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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 11th October 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 11th October 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) SURAKSHIT MATRITVA AASHWASAN (SUMAN) Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II – Health In News Union Minister for Health along with several State Health Ministers launched SUMAN initiative for Zero Preventable Maternal and Newborn Deaths. The initiative aims at assuring dignified, respectful and quality health care at no cost and zero tolerance for denial of services for every woman and newborn visiting the public health facility in order to end all preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Under it, pregnant women, mothers up to 6 months after delivery, and all sick newborns will be able to avail free healthcare benefits. The government will also provide free transport from home to health institutions. The pregnant women will have a zero expense delivery and C-section facility in case of complications at public health facilities. DHRUV Programme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II – Education In News Pradhan Mantri Innovation Learning Programme – DHRUV is a 14-day learning programme launched by Ministry of HRD in ISRO HQ in Bengaluru. It aims to further sharpen innovative imagination, skills and knowledge of the students to bringsolutions to socio-economic, political and environmental issues in the country. 60 brightest and talented students from Science, Mathematics and Performing Arts have been chosen for the programme through rigorous selection process Every student to be called 'DHRUV TARA’ will be mentored by renowned experts. Invasive weeds threatening tiger habitats in Adilabad, Telangana Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Environment In News Invasive weeds affect population of herbivores which are prey to the big cats As a result, there is increase in influx of tigers from forests across the border in Maharashtra. It was way back in 1992 at the Rio de Janeiro Convention on Biodiversity that biological invasion of alien species of plants was recognised as the second worst threat to the environment after habitat destruction.  About Invasive Species Those species whose introduction into an ecosystem successfully out-compete native organisms and harms ecosystems. Common characteristics are: Rapid reproduction and growth, High dispersal ability, Phenotypic plasticity (ability to adapt physiologically to new conditions) Assam tea estates violating labour laws Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Economy In News A report by Oxfam, a confederation of independent charitable organisations focussing on the alleviation of global poverty, has flagged violation of labour rights in the tea estates of Assam. The report noted that the Assam government’s commitment to increasing the minimum wages of tea plantation workers to ₹351 met with hurdles of financial viability in the sector. The researchers found that despite working for over 13 hours a day, workers earn between Rs 137-167 Tea brands and supermarkets “typically capture over two-thirds of the price paid by consumers for Assam tea in India — with just 7% remaining for workers on tea estates” Oxfam asked consumers, supermarkets and brands to support the Assam government’s move to provide living wages to workers and to ensuring more of the price paid by the consumers trickle down to them. State government is trying to increase the wages of tea plantation workers through the upcoming Occupational Health and Safety Bill.  https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/10/11/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_09/4ecf2bf6_3253037_101_mr.jpg Miscellaneous NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE Austria’s Peter Handke won the 2019 Nobel Prize for Literature, and the postponed 2018 award went to Polish author Olga Tokarczuk. Austria’s Peter Handke won the 2019 prize for “for an influential work that with linguistic ingenuity has explored the periphery and the specificity of human experience”. Polish author Olga Tokarczuk won the 2018 prize – delayed by one year after a sexual assault scandal rocked the award-giving Academy – for “a narrative imagination that with encyclopaedic passion represents the crossing of boundaries as a form of life.” Olga Tokarczuk, the 15th woman to win the Nobel Literature Prize, also won the International Booker Prize in 2018. The Nobel Prize in Literature is a Swedish literature prize that is awarded annually, since 1901. It is awarded to an author from any country who has produced "in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal direction". (MAINS FOCUS) LAW TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Motor Vehicles bill 2019 Context: The Motor Vehicles  Bill 2019 seeks to amend the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to provide for road safety.   The Act provides for grant of licenses and permits related to motor vehicles, standards for motor vehicles, and penalties for violation of these provisions. The bill suggests a new National Transportation Policy, which may replace the existing National Urban Transport Policy, 2014. Background:  The past two decades have witnessed a huge rise in road accidents, fatalities and other safety concerns in India.  A government committee estimated that road accidents rose by about 50% between 2005 and 2015.  2014 that the National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP) committee proposed a new legislation, incorporating all modes of transportation, multi-modal integration, road safety, etc. Following that, the Road Transport and Safety Bill was drafted in 2014.  Amendment: The amendments in the Bill mainly focus on issues relating to improving road safety, citizens’ facilitation while dealing with the transport department, strengthening rural transport, last mile connectivity and public transport, automation and computerization and enabling online services. Road Safety: In the area of road safety, the Bill proposes to increase penalties to act as deterrent against traffic violations.  Stricter provisions are being proposed in respect of offences like juvenile driving, drunken driving, driving without licence, dangerous driving, over-speeding, overloading etc. Vehicle Fitness: The Bill mandates automated fitness testing for vehicles.  This would reduce corruption in the transport department while improving the road worthiness of the vehicle.  Penalty has been provided  for deliberate violation of safety/environmental regulations as well as body builders and spare part suppliers. The Bill also provides for compulsory recall of defective vehicles and power to examine irregularities of vehicle companies.   Recall of Vehicles: The Bill allows the central government to order for recall of motor vehicles if a defect in the vehicle may cause damage to the environment, or the driver, or other road users. Road Safety Board : The Bill provides for a National Road Safety Board. The Board will advise the central and state governments on all aspects of road safety and traffic management  Protection of Good Samaritan: To help road accident victims, Good Samaritan guidelines have been incorporated in the Bill.  The Bill defines a Good Samaritan as a person who renders emergency medical or non-medical assistance to a victim at the scene of an accident, and provides rules to prevent harassment of such a person.  Cashless Treatment during Golden Hour: The Bill provides for a scheme for cashless treatment of road accident victims during golden hour. Third Party Insurance : The Bill has included the driver’s attendant in 3rd Party insurance. re will be no cap on liability of insurers. There will be a 10 time increase in insurance compensation, from Rs 50, 000 to Rs 5 lakh. Motor Vehicle Accident Fund: The Bill requires the central government to constitute a Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, to provide compulsory insurance cover to all road users in India.  Improving Services using e-Governance: Provision for online driving licenses, Process of Vehicle Registration, Drivers Training Taxi aggregators: The Bill defines aggregators as digital intermediaries or market places which can be used by passengers to connect with a driver for transportation purposes (taxi services). The Bill provides guidelines for Aggregators.  Img:https://images.tribuneindia.com/cms/gall_content/2019/6/2019_6$largeimg26_Wednesday_2019_063819113.jpg Aftermath: All these amendments  are intended to reduce traffic crashes by at least 50% by 2030 (a target set by the United Nations).  Out of the many amendments proposed in the Act, the increased penalties have been implemented in many States from September 1, 2019; at the same time, many States have decided to “dilute” the suggested increase in penalties. Criticisms: The idea of higher fines as a deterrent to traffic crashes is based on the assumption that a driver is careless and that the fear of a higher penalty will encourage “careful” behaviour while on the road. This goes against current scientific understanding in reducing traffic crashes that promotes the design of a system which can forgive mistakes made by road users. Road safety experts suggest that road designs such as lane width, shoulder presence, number of lanes and median design influence driving behaviour such as operating speeds, lane changing, etc.  In the past two decades, there have been major investments in expanding the national highway system in India. Yet, fatalities have continued to grow.  The MVA amendments do not address the reliability of crash estimates, which form the basis of designing preventive strategies Data: A Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) report of 2018 has listed 1,51,430 fatalities. However, for the same year, the World Health Organisation estimates nearly 300,000 deaths.  A government of India study by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India (‘The Million Death’ study) also reports at least a 50% under-reporting of traffic fatalities Way forward: ‘Roads themselves play an important role in road safety, and improved geometry design and infrastructure could in turn help to improve road safety. Stricter penalties and intensive driver training cannot reduce the risk of driver fatigue. However, road engineers can change the road design to reduce boredom and monotony. Recognition of human frailty, acceptance of human error, and creation of a forgiving environment and appropriate crash energy management. Conclusion: If there is to be a reduction in India in traffic crashes, it requires establishing a system or institutional structure which enables the generation of new knowledge-new road standards thereby ensuring safe highways and urban roads. Connecting the dots: In spite of the ambitious provisions in the amended Motor Vehicles law, safe road behaviour is still miles away. Analyse. CITIZENSHIP TOPIC: General Studies 2: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Countrywide National Register of Citizens (NRC) Context: After rolling out the National Register of Citizens in Assam, the BJP-led government at the Centre has said it will conduct a similar exercise in the rest of the country. About: It is the register containing names of Indian Citizens. It was prepared first in 1951 after the conduct of the Census of 1951. It is used to identify who is a bona fide Indian citizen and those who fail to enlist in the register will be deemed illegal migrants. Updates in the National Register of Citizens (NRC) of Assam: To compile a list of the names of genuine Indian citizens residing in Assam and, in the process, detect foreigners (read Bangladeshis) who may have illegally entered the state after March 24, 1971. Background Pre-independence: Assam’s demographic changes date back to the introduction of the plantation economy by the colonial state in the 19th century. The colonial state brought in tribal labourers from Chota Nagpur and Bihar to work the plantations and encouraged the migration of Muslim farmers from Bengal.  Post-independence: Migrations continued after Independence even as Partition solidified national identities. The ethnic, cultural and religious dimensions of the situation demanded sensitive and imaginative solutions from the political class. In 1970s, All Assam Students’ Union spearheaded a massive drive, popularly known as the Assam Agitation calling for the detection, deletion and deportation of illegal Bangladeshi migrants. In 2013, the Supreme Court finally ordered to complete the exercise by December 31, 2017, leading to the present updating of NRC in Assam. Significance of updated NRC: The publication of the updated NRC is a positive step in so far as- It is an important milestone in dealing with the influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh into that state. It puts to rest wild speculations about the extent of the illegal migrant population in Assam and the resulting polarization that political parties have been exploiting to make electoral gains. Concerns highlighted in the process Process of adding person to NRC list is too complex and confusing – riddled with legal inconsistencies and errors. Instances of arbitrary rejection of the gram panchayat certificates. Robust non-transparent “family tree verification” process resulted in numerous instances of parents being on the draft list but children being left out. Each person who is left out will now have to prove not only his or her linkages afresh, but also the documents themselves before the appropriate forum. Faults on part of the Supreme Court  Lack of proper monitoring process  Failed to ensure legal clarity over the manner in which the claims of citizenship could be decided Failed to understand the implications of the results, and after effects as well as recourse that should be made available for people who have failed to be recognized as citizens of the State Inability to comprehend the further political and policy actions in case of loss of citizenship Criticisms: Without legal aid being provided to the people. Any adjudication process without legal aid for the poor is a null and void adjudication. And any adjudication on a tribunal without a judicially trained person there is a null and void adjudication. It is a terrible legal failure of the entire system in which the judiciary itself has played a very negative role, to put it mildly. The aspect of incarceration of people. That you can incarcerate stateless people is unheard of. That’s another travesty of human rights taking place. Why is it that only Assam has NRC? Indian citizenship law is such that Assam is the only place where there’s an exception. The idea that you can do an NRC on an all-India scale is bizarre. The Supreme Court saying you need it because you have an enemy invasion into Assam! It is a Supreme Court-created problem. 1.9 million people are there. And you can’t push them back at gunpoint across the border with Bangladesh. The mass insecurity and social crisis stalking the 1.9 lakh people of Assam. Many people are in stake who lives in strategic and sensitive border state. Their documents are being ambiguous. Assam has a peculiar problem of villages getting ravaged, or disappearing, due to annual floods unleashed by the fiery Brahamaputra. Documents get destroyed, geographies shift, addresses change. Several cases of transparent injustice whereby families have been divided – some declared Doubtful Voters and foreigners, others as bonafide citizens. Widespread perception that specifically linguistic and religious minorities are being targeted – namely, Bengali speaking Muslims and Hindus. Connecting the dots: The NRC process has an Assam-specific history. Extending it to the rest of the country is bizarre. Analyse. (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  Assertion (A):Invasive weeds are threatening tiger populations leading to increased man-animal conflict Reason (R): Biological invasion of alien species of plants is recognised as the second worst threat to the environment after habitat destruction Select the correct answer from codes given below Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A Both A and R are correct, and R is not correct explanation of A A is correct while R is incorrect A is incorrect while R is correct Q.2) SUMAN scheme often seen in the news is being implemented by which Ministry? Ministry of Women and Child Development Ministry of Minority Affairs Ministry of Health None of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about Dhruv Scheme It is intended to increase the spread awareness about space and astronomy among the school children. It is being implemented by Ministry of Women and Child Development Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Going down together: On IMF’s slowdown warning The Hindu Do we need a countrywide National Register of Citizens? The Hindu In Mamallapuram, seeking the true north in ties The Hindu RCEP: Opportunity, fears in regional trade deal IE Let’s use cognitive science insights for better learning Live mint The efficiency promise of the Bankruptcy Code Live mint

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ORIENTATION SESSION: IASbaba’s TLP Connect/Plus Mentorship Programme to be held on 12th October (Saturday) @ BENGALURU and DELHI -OPEN to All !!

ORIENTATION SESSION: IASbaba’s TLP Connect/Plus Mentorship Programme to be held on 12th October (Saturday) @ BENGALURU and DELHI -OPEN to All !!   Dear All, This is to inform you that IASbaba’s Orientation Session for TLP Connect/Plus 2020 Mentorship Programme will be held on 12th October (Saturday) @ BENGALURU and DELHI. The session is OPEN FOR ALL !! Dr Lokesh IAS, who has served both in UP and Bengaluru and presently Special Commissioner (Finance & IT), Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palika will be the Chief Guest.   For complete Details/Schedule about the TLP Connect/Plus Programme –> CLICK HERE   ORIENTATION SESSION: DATE: 12th October (Saturday) @ BENGALURU and DELHI TIMINGS: 11 AM (You should reach 10 minutes early) VENUE : Delhi:  IASbaba, 5B, PUSA road , Opposite to Metro Pillar 110, Karol Bagh, New Delhi -110005 (Landmark: CROMA Store) Bengaluru: Chandra Layout Centre: No. 1443/1444, Above Carzspa, 80 Ft. Main Road, Ganapathi Circle, Chandra Layout, Bengaluru- 560040   Important Note: 1st Prelims test for TLP CONNECT Programme would start from 12thOctober (Saturday) 2019 followed by Orientation Session at both centres. 1st Mains test for TLP CONNECT and TLP Plus Programme would start from 13thOctober (Sunday) 2019 at 10 am   Please Note, It is Mandatory for the enrolled students to attend the Orientation Session, to get clarity about the programme and know your mentors.   FOR ANY QUERIES: You can reach us on Email id: support@iasbaba.com Mobile No: Bangalore – 9035077800/7353177800 ( Office Timings: 10 am – 5 pm) Delhi – 011 41678500/011 41672600 ( Office Timings: 10 am – 5 pm)   Thank You IASbaba

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RSTV IAS UPSC – Anxiety

Anxiety Archives Why do we need to talk about Anxiety? Anxiety now features in more conversations than ever before, with testimonials pushing for an acceptance of what is often not acknowledged enough in modern social systems — that human beings break down, especially when exposed to growing demands of performance and success.  The National Mental Health Survey of India 2015-16 found that nearly 10 per cent of the population were affected by common mental disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders. It quoted a study done in Himachal Pradesh, which revealed that 15.5 per cent of the population in the age group of 15-24 years suffered from anxiety. Almost one out of five adolescents in India suffers from some level of mental morbidity, says a 2019 study conducted by the Bengaluru-based National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences. Male teenagers from urban, nuclear family backgrounds constituted the majority of its sample survey. They showed risk behaviour such as substance abuse, casual sex and speed driving and were found to be often in conflict with their family members and the law. What is Anxiety? The American Psychological Association (APA) defines anxiety as "an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure." Knowing the difference between normal feelings of anxiety and an anxiety disorder requiring medical attention can help a person identify and treat the condition. What are the symptoms of anxiety? Anxiety feels different depending on the person experiencing it. Feelings can range from butterflies in your stomach to a racing heart. You might feel out of control, like there’s a disconnect between your mind and body. Other ways people experience anxiety include nightmares, panic attacks, and painful thoughts or memories that you can’t control. You may have a general feeling of fear and worry, or you may fear a specific place or event. Symptoms of general anxiety include: Increased heart rate Rapid breathing Restlessness Trouble concentrating Difficulty in falling asleep What is an anxiety attack? An anxiety attack is a feeling of overwhelming apprehension, worry, distress, or fear. For many people, an anxiety attack builds slowly. It may worsen as a stressful event approaches. Common symptoms of an anxiety attack include: feeling faint or dizzy shortness of breath dry mouth sweating chills or hot flashes apprehension and worry restlessness distress fear numbness or tingling When is anxiety a mental health problem? Anxiety can become a mental health problem if it impacts on your ability to live your life as fully as you want to. For example, it may be a problem for you if: your feelings of anxiety are very strong or last for a long time your fears or worries are out of proportion to the situation you avoid situations that might cause you to feel anxious your worries feel very distressing or are hard to control you regularly experience symptoms of anxiety, which could include panic attacks you find it hard to go about your everyday life or do things you enjoy. It is crucial to distinguish between plain nervousness and a disorder. Failing to do this can result in two problems – One, the medicalisation of the normal human experience of anxiety Two, the opposite effect of trivialising the anxiety disorder of a person as something ‘that everyone experiences and needs to deal with “Anxiety is essential, it facilitates our response to either fight or flee. If someone encounters a lion in a jungle, her anxiety makes her run for her life, till she is safe. But if the person cannot let go of the anxiety even when she is safe, is consistently worried and scared, that is how you understand that an anxiety disorder exists,” says Delhi-based counselling psychologist Manisha A Sharma. What’s to worry? Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): The most common form of anxiety, it is an extreme, intense and absurd worry associated with everyday life. You will anticipate disaster about everyday things and experience fatigue, nausea, headaches, restlessness, insomnia and sweating. Panic Disorder: If you get recurring panic attacks, it is possible that you have a panic disorder. Physical symptoms include rapid heartbeat, perspiration, dizziness, hyperventilation, chest pains and crying. Social Phobia: Not to be confused with shyness. If you’re scared of being around people altogether, you might be experiencing social phobia, which is an intense fear of being in a social situation and being judged by other people. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): If you have experienced something traumatic in the past, and keep revisiting that memory, you might be going through PTSD. It can last for years, with physical effects including severe insomnia and constant fatigue. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): If you tend to have certain thoughts or tend to do certain routines repeatedly and are unable to control them, you might be experiencing OCD. Eating only out of a particular plate may be mild OCD, but refraining from eating if that plate is not available is acute OCD. Treatments Most people with the condition try one or more of these therapies: Medication: Many antidepressants can work for anxiety disorders.  Psychotherapy: This is a type of counseling that addresses the emotional response to mental illness. A mental health specialist helps you by talking about how to understand and deal with your anxiety disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy: This is a certain type of psychotherapy that teaches you how to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that trigger deep anxiety or panic. There are several exercises and actions to help a person cope with milder, more focused, or shorter-term anxiety disorders, including: Stress management: Learning to manage stress can help limit potential triggers. Organize any upcoming pressures and deadlines, compile lists to make daunting tasks more manageable, and commit to taking time off from study or work. Relaxation techniques: Simple activities can help soothe the mental and physical signs of anxiety. These techniques include meditation, deep breathing exercises, long baths, resting in the dark, and yoga. Exercises to replace negative thoughts with positive ones: Make a list of the negative thoughts that might be cycling as a result of anxiety, and write down another list next to it containing positive, believable thoughts to replace them. Creating a mental image of successfully facing and conquering a specific fear can also provide benefits if anxiety symptoms relate to a specific cause, such as in a phobia. Support network: Talk with familiar people who are supportive, such as a family member or friend. Support group services may also be available in the local area and online. Exercise: Physical exertion can improve self-image and release chemicals in the brain that trigger positive feelings. Must Read: Mental Health and Insurance Mental Health Gains

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 10th October 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 10th October 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Slowdown effects more pronounced in India: IMF Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III – Economy In News The new IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warned that the global economy is witnessing “synchronised slowdown” which will result in slower growth for 90% of the world this year. Widespread deceleration meant that growth this year would fall to its lowest rate since the beginning of the decade. Despite this overall deceleration, close to 40 emerging market and developing economies are forecast to have real GDP growth rates above 5% — including 19 in sub-Saharan Africa. Also, in the U.S. and Germany, unemployment is at historic lows. Do You Know? World Economic Outlook by IMF to be released by mid-October would show downward revisions for 2019 and 2020. The RBI has recently lowered India’s GDP growth estimate for the year to 6.1% from the earlier 6.9% due to the ongoing period of economic slowdown. Data localisation Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II – International Relations In News India’s data localisation plans will hang on balance if it agrees to e-commerce provisions of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP) Thiswould mean India won’t be allowed to impose data localisation rules on companies looking to do business in India. In its April 2018 notification, the RBI had said that “all system providers shall ensure that the entire data relating to payment systems operated by them are stored in a system only in India.” This data is to include the full end-to-end transaction details, information collected, carried, or processed as part of the message or payment instruction. India is negotiating in the RCEP talks, being held in Bangkok, to change the relevant provision so as to enable space for national rules and regulations over data. GEMINI system to warn fishermen of danger Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Disaster Management In News To avoid communication blackouts during disasters like cyclones, slew of government departments, research agencies and private companies have developed GEMINI, a portable receiver linked to ISRO satellites, that is “fail-proof” and warn fishermen of danger. GEMINI works on GAGAN and is an India-made global positioning system. It relies on the positioning system of ISRO’s GSAT satellites. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), a Hyderabad institute collaborated with Accord, a private company, to develop a box-shaped receiver that has an antenna and in-built battery that can last three to four days. When GEMINI is connected to an app, it also lets fishermen know the probability of fish catch in the surrounding seas. At ₹9,000 a device, it’s relatively expensive but attempts are on to subsidise it by as much as 90%. About GAGAN GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN), developed by ISRO and Airports Authority of India(AAI) is a regional Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS). The GAGAN's goal is to provide a navigation system to assist aircraft in accurate landing over the Indian airspace and in the adjoining area and applicable to safety-to-life civil operations.  GAGAN is inter-operable with other international SBAS systems. GAGAN covers the area from Africa to Australia and has expansion capability for seamless navigation services across the region. GAGAN makes airline operations more efficient and effective, increase air safety, and fuel efficiency. 2019 NOBEL PRIZE FOR CHEMISTRY Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Science & Technology In News Three scientists on were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their contributions to the development of lithium-ion batteries These batteries have reshaped energy storage and transformed cars, mobile phones and many other devices in an increasingly portable and electronic world. The prize went to John B Goodenough of the University of Texas; M Stanley Whittingham of the State University of New York at Binghamton; and Akira Yoshino of Meijo University in Japan. At 97, Mr. Goodenough is the oldest Nobel winner. The Nobel committee said the lithium-ion battery has its roots in the oil crisis in the 1970s, when Whittingham was working to develop methods aimed at leading to fossil fuel-free energy technologies. Do You Know  Prize founder Alfred Nobel, a Swedish industrialist who invented dynamite, decided the physics, chemistry, medicine and literature prizes should be awarded in Stockholm, and the peace prize in Oslo. The prizes come with a 9-million kronor ($918,000) cash award, a gold medal and a diploma that are conferred on December 10 — the anniversary of Nobel's death in 1896 — in Stockholm and in Oslo, Norway. India slips 10 places in global competitiveness index Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Economy In News India has moved down 10 places to rank 68th on an annual global competitiveness index, largely due to improvements witnessed by several other economies While Singapore has replaced the U.S. as the world’s most competitive economy. Global Competitiveness Index compiled by Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF), Some of the findings of WEF study are: India is ranked also high at 15th place in terms of corporate governance, while it is ranked second globally for shareholder governance. In terms of market size, India is ranked third, while it has got the same rank for renewable energy regulation. The healthy life expectancy, where India has been ranked 109th out of total the 141 countries surveyed for the index, is one of the shortest outside Africa and significantly below the South Asian average. With a ratio of female workers to male workers of 0.26, India has been ranked very low at 128th place.  India is also ranked low at 118th in terms of meritocracy and incentivisation and at 107th place for skills. In overall ranking, India is followed by some of its neighbours including Sri Lanka at 84th place, Bangladesh at 105th, Nepal at 108th and Pakistan at 110th place. Saturn has the most numbers moons in our Solar System Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Geography In News The International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center confirmed 20 new moons orbiting Saturn, making it the planet with the most moons in our Solar System, at 82. Until their confirmation, the planet with the most moons was Jupiter, at 79 Our Solar System’s planets together have 205 confirmed moons now.Saturn and Jupiter, with 161 between them, account for nearly 80% of these.  Another 20% are orbiting Uranus (27) and Neptune (14). Of the remaining three moons, one is Earth’s own while the other two are with Mars.  Mercury is so close to the Sun and its gravity that it wouldn’t be able to hold on to its own moon. Any moon would most likely crash into Mercury or maybe go into orbit around the Sun and eventually get pulled into it. It is not yet clear, however, why Venus does not have a moon.  (MAINS FOCUS) CONSERVATION TOPIC: General Studies 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment  Aarey milk colony controversy  A metro car depot proposed at Aarey milk colony in Mumbai is an important electoral issue in the upcoming state elections. The project will wipe out 2,646 trees, which environmentalists say will destroy Mumbai’s “green lungs” and floodplains of Mithi river. They have recommended alternative sites be used for the metro project. Aarey not a notified forest, a claim that some environmentalists are disputing, the state government plans to go ahead with the project and notes that the metro will ease the congested suburban railways. The Supreme Court on October 7, ordered a halt on any further cutting of trees until the next hearing. Aarey Milk Colony The Aarey Milk Colony  is a neighbourhood situated in Goregaon , a suburb of the city of Mumbai, India.  It was established in 1949 to revolutionize the processing and marketing of dairy products in the city. Inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Aarey’s trees, grassland, bushes and marshes are also home to leopards, migratory birds, snakes, scorpions, spiders, butterflies and more species. The area has more than 290 wild species of flora and fauna, such as leopard and rusty-spotted cats (classified as vulnerable). Objective: Shifting of cattle/buffalo from the city limits, Supply of better quality milk to the citizens of Mumbai at comparatively cheaper cost, and Maintenance of these animals on scientific and modern animal husbandry practices. Img : https://static.guim.co.uk/ni/1400169151409/India-Mumbai-leopards.svg Critics: The car shed will gradually open up the entire Aarey for construction which will be a disaster for Mumbai. A large part of the Aarey Milk colony has already been encroached upon. Rich biodiversity like Aarey takes hundreds of years to build up and cannot be re-planted overnight. Metro shed can’t be built at the cost of Mumbai’s largest natural air purifier Floodplain of the Mithi river  will be impacted by the construction at Aarey Aarey is home to over 3,500 families of Warli adivasis and other tribal groups spread over 27 hamlets. Many of them face displacement now. Data: The state estimates that over 7.5 million people travel in Mumbai’s suburban trains daily and the upcoming metro will serve as many passengers as suburban rails by 2034 easing the pressure off from the world’s most congested railways Arguments: The government claims that Aarey is not a notified forest and hence the land can be used by the government for the metro project but the activists claim otherwise.  The activists say they are not against the metro depot but the MMRCL’s choice of land for the same. “There are plenty of non-residential and industrial locations where car shed can be constructed,” Aarey Colony which was categorised as “unclassed forest in the SGNP”(Sanjay Gandhi national park) was included in the SGNP in 1969, as per a government document obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. An unclassed forest is recorded in land records as forests, but not reserved or protected by the government. In 1969, the revenue and forests department (which still allots land in this same area) transferred 2,076 ha of land to the Borivali National Park. Img:https://imgs.mongabay.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2019/10/08124020/aarey-map-610x1104.jpg Conclusion: Rational cost-benefit assessment of any large project calls for transparency and engagement between policymakers, civil society, scientists and business in the development planning process. What must be considered are the ecosystem services Aarey provides to Mumbai and how these are impacted by the diversion of 33 hectares, roughly 2% of the total area.  The benefits of augmenting Mumbai’s public transport system compared to cost of diverting a section of the green belt, and other options of locating the infrastructure, must be considered. Connecting the dots: The Aarey forest imbroglio is a clear example of the failure to appreciate the need to balance the demands of economic development and environmental protection. Analyse. INDIA’S FOREIGN RELATION TOPIC: General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests India-China informal summit 2.0 Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping  meeting at India-China informal summit The second informal summit between leaders of India and China is scheduled to take place in the coastal town of Mamallapuram, south of Chennai.(first was wuhan)  Why Mamallapuram? Mamallapuram, or Mahabalipuram in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.  An ancient historic town and one of two major port cities by the 7th century within the Pallava kingdom (Pallavas also had trade relations with the Chinese.) Now UNESCO world heritage site and  one of the most visited towns in South India Renowned for its architecture, widely admired across the world. Wuhan was picked by President Xi Jinping as the venue last year to demonstrate China’s economic resilience and might.  Mamallapuram is symbolic of India’s ‘soft power’. Img : https://cdn.kastatic.org/ka-perseus images/75a502c2daddead167bd72b120b004c9d47801ed.jpg Did you know: Mamallapuram and the Pallava dynasty are also historically relevant, for the earliest recorded security pact between China and India (in the early 8th century) involved a Pallava king (Rajasimhan, or Narasimha Varma II), from whom the Chinese sought help to counter Tibet, which had by then emerged as a strong power posing a threat to China. Wuhan and after Three historical forces have been shaping India-China relations.  Some of these forces have been pushing both countries towards 3 Cs  competition cooperation and collaboration Like, changing world order and the rise of Asia, (after the 2008 global economic crisis) Idea that with the West’s declining capacity and inclination to responsibly manage international and Asian affairs Changing South Asia with China’s 2013 and 2014 policy declarations of deepening ties with its periphery including with subcontinental states, followed soon after with the ambitious Belt and Road initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in April 2015. These three factors led to : Antagonistic approaches and strategies.  Much of this acrimonious build-up can be traced to China’s decision to expand linkages with its southwestern periphery and India’s perception and reaction to that process. Ex:  The Doklam episode Solution Wuhan 1.0: Lessening of regional tension  Hence,the April 2018 “informal summit” in Wuhan, where both sides decided to arrest the deterioration in the relationship and attempt to chart a fresh course. Wuhan 1.0 was an attempt to articulate some norms that could serve as a renewed set of guidelines to policymakers and bureaucracies in both countries. It was built on five pillars “simultaneous emergence of India and China”. The relationship has regained importance and become “a positive factor for stability”  Both sides recognise the “importance of respecting each other’s sensitivities, concerns and aspirations”.  Both leaderships would provide “strategic guidance to their respective militaries” to manage the border peacefully. Both sides would strive for “greater consultation on all matters of common interest”, which includes building a real “developmental partnership”. Way forward: An inclusive security architecture in Asia that facilitates a non-violent transition to multipolarity without disrupting economic interdependence;  A fair and rules-based open international order to better reflect Indian and developing economy interests;  Geopolitical peace and sustainable economic development in the neighbourhood  Conclusion: China is important to the successful pursuit of each of these goals, and the principal task before Indian policymakers is to envisage and execute a policy framework that allows for progress on the three ends mentioned above Connecting the dots: India has to find and define for itself a relationship with China which allows us to maintain our foreign policy objectives and at the same time allows us a policy that is prudent enough that does not lead us to conflict on every occasion. 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) Consider the following statements Global Competitiveness Index (2019) It is released by World Bank India has moved down 10 places on the index when compared to 2018 India is ranked high at 15th place in terms of corporate governance, while it is ranked second globally for shareholder governance. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.2) Which of the following organisations/body releases the World Economic Outlook report? United Nations World Trade Organisation World Bank International Monetary Fund Q.3) Consider the following statements Saturn and Jupiter account for nearly 80% of the total 205 moons in our Solar system Mercury and Venus are the only planets in our solar system which does not have moons  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 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three scientists for their contributions to the development of lithium-ion batteries Lithium-ion battery has its roots in Rio Earth Summit of 1992, wherescientists were encouraged at developing fossil fuel-free energy technologies. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Apex court should curb misuse of sedition ET Political courage, to fix power sector ET Mahabalipuram’s China connection IE What if China wrings India’s ‘Chicken’s Neck’ – the Siliguri corridor? Here are some countermeasures TOI

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RSTV IAS UPSC – Draft Social Security Code

Draft Social Security Code Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Human Resources After years of deliberations, the union government has finally circulated the draft social security code, a key labour law proposal that seeks to amalgamate a clutch of existing laws and proposes several new initiatives including universal social security for unorganized sector workers and, insurance and health benefits for gig workers including the Ola and Uber drivers. Besides, it also proposes corporatization of existing organizations like EPFO and ESIC headed by people other than the labour minister. The Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) be subsumed under a central body with a corporate-like structure. Though it proposed to extend the coverage of provident fund and ESI to temporary workers, it did not outline a comprehensive scheme that would provide social security cover to all. The draft has merely proposed to amalgamate legislations pertaining to provident fund, pension, medical insurance, maternity benefits, gratuity and compensation. Insurance, PF, life cover for unorganized sector employees: The draft code says the “Central Government shall formulate and notify, from time to time, suitable welfare schemes for unorganised workers on matter relating to life and disability cover; health and maternity benefits; old age protection; and any other benefit as may be determined by the central government". States may also formulate and notify suitable initiatives for unorganized workers, including schemes relating to provident fund, employment injury benefit, housing, educational scheme for their children, old age and funeral assistance. Bulk of India’s labour force is in informal sector and a move looks forward looking but most of key initiatives it suggest may be the decision of the states with little contribution from the centre.  There may be unorganized sector social security boards at the centre and state levels. Benefits for Gig workers: Millions of gig workforce in India, often referred as lonely in the workplace, may soon get life and disability insurance, health and maternity benefits among others as the union government is formulating a labour code that propose such provisions. Maternity Benefit: The draft says subject to the other provisions of this Code, every woman shall be entitled to, and her employer shall be liable for, the payment of maternity benefit at the rate of the average daily wage for the period of her actual absence, that is to say, the period immediately preceding the day of her delivery, and any period immediately following that day. For the purposes of this sub-section, ―the average daily wage means the average of the woman's wages payable to her for the days on which she has worked during the period of three calendar months immediately preceding the date from which she absents herself on account of maternity, subject to the minimum rate of wage fixed or revised under the Code on Wages, 2019. Existing labour laws that the code will merge: The Code on Social Security, 2019 once in place will merge eight exiting labour laws including Employees' Compensation Act, 1923; Employees‘ State Insurance Act, 1948, Employees‘ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952; Maternity Benefit Act, 1961; Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972; Cine Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1981; Building and Other Construction Workers Cess Act, 1996 and Unorganized Workers‘ Social Security Act, 2008. Criticisms: It has little to offer There is no uniform definition of “social security”, nor is there a central fund. The corpus is proposed to be split into numerous small funds creating a multiplicity of authorities and confusion.  It is not clear how the proposed dismantling of the existing and functional structures, such as the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) with its corpus of ₹10 lakh crore — which will be handed over to a government-appointed central board — is a better alternative. Crucial categories such as “workers”; “wages”; “principal-agent” in a contractual situation; and “organised-unorganised” sectors have not been clearly defined. This will continue to impede the extension of key social security benefits such as PF, gratuity, maternity benefits, and healthcare to all sections of workers.  There is no commitment on the government’s part to contribute to the listed social security measures, even as the Code is clear about employee and employer contributions. The Bill welcomes aboard large sections of the workforce — “gig workers” such as those working in taxi aggregate companies like Uber and Ola. But how exactly the government proposes to facilitate their access to PF or medical care is not clear. What’s more, in these cases, the nature of the relationship between the company and the working staff, and hence the obligations, is not defined. If employers in the unorganised sectors are expected to foot the bill for EPFO contributions that will substantially hike the cost of doing business. Existing benefits for unorganised workers have failed to materialise for similar reasons. For instance, construction workers have not been able to avail of the Building and Construction Workers’ Cess Fund effectively, owing to the Fund’s failure to register them. While the Fund has been in existence for over 22 years, less than three crore workers have been registered with all the State welfare boards put together. Official estimates alone put the figure of total construction workers at over five crore; unions estimate these numbers at about 10 crore. Conclusion: Social security should include worker retraining, not just unemployment allowance. It should help/mandate the gig workers buy insurance and save for old age, perhaps by automatically deducting a fraction of the payments received into their bank accounts into insurance/pension accounts, say, in the National Pension System. Social security should help elders deploy their skills to match the demand anywhere in the world. Comprehensive healthcare and a quality education system would plug into social security, improving work-life earnings and enhancing the earning capacity of the next generation. It would be useful to rethink social security in holistic, if unconventional, terms. Connecting the Dots: What is the significance of Draft Social Security Code? Exaplain Draft a Social Security Code looking at the current Indian scenario.

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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 9th October 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 9th October 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) India formally received the first Rafale fighter jet  Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III – Security In News The DassaultRafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation of France Equipped with a wide range of weapons, the Rafale is intended to perform in-depth strike, anti-ship strike and nuclear deterrence missions In September 2016, India and France signed a €7.87 billion Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for 36 Rafale multi-role fighter jets in fly-away condition following the surprise announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2015. The first batch of the jets will arrive in India only in May 2020. By February 2021, India will receive 18 Rafale jets and by April 2022, India will get all the 36 Rafale. Do You Know? Rafale has been selected for purchase by the Indian Air Force, the Egyptian Air Force, and the Qatar Air Force. The Rafale has been used in combat over Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq and Syria. INFORMAL SUMMITS Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II – International Relations In News Second Informal India-China Summit scheduled to take place in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu on October 11-12. The two countries convened their first Informal Summit in central China’s Wuhan in April 2018. By definition, informal summits lack the pomp, protocol and ceremony of formal ones, including delegation-level talks and a pre-set agenda for discussions. No agreements are signed, and there is no joint statement or press conference. The two leaders involved hold one-to one discussions, sometimes with only translators present. It allows for quietly discussing contentious issues away from media glare and publicity. About Mamallapuram Mamallapuram is also known as Seven Pagodas or Mahabalipuram. It was one of two major port cities by the 7th century within the Pallava kingdom. It has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Some important structures include: Thirukadalmallai, Descent of the Ganges or Arjuna's Penance, Varaha Cave Temple, Krishna’s Butterball, Shore temple and Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots).  HINDU-KUSH-HIMALAYAN (HKH) REGION Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Environmental Conservation In News The India Meteorological Department (IMD) will collaborate with meteorological agencies in China and Pakistan to provide climate forecast services to countries in HKH region HKH region spans Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The HKH region is considered the Third Pole [after the North and South Poles], and has significant implications for climate. It contains vast cryospheric zones, is also the world’s largest store of snow and ice outside the polar region, and the source of 10 major rivers. There are proposals to establish a regional climate centre that will provide forecasting services and climate analyses, which will be under World Meteorological Organisation  https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ritu_Verma5/publication/260672786/figure/fig1/AS:464559514361856@1487771027603/Map-of-the-Hindu-Kush-Himalayan-region.png 2019 NOBEL PRIZE FOR PHYSICS Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Science & Technology In News Three scientists, James Peebles, Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz have won the Nobel Prize 2019 for Physics for their contribution to the understanding of the evolution of the universe and earth's place in the cosmos. Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB):  Canadian-American cosmologist James Peebles, 84, won one-half of the Prize for his theoretical work helping us understand how the universe evolved after the Big Bang. His work is focused largely on Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation, which is electromagnetic radiation left over from the early universe once it had cooled sufficiently following the Big Bang. Exoplanet: The other half went to Swiss astronomers Michel Mayor, 77, and Didier Queloz, 53, for their discovery of an exoplanet that challenged preconceived ideas about planets. Using a spectrograph, ELODIE, they predicted the planet by observing the “Doppler effect” — when the star wobbles as an effect of a planet’s gravity on its observed light. Today, exoplanets are being discovered very frequently — over 4,000 are known — which is remarkable progress from three decades ago, when not even one exoplanet was known. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/10/09/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_01/8f579252_3250123_101_mr.jpg 2019 NOBEL PRIZE IN MEDICINE Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Science & Technology In News The 2019 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to scientists William G Kaelin, Jr, Peter J Ratcliffe and Gregg L Semenza. They received the award jointly for their discoveries of "how cells sense and adapt to oxygen availability”. They established the basis for our understanding of how oxygen levels affect cellular metabolism and physiological function. Their research has paved the way for promising new strategies to fight anaemia, cancer and many other diseases. It is the 110th prize in the category that has been awarded since 1901.  (MAINS FOCUS) AGRICULTURE TOPIC: General Studies 3: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints The truth about ZBNF (zero budget natural farming) Context: National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, based on a brainstorming session that included industry representatives, sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi opposing Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) recently History: It was after the pioneering work of Justus von Liebig and Friedrich Wöhler in organic chemistry in the 19th century that chemical fertilizers began to be used in agriculture.  In the 20th century, the criticisms levelled against Green Revolution technologies were criticisms of the increasing “chemicalisation” of agriculture. Claims were made that alternative, non-chemical agricultures were possible. Ex : Organic farming , Rudolf Steiner’s biodynamics, Masanobu Fukuoka’s one-straw revolution and Madagascar’s System of Rice Intensification (SRI). In India, such alternatives and their variants included, among others, homoeo-farming, Vedic farming, Natu-eco farming, Agnihotra farming and Amrutpani farming. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) About ‘zero budget natural farming’ (ZBNF): Pioneered by Subhash Palekar, an innovative farmer from Maharashtra. The technique replaces fertilisers and pesticides with concoctions of cow dung, cow urine, jaggery and pulse flour, and ensure perfect soil conditions for plant growth. It does so by keeping the top soil covered with crop residues to increase water retention, coating of seeds with cow dung and urine, concoction made of dung, urine, jaggery and pulse flour to multiply soil microbes, concoction to protect plants from pests etc. Logic behind this: Soil has all the nutrients plants need. To make these nutrients available to plants, we need the intermediation of microorganisms. For this, he recommends the “four wheels of ZBNF”: Bijamrit, Jivamrit, Mulching and Waaphasa.  Bijamrit is the microbial coating of seeds with formulations of cow urine and cow dung.  Jivamrit is the enhancement of soil microbes using an inoculum of cow dung, cow urine, and jaggery.  Mulching is the covering of soil with crops or crop residues.  Waaphasa is the building up of soil humus to increase soil aeration. Includes three methods of insect and pest management: Agniastra, Brahmastra and Neemastra (all different preparations using cow urine, cow dung, tobacco, fruits, green chilli, garlic and neem). 98.5% of the nutrients that plants need is obtained from air, water and sunlight; only 1.5% is from the soil.  All nutrients are present in adequate quantities in all types of soils. However, they are not in a usable form.  Jivamrit, Mr. Palekar’s magical concoction, makes these nutrients available to the plants by increasing the population of soil microorganisms.  Because of ZBNF’s spiritual closeness to nature, its practitioners will stop drinking, gambling, lying, eating non-vegetarian food and wasting resources. Image : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/img/70463084/Master.jpg Mr. Palekar’ arguments: All knowledge created by agricultural universities is false. He calls Liebig as “Mr. Lie Big”.  He labels chemical fertilizers and pesticides as “demonic substances”, cross-bred cows as “demonic species” and biotechnology and tractors as “demonic technologies”,   He is critical of organic farming,” is “more dangerous than chemical farming”, and “worse than [an] atom bomb”.  He calls vermicomposting a “scandal” and Eiseniafoetida, the red worm used to make vermicompost, as the “destructor beast”.  He also calls Steiner’s biodynamic farming “bio-dynamite farming”.  Research argues: Indian soils are poor in organic matter content.  About 59% of soils are low in available nitrogen;  About 49% are low in available phosphorus;  About 48% are low or medium in available potassium.  Indian soils are also varyingly deficient in micronutrients, such as zinc, iron, manganese, copper, molybdenum and boron. Solution: Location-specific solutions to nurture soil health and sustain increases in soil fertility. Scientists  suggest soil test-based balanced fertilisation and integrated nutrient management methods combining organic manures (i.e., farm yard manure, compost, crop residues, biofertilizers, green manure) with chemical fertilizers.  Criticisms of ZNBF: ZBNF is hardly zero budget. Many ingredients of Mr. Palekar’s formulations have to be purchased. There are no independent studies to validate the claims that ZBNF plots have a higher yield than non-ZBNF plots. Field trials have recorded a yield shortfall of about 30% in ZBNF plots when compared with non-ZBNF plots. The Jivamrit prescription is essentially the application of 10 kg of cow dung and 10 litres of cow urine per acre per month. For a five-month season, this means 50 kg of cow dung and 50 litres of cow urine. Given nitrogen content of 0.5% in cow dung and 1% in cow urine, this translates to just about 750 g of nitrogen per acre per season. This is totally inadequate considering the nitrogen requirements of Indian soils. Way Forward: We need steps to check wind and water erosion of soils.  We need innovative technologies to minimise physical degradation of soils due to waterlogging, flooding and crusting.  We need to improve the fertility of saline, acidic, alkaline and toxic soils by reclaiming them. We need location-specific interventions towards balanced fertilisation and integrated nutrient management.  Conclusion: While we try to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers in some locations, we should be open to increasing their use in other locations. But such a comprehensive approach requires a strong embrace of scientific temper and a firm rejection of anti-science postures.  In this sense, the inclusion of ZBNF into our agricultural policy by the government appears unwise and imprudent. Connecting the dots: Zero Budget Natural Farming has no scientific validation and its inclusion into agricultural policy appears unwise. Analyse. INDIA’S FOREIGN RELATIONS TOPIC: General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests China’s role in Bangladesh while shaping its ties with Dhaka Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping   to meet in two-day India-China informal summit The second informal summit between leaders of India and China is scheduled to take place in the coastal town of Mamallapuram, south of Chennai.(first was wuhan)  The just-concluded visit (October 6) to India by Bangladesh’s prime minister, Sheikh Hasina. Wuhan summit: The first informal summit between the two leaders was held at Wuhan in April 2018, necessitated by the earlier military stand-off between the Asian giants at Doklam.  Prudence at the highest political level enabled the two nations to arrive at a modus-vivendi in Wuhan, though the long-festering territorial dispute and an unresolved 4,000 km-plus Line of Actual Control are tenaciously alive. History: In the run up to the 1971 Bangladesh war, the US and China, which had begun their own rapprochement, supported Pakistan, and were opposed to Indian assistance to the East Pakistan political leadership — symbolised by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Yet, with support from Russia, India achieved what may be described as a spectacular military victory — it liberated Dhaka and handed over power to Mujibur  Rahman. India – China – Bangladesh-Pakistan : Indian military victory of 1971 led to a strategic reappraisal in Beijing about its democratic neighbour, whom it had militarily humiliated in October 1962.  The seeds of the strategic-security anxiety in China about India were sown at that time. Beijing’s response was to invest in Pakistan and, in the intervening decades, a deep and opaque Sino-Pak strategic and security relationship was nurtured This in turn emboldened Pakistan , to embark upon a proxy war against India (with terrorism as a tool) that began in 1990 and has continued to-date. Bangladesh is an active partner of the Xi Jinping-led BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) . In the security sector, Bangladesh is also a major recipient of Chinese military inventory, including submarines. Recent visit of Bangladesh PM takeaways: Provides an instructive cue as to how the strategic ties between India and China have evolved and future lessons to be drawn from this bilateral relationship. Despite some missteps and hesitation, the bilateral is currently described as the “best ever” and a template for India’s ties with its other neighbours Way forward: India’s abiding regional strategic objective ought to be one which ensures that Bangladesh does not morph into a Pakistan, either by way of being compelled into choosing Beijing over Delhi; or nurturing radical Islamic ideologies domestically. The maritime domain, and the Bay of Bengal in particular, with Dhaka as the coxswain, ought to be envisioned at Mamallapuram. Connecting the dots: The Bangladesh-India-China triangle is often obscured by the high visibility accorded to Pakistan in the uneasy relationship between the two Asian giants. Analyse. (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  The dark matter is the force which holds together galaxies which otherwise may get torn apart The dark energy helps the universe’s increasing-rapid and constant expansion Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Which of the following countries are part of Hindu-Kush-Himalayan mountain system India China Myanmar Uzbekistan Kyrgyzstan Select the correct answer from codes given below 1,2 and 3 only 1 and 2 only 1,2,3 and 4 only All of them Q.3) Consider the following statementsabout Mamallapuram The UNESCO World Heritage site Mamallapuram is also known as Seven Pagodas It was one of two major port cities by the 7th century within the Pallava kingdom Some important structures include Descent of the Ganges or Arjuna's Penance, Krishna’s Butterball, Shore temple and Pancha Rathas Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 MUST READ Aarey: For social cost-benefit analysis ET A $10-trillion economy needs deep civil service reform IE Bad policy: We have no insurance against being openly cheated by health insurance companies TOI The joker philosophy in a loveless world TOI

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RSTV IAS UPSC – Lal Bahadur Shastri

Lal Bahadur Shastri Archives General Studies I Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues. The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country. Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country About Lal Bahadur Shastri The 2nd Prime Minister of India Deeply impressed and influenced by Mahatma Gandhi Joined the Indian independence movement in the 1920s Led the country during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 In 1961, he was appointed as Home Minister, and he appointed the Committee on Prevention of Corruption. He created the famous “Shastri Formula” which consisted of the language agitations in Assam and Punjab. In 1964, he signed an agreement with the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, in concern with the status of Indian Tamils in Ceylon. This agreement is known as Srimavo-Shastri Pact. His slogan of "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan" ("Hail the soldier, Hail the farmer") became very popular during the war. The war formally ended with the Tashkent Agreement on 10 January 1966. Many years later, former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee added “Jai Vigyan” to Shastri’s slogan in order to hail achievements of Indian scientists. His vision for self-sufficiency in foodgrains led to sowing the seeds of the Green Revolution, and promotion of the White Revolution. Following a train accident at Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu, in which more than 140 people were killed, he resigned as railway minister taking moral responsibility for the incident. Lauding him for his integrity, the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru said that he was accepting his resignation because it would set an example in constitutional propriety, although Shastri was in no way responsible for it. Mystery Surrounding Shastri’s death Shastri’s sudden death immediately after signing the Tashkent Pact with Pakistan raised many suspicions. His wife, Lalita Devi, alleged that Shastri was poisoned and the Russian butler serving the Prime Minister was arrested. But he was released later as doctors certified that Shastri died of cardiac arrest. The media circulated a possible conspiracy theory hinting at the involvement of CIA in the death of Shastri. The RTI query posted by author Anuj Dhar was declined by the Prime Minister Office citing a possible souring of diplomatic relations with the US. Life-lessons from his Life Protested against the caste system: Since he didn’t believe in the caste system (he was a Kayastha from birth), he gave up his surname as a young schoolboy. The title “Shastri” was bestowed on him upon graduating from Kashi Vidyapeeth, as a mark of scholarly achievement. Patriotic from a young age: As a patriotic young boy, he was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and his call to join the Non-Cooperation Movement at the young age of 16. In his maiden Independence Day speech in 1964, Shastri told the youth to strive for moral strength and character, “I appeal to our young men to inculcate discipline in themselves discipline and work for the unity and advancement of the nation.” Simple living, high thinking: When he married in 1928, at the insistence of his in-laws to accept dowry, he took a charkha (spinning wheel) and some khadi cloth. Even when he passed away, he reportedly had no property in his name and left behind a few books and a dhoti-kurta. As a child, Shastri is known to have swum across the river to reach school to save his impoverished family money to pay for a boat ride. A compassionate, forward-thinking leader: He had many pioneering initiatives to his credit, such as using water jets to disperse crowds instead of a lathi-charge and making it possible for women to be appointed as conductors in public transport facilities. He also raised the slogan of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” during the Indo-Pakistan war in 1965 and paved the way for India’s food self-sufficiency.  During the short Tenure of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, India faced two major challenges, the Indo-Pak war which has been discussed above and failed monsoon and drought. Honesty was always the best policy: Since the children were rarely allowed to use the official car to go to school when their father was Prime Minister, the family decided to buy a Fiat car for Rs. 12,000. A bank loan for Rs. 5,000 was taken, which Shastri’s widow had to clear after his sudden death, from his pension. On a visit to a textile mill as Prime Minister, when the owner offered to gift him expensive sarees, Shastri insisted on buying and paying for only those he could afford. He also had an undue promotion for his son overturned. Quotes (For Ethics paper) The economic issues are most vital for us and it is of the highest importance that we should fight our biggest enemies - Poverty, unemployment India will have to hang down her head in shame if even one person is left who is said in any way to be untouchable. I had always been feeling uncomfortable in my mind about giving advice to others and not acting upon it myself. There has no doubt to be fundamental research in science, but applied research is equally important for new improvements and changes in our techniques. We must fight for peace bravely as we fought in war. There comes a time in the life of every nation when it stands at the crossroads of history and must choose which way to go. We can win respect in the world only if we are strong internally and can banish poverty and unemployment from our country. Above all, we need national unity. Communal, provincial and linguistic conflicts weaken the country. Therefore, we have to forge national unity. I appeal to all to work for national unity and usher in a social revolution to make our country strong. In the ultimate analysis, the strength of the country does not lie in its material wealth alone. It requires people like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Rabindranath Tagore. It requires the force of character and moral strength. I appeal to our young men to inculcate discipline in themselves discipline and work for the unity and advancement of the nation. We must inject new elements in the services. Let us introduce professors, economists, teachers, engineers and others, even outsiders, so that there is some freshness, a real exchange of views, a meeting of different approaches Connecting the dots: What are the contributions of Lal Bahadur Shastri to post-Independent India’s polity and economy? Do you think he is relevant in today’s time? Discuss.

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