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Creative Guidance: Book Review – Leviathan – Thomas Hobbes

Leviathan: Thomas Hobbes Written during the Civil War, Leviathan explores the political philosophy in a world of violence and horror. It explores ways of avoiding slipping into anarchy during times of war. This book was burnt as sedition during its time, however one cannot ignore the impact and penetrating insight it offers on the political philosophy. Leviathan explores the complex subjects of politics, religion, violence, crime and war. It spans across several centuries of human understanding and development. It also urges one to revisit some of the assumptions of our socio-political system to find solutions for current and future conflicts. Although heavy in subject matter, the style and manner of presenting helps the reader to easily grasp the complex subject at hand. Read this book to gain new insights into age old human predicaments.

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All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - Successful Trial of Missile Agni-II

Successful Trial of Missile Agni-II ARCHIVES Search 17th Nov, 2019 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 3 Developments in Science & Technology In news: India successfully conducted first night trial of its indigenously developed medium-range nuclear-capable versatile surface-to-surface medium-range nuclear-capable missile Agni-II with a strike range of 2,000 km, from a test range in its eastern state of Odisha Agni-II, an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), has already been inducted into the armed forces. The two-stage ballistic missile can carry a payload of 1,000 kg over a distance of 2,000 km. This was the first time that the sophisticated missile was test-fired at night The trial was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the Indian Army. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had successfully tested the country’s longest-range indigenously developed nuclear-capable missile Agni-V in January and short-range nuclear-capable ballistic Agni-I The entire trajectory of the trial was tracked by a battery of sophisticated radars, telemetry observation stations, electro-optic instruments and two naval ships located near the impact point in the down-range area of Bay of Bengal The two stage missile equipped with advanced high accuracy navigation system, was guided by a novel state-of-the-art command and control system and propelled by solid rocket propellant system. ‘Agni-11’ is part of the Agni series of missiles which includes Agni-I with a 700 km range, Agni-III with a 3,000 km range, Agni-IV and Agni-V both having long range capabilities. The Agni-I, on the other hand, has an operational range of 700-900 kilometers and can carry a 1,000-kilogram conventional or nuclear payload. The Agni-I, fitted with an accurate inertial navigation system, was last successfully test fired on November 22, 2017. Named for the Vedic god of fire, Agni-I is the father of the Agni family of non-nuclear and nuclear-capable missiles.

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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 25th December 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 25th December 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): Union Cabinet gives approval Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Security In News CDS will function as the Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Minister and also as the Permanent Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) The CDS will also head the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), to be created in the Ministry of Defence, and function as its Secretary. The armed forces will be brought under the DMA The CDS will look after the jointness in operations, logistics, transport, training, support services, communications, repairs and maintenance etc of the three Services, within three years of the first CDS assuming office. CDS will be member of Defence Acquisition Council chaired by RakshaMantri and Defence Planning Committee chaired by NSA. CD will also function as the Military Adviser to the Nuclear Command Authoritychaired by the Prime Minister CDS will be a rank of a four-star General, with salary and perquisites equivalent to a service chief. CDS will not exercise any military command, including over the three Service Chiefs, so as to be able to provide impartial advice to the political leadership.  CDS would come in the ambit of ‘Right to Information Act’, in accordance with the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005. CDS would also evaluate plans “for 'Out of Area Contingencies', as well other contingencies such as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). Solar Eclipse Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains I- Geography In News On 26th December, the annular solar eclipse will be visible in places such as India, Australia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore - when the Moon will eclipses the Sun to form a “ring of fire” in the sky.  What is annual Solar eclipse? Generally, when the new Moon intersects the light of the Sun, it brings a total solar eclipse on Earth.  But it won't be the case this time as the Moon is presently quite farther than average from Earth and once it will cross the Sun, a “negative shadow” or what technically called the antumbra will become visible in the form of the ring of fire. This is known as an annular eclipse. Ophthalmologists warn against viewing the phenomenon with the naked eye or taking pictures using mobile phones or cameras. [caption id="attachment_55335" align="aligncenter" width="552"] Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 25th December 2019[/caption] Src: Click here Rohtang Pass: Strategic tunnel under it Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains I- Geography In News The Union Cabinet has decided to name the Strategic Tunnel under Rohtang Pass after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass on the eastern PirPanjal Range of the Himalayas. It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh. The 8.8-kilometre long tunnel is the world's longest tunnel above an altitude of 3,000 metres. It will reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 kilometres. It will provide all weather connectivity to remote border areas of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh which otherwise remained cut off from the rest of the country for about six months during winters.  The decision to construct tunnel was taken during A.B.Vajpayee’s time and it is nearing completion. Hypersonic Weapons: Russia becomes the first country to deploy it Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Security, GS-II- International Affairs In News President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is the only country in the world that has hypersonic weapons- weapons that travel faster than Mach5 (~6174kmph) and have the capability to manoeuvre during the entire flight. The first unit equipped with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle is set to go on duty by Dec 2019, while that the air-launched Kinzhal hypersonic missiles already have entered service. Avangardhas an intercontinental range and can fly in the atmosphere at a speed 20 times the speed of sound. Its ability to change both its course and its altitude en route to a target makes it immune to interception by the the enemy. The Kinzhal, which is carried by MiG-31 fighter jets, entered service with the Russian air force last year. The missile flies 10 times faster than the speed of sound, has a range of more than 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) and can carry a nuclear or a conventional warhead. It is capable of hitting both land targets and navy ships. Do You Know? Mach Number is the ratio of the speed of the body to the speed of sound in the undisturbed medium through which the body is traveling. E.g. If the body is flying at Mach 3, then its speed is thrice the speed of sound in air (which is 332 m/s or 1195 km/hr). It is named in honor of Ernst Mach (1838-1916), a physicist from Austria. Types of Aircrafts/missiles based on Mach Number: Subsonic (M < 1) Transonic (M = 1) Supersonic (1 < M < 3) High Supersonic (3 < M < 5) Hypersonic (M > 5) High Hypersonic (M ~ 25)  Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS): Railway Board Restructuring Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III – Infrastructure; GS Mains II- Governance In News Union Cabinet approved the restructuring of the Railway Board, including a reduction in its strength as well as the merger of the different cadres into a central service called the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS). The Railway Board started in 1905, and over a period of time, it has divided the management into several silos The Board presently consists of eight members, including the Chairman, from different service departments such as traffic, civil, mechanical, electrical and signal & telecom The newly constitutedBoard will henceforth consist of five members – Chairman, who will act as a CEO, along with four members responsible for infrastructure, operations and business development, rolling stock and finance. There will also be a DG (HR) under the Chairman. The Board will also have some independent members, who will be highly distinguished professionals. Restructuring of the board would help end “departmentalism”, while ensuring smooth functioning of the Railways and expediting the decision-making process. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATONAL RELATIONS 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, Indian Diaspora Brexit :Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB) Armed with its new majority, the Britain  government has published a revised version of its Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB) to ensure that it can take the UK out of the EU on 31 January. The House of Commons voted 358-234 for the Withdrawal Agreement Bill.  Key changes : First, a new clause outlaws an extension to the standstill transition period that would expire on December 31, 2020. Following the announcement, the pound slid 1.1% against the dollar relative to the gains after the election results, reviving market anxiety. Besides the £33 billion settlement contained in the withdrawal deal, any extension after next December would entail additionally about €10 billion a year. The bill dispenses with the need for parliamentary approval, for the government’s negotiating mandate as well as the final agreement on the country’s future relationship with the bloc .The provision risks sidestepping normal democratic channels for industries and trade unions to influence the shape of their future trading relations with the EU, worth an estimated £90 billion. Bill guarantees on labour rights previously included in the withdrawal bill have been removed. This vindicates sceptics’ fears about a drift to a low-tax low-regulation U.K. economy after Brexit. Brussels is wary of granting these concessions to a major economy such as Britain. Challenges ahead : Northern Ireland will continue to remain within the EU jurisdiction after Brexit.  The government will enforce customs checks for goods traded across the Irish Sea to the rest of the U.K., increasing costs for the bulk of small enterprises.  The regulatory divergence within U.K. territory is the compromise London has conceded to protect the EU’s single market.  The arrangement would maintain the existing soft border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which has underpinned the region’s tenuous peace since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement Impact on India: Direct impact on currency as it will weaken against dollar Indian-based companies and investments in UK will suffer direct negative impact. Gateway to Europe being closed, huge trade costs to be occurred in dealing with EU separately. Lower commodity prices, crude oil prices may help narrowing CAD More investments done in safe options like gold. This has increased cash outflow and surged prices of gold Decrease in FIIs Not much impact on pharma industry as US is the bigger market However, India is not expected to be too much impacted due to its deep foreign exchange reserves, a high growth rate, somewhat restrained inflation, a not significant current account deficit and fiscal discipline maintenance. Connecting the dots: Has Brexit affected India ? How should India view Brexit? INTERNATONAL RELATIONS TOPIC: General Studies 2: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation National Population Register (NPR) : Census will be conducted in 2021 Context: The Union Cabinet  approved a proposal to conduct Census 2021 and update the National Population Register (NPR). While the Census will be conducted in 2021, the NPR update will take place from April to September 2020 in all the States/UTs except Assam. According to the sources, the Union Cabinet has approved a proposal of the Home Ministry to spend Rs 8,754 crore for the Census 2021 and Rs 3,941 crore for updating the NPR. NPR The NPR is a register of usual residents of the country.  It is mandatory for every usual resident of India to register in the NPR.  It includes both Indian citizens as well as a foreign citizen. Objectives: To create a comprehensive identity database of every usual resident in the country.  The first National Population Register was prepared in 2010 and updating this data was done during 2015 by conducting door to door survey.  The next update of the NPR will take place next year from April to September with the House listing phase of the Census 2021.  It is being prepared at the local (Village/sub-Town), sub-District, District, State and National level under provisions of the Citizenship Act 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. Usual resident According to the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, a usual resident is a person who has resided in a local area for the past 6 months or more or a person who intends to reside in that area for the next 6 months or more. Census: The Census is the enumeration of the population of the country It is being conducted at an interval of 10 years.  Census 2021 will be 16th census in the country since the first census happened in 1872 For the first time, the Census 2021 will use the Mobile App for data collection. It will also provide a facility to the public for self-enumeration. NPR connected to NRC? The Citizenship Act empowers the government to compulsorily register every citizen and maintain a National Register of Indian Citizens.  A nationwide NRC — if undertaken — would flow out of NPR.  This does not necessarily mean that an NRC must follow NPR — no such register was compiled after the previous NPR in 2010.  After a list of residents is created, a nationwide NRC — if it happens — could go about verifying the citizens from that list. [caption id="attachment_55334" align="aligncenter" width="553"] Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 25th December 2019[/caption] SRC: IE Concerns: Another debate has been about privacy.  The NPR intends to collect many details of personal data on residents. The government position is based on two grounds. One is that every country must have a comprehensive identity database of its residents with demographic details. Largely to justify the collection of data such as driving licence, voter ID and PAN, is that it will ease the life of those residing in India by cutting red tape Concerns in West Bengal and Kerala: These Opposition-ruled states are making a political point. Citizenship, aliens and naturalisation are subject matters listed in List 1 of the Seventh Schedule that fall exclusively under the domain of Parliament.  Legally, the states have no say in implementing or ruling out NPR. However, given that the manpower is drawn from the states, the defiance could potentially result in a showdown. Connecting the dots: Do you think NPR and NRC can create panic among the citizens? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1) Consider the following statements with regard Kinzhal missile system It is developed by India in collaboration with Russia The missile can fly10times faster than the speed of sound and can carry a nuclear or a conventional warhead Which of the above statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Rohtang Pass It is a high mountain pass on the eastern PirPanjal Range of the Himalayas.  It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Chief of Defence Staff(CDS) CDS will exercise any military command, including over the three Service Chiefs, so as to be enable quick decision making CDS would come in the ambit of ‘Right to Information Act’, in accordance with the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Mach Number often seen in news deals with which of the following? Intensity of earthquakes Elasticity of material Speed of an object None of the above Q.5) Consider the following statements about Restructuring of Railway Board It will merge the different cadres within Railways into a central service called the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS). The newly constituted Board will also have some independent members, who will be highly distinguished professionals Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 24 DEC 2019 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 B 3 B 4 C MUST READ Key steps to kick-starting the economy THE HINDU Strengthening grassroots democracy THE HINDU Indian research quality lags quantity ET Public enterprises as stellar successes ET CAA, combination of India’s age-old spirit and tremendous grit IE Politics of exclusion and disenfranchisement is hurting investment and India’s cooperative spirit IE

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All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - Our Constitution Fundamental Duties and Rights of Citizen

Our Constitution Fundamental Duties and Rights of Citizen ARCHIVES Search 26th Nov, 2019 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 Indian Constitution Article 29(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.” India & Fundamental Duties: Historical Background India is one of the few countries in the world with a glorious tradition of democracy since ancient times. Eminent historian K P Jayaswal remarks that the concept of republic in ancient India is older than of the Roman or Greek republican system. The ancient republics or janpadas such as Vaishali, Kapilavastu and Mithila — and their constitutions — date back to 600 BC. These form the foundation for the constitutional democracy that India is today — as well as for the role of Indian citizens in making democracy a success in India. Traditionally, the fundamental impulse to accept responsibilities and perform duties, in every society, has been religious. Performing one’s duties with sincerity, is in fact, a worship mechanism. As a a line from the Rig Veda notes,”O, citizens of Bharat! As our ancient saints and seers, leaders and preceptors have performed their duties righteously, similarly, you shall not falter to execute your duties”. (Rig.10.191.2) The Bhagwad Gita and Ramayana also ask people to perform their duties. In the Gita, Lord Krishna ordains, “One should do one’s duties without expectation of any fruits”. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “I learnt my duties on my mother’s lap. She was an unlettered village woman… She knew my dharma. Thus, if from my childhood we learn what our dharma is and try to follow it our rights look after themselves… The beauty of it is that the very performance of a duty secures us our right. Rights cannot be divorced from duties. This is how satyagraha was born, for I was always striving to decide what my duty was.” Gandhiji further said that the true source of right is duty. He said, “If we all discharge our duties, rights will not be far to seek”. Swami Vivekananda rightly observed, “it is the duty of every person to contribute in the development and progress of India”. A very significant feature of our Constitution is that it balances citizens’ rights and duties. These are social concepts that have grown through time, tradition and usage. The citizens’ duties as enshrined in the Constitution are essentially a codification of tasks integral to the Indian way of life — they focus on tolerance, peace and communal harmony. A close scrutiny of the clauses of Article 51A of the Constitution, indicate that a number of them refer to values, which have been part of Indian tradition, mythology, religion and practices. The chapter on Fundamental Rights in the Constitution itself recognises the essence of duties. One pertains to freedom of speech but Clause 2 to 6 of Article 19 permits reasonable restrictions on the exercise of such rights in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, and the security of the state, public order, decency and morality. This implies that while exercising one’s rights must remember one’s duties towards these constitutional concepts. How were Fundamental Duties incorporated in the Constitution? The Fundamental Duties were incorporated in Part IV-A of the Constitution by the Constitution 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, during Emergency under Indira Gandhi’s government. Today, there are 11 Fundamental Duties described under Article 51-A, of which 10 were introduced by the 42nd Amendment and the 11th was added by the 86th Amendment in 2002. These are statutory duties, not enforceable by law, but a court may take them into account while adjudicating on a matter. The idea behind their incorporation was to emphasise the obligation of the citizen in exchange for the Fundamental Rights that he or she enjoys. The concept of Fundamental Duties is taken from the Constitution of Russia. What are the Fundamental Duties? To abide by the constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India — it is one of the preeminent national obligations of all the citizens of India. To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture — our cultural heritage is one of the noblest and richest, it is also part of the heritage of the Earth To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life and to have compassion for living creatures To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform To safeguard public property and to abjure violence To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement It is the one on children’s education that was added in 2002 by the 86th Amendment that provided for the Right to Free and Compulsory Education for children in the age group 6-14, with the insertion of Article 21A. It also cast an obligation on parents to provide such opportunities under Article 51A(K), between the age of six and fourteen years. Note: Apart from adding the Fundamental Duties, the 42nd Amendment also changed the Preamble to the Constitution to include the words ‘Socialist and Secular’ to describe India, in addition to its being ‘Sovereign Democratic Republic’. Conclusion Fundamental Duties must serve as a constant reminder of our national goals as well as inculcate, in all of us, a profound sense of social responsibility. It is only through the fulfillment of our duties in the most earnest way, that we can live life to our truest potential and help lead our nation towards prosperity and development. Connecting the Dots: Development of scientific temper is one of the Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Constitution of India. Comment. “Fundamental duties are only ethical or moral duties and should not form a part of the Fundamental law.” Critically comment.

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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 24th December 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 24th December 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Financial Action Task Force (FATF): Grills Pakistan In News FATF has asked Pakistan more questions on the action it has taken against madrassas run by proscribed outfits. The FATF has kept Pakistan on the Grey List until February 2020 and warned that it would be put to black list (along with Iran & North Korea) if it did not take requisite actions. FATF is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1989 on the initiative of the G7 to develop policies to combat money laundering.  Its objective is to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system US Space Force: China raises objection Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II- International Relations In News 2020 National Defence Authorization Actwas signed byU.S. President Donald Trump,which creates a new branch of the U.S. military - Space Force The Space Force will be the sixth formal force of the U.S. military, after the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard The new branch will be stood up over the next 18 months. The Space Force would comprise around 16,000 Air Force and civilian personnel. It is not intended to put troops into orbit, but will protect US assets - such as the hundreds of satellites used for communication and surveillance. China has criticised US of turning the cosmos into a battlefield and pursuing the weaponisation of outer space Sarvatra Kavach: Indigenously developed Bullet-proof jacket Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Security In News Major Anoop Mishra was felicitated by Army chief Gen. Bipin Rawat with the Army Design Bureau (ADB) excellence award for indigenously developing Sarvatra Kavach. Sarvatra Kavach is a bulletproof jacket that can provide protection against various ammunition including that of sniper rifles. The suit was named Sarvatra Kawach as it provides protection from neck to ankle and upper arms The project was sanctioned in June 2017 and initially the design and development of a Level IIIA soft body armour suit was sanctioned and was subsequently revised to include a Level IV hard armour panel inserts.  The ADB was set up to liaise with the industry and the academia and develop indigenous solutions for the Army  EcoClub Programme: To sensitize children about Environmental issues Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III- Environment Conservation In News Environment Education Awareness and Training (EEAT) is acentral sector scheme of the Ministry of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change started in 1983-84  It aims to promote environmental awareness and mobilize student’s participation for environment conservation. Under the scheme, National Green Corps (NGC) ‘Ecoclub’ programme was initiated in 2001-2002 with the objective to impart knowledge to school children through hands on experience about their immediate environment, interactions within it and the problems therein. The programme aims to inculcate proper attitude towards environment and sensitize children on issues related to environment and development. It is envisaged that number of Ecoclubs shall be enhanced from about 1.5 lakh at present to 2 lakh in the ensuing year 2020-21.  Miscellaneous One-third of global coal exports come from Australia, accounting for 7% of global carbon emissions. The country is the largest exporter of coal and liquefied natural gas in the world, and the energy sector is an important employer here. Sivaramakrishnan Committee, constituted by the Central government to suggest choices for the capital of Andhra Pradesh State (post-bifurcation in 2014), did not favour one ‘super-capital’ and pitched for decentralised development. (MAINS FOCUS) POLITY TOPIC: General Studies 2: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019: Consequences on the domestic and foreign policy Context: In India, widespread protests that began in the Northeast are now raging across the country. Two Bangladesh ministers cancelled their visit to India, the Japanese Prime Minister postponed his visit to the country and the annual India-Japan summit was cancelled. JAPAN’s Investment in North- East : As part of its Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy, Japan has been investing in the Northeast in a big way.  Recently Japan  decided to invest Rs 13,000 crore in different projects in the Northeast.  Building Northeast road network connectivity, water supply projects and economic modernisation of the region.  It will be financing the construction of India’s longest bridge between Dhubri in Assam and Phulbari in Meghalaya.  Japan has contributed official development assistance loans for the North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project.  Private Japanese organisations are also financing a host of developmental projects in the region.  Impact of CAA on Japan India relations: The CAA protests and Internet shutdowns in the region have come as a huge shock to Japan and its investment plans in the region which hinge on stability and a business-friendly environment conducive. If Japan has to rethink on these development projects, it will do so keeping in mind not  only the Northeast but the rest of India too. (Japan  is involved in various big-ticket infrastructure projects in Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Odisha, etc.) The volatility of the Northeast can possibly be a setback to the collaborative efforts between India and Japan in providing an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Japan is also a member of the Quad, which came into existence to counter Chinese economic prowess and unlock India’s potential in the Indo-Pacific.  Impact on India’s International relations: UN human rights office has described the CAA as “fundamentally discriminatory”.  The U.S., the U.K., Canada and others have issued travel advisories to those visiting the Northeast. Way forward: The government should  utilise diplomatic channels to put forth its views before the stakeholders in the international community Conclusion: The government should analyse how such a decision like CAA would affect the economic development of the Northeast. Connecting the dots: When Kashmir is already volatile, can India afford to open another frontier of vulnerability in the Northeast? What are the side effects on the country’s relationship with foreign stakeholders heavily invested in the Northeast? HEALTH TOPIC:  General Studies 2 : Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health General Studies 3 Food processing and related industries in India Centre for Science and Environment (CSE): CSE  has alleged excessive and “dangerous” level of salt Context: A new report by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has alleged excessive and “dangerous” level of salt and under reporting of transfats in various well-known packaged foods brands. The report has said the levels of salt are much higher than the thresholds set by industry body Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Recommended dietary allowance (RDA): To calculate this, the organisation relied on the concept of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), a daily ceiling on the amount of salt, fat, carbohydrate and trans-fat.  It says that, ideally, an adult should consume no more than 5g of salt, 60g of fat, 300g carbohydrate and 2.2 g of transfats every day.  the RDA from breakfast, lunch and dinner should not be more than 25% and that from snacks (assumed to be those munched between meals), must be no more than 10%. Thus, a snack should ideally have no more than 0.5g of salt and 6g of fat. Food Safety and Standards: Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011 only require companies to disclose energy (kilo calories), protein, carbohydrates, total fat, trans-fat and saturated fat contained per 100g or per millilitre or per serve. In 2018, the FSSAI came up with a draft law, the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2018.  The draft recommended that a packet should have clear information on how much each nutrient, such as salt, sugar, contributed to the RDA.  The draft said salt must be declared as sodium chloride for instance, and that those ingredients which breached the RDA should be marked in ‘red’. Food companies had reservations mainly because they felt ‘red’ signified danger, fearing that this would give consumers the impression that they were consuming toxic food. Draft Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2019: A  third committee was formed, headed by B. Sesikeran, a new draft (Draft Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2019) was prepared. This replaced sodium chloride with salt, total fat with saturated fat and total sugar with added sugar which CSE says, dilutes information on the health harm posed by packaged foods. The proposed law allows companies three years to adjust to the new laws. the contribution of each individual nutrient to the RDA and whether it is breaching safe limits will have to be displayed on the front of the package The CSE’s calculations are based on recommended nutritional values in the draft versions of these laws. Chile example: Chile, has a system where a black hexagon in a white border appears on the front of a package. In the hexagon is a phrase that says a product is “high in salt” or “high in trans-fat.” The more the hexagons the less desirable the product becomes for the consume Connecting the dots: Do you think companies agree  with the new law ? Do you think children are becoming more conscious about the health impact of their favourite snacks and influencing parents’ buying choices? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1) Consider the following statements with regard to Financial Action Task Force FATF is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1989 on the initiative of the G7 to develop policies to combat money laundering  India is a member of FATF since 2010 Which of the above statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about US Space Force It is intended to put US troops into orbit, particularly in International Space Station, so as to protect US Space assets China has criticised US of turning the cosmos into a battlefield and pursuing the weaponisation of outer space Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Environment Education Awareness and Training It is a centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change started in 2014  It aims to promote environmental awareness and mobilize student’s participation for environment conservation. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Sivaramakrishnan Committee recently seen in news was constituted for which purpose? Financial Inclusion Defence Indigenisation To Suggest choice for Capital of Andhra Pradesh None of the above ANSWERS FOR 23 DEC 2019 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 C 3 B 4 D 5 A MUST READ Brexit on fast-track: On passage of deal in UK Parliament THE HINDU Safeguarding constitutional morality THE HINDU A hard Brexit? THE HINDU Finally, an end to data infirmity in the offing? ET Supreme Court has not acted with urgency to protect citizens from executive excesses IE Citizenship Act is an extension of and commitment to the idea of secularism IE

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All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - Constitution Day

Constitution Day ARCHIVES Search 26th Nov, 2019 Spotlight here: Click here TOPIC: General Studies 2 Indian Constitution In News: Constitution Day also known as 'Samvidhan Divas’ is celebrated in our country on 26th November every year, to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India.  By: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment o Objective: The aim is to publicize the glorious and rich composite culture and diversity of our nation. Further, it aims to create awareness of Fundamental Duties as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. As citizens of our great nation, we believe firmly in Gandhian thought that ‘The true source of rights is duty. If we all discharge our duties, rights will not be far to seek’ and as said by Sardar Patel, ‘Every Indian should forget that he is a Rajput, a Sikh, or a Jaat. He must remember that he is an Indian and he has every right in his country but with certain duties’. In 2019: With the collective efforts of the Buddhist Association for the blind and the Saavi Foundation and Swagat Thorat, for the first time the constitution will be made available in Braille. As part of the joint project, the constitution will be made available in five parts in Braille for the benefit of visually challenged individuals. Timeline: On December 6, 1949 the Constitution Assembly was formed and its first meeting was held on December 9. Rajendra Prasad was appointed its President and H C Mukherjee its vice-chairman.  On August 29, 1947, the drafting committee appointed Ambedkar as its chairman and six other members — Munshi N Gopalaswami Ayyangar, Khaitan, Mitter, Muhammed Sadulla, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer.  The members of the Constituent Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on January 24, 1950.  On November 26, 1949, the Constitution of India was adopted by the Assembly.  On January 26, 1950, the Constitution was enforced. The words 'secular' and 'socialist' were added to the preamble post the emergency in 1976. When the Constitution was adopted in the year 1949, there were no provisions regarding Fundamental Duties to the Citizens though there was a Part III for Fundamental Rights. The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee that was constituted by the Government. The Committee suggested that steps needed to be taken to ensure that the individual did not overlook his duties while in exercise of his Fundamental Rights. India’s constitution is the longest written constitution in the world containing 395 Articles, 22 Parts and 12 Schedules. It took around 2 years, 11 months and 17 days to complete the Constitution. At the beginning of each part of the Constitution, Nandalal Bose has depicted a phase or scene from India's national experience and history. After the Constitution was passed, the historic session of the Constituent Assembly ended with the singing of the National Anthem "Jana-gana-mana adhinayaka Jai Hey, Bharat Bhagya Vidhata," by Purnima Banerjee, a veteran freedom fighter and sister of the late freedom fighter, Aruna Asaf Ali. People of India are the ultimate custodians of the Constitution. It is in them that sovereignty vests and it is in their name that the Constitution was adopted. The Constitution empowers the citizen, but the citizen too empowers the Constitution – by following it, by adhering to it, by protecting it, and by persevering to make it more meaningful with words and deeds. The Constitution is nobody’s preserve – and it is everybody’s preserve. The Preamble to the Constitution of India “WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation; IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.” The Constitution of India declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, assuring its citizen’s justice, equality and liberty and endeavours to promote fraternity.  Connecting the Dots: In what ways does the Indian Constitution provide the framework for an egalitarian state? Explain.   How does the Indian Constitution act as a source of ethical guidance? Explain with the help of suitable examples. The Constitution of India is a creative blending of the nationalist voice and the colonial system of governance. Elucidate.     A constitution by itself is just an inanimate object which comes to life once it is complemented by constitutional morality. Comment.

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