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Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 99]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 99] Archives Q.1) Which one of the following mountain ranges is spread over only one State in India? Satpura Aravalli Sahyadri Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 None of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements about Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) The zone experiences low precipitation The zone experiences high humidity Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) The term ‘Iffy Quotient’ was in news recently. What is it related to? Real Estate Equalisation Levy Fake News Open Market Operations Q.4) Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is associated with which of the following organisations? BRICS G4 European Union SCO Q.5) A place called ‘Umru’ was in news recently. Where is it located? Ladakh Odisha Pondicherry None of the above To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

RSTV Video

RSTV - Challenges for working mothers

Challenges for working mothers Archives TOPIC: General studies 1: Role of women and women’s organization, women related issues, Social empowerment General studies 2: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. In News: Like any other day, Archana Jayant was present along with her six-month-old daughter, Anika, in the police station in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi district, but was clicked by someone and her picture went viral on social media last week. The Deputy Inspector General of Police applauded the dedication of Archana who also has a 10-year-old daughter. Woman is an integral part of the society. According to census 2011, females contribute to 48.5% of the Indian population. Traditionally, Indian women had been home makers. In late decades, with the spread of education and better awareness, along with increasing cost of living, women have shifted from home to career. Like many other countries, India has provided a stage for growth and development for women. However, women in India are still seen as the family manager back home. This attitude of the society has put dual responsibilities on women: pursuing a career and economic independence, while continuing, to bear the stress of household work. It can eventually take a toll on women’s physical and mental health. The plight of scores of other working mothers is no different from Archana's. Lack of proper infrastructure means mothers have to suffer to be bread winners or support their families. Several other mothers give up on their careers and lifestyle due to lack of adequate facilities. Those in the un-organised sector however, don't even have that option, their plight is far worse. The biggest challenge to work as women in this country and then when you are a mother it adds to your challenges. Lack of infrastructure not only in physical infrastructure but the sensitivity that should be present across the companies, across government towards a lactic mother or any other mother To be able to be approachable for her specific needs or be considerate for her needs like flexible working hours For some, it is easy to say that now after becoming a mother, take a break and come after a few years. What happens therefore is when she is back after a gap she doesn't get the job she deserves and thus, another set of challenges and struggles are set for her. Some of the solutions that can be incorporated: At policy level: Every establishment which is engaging more than 10 women must have a creche and must have good facilities for the women An amendment in the maternity Act was also introduced that is all women in this country who are working are entitled to avail the facility of 26 weeks of maternity leave so that they can take care of their infant. At an organisation level: Crèche on campus Mother’s resting and feeding room Performance rating for new and entrant mothers will not be affected by their absence from work during maternity. Performance appraisal guidelines from CEO and HR must clearly communicate that maternity, long leave and special leaves are given appropriate ratings, and should be transparently communicated and implemented across the organization. Active support from the team manager or business leader, to organize the workload of expectant mothers going on maternity leave, while ensuring continued performance of the team in their absence. “On-ramping” of women employees who return from maternity—re-skilling and re-integrating as a key priority to engage them back to work. Flexi-time work policies for new and entrant mothers during for the first year of their return from maternity. This can be equally applied by manufacturing, finance, banking, IT-related, pharma, hospitality, telecommunications—and all sectors of the economy. Options to work from home during maternity—especially if this is part of the medical advise to expectant mothers. Gender sensitization and awareness training programs for other employees and managers. Grievance Redressal Council—especially for women employees who have resumed post maternity. Congratulatory triggers should be sent to those who have applied for maternity and paternity leave. This practice is usually very well received and has tremendous emotive appeal. Conclusion: We, as a society, are in deep slumber on these issues concerning women. I think it's time that we started talking about equal partnerships at home with her husband. But what does she do when she leaves the confines of her home and goes to a workplace – you can't negotiate from a position of weakness. Even the working father should be able to demand a crèche. It should not be just the responsibility of a mother to raise the child. A tragic question to ponder upon as we struggle as a country to benefit from the demographic dividend that we are blessed with! Connecting the Dots: A World Bank study suggests that female labor force participation has been declining since 2004 in comparison to other developing countries as far as India is concerned. How do we reverse that trend really? Discuss.

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 30th October 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 30th October 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) India-Japan: 13th annual summit Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and the World; International Relations Key highlights: Both the countries outlined a vision for strengthened bilateral relations. Main focus - enhanced strategic and defence cooperation. Unwavering commitment towards “free and open Indo-Pacific”. Invest in upholding the rule of law and democratic values. Both countries to “expand concrete cooperation with the U.S. and other partners”. Announced the start of negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-servicing Agreement, a logistics-sharing pact, that would allow Japanese ships to get fuel and servicing at Indian naval bases. A new Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue, termed 2+2, was also announced to supplement an already formidable array of bilateral dialogue mechanisms that include the Annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue, Defence Policy Dialogue and the National Security Advisers Dialogue. On the economic front, the two countries have agreed to a Bilateral Swap Arrangement that would allow their central banks to exchange local currencies for up to $75 billion. Freedom of navigation Both the countries also referred to the necessity of ensuring the freedom of navigation and the importance of upholding the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), a set of conventions that China has been accused of flouting in the South China Sea. 10th SCO meet: disaster prevention Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and its neighbours; International Relations In news: India to host 10th SCO meeting on handling urban disaster. National Disaster Response Force to host the preparatory meeting for the “Joint mock exercise on urban earthquake search and rescue” to be held next year in India. Pakistan accepts India invite to SCO meet. The exercise will provide an opportunity to member countries to validate their preparedness and resilience to address the various disaster related challenges. Children under 15 at serious risk from polluted air: WHO Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Health issue; Pollution and Environment concerns In news: According to WHO – Every day about 93% of the world’s children under the age of 15 (1.8 billion children) breathe polluted air. Children could suffer neuro-development deficits. Air pollution also impacts neuro-development and cognitive ability and can trigger asthma, and childhood cancer. Children exposed to high levels of air pollution may be at greater risk for chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease later in life, the WHO said. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/10/30/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/e458b022_2492820_101_mr.jpg Do you know? Delhi tops national charts in bad air quality. Fourteen out of the 20 most polluted cities in the world are in India. The report says India faces the highest air pollution-related mortality and disease burden in the world. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. India, China and the INF Treaty Introduction US President Donald Trump’s recently announced about American plans to withdraw from the three-decade-old missile treaty with Russia. The decision marks the end of an era of disarmament that India was so engaged with since its Independence. As one of the nine known nuclear-weapon powers, India has to adapt to the erosion of traditional methods of managing arms races. Geopolitical developments, emergence of new technologies and the declining domestic political support among the great powers are contributing to the demise of arms control. Implications of this withdrawal are important for Indian security — especially on the military balance with China, its traditional defence cooperation with Russia and the new possibilities for high-technology cooperation with the US, Europe and Japan. The INF treaty The Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty concluded in 1987 by Presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. It has been hailed as one of the most important arms control agreements between both the countries. Under the INF treaty, the US and Soviet Union agreed not to develop, produce, possess or deploy any ground-based ballistic and cruise missiles that have a range between 500 and 5,500 km. It exempted the air-launched and sea-based missile systems in the same range. The agreement came in the wake of huge public outcry in Europe in the 1980s at the Russian deployment of the SS-20 ballistic missiles and the US response with Pershing-2 rockets. The INF treaty helped address the fears of an imminent nuclear war in Europe. It also built some trust between Washington and Moscow and contributed to the end of the Cold War. Drawbacks of the treaty The treaty had loopholes that have now come to haunt America and Russia. This bilateral treaty left the other nuclear weapon powers free to develop ground-based intermediate range forces. Since then, many countries have developed missiles in the range of 500 to 5,500 km, including India, Pakistan and North Korea. It is China that has dramatically expanded its missile arsenal in the last three decades. According to American officials, nearly 90 per cent of China’s vast missile armoury — estimated at around 2,000 rockets — is in the intermediate range and would be illegal if Beijing were to be a part of the INF treaty. Reasons behind withdrawal Although the US cites Russian violations of the INF treaty as the immediate cause for the withdrawal, coping with China’s massive rocket force appears to be the more important reason for the decision. According to S.'s national security adviser, even without the alleged Russian violations, the INF treaty was a bad idea since it left China and North Korea free to undermine the security of the US and its allies in Asia. The expansive Chinese land-based intermediate range missile forces threaten the American naval ships deployed in the Western Pacific and target US military bases in Japan. The vulnerability of American military presence in the Pacific to Chinese missiles, in turn, undermines the credibility of American security commitment to its Asian allies. The US military leadership has long sought to lift the limitations imposed by the INF treaty on US missile forces in Asia. Is there any possibility of revival of INF treaty? In announcing the intent to withdraw, Trump said the only way to sustain the treaty is for Russia to stop the violations and China to join the INF treaty. Many arms control activists have long called for a genuinely universal INF treaty — that is all countries will give up intermediate range missiles. China has already rejected the proposition. It has always refused to join the US-Russian arms control agreements. If the US deploys a new INF in Asia, to enhance its capacity to deter China, Beijing is bound to react. The focus of a potential new arms race appears to be less on traditional nuclear armed missiles, but precise hypersonic missiles (which travel at least five times the speed of sound) equipped with conventional warheads. Moscow and Beijing have already invested in the development of hypersonic systems. India’s Position India too will have little interest in joining a treaty that would take away its current nuclear deterrent in the form of medium-range Agni missiles. India’s problem is less with the arms control diplomacy than the nature of its missile programme. While it has no reason to shed tears for the INF treaty, it will have to seriously examine the implications of the next steps by the major powers. India has an effort underway on hypersonic missiles — part indigenous and part in collaboration with Russia to build on the supersonic Brahmos missiles that travel more than twice as fast as sound. As the US conflict with Russia deepens, India’s partnership with Russia on advanced military systems will come under increasing scrutiny and pressure. The recent controversy over the acquisition of S-400 from Russia is just the beginning of a trend. Russia’s increasing military relations with China also casts a shadow over defence ties between India and Russia. Conclusion India has to think long and hard about its missile programme by focusing on the urgent need to ramp up the domestic effort as well as diversify its international collaboration on hypersonic weapons. India needs a significant force of hypersonic missiles to better control escalation to the nuclear level if there is another Doklam-like military confrontation with China. Delhi will also have to cope with the inevitable proliferation of hypersonic systems in its neighbourhood. Connecting the dots: The US withdrawal from the three-decade-old disarmament pact with Russia presents both a challenge and opportunity for India. Analyse. NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 and 3 Public Services; Health Science and Tech, Indigenisation of technologies More potent healers Introduction In 2017, tuberculosis (TB) affected over 10 million and killed more people than HIV/AIDS — an estimated 1.3 million fatalities worldwide. With a quarter of TB cases and deaths, India’s efforts are critical for the global push to ending the epidemic by 2030. The problem Well-executed programmes that screen and effectively treat potential patients can stop TB in its tracks (China halved its TB prevalence rate between 1990 and 2010), but most such programmes rely on a top-down public healthcare system. A largely unregulated private sector treats two-thirds of India's patients. Some solutions In 2014, the Central TB Division, in partnership with local governments and two NGOs (PATH and World Health Partners), put in place a new programme in Patna and Mumbai that sought to improve the quality of TB diagnosis and treatment in the private sector. A critical part of the programme was first understanding how the private sector treated patients and the problems they faced. A team initiated the world’s largest surveillance of TB care quality, using the gold-standard method of standardised patients (SPs). SPs were trained professionals, recruited from local communities, who presented as patients with a pre-determined set of symptoms and responses to questions the doctors may ask. The standardisation of the case meant that the care they received could be benchmarked to standards of care, and accurately compared across providers. Findings of the surveillance The programme showed three key features characterised the “market” for TB care in these cities. First, only 35 per cent of patients choosing a healthcare facility at random would have been treated in a manner consistent with national and international guidelines. Penalising providers for unnecessary (potentially harmful) tests and medications reduces that fraction to below 10 per cent. Second, these numbers reflect the tremendous quality variation in both cities (Mumbai and Patna). Part of this variation is due to qualifications: Close to half the providers in both cities were AYUSH or informal, with MBBS providers correctly managing 46 per cent of the cases compared to 23.5 per cent for AYUSH and informal providers. Within both groups, there were always some providers who managed every SP correctly and some who got every case wrong. Third, it has been told again and again that the private sector over-medicates. This is evident in data, but with some nuance. The good news is that anti-TB medications were almost exclusively given by providers with the appropriate qualifications, and only after obtaining the necessary lab confirmations. Neither pharmacists nor informal or AYUSH providers abuse anti-TB medications — a major concern in past TB control efforts. The bad news is the frequent use of antibiotics and, more worryingly, classes of drugs known as fluoroquinolones and steroids, both of which can mask the symptoms of TB and make diagnoses harder. Enhanced steps In 2014-2015, the programmes incorporated these features of the market in their scale-up plans. Since then, both Mumbai and Patna have seen significant improvements in TB notification rates among private sector providers, with greater use of microbiological tests and improved treatment completion rates. Preliminary analysis on new data after the programme was in place suggests substantial improvements in case management. The government, supported by The Global Fund, is expanding this model of private sector engagement to several cities through its Joint Effort for Elimination of Tuberculosis. It is likely that they will face a comparable situation, with high-quality, dedicated doctors practicing amidst many indifferent and mediocre providers. Way forward: A proposed strategy A strategy called IFMeT is proposed, that may be key to successful private-public partnerships to fight TB with four components: Identification, focusing, messaging and testing (IFMeT). The strategy identifies “champion” high quality providers early in the programme to get quick and large returns by connecting patients with champion providers. Focusing investments and training on this smaller provider group, while leaving lower volume/quality providers untouched. This “provider focusing” approach decreases the scale of the programme while retaining virtually all its benefits. The third component is targeted messaging. Complex financial incentives that are hard to untangle in the private sector complicate efforts to reduce unnecessary medications. An alternate approach concentrates on one or two key behaviors. At this point, messaging only on the overuse of fluoroquinolones and steroids can have substantial impact on the patient’s health. Finally, under-testing is the key problem in the private sector. Doctors need to increase testing with more X-rays, sputum tests and GeneXpert tests for patients presenting with symptoms consistent with TB. The doctors given better diagnostic information like test results, made more appropriate decisions and gave fewer unnecessary medicines. Thus, IFMeT could take a large and seemingly intractable problem and reduce it to a series of actionable, manageable steps that can help end an epidemic that kills millions of Indians. Connecting the dots: TB is still one of the major cause of deaths across the world. To eliminate this epidemic, understanding the private sector and designing the corresponding strategies is one of the important solutions. Elucidate. (Note: For more on TB, Click here: https://iasbaba.com/2018/03/india-radio-air-tuberculosis-free-india/) (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) Which of the following statements regarding TB are correct? TB is a chronic viral disease. Once infected a person cannot be permanently cured. TB is spread through air when infected person cough, sneeze, spit or speak. Select the code from below: 1 and 2 2 and 3 3 only None of the above Q.2) Consider the following with regard to Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Virus MDR-TB is a type of tuberculosis which is unresponsive to at least two of the first line of anti-TB drugs isoniazid and rifampicin Bedaquiline is a medication used in the treatment of MDR-TB Choose the appropriate code 2 only 2 and 3 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) Recently the SC has put a ban on selling of crackers because of its harmful impact on air pollution level and public health. Which of the following get emitted from the crackers? Smoke Chemicals Toxic dust Choose the appropriate option 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only All of the above   Q.4) Consider the following regarding National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) National Disaster Response Force consist of 12 battalions Assam Rifles and CISF are the two most specialized battalions of NDRF NDRF is under the control of Ministry of Home Affairs Which of the given statement/s is/are correct? 1 and 3 Only 3 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 MUST READ The great game in West Asia  The Hindu  Stop the war The Hindu Who pays taxes and who doesn’t The Hindu The right identity  Indian Express Where India, Japan ties stand now and what is planned for the future  Indian Express The WTO: Is it all over or can something be done? Livemint

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 98]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 98] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Significant Economic Presence (SEP)’ The Finance Act, 2018 introduced the concept of SEP in the Income-tax Act, 1961 (the Act) It provided that the SEP of a non-resident in India will constitute its business connection in India. Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) ‘Living Planet Report’ is released by United Nations Environment Programme World Commission on Environment World Wildlife Fund None of the above Q.3) Which of the following statements is/are correct? National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is attached to Ministry of Home Affairs Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS) is being implemented by the NCRB Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Electoral Bond Scheme 2018’ Registered political parties that have secured not less than 1 per cent of the votes polled in the last election of the Lok Sabha or legislative assembly will be eligible to receive electoral bonds. Electoral bonds may be purchased by a person, who is a citizen of India or entities incorporated or established in India State Bank of India (SBI) is the only authorised bank to issue such bonds. Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) ‘Vrindavani Vastra’ was in news recently. It is related which of the following states? Uttar Pradesh Gujarat Assam Madhya Pradesh To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 22nd Oct to 29th Oct, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 22nd – 29th October, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 Making Markets Work for Affordable Healthcare: Policy note by Competition Commission of India (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health) The need: Over the nine years of enforcement of the Competition Act, 2002 (the Act), the Competition Commission of India (‘the Commission’) has received 52 cases pertaining to the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector. The Commission, while deciding on the cases, has observed that information asymmetry in the pharmaceutical/healthcare sector significantly restricts consumer choice. In the absence of consumer sovereignty, various industry practices flourish which have the effect of choking competition and are detrimental to consumer interest. Such practices may not always violate the provisions of the Act, but they create conditions that do not allow markets to work effectively and healthy competition to drive the market outcomes. The response to these issues can, in many instances,take the form of appropriate regulations that can pre-empt market-distorting practices and help create pro-competition conditions. Key issues and recommendations: Role of intermediaries in drug price build-up One major factor that contributes to high drug prices in India is the unreasonably high trade margins. The high margins are a form of incentive and an indirect marketing tool employed by drug companies. Further, self-regulation by trade associations also contributes towards high margins as these associations control the entire drug distribution system in a manner that reduces competition. Efficient and wider public procurement and distribution of essential drugs can circumvent the challenges arising from the distribution chain, supplant sub-optimal regulatory instruments such as price control and allow for access to essential medicines at lower prices. Electronic trading of drugs, with appropriate regulatory safeguards, could be another potent instrument for bringing in transparency and spurring price competition among platforms and among retailers, as has been witnessed in other product segments. Quality perception behind proliferation of branded generics Worldwide, generic drugs are seen as a key competitive force against the patent-expired brand name drugs marketed at monopoly prices. In India, the pharmaceutical market is dominated by ‘branded generics’ which limit generic-induced price competition. The branded generic drugs enjoy a price premium owing to perceived quality assurance that comes with the brand name. Quality consideration may be a reason behind the prescription of branded generics by doctors. However, it is also equally possible that the brand proliferation is to introduce artificial product differentiation in the market, offering no therapeutic difference but allowing firms to extract rents. The regulatory apparatus must address the issue of quality perception by ensuring consistent application of statutory quality control measures and better regulatory compliance. Unless the quality of drugs sold in markets can be taken to be in conformance of the statutory standards regardless of their brand names, generic competition in the true sense of the term cannot take off. The practice of creating artificial product differentiation for exploitation of consumers may be addressed through a one-company-one drug-one brand name-one price policy. Vertical arrangements in healthcare services In view of the incentive-based referral system that pervades the healthcare landscape, issuing of periodic validated data by hospitals relating to mortality rate, infection rate, number of procedures etc. could help patients make informed choice. The in-house pharmacies of super specialty hospitals are completely insulated from competition as inpatients are typically not allowed to purchase any product from outside pharmacies. This calls for regulation that mandates hospitals to allow consumers to buy standardised consumables from the open market. All accredited diagnostic labs should meet the same quality standards in terms of infrastructure, equipment, skilled manpower etc. for getting accreditation. This will ensure the same degree of reliability and accuracy of test results across labs. There is no regulatory framework that ensures and governs portability of patient data, treatment record, diagnostic reports between hospitals. This acts as a constraint for patients in switching from one hospital to another and creates a lock-in effect. Portability of patient data can help ensure that a patient is no longer locked into the data silos and do not bear additional cost for switching medical services and that doctors/hospitals can have timely access to patient data. Regulation and competition Owing to the multiplicity of regulators governing the pharmaceutical sector at the centre and state level, implementation of regulations is not uniform across the country. This has resulted in multiple standards of same products and also different levels of regulatory compliance requirements. A mechanism may be devised under the aegis of the CDSCO to harmonisethe criteria/processes followed by the state licensing authorities to ensure uniformity in interpretation and implementation. It is also imperative to make the approval of new drugs time-bound along with publication of detailed guidelines governing each stage of new drug approval process. Finally, two other major issues that affect the healthcare sector and thus warrant policy response are: Shortage of healthcare professionals in the country owing inter alia to high cost of medical education Inadequacy in health insurance Cabinet approves Signing and ratification of Extradition Treaty between India and Malawi: The Treaty would provide a legal framework for seeking extradition of terrorists, economic offenders and other criminals from and to Malawi. Scheme for setting up of Indian Institute of Skills at different locations across the country in PPP modes: Shall augment the global competitiveness of key sectors of Indian economy by providing high quality skill training, applied research education and a direct and meaningful connection with industry It will provide opportunity to aspiring youth across the country to have access to highly skilled training, and enhance the scope of accountability through its linkage with industry and global competitiveness across sectors. By leveraging advantages of private sector enterprise and public capital in terms of Government land, it would create new institutes of expertise, knowledge and competitiveness. MoU amongst BRICS nations regarding cooperation in the social and labour sphere: The MoU provides a mechanism for cooperation, collaboration and maximum synergy amongst BRICS member countries with the common objective of inclusive growth and shared prosperity in the new industrial revolution. Facilitate member countries to share knowledge and also implement joint programmes on .matter of Labour and Employment, Social Security and Social dialogue. Ensure networking of international Training Centre of International Labour Organisation (ILO) with the BRICS Network of Labour Institutes which includes V.V. Giri National Labour Institute of India. Focus on the theme of youth employment and research on new forms of employment. Explore new learning technologies, including virtual network to deepen cooperation, exchange of information and capacity building. The BRICS Social Security cooperation framework will deepen social security cooperation among BRICS nations and would facilitate cooperation for improvement of social security systems and social security agreements among member countries. Memorandum of Understanding between India and Singapore on setting up of a joint working group on FinTech: Will benefit both India and Singapore to excel in the fields of Development of Application Programming Interfaces (APls), Regulatory Sandbox, Security in payment and digital cash flow, integration of RuPay-Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS), UPI-FAST payment link, AADHAR Stack and e-KYC in ASEAN region and cooperation on regulations, solutions for financial markets and insurance sector and sand box models. Memorandum of Understanding among BRICS Nations on Environmental Cooperation: The MoU identifies the following stress of cooperation: Air quality Water; Biodiversity; Climate Change; Waste Management; Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals National Monitoring Framework on Sustainable Development Goals: Targets: Measures to mainstream SDGs into on-going national policies, programmes and strategic action plans to address the developmental challenges. Statistical indicators of NIF will be the backbone of monitoring of SDGs at the national and state level and will scientifically measure the outcomes of the policies to achieve the targets under different SDGs. Based on statistical indicator, the MoSPI will bring out national reports on implementation of SDGs. The Report will facilitate assessment of progress, identify challenges and give recommendations for follow up at the national level. High Level Steering Committee will review the National Indicator Framework on regular basis for its improvement. Data source Ministries / Departments will be responsible for providing regular information to MoSPI on these indicators at required intervals and disaggregation for national and sub-national reporting of SDGs. Advanced IT tools will be used for close and effective monitoring. Major impact: SDGs integrate economic, social and environmental dimensions of development. It intends eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world with basic motto of 'SabkaSaathSabkaVikash'. SDGs with 17 Goals and 169 Targets intend for promotion of sustainable, inclusive and equitable economic growth, creating greater opportunities for all, reducing inequalities, raising basic standards of living, fostering equitable social development and inclusion, promoting integrated and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems. NIF will help in outcome-based monitoring & reportingon progress on SDGs at National level. GS-3 Creation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) (Topic: Food processing and related industries in India) Aim: To augment fish production to achieve its target of 15 million tonne by 2020 set under the Blue Revolution; and to achieve a sustainable growth of 8% -9% thereafter to reach the fish production to the level of about 20 MMT by 2022-23. Benefits: Creation of fisheries infrastructure facilities both in marine and Inland fisheries sectors. Employment opportunities to over 9.40 lakh fishers/fishermen/fisherfolk and other entrepreneurs in fishing and allied activities To attract private investment in creation and management of fisheries infrastructure facilities Adoption of new technologies International Conference on Status and Protection of Coral Reefs (STAPCOR – 2018) (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation) Theme: Reef for Life Where: Bangaram coral Island of Union Territory of Lakshadweep Aim: Held every 10 years to review the status and progress of coral reefs all over the world. Key takeaway: Evolving effective management strategies leading to restoration of coral reef, along with the practice of green good deed for behavioral change and social responsibility in day to day life was also emphasized. Coral reefs are shallow water, tropical marine ecosystems which are characterized by a remarkably high biomass production and a rich faunal and floral diversity perhaps unequaled by any other habitat. The structure of a reef is formed by the calcareous skeleton that houses corals, a type of soft-bodied, radially symmetrical, marine invertebrates of the phylum coelenterate. Individuals of a colony are called polyps or hydroids. Millions of coral skeletons cemented together over a period ranging from a few thousand to millions of years give rise to such Reefs can vary enormously in structure and complexity and are roughly divided into three major types. Fringing reefs', reefs that grow close to the shore and extend out into the sea like a submerged platform. Barrier reef: reefs separated from the land by wide expanses of water and follow the coastline. Atolls: a roughly circular ring of reefs surrounding a lagoon, a low lying island, common in the Indian and South pacific oceans Cold water corals Cold-water corals extend to deeper, darker parts of the oceans than tropical corals, ranging from near the surface to the abyss, beyond 2,000 meters where water temperatures may be as cold as 4 °C. They inhabit deep water, not shallow water. Like tropical corals, they provide habitat to other species, but deep-water corals do not require zooxanthellae to survive. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that there are more cold-water coral reefs worldwide than tropical reefs. Their extent is much larger than their tropical counterpart. Some, as the various individual reefs stretching from Norway as far south as West Africa, are when combined far bigger than more famous tropical ones such as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Cays – Small, low-elevation, sandy islands formed on the surface of coral reefs from eroded material that piles up, forming an area above sea level Can be stabilized by plants to become habitable Occur in tropical environments throughout the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans (including the Caribbean and on the Great Barrier Reef and Belize Barrier Reef), where they provide habitable and agricultural land. Belize’s Reef or Caribbean reef was in news recently for – will be removed from UNESCO’s list of threatened World Heritage Sites (Where is it located?) What Do Coral Reefs Need to Survive? Sunlight: Corals need to grow in shallow water where sunlight can reach them. Corals depend on the zooxanthellae (algae) that grow inside of them for oxygen and other things, and since these algae needs sunlight to survive, corals also need sunlight to survive. Corals rarely develop in water deeper than 165 feet (50 meters). Clear water: Corals need clear water that lets sunlight through; they don’t thrive well when the water is opaque. Sediment and plankton can cloud water, which decreases the amount of sunlight that reaches the zooxanthellae. Warm water temperature: Reef-building corals require warm water conditions to survive. Different corals living in different regions can withstand various temperature fluctuations. However, corals generally live in water temperatures of 68–90° F or 20–32° Clean water: Corals are sensitive to pollution and sediments. Sediment can create cloudy water and be deposited on corals, blocking out the sun and harming the polyps. Wastewater discharged into the ocean near the reef can contain too many nutrients that cause seaweeds to overgrow the reef. Saltwater: Corals need saltwater to survive and require a certain balance in the ratio of salt to water. This is why corals don’t live in areas where rivers drain fresh water into the ocean (“estuaries”). In India Coral reefs are restricted to narrow latitudinal, horizontal, and vertical ranges along the tropical continental shelves. Their contribution to global coastal biodiversity is disproportionate to their spatial extent: Although they cover less than 1% of the world's oceans, they are inhabited by one-third of globally known marine species. The mainland coast of India has two widely separated area's containing reefs: The Gulf of Kutch in the North West, which has some of the most northerly reefs in the world and Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar (with numerous fringing reefs around small islands) in the south east. There are patches of reef in the inter-tidal areas of the central west coast of the country. Coral patches have been recorded in the intertidal regions of Ratnagiri, Malvan and Redi, south of Bombay and at the Gaveshani Bank, 100 Km west of Mangalore Important off shore island groups of India with extensive reef growth include the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep group of Islands in the Arabian sea. The Andaman and Nicobar islands have fringing reefs and a 320 km long barrier reef on the west coast. The Lakshadweep Islands are made up of atolls. The absence of reef in the Bay of Bengal is attributed to the immense quantity of freshwater and silt brought by the rivers heavy monsoonal rains high human presence on the coastline Mains: What are the principal causes of coral bleaching? Why we should be concerned about it? Discuss. Describe where most of the world’s coral reefs are located. Give examples of islands or island groups that have coral reefs. What dangers does climate change pose for reefs? Discuss. Prelims: Snowflake coral poses a major threat to the coral reef colonies – can destabilize the marine ecosystem because it may crowd out other species like corals, sponges, algae, ascidians that contribute to the rich marine biodiversity of the region. Prelims oriented News Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management Award, 2018: India 2018 Seoul Peace Prize: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi For his contributions to the growth of the Indian and global economies, crediting 'Modinomics' for reducing social and economic disparity between the rich and the poor Contribution towards regional and global peace through a proactive foreign policy with countries around the world under the 'Modi Doctrine' and the 'Act East Policy' Seoul Peace Prize Established in 1990 to commemorate the success of the 24th Olympic Games held in Seoul, Republic of Korea – an event in which 160 nations from across the world took part, creating harmony and friendship and a worldwide atmosphere of peace and reconciliation. The Seoul Peace Prize was established to crystallize the Korean people's yearning for peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the rest of the world. “Harit Diwali-Swasth Diwali”: Merged with “Green Good Deed” movement that has been initiated as a social mobilization for conservation and protection of environment. Air pollution is a serious health issue in the country especially in the northern parts during winter seasons. The air pollution in the northern region is attributed to Dust Burning of crops in certain states Burning of garbage construction Prevailing climatic conditions India and Bangladesh Sign Agreements for Enhancing Inland and Coastal Waterways Connectivity: To facilitate easier movement of goods and passengers between the two countries, giving an impetus to trade and tourism. 10th Nuclear Energy Conclave on the theme: ‘Nuclear Power - Towards a Clean & Base Load Energy’ The Cabinet has given its approval for construction of 10 units of India’s indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR). This significant decision has been taken to fast-track India’s domestic nuclear power programme, and give a push to country’s nuclear industry. Government has amended sections of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 through the Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015, which would enable Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) to form joint venture companies with other Indian PSUs to meet the additional funding requirements for further expansion of our nuclear power programme. Previously the atomic energy programme was confined mostly in Southern India, but now an atomic plant is in the process of being set up in Gorakhpur, Haryana near Delhi, which indicates the expansion of nuclear programme in other parts of country. “Hall of Nuclear Power”- India’s first permanent exhibition on nuclear power, has been built in the national capital. This helps the students and the younger generation to understand the basics of nuclear energy. Benefits of nuclear energy for non-power applications: Nuclear agriculture developed with the cooperation of agriculture universities and ICAR is one such example Nuclear medicine Low cost solution for water purification Urban waste management Food preservation programme Note: Kaiga Atomic Power Station (KAPS) has set a new world record among pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) with one of its units operating uninterrupted for 895 days as of today. Personality in News Lal Bahadur Shastri  Second Prime Minister of independent India – an exemplary leader, his humility, courage, determination, integrity and moral uprightness were legendary Had great clarity of his vision and even greater conviction in the capacity of his beloved nation to beat all odds and survive – from promoting Green and White Revolution to steering India successfully during the turbulent times of the India-Pak war of 1965 (Lal Bahadur Shastri and his Pakistan counterpart Ayub Khan signed the Tashkent Declaration) Popularized the slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’, recognizing the need for self-sustenance and self-reliance as the pillars to build a strong nation After Independence, he became the Minister of police in the Ministry of Govind Vallabh Panth in Uttar Pradesh. His recommendations included the directions for using "water-jets" instead of lathis to disperse the unruly mob. Impressed with his efforts in reforming the state police department, Jawaharlal Nehru, invited Shastri to join the Union cabinet as Minister for Railways. Quotes Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu  5As – that are important to reform governance system – Ambition, Ability, Agility, Accountability & Achievement There is a need to develop the ability to adapt, improvise, innovate to create programmes and strategies to make them effectively address the challenges.  We must be agile and pro-active

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Meditation & Creativity – Inspirational Educative Articles

Meditation & Creativity: There is a deep connection between meditation and creativity, as meditation creates the zone of silence necessary for creativity to flourish. Meditation is the process of tilling the soil and adding the manure. Creativity is the seed that you plant in the fertile ground. Without fertile ground creativity cannot flourish; without fertile ground imagination cannot happen, because you will just be reflecting on what has happened. Let us take an example. Imagine you are angry for some reason; there is immense anger in you and you are overcome by this emotion. If I tell you to be creative and solve a problem, will you be able to do it? Of course not, because your whole body, mind, and energy will be invested in the process of anger. Everything will be completely taken over by that anger, so how will you be able to creatively express yourself? This is the biggest challenge people face when they want to be creative, when they want to come up with something new.  They could be a painter, a dancer, a singer, or a musician. Just ask them what their problem is with creativity. They will tell you that their problem is not to come up with something new, their problem is how to get rid of the old.  You can ask any musician and she will tell you that her problem is not composing a new song. Her problem is how to stop hearing the same old song that she already composed; her problem is that every time she tries to compose a new song, there is an existing song that interferes in her creative process. Meditation clears the thought process and opens up a zone of emptiness. This emptiness is not negative; rather, this emptiness is filled with aliveness. It is tremendously positive, and when you touch this zone of emptiness, creativity becomes a natural consequence. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 97]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 97] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Agalega islands’ They are two outer islands of Seychelles located in the Indian Ocean It is leased to India for the development of strategic assets Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) ‘Huyen langlon’ is an Indian martial art from Manipur Nagaland Arunachal Pradesh Mizoram Q.3) Which of the following is/are correctly matched? World Economic Forum - Global Gender Gap Index UNESCO - Gender Inequality Index OECD - Women's Empowerment Index (WEI) Select the correct code: 1 Only 1 and 2 1 and 3 All of the above Q.4) Consider the following statements about ‘ARYA Project’ It was initiated by the Indian Council of Agriculture (ICAR) It is implemented through Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) It is aimed at attracting and empowering the Youth to take up various Agriculture and allied services Select the correct statement 1 and 2 3 Only 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) The Gāyatrī Mantra is a highly revered mantra from the Rig Veda dedicated to Varuna Surya Agni Savitri To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 29th October 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 29th October 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) India-US: F-16 fighter jets deal Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – International Relations; Defence In news: S. diplomat said - The United States is not going to put pressure on India to buy F-16 fighter jets or any other defence system. India has purchased more than $15 billion worth of American defence materials. Fast recap: India recently concluded a $5 billion deal to buy the S-400 air defence missile system from Russia, which could attract U.S. sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act instituted by the U.S. Congress on arms purchases from Moscow. Supreme Court and Justice Radhakrishnan committee on Road Safety Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Social and Health issues; Role of Judiciary; Judicial Activism/Overreach? Key pointers: Supreme Court had directed that – All States and Union Territories should frame a Road Safety Policy. Should set up lead agencies to work as secretariats of State Road Safety Councils to co-ordinate on activities such as licensing issues like driving licences, registration of vehicles, road safety and features of vehicles. It is mandatory for States and Union Territories to establish Road Safety Fund, the corpus of which would come from traffic fines collected. The money would be used to meet the expenses for road safety. Framing Road Safety Action Plans by March 31 (2018) to reduce the number of road accidents, as well as the fatality rate. Cause of concern: 90 per cent of the problem of deaths due to road accidents was the result of a lack of strict enforcement of safety rules on roads and strict punishment for those who do not obey rules. There was one death almost every three minutes due to road accidents. Only half the number of families of these victims were compensated. Many states are yet to frame Road Safety Action Plans and establish district road safety committees (as recommended by Radhakrishnan committee) Justice Radhakrishnan committee on road safety: Set up after the Supreme Court intervention. The Justice Radhakrishnan panel would fix the responsibility and functions of the State road safety councils. These councils would periodically review the laws and take appropriate remedial steps wherever necessary. Similarly, lead agencies and district road safety committees should be established. A.P. ranked first, with 10.5% growth Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy; Development and Growth In news: Andhra Pradesh has achieved the number one rank in the country with an average growth of 10.5% during the last four years. It has surpassed many developed States such as Maharashtra and Gujarat following a “focused approach” and setting high targets for itself. Key facts: Andhra Pradesh is the only State to clock the double-digit growth rate. Telangana has slipped to the second place, Maharashtra is ranked sixth. Punjab is placed 14th and Karnataka third. Telangana, which registered 6.8% growth in 2014-15 could achieve 10.4% in 2017-18. Animal in news: Amur falcon About: Amur falcon is a small raptor of the falcon family. It breeds in south-eastern Siberia and Northern China before migrating in large flocks across India and over the Arabian Sea to winter in Southern Africa. The raptor (bird of prey) — the size of a pigeon — makes its home in Nagaland, flying a staggering 22,000 km from there to South Africa, then onto Mongolia and back to Nagaland. The bird has one of the longest and most fascinating migratory paths in the avian world. The falcon breeds in south-eastern Siberia and north-eastern China, where the Amur River divides the Russian Far East and China. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/10/29/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/1a7c222d_2490893_101_mr.jpg Do you know? It is a small raptor, of the size of a pigeon. It covers one of the largest migratory distances from Mongolia and Russia to South Africa. It is not a critically endangered species and is found in large numbers. However, due to indiscriminate killing, their numbers are rapidly coming down. It is considered as a delicacy in Nagaland and widely hunted and sold in the local market. The Centre decided to develop Doyang Lake in Nagaland, famous as a roosting site for longest travelling raptors Amur Falcons, as an eco-tourism spot for bird-watchers. Miscellaneous Mahila Mall (Kerala) – First mall in the country with an all-women crew. Nearly half the applications pending for Indian citizenship are from Pakistanis, according to a Home Ministry database. The power to grant citizenship lies with the Home Ministry. 13th India-Japan annual summit – PM Modi arrived in Japan. Usually bees, wasps and butterflies are considered as prominent pollinators. However, study of a dozen species of Moths revealed they are also key pollinators. (Concern – almost two-thirds of common large moth species have declined over a period of 40 years in many parts of the world) About 90% of the world’s flowering plants are pollinated by animals. Therefore, pollinators are essential for the genetic exchange among flowering plants and the biodiversity among plants. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Constitution: Fundamental rights Social justice and empowerment of vulnerable sections of the society Glass ceiling, caste wall Introduction Reservation in the promotion in higher posts of government services remained a contentious debate. The governing elite largely believe that caste discrimination is an overblown problem that is a thing of the past. The five-judge Constitution Bench largely endorsed the 2006 SC judgment in the Nagaraj case relating to reservation for SC/STs in promotion. Background Originally, the reservation in promotion implies that at every level in the hierarchy, there should be 22.5 per cent seats reserved for SC/STs. But even prior to the Nagaraj judgment, the senior positions in the bureaucracy had been insulated against reservation in promotion. Since 1967, when a five-judge bench headed by Justice Wanchoo decided against reservation in promotions within Class I positions (Group A), no government or court has broken this elitist barrier. The hitherto skewed, discriminatory implementation of the policy is reflected in the statistic. Although SC/STs constitute about 23 per cent of all central government employees, they occupy more than 45 per cent of the safai karmachari posts but less than 10 per cent posts in the higher tiers of government. The latest Court order sanctifies this unequal representation of Dalits in the higher levels of government. Details of the judgment SC held that the Nagaraj case which had effectively put a stop to reservation in promotions need not be referred for consideration to a larger Bench. The Court invalidated the Nagaraj case decree that the state should collect quantifiable data of backwardness of SC/STs while considering eligibility for reservation in promotion. One of the reasons of such invalidation is that SC/STs are specifically mentioned in Article 46 and should therefore be deemed to be “the most backward or the weakest of the weaker sections of society and therefore presumed to be backward.” While discussing the “creamy layer”, the judges argued that the equality principle demands that “unequals” within the same class should be weeded out. “Those persons… who have come out of untouchability or backwardness by virtue of belonging to the creamy layer… (should) be excluded from the benefit of reservation”. Criticism of the judgment There are serious problems with the philosophy underlying the apex court’s verdict on the “creamy layer”. It is based on a worldview that ignores the complexities and rationale behind affirmative action. The rationale behind reservation is not merely economic as imputed by the Court (poverty exists across castes and communities) but untouchability and its tenacious grip on our society. So ingrained is caste that the ordinary Dalit, irrespective of his material advancement, is still hobbled by his social origins. The Court’s view that the so-called “creamy layer” has transcended caste discrimination and untouchability betrays a poor understanding of a social milieu still scarred by caste. What Gandhiji said still holds good today: “Whether a Harijan is nominally a Hindu, Christian, Sikh… he is still a Harijan. He can’t change his spots… He may change his garb… but his untouchability will haunt him during his lifetime.” On the issue of adequacy of representation, the Court has struck at the very root of affirmative action in the promotional stages. The court observed that “as the post gets higher it may be necessary to reduce the number of SC/STs in promotional posts… for the simple reason that efficiency of administration has to be looked at every time promotions are made”. Implicit in this observation is the cultural bias that sees the Dalit as less efficient than his peers and hence the directive that the proportionate reservation of 22.5 per cent should be progressively reduced in the higher tiers of the bureaucracy. Does caste based discrimination exist? For purveyors of the myth that caste no longer determines one’s social standing or life chances, a recent news report should be an eye-opener. In Jabalpur, a doctor belonging to the Scheduled Tribe community was assaulted by the relatives of two patients who wanted them treated by an “upper caste” person. The assailants then took the patients to another hospital for treatment. The recent killing in Telangana of an educated Dalit Christian for marrying an upper caste girl reminds us of what it means to be Dalit. On the surface, things seem to have improved but the subterranean volcano of prejudice erupts in case the Dalit breaches the invisible but unyielding caste wall. Such inhuman treatment of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs) is routine in the life of our nation, irrespective of whether they belong to the so-called “creamy layer” or not. Every year, there are more than 40,000 registered cases of atrocities against Dalits though the actual number of heinous crimes committed against this beleaguered community is much higher. It is against the backdrop of this oppressive social milieu that one must view the recent SC pronouncement on reservation in promotion which has dealt a body blow to Dalit aspirations. Caste consciousness is embedded in our culture. Conclusion In Vasanth Kumar vs State of Karnataka (1985), Justice Chinnappa Reddy attacked the “meritarian principle” and observed that it is not permitted to use merit as a camouflage to let the upper classes monopolise the services, higher posts and the professional institutions. Prime minister Narendra Modi asserted that “reservation is here to stay… the dreams of Dr Babasaheb are still incomplete… and reservation is an important tool to achieve this”. However, the recent SC judgment puts paid to any hopes of Dalits ever getting their legitimate share of posts in the upper echelons of government. Connecting the dots: Write a brief note on SC judgment in Nagraj Case. What are your views on Reservation in Promotions in higher echelons of government services? INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Gulf in strategic precepts Introduction Twenty years after exchanging bitter words following India's nuclear tests, India-Japan ties acquired exceptional warmth. From development assistance to maritime cooperation, both countries view each other as “special strategic and global partners.” But an unpleasant truth is, ties are a mile wide but an inch deep. Critical analysis of India-Japan relations: Trade ties: In 2011, India and Japan began implementing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement; yet seven years later, bilateral trade has yet to hit even the $20 billion mark. India’s exports to Japan have in fact contracted in four of the past six years. Since early 2010, Japan and India have discussed joint infrastructure projects in third countries, including announcing an Asia-Africa Growth Corridor. But not a single project has taken off, including in Myanmar and the Mekong countries where the two share complementary interests. Defence cooperation The largest gap between form and substance is evident in the area of defence cooperation. The framework of Indo-Japanese defence ties has grown considerably, including the joint declaration on security cooperation, the action plan to advance such cooperation, a defence equipment transfer agreement, a classified military information security protection agreement, and the ongoing logistical support cooperation talks. Yet, 10 years later, the two sides have failed to realise the sale of a single defence article and there exists no conventional threat-specific contingency scenario in which the two militaries can practicably cooperate. The veiled threat to embargo Chinese shipping at the Indo-Pacific’s chokepoints might make for good theatre but is poor policy. India and Japan must grapple with the gulf that separates their guiding strategic precepts if they are to transcend the hollow institutionalisation that infects strategic ties. Strategy of alliance Though influenced by competing currents of Asia-oriented or autonomy-centred diplomacy, Japan has never been able to successfully postulate an order beyond a Western-led alliance framework. Whereas, independent India has never sought to articulate an identity within the framework of an alliance system – be it Western or any other. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi eloquently restated at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, New Delhi remains conspicuously committed to a non-Western, pluralistic model of cooperative security in Asia. Do you know? What is the Shangri-La Dialogue? The SLD is a top annual even where top representatives and defence personnel from several countries from 28 Asia Pacific countries as well as from across the world assemble. Hosted by London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and the government of Singapore since 2002, the SLD has become "one of world's great strategic gatherings" as it boosts security cooperation and mutual confidence through easy communication between defence personnel and policymakers. This event gives an opportunity for officials and defence personnel to discuss in depth various regional security issues in break-up groups or on the sidelines, thus making it an effective diplomatic platform. The SLD recognises emerging security concerns and prevalent security concerns every year and focuses on thorough discussions on them. The SLD gets its name from its venue - Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore. What was the SLD's agenda this year? North Korean denuclearisation issue was the prime topic for discussion this year as it has been in the previous few years. Besides, the South China Sea crisis, terrorism, future conflicts and emerging technologies were also discussed at length this year. More on: https://www.iiss.org/events/shangri-la-dialogue/shangri-la-dialogue-2018 Conclusion Nuzzling together within a broader anti-China coalition can only go so far in bolstering strategic congruence. Rather, Japan must adopt a more independent-minded approach in the Indo-Pacific that is less attached to the West and more amenable to partners like India. Connecting the dots: Analyse the India - Japan relations. (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) Amur falcons has one of the longest and most fascinating migratory paths in the avian kingdom. Consider the following statements regarding Amur falcons: It is one of the largest raptor species. It migrates from Mongolia to South Africa via India. It is amongst the critically endangered species and very few left in wild. It considered a delicacy in Nagaland and widely hunted during their short stay in India. Select the correct statements from above: 1 and 3 2 and 4 3 only All of the above Q.2) Doyang Lake, famous as a roosting site for longest travelling raptors Amur Falcons is located in which state? Nagaland Manipur Meghalaya Arunachal Pradesh Q.3) Which of the following bird species are migratory in nature? Pelican Flamingo Northern Duck Amur Falcon Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 3 only 1 and 4 only 2, 3, and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.4) United Nations Road Safety Trust Fund has been launched recently. Consider the following statements about the same The fund will help to strengthen the capacity of government agencies to implement road safety programmes. It will mobilize resources only from governments or governmental organizations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Justice Radhakrishnan Committee is associated with Teacher Reforms Pension Reforms Labour Reforms None of the above MUST READ  In the court of last resort  The Hindu The paradox of faith The Hindu Plate to Plough: Sardar’s unfinished task Indian Express Protecting the central bank’s independence Livemint The importance of Asia-Europe cooperation Livemint

AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : India's Commitment to Environment Protection

India's Commitment to Environment Protection ARCHIVES Search 3rd October, 2018 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Audio-Archive-Search.aspx TOPIC:  General Studies 3 Environment protection and conservation (Note: Ensure that you go through the hyperlinked articles for a better understanding and a quick revision of all the schemes and issues in question.) The world needs to shift to a paradigm of environmental philosophy that is anchored in environmental consciousness rather than merely government regulations. India can be at the forefront of change. Three things will determine how we as a society can bring a positive change: Internal consciousness Mahatma Gandhi propounded the Doctrine of Trusteeship, which places the onus on us, the present generation, to ensure that our coming generations inherit a clean planet. He called for sustainable consumption so that the world does not face a resource crunch. Public awareness We need to talk, write, debate, discuss and deliberate as much as possible on questions relating to the environment. At the same time, it is vital to encourage research and innovation on subjects relating to the environment. This is when more people will know about the pressing challenges of our times and ways to mitigate them. In 1991, the Supreme Court directed the Central government and all State governments to provide compulsory environmental education to all students in schools and colleges. This directive was reiterated in 2003 (M.C Mehta v. Union of India). Corporate organisations, research and education institutes, NGOs and foundations have committed themselves to educating people about climate change and providing the know-how for mitigation, adaptation and resilience building. Proactiveness Under Swachh Bharat Mission, which is directly linked to a sustainable future, over 85 million households now have access to toilets for the first time. Over 400 million Indians no longer have to defecate in the open. Sanitation coverage is up from 39 per cent to 95 per cent. These are landmark efforts in the quest of reducing the strain on our natural surroundings. We also witness proactiveness in the success of the Ujjwala Yojana, which has significantly reduced indoor air pollution due to unhealthy cooking practices that were causing respiratory diseases. Till date, over five crore Ujjwala connections have been distributed, thus ensuring a better and cleaner life for the women and their families. The Namami Gange Mission is changing the historical wrong done to our rivers. Emphasis is being given to proper treatment of sewage. At the core of our urban development initiatives such as AMRUT and the Smart Cities Mission is the need to balance urban growth with environmental care. The over 13 crore soil health cards distributed to farmers are helping them make informed decisions that will boost their productivity and improve the health of our land, which helps the coming generations. There has been integration of the objectives of Skill India in the environment sector and launched schemes including the Green Skill Development Programme for skilling about 7 million youth in environment, forestry, wildlife and climate change sectors by 2021. The Ujala Yojana has led to the distribution of nearly 31 crore LED bulbs. The costs of LED bulbs have reduced and so have the electricity bills and the C emissions. India remained at the forefront of the COP-21 negotiations in Paris in 2015. In March 2018, world leaders of several countries converged in New Delhi to mark the start of the International Solar Alliance, an endeavour to harness the rich potential of solar energy and bring together all nations that are blessed with solar power. While the world is talking about climate change, the call for climate justice has also reverberated from India. Climate justice is about safeguarding the rights and interests of the poor and marginalised sections of society, who are often the biggest sufferers from the menace of climate change. Conclusion: Given the startling forecasts about the impact of climate change, it is the need of the hour to educate and equip both rural and urban communities to build resilience against natural disasters, adapt to environmental changes, and manage potential risk. Also read: Link 1 Connecting the Dots: Is ratifying Paris climate agreement beneficial to India? Critically examine. India’s efforts at addressing climate change and the wider issues of environmental governance, has been far from convincing. Critically examine.

RSTV Video

RSTV - Phasing out BS-IV

Phasing out BS-IV Archives TOPIC: General Studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation Indigenization of technology and developing new technology Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life In News: As per the SC, No Bharat Stage-IV vehicle would be sold or registered in India from April 1, 2020. In response to: The Centre and the automobile manufacturers’ request for a three-month and six-month extension of the deadline so that the latter can sell their non-BS-VI vehicles. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) had justified the grace period to sell their vehicles contending that India was jumping from BS-IV emission norms to BS-VI within a short span of time. The manufacturers had argued that they were allowed to manufacture BS-IV vehicles till March 31, 2020, and they should be granted reasonable time to sell their stock. Additional Solicitor General A N S Nadkarni, who had appeared for the Centre, had told the apex court that the government considered it fit to give three and six months to the manufacturers to sell their stock of BS-IV vehicles after April 1, 2020. Logic behind the Judgement: Any extension of time in introducing the new norms which is not absolutely necessary adversely impacts the health of the citizens. There is sufficient time for the manufacturers to change over to the new system, and therefore, there is no reason why they should be given a window of three or six months for sale of accumulated vehicles. Every vehicle sold after the cut-off date of April 1, 2020, is bound to cause more pollution and, therefore, the manufacturers cannot be permitted to sell any non-BS-VI compliant vehicle on or after April 1, 2020. Rejecting the manufacturers’ plea that there were multiple sources of pollution and vehicles only contribute 2%, the judgement emphasised on no step being too small when it comes to fighting pollution. Small steps to reduce pollution when taken together will lead to large scale reduction in pollution. The right to life, as envisaged under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, includes the right of a citizen to live in a clean environment. If there is a conflict between health and wealth, obviously, health will have to be given precedence. When we are concerned with the health of not one citizen but the entire citizenry, including the future citizens of the country, the larger public interest has to outweigh the much smaller pecuniary interest of the industry, in this case the automobile industry, especially when the entire wherewithal to introduce the cleaner technology exists. If we were to factor only economics even then it makes no sense to have more polluting vehicles on the roads. The effect of pollution on the environment and health is so huge that it cannot be compensated in the marginal extra profits that the manufacturers might make. The amount spent on countering the ills of pollution such as polluted air, damaged lungs and the cost of healthcare far outweigh the profits earned. What are Bharat stage emission norms: Introduced in the year 2000, the Bharat norms are emission control standards put in place by the government to keep a check on air pollution. Based on the European regulations (Euro norms), these standards set specifications/limits for the release of air pollutants from equipment using internal combustion engines, including vehicles. Typically, the higher the stage, the more stringent the norms. The BS IV norms have been enforced across the country since April 2017. Implementation of the BS V standard was earlier scheduled for 2019. This has now been skipped. BS VI, originally proposed to come in by 2024 has been now advanced to 2020, instead. So what differentiates the BS VI standard from BS IV? It’s the introduction of advanced technologies to ensure pollutants emitted by the vehicles are reduced and comply with the specified limits. It will also mean a number of changes to be made in the engine systems. The main difference between BS-IV and BS-VI (which is comparable to Euro 6) is in the amount of sulphur in the fuel. BS-VI fuel is estimated to bring around an 80% reduction in sulphur content — from 50 parts per million (ppm) to 10 ppm. Also, according to analysts, NOx emissions from diesel cars are expected to come down by nearly 70% and, from cars with petrol engines, by 25%. Issues for the common man: On the flip side, the use of new technology means higher costs for auto makers. This could be passed on to buyers. Oil refiners too have had big capital outlays to produce superior quality fuel under BS IV. So, fuel bills could rise too. Let us think: Do we as a society or as manufacturers of automobiles have a right to manufacture more polluting vehicles when we have the technology to manufacture less polluting vehicles? The answer is obviously a big NO. Connecting the dots: What are BS emission norms? Critically examine the current issues surrounding it.