages’- Discuss (15 marks) Q17. The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s development process. (15 marks) Q18. Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process. Discuss (15 marks) Q19. “The long sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate (15 Marks) Q20. What introduces friction into the ties between India and United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with suitable examples. (15 Marks)

UPSC Question Papers

UPSC General Studies Paper - 1 (GS 1) 2019: UPSC MAINS 2019: UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS EXAM

UPSC General Studies Paper - 1 (GS 1) 2019: UPSC MAINS 2019: UPSC CIVIL SERVICES MAINS EXAM   Download - UPSC Mains: General Studies Paper -1 (GS 1) - 2019 There are TWENTY questions. Answers to questions no. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to questions no. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words. Q1. Highlight the Central Asian and Greco -Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art. (Answer in 150 words) Q2. The 1857 Uprising was the culmination of the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate (Answer in 150 words) Q3. Examine the linkages between 19th centuries ‘Indian renaissance’ and emergence of national identity. (Answer in 150 words) Q4. Assess the impact of global warming on coral life system with examples. (Answer in 150 words) Q5.Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. (Answer in 150 words) Q6. Can the strategy of regional-resource based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (Answer in 150 words) Q7. Discuss the factors for localization of agro-based food processing industries of North West India. (Answer in 150 words) Q8. What makes the Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) Q9. “Empowering women is the key to control population growth”. Discuss (Answer in 150 words) Q10. What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism (Answer in 150 words) Q11. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate (Answer in 250 words) Q12. Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during 1940s. (Answer in 250 words) Q13. Explain how the foundations of modern world were laid by the American and French revolution. (Answer in 250 words) Q14. What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (Answer in 250 words) Q15. How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (Answer in 250 words) Q16. How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India? (Answer in 250 words) Q17. How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and coastal environment? Give suitable examples? (Answer in 250 words) Q18. Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples (Answer in 250 words) Q19. What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (Answer in 250 words) Q20. Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss.  (Answer in 250 words)

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 20th September 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 20th September 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) INS Khanderi Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Security In News INS Khanderi fully-automated submarine and the second of the six Scorpene Class submarines, will be commissioned on September 28, 2019 It is built by State-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, India’s biggest warship builder, under a transfer of technology agreement with French naval defence and energy group DCNS The submarine ‘KHANDERI’ is named after the wide snouted Saw fish, a deadly sea predator of the great Indian Ocean. Six Scorpene class submarines are being built under Project 75 which can undertake various types of missions i.e Anti-Surface warfare, Anti-Submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance etc. The first of the six scorpene class submarine named INS Kalvari was commissioned into the Indian Navy on September 2018. The constructions of third Scorpene KARANJ, was started in 2018, and is currently undergoing the rigorous phase of sea trials. The other three submarines VELA, VAGIR and VAGSHEER, are in various stages of development. The last of the submarines will be delivered by 2022. NEAT Scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II - Education In News Ministry of HRD has announced a new PPP Scheme, National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT) for using technology for better learning outcomes in Higher Education The objective is to use Artificial Intelligence to make learning more personalized and customised as per the requirements of the learner. MHRD would create and maintain a National NEAT platform that would provide one-stop access to these technological solutions. AICTE would be the implementing agency for NEAT programme. EdTech companieswould be responsible for developing solutions and managing registration of learners through the NEAT portal. EdTech companies would also have to offer free coupons to the extent of 25% of their total registrations. MHRD would distribute these free coupons to the most socially/economically backward students Right to access internet Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II -Governance In News The Kerala High Court held that the right to have access to the Internet is part of the fundamental right to education as well as the right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution. HC made the observation while ordering the Principal of Sree Narayanaguru College, Kozhikode, to re-admit a student who had been expelled from the college hostel for using her mobile phone beyond the restricted hours The following observations were made by the court The Human Rights Council of the United Nationshas found that the right of access to Internet is a fundamental freedom and a tool to ensure right to education. Mobile phones, once a luxury, have now become "part and parcel of the day to day life and even to a stage that it is unavoidable to survive with dignity and freedom” Enforcement of discipline by hostel authorities shall not beby blocking the ways and means of the students to acquire knowledge. Do You know? In S.Puttaswamy Vs Union of India case, nine judge Supreme Court bench upheld that the right to privacy is protected as a fundamental constitutional right under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India In 2016, the United Nations Human Rights Council released a non-binding resolutioncondemning intentional disruption of internet access by governments. The resolution reaffirmed that "the same rights people have offline must also be protected online" NIRVIK scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III – Indian Economy In News Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC)has introduced ‘NIRVIK’ scheme to ease the lending process and enhance loan availability for exporters. Export credit insurance (ECI) protects an exporter of products and services against the risk of non-payment by a foreign buyer The ECI significantly reduces the payment risks associated with doing international business by giving the exporter conditional assurance that payment will be made if the foreign buyer is unable to pay At present ECGC provides a cover of 60% of the loss to banks. The new NIRVIK scheme will provide 90% coverage of the principal and interest of the loan for pre- and post-shipment credit, and half of this will be provided in 30 days The existing premium rate would also be lowered under the new scheme The scheme is thus expected to bring down the cost of credit due to capital relief, less provision requirement and liquidity due to quick settlement of claims. ECGC is a fully government-owned company that was established in 1957 to promote exports by providing credit insurance services. (MAINS FOCUS) HEALTH TOPIC: General Studies 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. The ban on e-cigarettes Context: The Union Cabinet had approved an ordinance banning production, import, distribution and sale of electronic cigarettes. Any production, import, export, sale (including online), distribution or advertisement, and storage of e-cigarettes is a cognisable offence punishable with imprisonment or fine, or both. e-cigarettes: An electronic cigarette (or e-cig) is a battery-powered vaporizer that mimics tobacco smoking. It works by heating up a nicotine liquid, called “juice.” Nicotine juice (or e-juice) comes in various flavors and nicotine levels. e-liquid is composed of five ingredients: vegetable glycerin (a material used in all types of food and personal care products, like toothpaste) and propylene glycol (a solvent most commonly used in fog machines.) propylene glycol is the ingredient that produces thicker clouds of vapor. E-cigarettes, do not burn tobacco leaves. Instead these battery-operated devices produce aerosol by heating a solution containing among other things, nicotine. Proponents of e-cigs argue that the practice is healthier than traditional cigarettes because users are only inhaling water vapor and nicotine. Why ban? The Centre claims the decision to ban e-cigarettes was taken as they were a health risk to the youth. Seven deaths have been recorded in the U.S. — the largest consumer of e-cigarettes in the world — where, New York recently banned the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes. the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and possibly cardiovascular disease and other diseases also associated with smoking. some compounds in the aerosol are toxic substances that have known deleterious effects, and might just be less harmful than cigarettes, not harmless. WHO’s  stand: WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) outlines, these devices can only be believed to succeed if smokers have moved on to an alternative nicotine source, and then stopped using that too There is evidence now that vaping, dangled as a cool, fun, activity, lures youngsters, and ironically, serves to introduce them to smoking Conclusion: The Centre’s move to ban these products shows a welcome intolerance of anything that impacts negatively on the health and wellness of the people of the country The government, already on the right path, must go all out to ensure that its ban is implemented earnestly in letter and spirit, unlike the patchy execution of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act. POLITY TOPIC: General Studies 2: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Hindi as a national language Home Minister Amit Shah recently asserted that the nationwide adoption of Hindi is the only way India can be united. Why? It is important to have a language of the whole country which should become the identity of India globally. Hindi can unite the country since it is the most spoken language. There is a huge influence of English on the citizens of India. History: The attempt to impose Hindi on the entire country by the Congress in 1965 had led to parts of the country literally burning, with instances of self-immolation in erstwhile Madras State. People of southern India saw this as an attempted cultural cleansing no less. Southern people’s perspective: The people of southern India hold strongly to the idea that they are Dravidian language speakers. Hindi belongs to the group of Indo-European languages and is no less foreign in their reckoning than English is to them. Giving a reason that Hindi is spoken by the largest number is no more than crass majoritarianism. Uttar Pradesh is perceived as an area of backwardness with mob lynching erupting on the watch of a complicit state. Recent study: Study shows ‘knowledge of English’ and ‘Internet access’ turned out to be the most significant. Gender, caste and knowledge of Hindi did not matter. Crux: The ruler Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty trying to unify the peoples of his far-flung kingdom through ideals not through linguistic nationalism.(Asoka’s edicts in different languages is the proof) It is a fallacy to imagine that we need a common language to feel connected. Indians already feel connected due to a shared history of several millennia. Constitutionality: According to Article-343, Hindi (in Devanagari script) is the official language of the Union. Under Article-351, it is the duty of the Union to encourage the spread of the Hindi language so that it may serve as a medium of communication. Conclusion: For Hindi to be adopted by the people of southern India today they must hold a similar view of the society of their northern cousins. there may have been some of this during the national movement, as its pre-eminent leaders came from the north, there is little to commend the region to them today. Connecting the dots: People of India can be unified through ideals not through linguistic nationalism . justify? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Kalvari, Khanderi and Karanj often seen in the news is related to which of the following area? New varieties of plant species discovered in Western Ghats Aircraft Carriers Submarines built by India None of the above Q.2) Supreme Court in K.S.Puttaswamy Vs Union of India case upheld which of the following principle? Doctrine of Basic Structure Transgender Identity Right to Privacy as part of Article 21 None of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT) It is a PPP scheme by Ministry of Human Resource Development for better learning outcomes in primary Education The objective of the scheme is to use Artificial Intelligence to make learning more personalized and customised as per the requirements of the learner. 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 NIRVIK scheme It is a scheme to ease the lending process and enhance loan availability for exporters. The scheme is being implemented by Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India, which is Special Purpose vehicle created by Ministry of Commerce and Confederation of Indian Industry(CII) Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Over the hills and far, far away The Hindu  Maths helped Einstein; it can help the economy too The Hindu Can Hindi unite India? The Hindu  Idea of one country, one language  Indian Express  Conduct of Foreigners Tribunals in Assam is questionable Indian Express    Joining RCEP should be seen as an extension of New Delhi’s Look East policy Indian Express

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 75

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 75 Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘WAVE Summit 2019’ It will be organised by NITI Aayog It will be the largest gathering of young women students to promote entrepreneurship in waste management and providing alternatives to single use plastic carry bags. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan’ It is a nation-wide flagship campaign for achieving universal accessibility that will enable persons with disabilities to gain access for equal opportunity and live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life in an inclusive society. It is conceptualised by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Enemy Property’ in India It refers to any property that was belonging to a person who migrated from India to an enemy country when a war broke out. Enforcement Directorate is the Custodian of Enemy Properties in India. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) ‘Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA)’ scheme offers direct benefit cash transfer of Rs 25,000 for a farm family over five seasons to small and marginal farmers. It is associated with which of the following states? Andhra Pradesh Odisha Maharashtra Telangana Q.5) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is mandated with the responsibility of export promotion and development of which of the following products? Alcoholic Beverages Guar Gum Herbal and Medicinal Plants Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 19th September 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 19th September 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Astra missile Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Security In News India has successfully flight-tested air-to-air missile Astra indigenously designed and developed by DRDO as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). The state-of-the-art missile was launched from Sukhoi-30 MKI off the coast of Odisha as part of user trials by the Indian Air Force(IAF) Modifications of the Sukhoi-30 MKI jets to accommodate Astra missiles has been carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The Astra missile is a beyond visual range missile. It is capable of engaging different targets at different altitudes. The missile has a strike range of 70km. The missile has a 15-kg high-explosive pre-fragmented warhead. It is smoke free, having two way data link and provides very less chances to enemy to be alert about it. Tejas Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III- Security In News Rajnath Singh became the first defence minister to fly on the Tejas. The Tejas is an indigenous light weight, multi role supersonic aircraft developed in both fighter and trainer versions. Conceived as a MiG-21 replacement, the aircraft has been designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Agency (arm of DRDO) and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) The Tejas is designed to carry a veritable plethora of air-to-air, air-to- surface, precision guided and standoff weaponry. A batch of the Tejas aircraft has been already been inducted into the Indian Air Force. The naval version is in the development stage and a critical test was conducted successfully in September first week through “arrested landing”, an ability to land on board an aircraft carrier. Malnutrition Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II - Health In News Two-thirds of the 1.04 million deaths in children under five years in India are still attributable to malnutrition, This was revealed in the state-wide data on malnutrition presented by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and National Institute of Nutrition (NIN). The Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) rate attributable to malnutrition in childrenvaries 7-fold among the states — a gap between a high of 74,782 in Uttar Pradesh and a low of 11,002 in Kerala. Other findings of the report were: low birthweight was 21.4 % ranging from 9 % in Mizoram to 24 % in UP. child stunting (low height-for-age) 39.3 % ranging from 21 % in Goa to 49 % in UP child wasting (low weight for height) 15.7 % child underweight7 % ranging from 16% in Manipur to 42 % in Jharkhand. anaemia in children 59.7 % ranging from 21 % in Mizoram to 74 % in Haryana anaemia in women 15–49 years of age 54.4 % exclusive breastfeeding 53.3 % and overweight child5 % Schemes to tackle malnutrition in India are: Integrated Child Development Scheme launched in 1975, the National Nutrition Policy 1993, the Mid Day Meal Scheme for school children 1995, and the National Food Security Act 2013, POSHAN Abhiyan In order to reduce malnutrition, focus will be needed on major determinants like provision of clean drinking water, reducing rates of open defecation, improving women’s educational status, and food and nutrition security for the most vulnerable families. Pic: https://images.indianexpress.com/2019/09/malnutrition-1.jpg Indian Diaspora Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II – Indian Diaspora In News At 17.5 million, Indian diaspora largest in the world says the UN report. Report: The International Migrant Stock 2019, a dataset released by the Population Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) It provides the latest estimates of the number of international migrants by age, sex and origin for all countries and areas of the world. In 2019, the number of migrants globallyreached an estimated 272 million. Migrants from Mexico constituted the second largest diaspora with 11.8 million people followed by China (10.7 million), Russia (10.5 million) and Syria (8.2 million). Regionally, Europe hosted the largest number of international migrants (82 million),followed by Northern America (59 million) and Northern Africa and Western Asia (49 million). At the country level, United States of America hosting the largest number of international migrants (51 million),with Germany and Saudi Arabia hosting the second and third largest numbers of migrants (13 million each). India hosted 5.1 million international migrants in 2019. The highest number of international migrants came from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. The global number of refugees and asylum seekersincreased by 13 million between 2010 and 2017. Northern Africa and Western Asia hosted around 46% of the global number of refugees and asylum seekers. The share of women and girls in the global number of international migrantsfell slightly, from 49% in 2000 to 48% in 2019. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Investment models. Trade tensions between the US and China Context: The unending escalation of trade tensions between the US and China has led to a disruption of long established supply chains between the two countries Firms exporting from China, both domestic and foreign, have begun to move to other countries in Asia. Origin of the US-China dispute The US and China have been slugging it out since Trump slapped heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items from China last year, and China responded by imposing tit-for-tat tariffs on billions of dollars worth of American imports. The dispute escalated after Washington demanded that China reduce its $375 billion trade deficit with the US, and introduce “verifiable measures” for protection of Intellectual Property Rights, technology transfer, and more access to American goods in Chinese markets. Pic: https://images.indianexpress.com/2019/05/box-1.jpg What is there in for India? opportunity for India to expand trade with the US and China—by filling in supply gaps. India might attract firms exiting China to use India as an exporting base, thereby improving India’s manufacturing base, creating jobs and further expanding its trade—especially with the US. the scale of Chinese exports (roughly ten times India’s exports) implies that even small changes to some of China’s less significant exports may create opportunities of significant scale for countries such as India. For instance, Chinese textiles account for nearly 20% of US textile imports while Indian exports account for only a little over 5%. Chinese global machinery exports amount to nearly $1.2 trillion, while India exports are a paltry $27 billion. Indian machinery exports would increase by over 40%, were India to take over a mere 1% of Chinese machinery exports. Challenges in India India the acquisition of land to set up large manufacturing operations remains hugely problematic and where infrastructure support remains less than ideal competitive labour costs, a tax and regulatory environment hospitable to business, and easy and hassle-free access to all of the factors of production—land, labour, capital and other inputs, such as raw materials and intermediate inputs.(need to be checked) an inadequate road, rail, and seaport network, increasing costs of getting goods to market the investments that are likely to flow to India, exiting China, will be characterized by low fixed costs and relative capital non-intensity—that is, relatively “footloose" investments. The danger with footloose capital, is that it may leave just as easily as it had arrived with even a small change in incentives either in India or abroad. Footloose industry Footloose industry is a general term for an industry that can be placed and located at any location without effect from factors of production such as resources, land, labour, and capital. These industries often have spatially fixed costs, which means that the costs of the products do not change despite where the product is assembled. Diamonds, computer chips, and mobile manufacturing are some examples of footloose industries. Do you know? Vietnam, have been far more successful than India in attracting firms exiting China. Indeed, Vietnam’s exports to the US last year have risen by more than 40% Conclusion India has enjoyed an improvement in its “investment climate" and the “ease of doing business" rankings over the years, and while it has implemented significant liberalization of its foreign domestic investment (FDI) rules, setting up manufacturing operations in India remains a daunting challenge for many would-be investors. Major capital-intensive manufacturing activities move to India permanently, requires a very substantial improvement in the basic factors that drive FDI. Now is not the time for tinkering at the margins but for bold moves to make India a serious player in global value chains. Connecting the dots: Govt’s recent announcements offering improved trade facilitation—especially in dealing with paperwork relating to taxes, trade credits and so forth—are welcome improvements . Justify? ECONOMY/ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment (especially in Environment and Renewable energy sector). Environment and Ecology, Bio diversity - Conservation, environmental degradation, environmental impact assessment, Environment versus Development Green bonus- Integrating mountains with the mainstream Context: In the last week of July 2019, 11 Himalayan States of India met in Dehradun demanding a “green bonus”. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promised inits general election manifesto to provide a financial package to address the special developmental needs of the Himalayan States What is Green bonus: 11 Himalayan states gathered together and made the following demands to the centre A separate Union ministry to deal with problems endemic to them The States asked to develop hydropower resources, subsidies for their environmental protection measures which deny them normal ‘development models’, and recognition of their efforts to meet human development parameters. Bring political, social, or ecological-economical terms with the specificity of the Himalayan region. A green bonus in recognition of their contribution to environment conservation.   Rationale behind such demands Most of the country’s rivers originate in the Himalayan states and thus they have to play significant role in water conservation efforts Also large part of their land fell into eco-sensitive zones where developmental activities are severely restricted A green bonus is thus needed to compensation for their disadvantages Scenarios in integrating mountain regions with the national mainstream: The mountain zone starts from Balochistan, through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, J&K;, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nepal, Sikkim and Gorkhaland, to Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. They have difficulty in integrating these hilly regions with these national states which are primarily anchored in the plains. Authors/writers have also opinioned about the structural, social, and economical differences of the mountain states from the rest of India in their writings: Integration problem’ is not just a South Asian phenomenon — China is struggling to integrate its mountain people and their homelands with its national mainstream, as are Myanmar, Thailand, and other countries. Colonial era: The establishment of Pax Britannica’s border lines along India’s northern mountain which was anchored in the society and political economy of the plains could for the first time could reach so deep into the Himalayas and control them which were historically unprecedented. In brief, the Himalayas successfully provided a barrier to Russian colonial expansion but were unsuccessful in providing a trade route into China. Keeping the mountains politically quiet and socially peaceful was both a desirable aim and a hopeful description by the end of the 19th century. The independent nation states of Asia like India, Pakistan, China or Myanmar have all imagined themselves to be the inheritors, in the high Himalayas, of the geopolitical stakes of their colonial predecessors. The happiness of the ‘hill station’ or the war-like strategies towards the northern tribesmen was both creations of this colonial policy. Norms of an Indian village: The norms of an ‘Indian village’ depends on how its society is structured, how its economy is backward or in what ways does its political life work make no reference to the specificities of the mountain regions. This is not only a social-psychological feature but has direct practical consequences as policies and programmes are devised with the ‘national norm’ in mind, which almost always have unintended consequences on the hilly regions. Conclusion: There is a direct, yet short, link between the demands of the Himalayan States seeking a special “green bonus” — which the BJP supports. The massive expansion of the national economy over the past three decades now allows for commodification of mountain resources (forests, water, labour, tourism, horticulture and even agriculture). It has led to changes in the class structure and the emergence of a new middle class with national aspirations that find the geographical specificity of the Himalayas. Connecting the dots: How the secessionist movements in J&K; and Nagaland and integrationist movements in Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur help the people to come to the national mainstream? What are the main reasons for the low focus on the Himalayan states with respect to social, economical and political measures? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Tejas aircraft The aircraft has been indigenously designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Agency (arm of DRDO) and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) The Tejas is designed to carry air-to-air, air-to- surface, precision guided and standoff weaponry. Which of the 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 Astra missile It is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). It is a surface-to-air missile having a range of 300 kms. 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 At 17.5 million, Indian diaspora largest in the world followed by Mexico (11.8 million), China (10.7 million) and Russia (10.5 million) The highest number of international migrants into India came from Africa and ASEAN countries. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Obama was right about Iran The Hindu  A self-inflicted economic slowdown The Hindu  The multitudes dispossessed by the ‘Gujarat model’ The Hindu  Changing times: The musclemen of new India are crushing old values Indian Express India’s actions over the status of J&K; provide an opportunity to revisit four-point plan for Kashmir Indian Express   Focusing on health, education of women Indian Express  

RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Rising Oceans, Sinking Cities

Rising Oceans, Sinking Cities Archives   TOPIC: General Studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation In News: The Earth could witness a dramatic decline in fish stocks, a 100-fold increase in the damage caused by superstorms and millions of people displaced by rising seas, if humanity does not reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 900-page draft report by the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Destructive changes have already been set in motion. The draft report says that even with most optimistic emission reduction scenario, by the year 2050 many low lying mega-cities and small island nations will experience extreme sea level events every year. The big four - United States of America, China, India and European Union will face most devastating fallout of the ocean and ice related impacts of climate change.  The report, which will officially be released on September 25, concludes that humanity must overhaul the way it produces and consumes almost everything to avoid the worst ravages of climate change and environmental degradation. This follows another sobering report released by the IPCC last month that captured global headlines with its warnings of the devastation to land use caused by rising global temperatures. That included concerns about the Earth’s ability to provide sufficient food for humanity as crop yields decrease and droughts and wildfires become increasingly common. The Wrath Oceans serve as a marine sponge for the planet, soaking up a quarter of the CO2 emitted by humans and absorbing more than 90 percent of the additional heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions since 1970. As a result, the oceans have become warmer, more acidic and less salty.  Without this absorption, global warming would already have made the Earth's surface intolerably hot for humans. This comes at a cost, as the increase in CO2 in ocean waters causes a phenomenon called acidification, which disrupts the ocean's basic food chain. The marine heatwaves, which is the anomalous heating of areas of the ocean, have become twice as frequent since the 1980s and are creating vast oxygen-depleted dead zones. The life-giving oxygen in marine environments has dropped two percent in 60 years, and is on track to lose another three to four percent by 2100 at current rates of carbon pollution.  Freshwater supplies for billions of people, including the world’s mountain dwellers, will be hit by melting glaciers that will first release far too much water, and then not enough Without cuts to man-made emissions, at least 30 percent of the northern hemisphere's surface permafrost could melt by the end of the 21st century, unleashing billions of tonnes of carbon and accelerating global warming even more. By the year 2100, ‘annual flood damages are expected to increase by two to three orders of magnitude’, or 100- to 1,000-fold Even if the world manages to cap global warming at 2C, the global ocean waterline will rise enough to displace more than a quarter of a billion people Earth's two ice sheets, sitting atop Greenland and Antarctica, have lost roughly 400 billion tonnes of mass each year in the decade to 2015, becoming the main driver of the rising sea levels Globally, the corals upon which half-a-billion people depend for food and protection are unlikely to survive surface warming of 2C above preindustrial levels.  The warming is also expected to lead to a doubling in the frequency of extreme El Ninos, which drive forest fires, cause disease outbreaks and affect cyclones if emissions are not cut. The Grave Situation While the four - China, the United States, India and the European Union (accounting for nearly 60 per cent of global fossil fuel-based emissions) - face devastating fallout from the ocean and ice-related impacts of climate change, none seems prepared to announce more ambitious goals for purging carbon from its economy. US President Donald Trump was a no-show at the G7 climate segment at this year's summit in France. In 2017, Trump said the US would withdraw from the Paris Agreement. He has also systematically dissembled predecessor Barack Obama's climate policies. India is rapidly developing solar power, but continues to build up coal-fired capacity. The EU is moving towards a mid-century "net-zero" emissions goal, but several member states are dragging their feet. Long seen as a leader on climate, China - which emits nearly as much CO2 as the US, EU and India combined - has recently been sending mixed signals. The time to act is NOW! There is a very small window left for India’s policymakers to respond to the severity of the threat. There is a need for the well-being of the masses to take precedence over short-term economic gains for a few. Connecting the Dots: The same oceans that nourished human evolution are poised to unleash misery on a global scale unless the carbon pollution destabilising Earth's marine environment is brought to heel – Discuss.

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 74

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 74 Archives Q.1) Kibber Wildlife sanctuary is located in Uttarakhand Himachal Pradesh Puducherry Maharashtra Q.2) Consider the following statements  India is the largest producer of cement in the world. Maharashtra is the largest producer of aluminium in India Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Dharwar Rocks can be found in Rajasthan Odisha Meghalaya Select the correct code 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.4) Which of the following are nitrogen fixing bacteria? Anabaena Azotobacter Rhizobium Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Tawang Monastery’ It is located in Arunachal Pradesh It belongs to the Gelug school of Mahayana Buddhism Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 18th September 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 18th September 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) MGNREGA  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Economy In News Government to peg MGNREGA wages to inflation in bid to hike incomes thus increasing purchasing power and reviving rural demand. The consumption basket of CPI-AL [which determines MGNREGA wage revisions] has not been updated for more than three decades, and rural consumption patterns have changed drastically in that time, Food items make up more than two-thirds of the CPI-AL consumption basket, but rural workers today spend a much smaller percentage of their money on subsidised food, and an increasingly larger amount on health, education and transport costs. Government has now agreed to update the indices annually and link MGNREGA wages with it. The national average wage of an MGNREGA worker is ₹178.44 per day, less than half of the ₹375 per day minimum wage recommended by a Labour Ministry panel MGNREGA received a budgetary allocation of ₹60,000 crores in 2019-20. e-cigarettes Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II – Health In News Government bans e-cigarettes citing health risk to youth. Union Cabinet had approved an ordinance banning production, import, distribution and sale of electronic cigarettes. The draft ordinance provides for a maximum imprisonment of up to one year along with a penalty of Rs 1 lakh against first-time violators. This can go up to three years of jail and a penalty of Rs 5 lakh for repeat offenders. E-cigarettes do not burn tobacco, but use a heating element to vaporize liquid nicotine, which the user inhales. These are not licensed in India and are often marketed as products to help smokers quit, and harmless than cigarettes. A typical cartridge contains about as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes and can act as a potential source for nicotine addiction Do You Know? Some states, including Punjab, Karnataka, Kerala, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Mizoram, have already banned use and sale of e-cigarettes, vape and e-hookah New York and Michigan have also banned e-cigarettes recently this year. More than 9,00,000 people die each year in the country due to tobacco-related illnesses. But India has 106 million adult smokers, second only to China in the world Right to Information Act Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II - Governance In News The Supreme Court has held that Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) “substantially” financed by the government fall within the ambit of RTI Case: D.A.V. College Trust And Management Society vs. Director Of Public Instructions This means that they have to disclose vital information, ranging from finances to hierarchy to decisions to functioning, to citizens who apply under RTI. An NGO may also include societies which are neither owned or controlled by the government, but if they are significantly funded by the government, directly or indirectly, they come under the RTI Act. The court defined “substantial” as a “large portion.” It does not necessarily have to mean a major portion or more than 50%. Substantial financing can be both direct or indirect. If government gives land in a city free of cost or on heavy discount to hospitals, educational institutions or any such body, this could also be substantial financing. National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development (NCCCR&D) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III – Environmental Conservation In News Government of India through Department of Science & Technology, has set up the NCCCR&D as a national level consortium on clean coal R&D, led by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)-Bengaluru. The primary goal is to address several critical R&D challenges towards the development of clean coal technologies, in tandem with developing supercritical power plant technologies, both at the materials and system level. Clean coal technology is a collection of technologies being developed in attempts to lessen the negative environmental impact of coal energy generation and to mitigate worldwide climate change. The term "clean coal" has been applied to many technologies, ranging from wet scrubbers, which remove sulfur dioxide from coal-generated gas, to coal washing, which removes soil and rock from coal before it's sent to a factory. The research in clean coal domain could potentially be game changer for meeting the energy needs of the country in terms of higher efficiency and capacity at lower operating costs and size. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. India would be a $5-trillion economy in 2024 On Independence Day, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that India would be a $5-trillion economy in 2024 Adverse impact of economic growth on different sectors: The economic growth experience in India in recent decades has shown that growth has had an adverse impact on developmental goals such as education, health and overall human development/human capital formation, employment for all and environmentally sustainable development. For example,  1% of the wealthiest in India increased their share in wealth from 40% in 2010 to more than 60% in the last five years.  if we proceed on the same growth path, the top 10% will take away the lion’s share of the $5-trillion incomes  when we reach the target of $5-trillion economy. Education The literacy rate has grown very slowly and according to the United Nations, India’s literacy was 71.1% in 2015. India is now far behind many African countries such as Rwanda, Morocco and Congo in terms of literacy. The quality of education is far from satisfactory Against the norm of 6% of GDP, the government spend is around 4% of GDP on education. Employment: The rate of growth of employment has declined with increasing economic growth causing jobless growth With rising labour force, India will soon experience demographic disaster rather than demographic dividend. Health: Decline in malnutrition, particularly among women and children is very slow; against the norm of 3% of GDP, the government spends around 1.5% of GDP on health Industries: industries are declining rapidly  — examples are  automobile ,diamond cutting and polishing, textiles and garments, and several Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). Agriculture: Agriculture is in crisis on account of rising costs of inputs and low prices of produces, and low public investments in this sector. As a consequence of all these developments, there is a crash in the aggregate demand in the economy. Need for hour: There is an urgent need for a quantum jump in public expenditure on education in order to fill wide gaps in infrastructure, training and retraining of teachers and to ensure a strong follow up on the quality of education it would be very difficult to raise the rate of growth to reach $5 trillion in 2024 unless we focus on human capital formation and address the real reasons for the recent slowdown. Government must increase public expenditure in investing in agriculture — in infrastructure, inputs, extension, marketing and storage and training — and in providing profitable prices to farmers. It should also raise funds for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act It should raise public employment by filling all vacant sanctioned posts in the Central and State governments, which would be around 2.5 million jobs. The government should also regularise contract, casual and “honorary” jobs and make them regular jobs The government should focus on promoting labour intensive sectors such as gems and jewellery, textiles and garments and leather goods. Did you know? Demographic dividend, as defined by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) means, "the economic growth potential that can result from shifts in a population’s age structure, mainly when the share of the working-age population (15 to 64) is larger than the non-working-age share of the population (14 and younger, and 65 and older)". In other words, it is “a boost in economic productivity that occurs when there are growing numbers of people in the workforce relative to the number of dependents. Connecting the dots: NITI Aayog has observed recently, the present crisis is the worst crisis India is facing since the Independence. Analyse The impact of economic growth on major development goals depends on the nature and composition of growth. Substantiate INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TOPIC: General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interest Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. Israeli and Pakistan relations Context: Recently, Israeli and Pakistani scholars and opinion-makers appear to have speculated about the possibility of the two states establishing diplomatic ties. Pic: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/middle-east/israel/map_of_israel.jpg In 1947, the United Nations (UN) adopted a Partition Plan for Palestine recommending the creation of independent Arab and Jewish states and an internationalized Jerusalem. The plan was accepted by the Jewish Agency, and rejected by Arab leaders Israel has since fought several wars with Arab countries Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories is the world's longest military occupation in modern times. Efforts to resolve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict have not resulted in a final peace agreement. Israel's economic and technological center is Tel Aviv, while its seat of government and proclaimed capital is Jerusalem, although the state's sovereignty over Jerusalem has only partial recognition Apart from Turkey (1949), Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994), none of the states in the region have recognised Israel. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) routinely pillories Israel for its “occupation” of Palestinian lands. Israel has been successful in gradually expanding its diplomatic profile beyond its immediate neighbourhood. Israel has established diplomatic relations with a large majority of the 193 UN member states. Pakistan and Israel relations: History: An attempt to establish diplomatic relations with Pakistan and Israel was made in 1947, when Israel's first Prime minister David Ben-Gurion sent a telegram to Jinnah—Pakistan's main founding father—but Jinnah gave no particular response. The Pakistani government was asked to issue passage permits to India for a few hundred Jews who wanted to leave Afghanistan and wished to emigrate to Israel (1950) In 1952, Sir Zafarullah Khan, Pakistan's foreign minister promoted his hardline policies toward Israel, and pressed his policies toward the unity of Arab states. Pakistan religious political parties such as the Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam and militant groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba fiercely oppose any relationship with Israel, and have repeatedly called Israel as the enemy of Islam Israel and Pakistan were both allied to the United States and the western bloc during the Cold War, while India was allied to the Soviet Union's bloc. Why now? A key factor in Pakistan’s rethink has been its difficulty in mobilising international support against India’s policies towards Pakistan and Kashmir. It is keen to correct the emerging international tilt in favour of India. Advantages for Pakistan: Pakistan’s national interests would better be served by having ties with Israel, particularly since Israel carries weight in Washington and could perhaps mediate on recurring U.S.-Pakistan tensions. It would help to deal with India’s influence in U.S. and disrupt its partnership with the influential Jewish community in America. Demerits for Pakistan: Pakistan has used the platform provided by the OIC to drum up support for its stand on Kashmir, just as the OIC has done for the Palestinian issue. If Pakistan were to establish diplomatic ties with Israel, it would dilute its Islamic credentials and lead to a weakened support base within the OIC on Kashmir. Iran is recognised as a potent threat by Israel and the Shia-Sunni divide in Pakistan is frequently a point of friction between Iran and Pakistan. However Israel cannot expect Pakistan to be used against neighbouring Iran and risk the dangers of escalation in sectarian conflict, given that more than 20% of its population is Shia. Pakistan is unlikely to take any steps that could rock its relations with Iran. What is Israel looking for ? Israel is also looking at increasing its diplomatic footprint in South Asia and beyond. Forging closer ties with populous Asian Muslim countries such as Bangladesh and Indonesia would help it to gain greater legitimacy in the Islamic world. India-Israel links India is the largest buyer of Israeli military equipment and Israel is the second-largest defence supplier to India after Russia with India abstaining from voting against Israel in the United Nations in several resolutions the relation further developed As of 2015, the two nations are negotiating an extensive bilateral free trade agreement, focusing on areas such as information technology, biotechnology, and agriculture In July 2017, Narendra Modi became the first ever Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. Both Israel and India have been victims of asymmetric warfare such as terrorism, which they continue to tackle with resolve. Do you know? The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is an international organization founded in 1969 The organisation states that it is "the collective voice of the Muslim world" and works to "safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony The OIC supports a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The OIC has called for boycott of Israeli products in effort to pressure Israel into ending the occupation of the Palestinian territories The OIC lately condemned Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to annex the eastern portion of the occupied West Bank known as the Jordan Valley. Conclusion: India has successfully walked a tightrope between Israel and Palestine, and Israel may well hope to do so between Pakistan and India. However, it is not in Israel’s interest to seek diplomatic ties with a state that sponsors terrorism. Connecting the dots: India has successfully walked a tightrope between Israel and Palestine. Justify (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) CPI for Agricultural Labourers (AL) is compiled and released by which body? Central Statistical Organisation Ministry of Labour RBI None of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) “substantially” financed by the government fall within the ambit of RTI This means that they have to disclose vital information, ranging from finances to hierarchy to decisions to functioning, to citizens who apply under RTI Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ  Red Sea redlines and Yemen’s inflection point The Hindu In Kashmir, shaking the apple tree The Hindu Deadly spread: On ‘vaccine hesitancy’ The Hindu  Austerity for growth Indian Express Dyerism: Why the phrase coined by Mahatma Gandhi strikes a chord Indian Express Not in the spirit of the Constitution Indian Express  The spectre of Malthus: India fast losing its demographic potential Financial Express 15th Finance Commission terms tilt fiscal scales in favour of the Centre Financial Express

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