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PRELIMS EXCLUSIVE:: IASbaba’s Prelims Exclusive Programme (PEP) – UPSC PRELIMS 2020

It’s every aspirant’s dream to crack UPSC in the 1st attempt! For that to happen, the Preliminary exam is the most important stage in civil services preparation. Nearly five lakh people appear but less than 12000 get through it. That means less than 2.5% is the success rate. It happens once in a year. If you fail, you have to wait for one whole year to appear for the next prelims. This phase of waiting is most challenging. There are many who are unable to clear it even in five attempts. Failing it is even more demotivating because it is the first stage of UPSC preparation. Clearing Prelims depends on many factors like, how many revisions you do, how many tests you solve, sources you refer to etc. But most importantly your performance on the D-Day – your presence of mind, your time-management and your calmness throughout those crucial 2 hours. Problem here is not lack of talent, but lack of confidence, strategy, and some questions required only use of common sense. Off late especially after 2017, UPSC prelims exam has been about logical elimination and common sense approach where even if you do not know the exact answer, you can still make it right and can clear prelims. Nearly 70% of those clearing prelims are just around the cut-off score who are always under pressure till the result of prelims comes is out. The answer key is not released by UPSC and the variable scores by various answer keys leads to further confusion. It means a loss of one month of preparation until the result comes out.  Also there are many who aspire to be part of Indian Forest Service (IFoS). And the cut-off for IFoS is higher than the Civil Services Exam (CSE) cut-off. So do you want to clear the Preliminary stage with atleast 10 marks above the cutoff?Do you want to start Mains preparation just after Prelims exam instead of waiting for the Prelims results?Do you want to write Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Mains? Now, you need not worry about Prelims because IASBABA is coming up with an Exclusive MENTORSHIP programme for PRELIMS known as Prelims Exclusive Programme (PEP) !! Our Hit Ratio: 2016 Prelims: 70+ questions 2017 Prelims: 68+ questions 2018 Prelims- 65+ questions 2019 Prelims- 70+ questions About Prelims Exclusive Programme (PEP): Off late UPSC Prelims has become very unpredictable and with increased dynamism and difficulty level in UPSC Prelims, just a Test Series will not work this time. We have come up with an inclusive Prelims programme which will include Classes, Topper’s discussing their Prelims Strategy, What to Focus and What not to Read, Strategy Classes, Tests, Mentorship in a nut-shell. PEP is a ONE STOP DESTINATION FOR PRELIMS PREPARATION ….!!! PEP Features in a nut-shell: MentorshipTopper’s Enrichment Sessions- About their Prelims Strategy & ExperiencePrelims Strategy Classes (1-Week Program) on how to Prepare, How to apply Tricks/Techniques- on Real-Time basis  (from well researched set of 300-500 questions), How to read specific content (India Year Book, Economic Survey, Budget, Atlas (Maps), Current affairs, Government Schemes/Policies), How to Solve a Test, Time management – 6 Classes Subject-wise (Polity, Geography, Economics, History, Art & Culture, Science & Tech and Environment) Daily Class – 60 Classes Hand-outs for specific Prelims topics for quick revisionSubject-wise Daily Test – 60 TestsPrelims oriented Current Affairs Classes (Weekly) – 14 Classes, which includes 2 Current Affairs Background Classes.Prelims oriented Current Affairs Tests – 12 TestsExclusive Classes and Tests on Map-based, Government Schemes/Policies, Economic Survey, Budget 6 Revision Tests – Polity, Geography, Economics, History, Art & Culture, Science & Tech and Environment5 Mock Tests10 CSAT Tests + Discussion Classes on strategies and short-cutsTotal No. of Classes = 6 Strategy Classes; 60 Subject wise Classes; 4 classes on Map-based, Government Schemes/Policies, Economic Survey & Budget; 14 Current Affairs, 10 CSAT  Discussion Classes on strategies and short-cuts. Total = Close to 100 ClassesTotal No. of Tests= 60 Subject wise; 12 Current Affairs; 3 Map-based, Government Schemes/Policies; Economic Survey & Budget; 5 Mock, 6 Revision Tests, 10 CSAT Total = Close to 100 Tests. + Solving 300-500 mcq’s (in Prelims Strategy Classes) on Real time basis– Applying techniques and tricks!Also you can avail the Programme on À la carte basis- ONLY – Prelims Strategy Classes (or) Subject-wise Daily Class and Tests (or) Prelims oriented Current Affairs Classes & Tests Kindly look below the Payment Section for more Details about the pricing of the Programme. Complete Details about the Programme: Click Here  

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RSTV IAS UPSC – The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019

The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 Archives TOPIC: General Studies 1:  Social empowerment General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources In News: The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2019 seeks to ban commercial surrogacy and contravention of the bill can invite imprisonment up to 10 years and fine up to Rs 10 lakh. The bill was passed by the 17th Lok Sabha by a voice vote in the Budget Session and moved for consideration to the Upper House by Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on November 19. The Bill defines surrogacy as a practice where a woman gives birth to a child for an intending couple with the intention to hand over the child after the birth to the intending couple. Regulation of surrogacy: The Bill prohibits commercial surrogacy, but allows altruistic surrogacy.  Altruistic surrogacy involves no monetary compensation to the surrogate mother other than the medical expenses and insurance coverage during the pregnancy.  Commercial surrogacy includes surrogacy or its related procedures undertaken for a monetary benefit or reward (in cash or kind) exceeding the basic medical expenses and insurance coverage. Purposes for which surrogacy is permitted: Surrogacy is permitted when it is:  (i) for intending couples who suffer from proven infertility;  (ii) altruistic;  (iii) not for commercial purposes;  (iv) not for producing children for sale, prostitution or other forms of exploitation; and  (v) for any condition or disease specified through regulations Eligibility criteria for intending couple: The intending couple should have a ‘certificate of essentiality’ and a ‘certificate of eligibility’ issued by the appropriate authority. Also, only legally married heterosexual couples can opt for surrogacy. Now this excludes single persons, divorcees, live-in couples, widows and widowers, gay couples among others. Who can be a surrogate mother? - To obtain a certificate of eligibility from the appropriate authority, the surrogate mother has to be:  (i) a close relative of the intending couple;  (ii) a married woman having a child of her own;  (iii) 25 to 35 years old;  (iv) a surrogate only once in her lifetime; and  (v) possess a certificate of medical and psychological fitness for surrogacy Further, the surrogate mother cannot provide her own gametes for surrogacy. What is considered as an offence under the Bill? (i) Undertaking or advertising commercial surrogacy;  (ii) Exploiting the surrogate mother;  (iii) Abandoning, exploiting or disowning a surrogate child; and  (iv) Selling or importing human embryo or gametes for surrogacy.   The penalty for such offences is imprisonment up to 10 years and a fine up to 10 lakh rupees. The Bill specifies a range of offences and penalties for other contraventions of the provisions of the Bill. Why the Bill? The Bill explains that lack of legislation on surrogacy has led to its rampant commercialisation, unethical practices, exploitation of surrogate mothers, abandonment of children born out of surrogacy and import of human embryos and gamets. In line with the recommendations of the Law Commission of India, it proposes to address these issues and protect the rights of surrogate mother and child. Some women can get pressured to 'lend' their wombs by husbands and in-laws who are happy that there is no sex involved, and don't really care about the emotional, medical and physical repercussions on the woman acting as surrogate. There is a lot of money to be made here, way more than prostitution and with no fear of social ostracism. The shift to altruistic-only surrogacy was made in the context of sensational news reports about cases of surrogate babies being abandoned and exploited — surrogate mothers being kept in “surrogacy brothels” and rich foreigners using the bodies of poor Indian women to have children. BUT Parliamentary panel's unaddressed concerns Apart from stressing on the need to first regulate ART clinics, the 2017 Parliamentary panel, attached to the Rajya Sabha, had proposed several significant changes which the 2019 Bill ignores. Therefore, the need to send the Bill again to the same panel is unclear. The changes the panel had recommended included defining 'close relative', redefining 'infertility', removing restrictions on surrogacy to 'altruistic' purpose alone, reversing the burden of proof on the accused, removing the need for written permission for abortion and specifying review and appeal procedures etc. The panel objected to limiting surrogate to a 'close relative' and making it 'altruistic' saying that these would lead to coercion and further exploitation of women due to family pressure, given the social, legal, emotional and ethical dynamics involved. It said limiting to 'close relative' (which has not been defined) would not only cause acute dearth and unavailability of women but also had no connection with the objective of stopping the exploitation of surrogates and therefore, both related and unrelated women should be permitted. It questioned limiting eligibility for surrogacy in the definition of 'infertility' to those unable to conceive for 'five years', with a provision to add eligibility conditions on some future date, while the WHO and the ART Bill of 2014 proposed a period of 'one year'. Such limitation would not only impair chances of parenthood to many, as people get married late these days with their biological clock ticking, but also violate their reproductive rights, the panel said. It proposed a one-year period, which should be waived off for medical reasons. The panel also objected to limiting surrogacy to only legally married couples and requiring them to be certified as infertile. Calling the certification unnecessary, it said restricting it to legally married couple amounted to imposing prohibition on widows, divorced women, live-in partners, which was not fair given the stigma attached to infertile women. It demanded to know the rationale behind the denial of compensation to a surrogate mother, who would undergo hardships for nine months and beyond, while doctors, hospitals and lawyers involved in the process would get paid for theirs. Besides, it suggested that impoverished women should be allowed for paid surrogacy to provide for her family needs. The panel's other objections and suggestions which have been ignored are: definition of surrogacy should be precise, explicit and descriptive with no scope for misinterpretation, removal of restrictions on donating gamete, removal of written permission for abortion without setting a time limit for it - the rationale for which wasn't clear since the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1971 already provided for it and time was of essence in abortion - and providing safeguards against huge discretionary powers to the District Medical Board for issuing essential certificates. Criticisms There is undoubtedly a danger of exploitation and abuse in commercial surrogacy. The cases that have come up establish that possibility. But formulating a law on the basis of exceptions is ultimately counterproductive.  Question of Bargaining Power: Exploitation takes place because of the unequal bargaining power between the surrogate mother and the surrogacy clinics, agents and intending parents. This can be addressed by a strong regulatory mechanism that introduces transparency and mandates fair work and pay for the surrogate mothers. Viewing commercial surrogacy as inherently exploitative and banning it only expands the potential for exploitation as it would force the business underground. Stigmatises the choice: Further, criminalisation of commercial surrogacy is a refusal by the state to actually consider the exercise of agency that leads a woman to become a surrogate mother. Interviews with women who chose to provide gestational services for a fee have shown that it is a well-considered decision made in constrained economic conditions. A ban on commercial surrogacy stigmatises this choice and reinforces the notion of the vulnerable “poor” woman who does not understand the consequences of her decisions and needs the protection of a paternalistic State. Relative or Patriarchy? As per the Bill, the surrogate mother must be a “close relative” of the couple. This is premised on the mistaken belief that exploitation and vulnerability do not exist within the family. Knowing the reality of patriarchal families in India, the stigma of infertility, the pressure of producing children to maintain lineage and the low bargaining power of women, it can be expected that young mothers will be coerced into becoming surrogates for their relatives. The Bill moves the site of exploitation into the private and opaque sphere of the home and family. Notion of ‘motherhood’ in Indian society: The severance of commerce from pregnancy is also tied in to the notion of motherhood being something natural, sacrosanct and above considerations. To be paid for the reproductive labour evokes unease and claims of “dehumanisation” and “commodification” in certain opponents of commercial surrogacy. Just a baby-producing machine? The Bill mandates the commissioning couple to only pay for the medical expenses and an insurance cover of sixteen months for the surrogate mother. The Standing Committee had recommended a model of compensated surrogacy which would cover psychological counselling of the surrogate mother and/or her children, lost wages for the duration of pregnancy, child care support, dietary supplements and medication, maternity clothing and post-delivery care. Connecting the Dots: Explain the technology that is employed in surrogacy. What are the issues involved with respect to surrogacy? Examine.

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th December 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th December 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Chandrayaan 2 Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Space Science & Technology In News Nasa released some images showing the site of the Vikram lander's impact and the associated debris field.Nasa credited a Chennai-based techie with the discovery Nasa said the debrisis about 750 metres northwest of the main crash site where Vikram made a hard landing on September 7th 2019 Isro'sChandrayaan 2 mission was expected to make a soft landing on the Moon's surface when it lost contact with the Vikram lander ahead of the scheduled touchdown. Chandrayaan 2's Vikram lander hard-landed on Moon's surface as reduction in velocity during its descent did not match with the designed parameters. The indigenously developed Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft comprising of orbiter, lander (Vikram) and rover (Pragyan) was successfully launched on-board the indigenous GSLV MK III-M1 Mission on July 22, 2019 The Isro is planning to launch Chandrayaan 3 probably in November next year. What are the scientific objectives of Chandrayaan2 ? Moon provides the best linkage to Earth’s early history. Extensive mapping of lunar surface to study variations in lunar surface were essential to trace back the origin and evolution of the Moon.  Evidence for water molecules discovered by Chandrayaan-1, required further studies on the extent of water molecule distribution on the surface, below the surface and in the tenous lunar exosphere to address the origin of water on Moon. India would have been the first country to land a mission on the south pole of the Moon, if the landing was a success. EXERCISE HAND-IN-HAND-2019 Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International Affairs In News The 8th India-China joint training exercise 'HAND-IN-HAND 2019' with the theme counter terrorism under United Nations mandate is scheduled to be conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya from 07 to 20 December 2019. The Chinese contingent from the Tibet Military command comprising of 130 personal and the Indian Contingent of similar strength will participate in the 14 day long training exercise.  The aim of the exercise is to practice joint planning and conduct of counter terrorist operations in semi urban terrain. Two tactical exercises are scheduled during the training; one on counter terrorism scenario and the other on Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations Src: Click here DRDO to develop naval fighter jet Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III- Security In News DRDO has offered to develop a new twin-engine deck-based fighter aircraft for the Navy based on the experience of the naval light combat aircraft (LCA) The new aircraft should be ready by 2026, after meeting the qualitative requirements. The naval LCA recently successfully completed the take-off and landing trials on the shore-based test facility in Goa Do You Know The Navy expected to have the first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-I) Vikrant operational by 2022. The Navy is scheduled to host its largest multilateral exercise, MILAN off the coast of Visakhapatnam in March 2020, for which 41 countries have been invited. So far, over 15 countries have confirmed their participation.  However, China has not been invited as Indian Navy invited “like-minded” countries. U.S. threatens 100% tariffs on French goods Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II- International Affairs In News On the sidelines of the NATO alliance talks, the U.S. announced that it could possibly levy duties up to 100% on $2.4 billion in French imports into the country.  The proposed tariffs could include French champagne, porcelain and some cheese varieties. The announcement comes after the office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) probe(301 probe) into France’s Digital Services Tax (DST) concluded that a French tax measure is discriminatory towards specific U.S. technology companies. The ‘301’ probe is a trade tool authorised by Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974, which the U.S. uses to assert its rights under trade agreements if it decides American industries are facing “unfair” foreign trade practices. France’s DST is a 3% tax on the turnover of digital companies with global turnover of at least €750 million, of which €25 million is generated in France.  U.S. tech giants, including Google, Amazon and Facebook, had called for the tax to be scrapped. USTR said that the tax was inconsistent with prevailing tax principles due to its retroactivities, application to revenue rather than income and extraterritorial application. While this particular round of tariffs does not impact India directly, the USTR’s use of 301 probes is of relevance to the country. US in July had stated that a ‘301 probe’ was among the options the U.S. was considering at the time with regard to India.Currently, New Delhi and Washington are in the middle of a negotiation on a limited trade deal. PISA test Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II –Education In News The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a study done to produce comparable data on education policy and outcomes across countries It is initiated by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), an intergovernmental economic organisation with 36 member countries. The study, which began in the year 2000, conducts a test evaluating 15-year-olds in member and non-member countries to assess the quality and inclusivity of school systems in these countries.  The PISA test is held every three years and the next test will be held in 2021, in which students from government schools in Chandigarh will represent India. PISA test does not assess students on their memory, but attempts to evaluate whether students can apply the knowledge they have gained through primary and secondary education.  India has participated in the PISA test only once before, in 2009. In this round of PISA, where students from Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu sat for the test, India ranked 72nd out of 73 countries, outranking only Kyrgyzstan. Since then, India has strayed away from the test until now. Didymos Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III – Space Science In News NASA and ESA want to hit an asteroid called Didymos The twin-asteroid system Didymos is a binary near-Earth asteroid.  According to NASA, while the primary body of Didymos is approximately 780 meters across, its secondary body or “moonlet” is about 160-meters in size, which is more typical of the size of asteroids that could pose the most likely significant threat to Earth. Amidst the growing concern of need of a planetary defence mechanism, scientists are trying to find ways to deflect asteroids from a collision course with Earth One such project is the Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA), which includes NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission and the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Hera. DART is scheduled to launch in 2021 with an aim to slam into the smaller asteroid of the Didymos system at around 6 km per second in 2022. Hera will arrive at the Didymos system in 2027 to measure the impact crater produced by the DART collision and study the change in the asteroid’s orbital trajectory. Do You Know? There are around 25,000 near-Earth objects (NEOs) that orbit the Sun on a trajectory that brings them close to our planet’s orbit.  However, certain near-Earth objects have been classified as “potentially hazardous” which are 140 metres or more in size and come within 0.05 AU (astronomical unit) to Earth The distance in space is usually measured in astronomical units where 1 AU is the distance between Earth and the Sun, which is around 93 million miles or 150 million kilometres (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL 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. Ukraine – Trump issue The House Intelligence Committee released a 300-page impeachment report accusing President Donald Trump of trying to enlist Ukraine to help him in the 2020 presidential election and obstructing the congressional inquiry by trying to cover it up. Background: It revolves around efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to coerce Ukraine and other foreign countries into providing damaging narratives about 2020 Democratic Party presidential primary candidate Joe Biden as well as information relating to Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections.  Trump enlisted surrogates within and outside his official administration, including his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and Attorney General William Barr, to pressure Ukraine and other foreign governments to cooperate in supporting conspiracy theories concerning American politicsTrump blocked but later released payment of a congressionally mandated $400 million military aid package to allegedly obtain quid pro quo cooperation from Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine.  Number of contacts were established between the White House and the government of Ukraine, culminating in a July 25, 2019, phone call between Trump and Zelensky The scandal reached public attention in mid-September 2019 due to a whistleblower complaint made in August 2019The complaint raised concerns about Trump using presidential powers to solicit foreign electoral intervention in the 2020 U.S. presidential election Takeaways from the report: The president leveraged Ukraine’s military aid and a White House meeting for political investigations. “subverted U.S. foreign policy toward Ukraine and undermined our national security in favor of two politically motivated investigations that would help his presidential reelection campaign.” Trump ‘ordered and implemented’ a campaign to conceal his conduct from the public and Congress. “The damage to our system of checks and balances, and to the balance of power within our three branches of government, will be long-lasting and potentially irrevocable if the president’s ability to stonewall Congress goes unchecked,” The report is a road map to the president’s possible impeachment and removal from office. “Today, we may be witnessing a collision between the power of a remedy meant to curb presidential misconduct and the power of faction determined to defend against the use of that remedy on a president of the same party,” Report prompts new phase in impeachment inquiry as Judiciary Committee considers articles of impeachment. “The release of the report largely concludes the investigation by the Intelligence Committee and moves the impeachment inquiry into a new phase led by the House Judiciary Committee, which plans to hold its first hearing” US impeachment process The US House of representative (435 members) needs to pass the impeachment motion by a simple majority, after investigation by judiciary committee  The motion of Impeachment then goes to the Senate (Upper House consisting of 100 members), where a trial presided by Chief Justice takes place with representative from House acting as prosecutors and the President & his attorneys presenting his defence A two-third majority in Senate is necessary to convict and remove the President. If the President is convicted, the Vice-President takes over the White House for remaining period of tenure. Indian Impeachment process In India, President can be impeached for violation of the Constitution (Article 61) The motion for impeaching President can be introduced in any House of Parliament.  After the investigation, the motion of impeachment must be passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the total membership of the House by both Houses of the Parliament. Connecting the dots: Subverted U.S. foreign policy toward Ukraine and undermined our national security in favor of two politically motivated investigations that would help his presidential re-election campaign. Comment INTERNATIONAL 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. Israel Palestine issue (Part-1) [caption id="attachment_53987" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th December 2019[/caption] Britain took control of the area known as Palestine after the ruler of that part of the Middle East, the Ottoman Empire, was defeated in WW1. The land was inhabited by a Jewish minority and Arab majority. Tensions between the two peoples grew when the international community gave Britain the task of establishing a "national home" in Palestine for Jewish people. For Jews, it was their ancestral home, but Palestinian Arabs also claimed the land and opposed the move. Between the 1920s and 40s, the number of Jews arriving there grew, with many fleeing from persecution in Europe and seeking a homeland after the Holocaust of WWII. Violence between Jews and Arabs, and against British rule, also grew. UN In 1947, the UN voted for Palestine to be split into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem becoming an international city. That plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by the Arab side and never implemented. The creation of Israel and the 'Catastrophe' In 1948, unable to solve the problem, British rulers left and Jewish leaders declared the creation of the state of Israel. Many Palestinians objected and a war followed. Troops from neighbouring Arab countries invaded. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were forced out of their homes in what they call Al Nakba, or the "Catastrophe". By the time the fighting ended in a ceasefire the following year, Israel controlled most of the territory. Jordan occupied land which became known as the West Bank, and Egypt occupied Gaza. Jerusalem was divided between Israeli forces in the West, and Jordanian forces in the East. Because there was never a peace agreement - each side blamed the other - there were more wars and fighting in the decades which followed. 1967: In another war in 1967, Israel occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, as well as most of the Syrian Golan Heights, and Gaza and the Egyptian Sinai peninsula. Most Palestinian refugees and their descendants live in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as in neighbouring Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. Neither they nor their descendants have been allowed by Israel to return to their homes - Israel says this would overwhelm the country and threaten its existence as a Jewish state Present day Israel still occupies the West Bank, and although it pulled out of Gaza the UN still regards that piece of land as part of occupied territory. Israel claims the whole of Jerusalem as its capital, while the Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.  Only the US recognises Israel's claim to the whole of the city. In the past 50 years Israel has built settlements in these areas, where more than 600,000 Jews now live. Palestinians say these are illegal under international law and are obstacles to peace, but Israel denies this. Tensions are often high between Israel and Palestinians living in East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. Gaza is ruled by a Palestinian militant group called Hamas, which has fought Israel many times. Israel and Egypt tightly control Gaza's borders to stop weapons getting to Hamas. Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank say they're suffering because of Israeli actions and restrictions.  Israel say it is only acting to protect itself from Palestinian violence. Conclusion: The situation isn't going to be sorted out any time soon. A new peace plan is being prepared by the United States, which has described it as the "deal of the century". Connecting the dots:  Any future solution must be one that rectifies past evils and offers democracy to all Palestinians. comment (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) 1 Astronomical Unit (1 AU) is roughly equivalent to _______   100 million Kms Distance from Earth to the Sun Distance from Earth to the Moon None of the above Q.2) The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a triennial international survey which aims to evaluate education systems worldwide by testing the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students. It is conducted by United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture World Economic Forum Etudes Sans Frontières International Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Q.3) Consider the following statements about Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA) initiative The aim of the initiative isto deflect asteroid- Didymos from a collision course with Earth It includes NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission and the Japan Space Agency’s (JAXA) Hera mission. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) ‘301 probe’ often seen in news is related to which of the following ? Investigation into Human rights violation by UNHRC War crimes probe by International Criminal Court Trade tool by USA to assert its rights under trade agreements None of the above Q.5) Exercise HAND-IN-HAND is joint training exercise conducted between India and which other country? Nepal China Bhutan Afghanistan ANSWERS FOR 03 DEC 2019 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 B 3 C 4 A 5 B MUST READ National shame: On gender sensitisation The Hindu Headwinds after a hard-line approach The Hindu Setting the clock back on intersex human rights The Hindu Tackling air pollution requires a holistic approach, not scapegoating farmers IE Surveys measuring the impact of government programmes have become less reliable IE

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd December 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd December 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) NHRC seeks report on assault cases Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II - Polity In News Expressing concern over the recent sexual assault cases, NHRC issued notices to the Centre, States and Union Territories seeking reports on the standard operating procedure (SOP) for dealing with such cases and the use of the Nirbhaya Fund. The Commission’s action comes in the wake of the gang-rape and murder of a doctor in Hyderabad that has spurred a debate on the condition of women’s security in the country once again Taking suomotu cognisance of media reports, the NHRC observed that there was a “dire need for all stakeholders to work jointly to get rid of this evil.” About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)  It is a statutory organization established under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. It is in conformity with the Paris Principles, adopted at the first international workshop on national institutions for the protection of human rights held in Paris in 1991 The purpose of the NHRC is, suo moto or through the petition of a person, to investigate the violation of human rights or the failures of the state or other to prevent a human rights violation. The commissions may also take on research about human rights, create awareness campaigns through various mediums, and encourage the work of NGOs. About Nirbhaya Fund It was established in 2013 for implementation of initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and security for women in the country.  It is a non-lapsable corpus fund, established by Union Finance Ministry Bill banning e-cigarettes passed Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health In News A Bill banning the manufacture and sale of electronic cigarettes, but not their possession and use, was passed by Parliament The Rajya Sabha passed the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Bill, 2019 by voice vote after four hours of discussion.  The Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on November 27, will replace an ordinance brought by the government on September 18. Opposition MPs, however, alleged that the ban was enacted to benefit tobacco companies. Do You Know? Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had in June 2019 recommended a complete ban on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) including e-cigarettes, saying their use can initiate nicotine addiction among non-smokers. ENDS, which includes e-cigarettes, Vape and E-Hookah, are devices that heat a solution to create an aerosol, which also frequently contains flavours, usually dissolved into propylene glycol and glycerin E-cigarettes adversely affects the cardiovascular system, impairs respiratory immune cell function and airways in a way similar to cigarette smoking and is responsible for severe respiratory disease.  Panel finalises role of Chief of Defence Staff Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III- Security In News An implementation committee constituted to finalise the responsibilities of the post of Chief of the Defence Staff (yet to be created) has submitted its report The government said the post would come within the ambit of the RTI Act In his 2019 Independence Day address, Prime Minister Modi announced the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff to provide “effective leadership at the top level” to the three wings of the armed forces, and to help improve coordination among them The CDS will act as the single-point military adviser to the government on military and strategic issues and oversee procurement, training and logistics CDS offers seamless tri-service views and single-point advice to the Executive on long-term defence planning and management, including manpower, equipment and strategy, and above all, “jointsmanship” in operations. Existing scenario in India: India has had a feeble equivalent known as the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC); but this is a toothless office, given the manner in which it is structured. The senior-most among the three Service Chiefs is appointed to head the CoSC, an office that lapses with the incumbent’s retirement. Power of Siberia Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II- International Affairs In News Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin remotely inaugurated the “Power of Siberia” gas pipeline Russia has been a primary gas supplier to Europe, but the Power of Siberia is the first cross-border gas pipeline between Russia and China, adding a prominent eastern dimension to Moscow’s energy blueprint. Under the contract, Russia will deliver 1 trillion cubic meters of natural gas to China over the next 30 years. From Siberia to China’s Yangtze River delta in Shanghai, the massive pipeline will cover 8,000 km, with 5,111 km inside China, passing through nine provinces and municipalities. A massive cross-border undertaking not only central to China’s energy security but also for bolstering special ties between Beijing and Moscow.  The 30-year project is anchored by a $400 billion gas deal. Anaemia: Nearly 3 out of 5 babies and children in India are anaemic Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II –Health In News As many as 58.5% of children between the ages of 6 months and 59 months, and 53.1% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 years, are anaemic in the country. Anaemia means that either the level of red blood cells or the level of haemoglobin is lower than normal. When a person has anaemia, their heart has to work harder to pump the quantity of blood needed to get enough oxygen around their body. The data, based on the findings of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) IV (2015-16), divide the incidence of anaemia into ‘Mild’, ‘Moderate’ and ‘Severe’ kinds for both rural and urban India. Government had launched in 2018 Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) Strategy under POSHAN Abhiyaan with the aim to reduce anaemia prevalence by three percentage points every year till 2022 AMB is a 6x6x6 strategy that is targeting six age groups, with six interventions and six institutional mechanisms.   Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd December 2019[/caption] Src: Click here GANGETIC DOLPHINS Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III – Environment Conservation In News According to data provided in Rajya Sabha by Ministry of Environment, At last count, the rivers of Assam and Uttar Pradesh respectively had 962 and 1,275 Gangetic dolphins (or Platanistagangetica). The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the Gangetic dolphin as an endangered species in India. According to the WWF, the main threat to the Gangetic dolphin is the creation of dams and irrigation projects. In addition to the species being India’s national aquatic animal, the Gangetic dolphin has been notified by the Assam government as the state aquatic animal, too.  Silting and sand lifting from rivers in Assam has been stopped to maintain its population. Miscellaneous China’s facial recognition roll out China put into effect new regulations that require Chinese telecom carriers to scan the faces of users registering new mobile phone services. This move the government says is aimed at cracking down on fraud. China is home to some of the world’s leaders in facial recognition software, including Megvii and SenseTime. Supermarkets, subway systems and airports already use facial recognition technology. Alibaba gives customers the option to pay using their face at its Hema supermarket chain. Reception by people:Surveillance technologies have encountered little public opposition within China, but there has been some mostly anonymous debate on social media platforms like Weibo Some users argue that it is a needed to combat fraud, like scam calls, but others have voiced concerns about its implications for personal data, privacy and ethics. Revenue Potential:Countries from Myanmar to Argentina have purchased surveillance technology from the likes of China’s ZTE Corp and Huawei Technologies as part of plans to create “smart cities” (MAINS FOCUS)  POLITY  TOPIC: General Studies II Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure National Register of Indian Citizens Context: On November 20, 2019 the Union Home Minister, Mr. Amit Shah, answered a starred question in the Rajya Sabha thus: “Preparation of National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) is governed by the provisions of Section 14A of The Citizenship Act, 1955 and The Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules 2003. Section 14A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 provides for compulsory registration of every citizen of India and maintenance of NRIC. The procedure to prepare and maintain NRIC is specified in The Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.” Rules that authorise an NRIC Rule 11 states that the “Registrar General of Citizen Registration shall cause to maintain the National Register of Indian Citizen in electronic or some other form which shall entail its continuous updating on the basis of extracts from various registers specified under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 and the [Citizenship] Act [1955].” Rule 4 places the responsibility to carry out a census-like exercise on the Central government and not on citizens. This deals with the “Preparation of the National Register of Indian Citizens” which provides that the Central Government shall carry out a “house-to-house enumeration for collection for particulars related to each family and Individual including the citizenship status”. Rule 6 provides that every individual must get himself/herself registered with the Local Registrar of Citizen Registrations during the period of initialisation (the period specified as the start date of the NRIC). Note that this does not begin with a non-obstante clause or words that give it overriding effect over all other clauses. What this means is that this rule is circumscribed by the other clauses in the Act. Do you know? NRC :The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is a register maintained by the Government of India containing names & certain relevant information for identification of Indian citizens First started in Assam state of India. Who are illegal migrants? Migration of people into a country in violation of the immigration laws of that country, or the continued residence of people without the legal right to live in that country. What is the Passport Act? The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, was one of the early set of rules made against illegal migrants,  It empowered the government to make rules requiring persons entering India to be in possession of passports.  It also granted the government the power to remove from India any person who entered without a passport.  The concept of “burden of proof” was introduced in Foreigners Act, 1940.  Section 7 of the Act provided that whenever a question arose with regard to the nationality of a person, the onus of proving that he was not a foreigner lay upon the person. When was the Foreigners Act made more stringent? The legislature enacted the Foreigners Act, 1946, by repealing the 1940 Act. It conferred wide powers to deal with all foreigners.  It empowered the government to make provisions for prohibiting, regulating or restricting the entry of foreigners into India. It also restricted the rights enjoyed by foreigners in terms of their stay in the country if any such orders are passed by the authority.  The 1946 Act empowered the government to take such steps as are necessary, including the use of force for securing compliance with such directions. The ‘burden of proof’ lies with the person, and not with the authoritiesis still applicable in all States and Union Territories.  This has been upheld by a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court. What about the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order? In 1964 the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order was brought in.  The tribunal has the authority to decide whether a person is a foreigner within the ambit of the Foreigners Act, 1946.  The tribunal has powers similar to those of a civil court. It gives reasonable opportunity to the person alleged to be a foreigner to produce evidence in support of his case, before passing its order. In June this year, the Home Ministry made certain amendments in the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964.  It was to empower district magistrates in all States and Union Territories to set up tribunals to decide whether a person staying illegally in India is a foreigner or not. Why did the IMDT Act fail? The Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, 1983, was also referred to as the IMDT Act. It was introduced for the detection and deportation of illegal migrants who had entered India on or after March 25, 1971. It was unsuccessful.  One factor for its failure was that it did not contain any provision on ‘burden of proof’ similar to the Foreigners Act, 1946.  This put a very heavy burden upon the authorities to establish whether a person is an illegal migrant. The result of the IMDT Act was that a number of non-Indians who may have entered Assam after March 25, 1971 without possession of valid documents, continue to reside in Assam.  Iin the Supreme Court landmark verdict on a petition by Sarbananda Sonowal (now the Chief Minister of Assam), challenging the IMDT Act in 2005 the top court quashed the IMDT Act. The verdict also closed all tribunals in Assam functioning under the Act.  It transferred all pending cases at the IMDT tribunals to the Foreigners Tribunals constituted under the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964. Any person excluded from the National Register of Citizens (NRC) recently concluded in Assam can approach The Foreigners Tribunals, established only in Assam, within 120 days of receiving a certified copy of rejection. In other States, a person suspected to be a foreigner is produced before a local court under the Passport Act, 1920, or the Foreigners Act, 1946. Connecting the dots: The NRC mess in Assam should serve as a cautionary tale for a nationwide exercise. Comment.  ECONOMY  TOPIC:General Studies III Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.  Telecom sector changes   (PART 1) Context:  The telecommunications sector has grown at a rapid pace with growing demand and increasing competition that has pushed down prices to levels not seen anywhere else in the world.  The sector is in trouble   Due to the fast-paced growth in the past and regulation that increased tele-density by pushing down average revenue per user(ARPU) which lead the businesses to work with a single mind focus on consumer acquisition as the base of users increased  SC ruling on revenue-sharing agreement   India is faced with the prospect of a telecom monopoly or duopoly.   Background:  In 1990s   India had merely 7 million telephones with a waiting time of seven to eight years to get a connection. The reason was that the cost of installing a landline telephone was too high and the required average revenue per user (ARPU) just to break even was ₹1,250 per month, which was too high for most Indians at that time.  Indian telecom grew at a slow pace.  In 1995,   Wireless telephony was introduced which brought down the capital cost, made telephones affordable in India, brought in private investments.   The first telecom auctions for private players through "Licence Fee Model"  The financial bids were unbelievably high which went on to be economically unsustainable.  Several legal ploys were used to stop the payment against bids, cases multiplied  In 1999, "Revenue Share Model" was introduced  The installation cost of wireless telephony was less than one-fourth of a landline telephone.  Low ARPU was no longer a big concern.  By 2003,   India had around 300 million telephone lines and the urban market was saturating.    Airtel, Vodafone and Idea, with their GSM mobile-licence, were the leaders and were happy with the urban market though it was saturating.  GSM trio resisted reduction in tariffs which was the necessity if the market had to penetrate the rural areas  2003-2007  Market grew at a slow pace   After 2007,  government  found ways to give new GSM licences using primarily revenue-share.  Newcomers, primarily Reliance Communications (RCOM) and Tata Teleservices, dropped tariffs and introduced per-second billing. Others had to follow.  The market grew quickly to 900 million lines.  The operators were making decent money, even with lower tariffs.  India was still using only 2G telephony. Data and Internet was at very low speed;   3G telephony was just being introduced and operators were haggling for more 3G spectrum in 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands.   The government was periodically conducting auctions since 2010, fetching large spectrum bids.  After 2013,  Government made available some spectrum in the 2300-2500 MHz band which was not considered suitable for 3G telephony then  4G growth   It was in its infancy and there was some concern about technology standards and technology readiness.   A new company, Reliance Jio, betted on it and won the whole spectrum pan-India through a partner company at a relatively lower price as there was little interest from established operators.  After 2016,   Jio had to wait four years to get the technology ready and launched the 4G service late in 2016 and caught the imagination of users.  It made voice calls almost free and offered good quality video on smart handsets at very low tariffs.  Others did follow suit but paid higher amounts for spectrum in later auctions.    Jio has been gaining market share since then.   The older operators have been on the defensive, facing serious erosion in market share and profitability.  RCOM and Tata Teleservices have been wiped out  Vodafone and Idea merged to just about survive.   Airtel, the strongest operator two years back, continues to lose market share and profitability.  2019,  SC ruling on revenue-sharing agreement  Future steps needed from the govt   Government needs to act, just like it did in 1999.  The government should not look at the telecom sector primarily as a revenue-earner.   They could offer the operators payment of principal in instalments and waive off interest and penalties which will limit the government’s taxes and earnings from telecom  This will help bring back multiple players in telecom services.  Help India is to reap the benefit of being fully digital  The money could be better spent by operators to improve today’s average service-quality.  This would help telecom reach the remotest parts of the country and the service needs to continue to be affordable.  Connecting the dots:  What are the challenges being faced by the Telecom sector? Discuss.   (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 about Gangetic dolphin The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the Gangetic dolphin as an endangered species in India. The main threat to the Gangetic dolphin is the creation of dams and irrigation projects. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Anaemia Mukt Bharat It is Strategy under POSHAN Abhiyaan with the aim to reduce anaemia prevalence by three percentage points every year till 2030 Itis a 6x6x6 strategy that is targeting six age groups, with six interventions and six institutional mechanisms.  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 Power of Siberia It is the first cross-border gas pipeline between Russia and China It is not only central to China’s energy security but also for bolstering special ties between Beijing and Moscow Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements about National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) It is a statutory organization established under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993 It can investigate the violation of human rights or the failures of the state to prevent a human rights violation only through a petition of a person and cannot take suo moto cases. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements about Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) It was created in 2000 post 1999-Kargil conflict. The postwill act as the single-point military adviser to the government on military and strategic issues and oversee procurement, training and logistics. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 02 DEC 2019 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 B 3 A 4 A 5 A MUST READ Winning the peace: on Gotabaya Rajapaksa's India visit The Hindu Terror in London: on London Bridge knife attack The Hindu A GST Revamp to Make it More Effective ET Fast and Loose Do Not Gel With Bullet Trains ET Supreme Court’s recent judgments reaffirm its role as a vigilant monitor IE

RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – BRICS: Focus on Terrorism

BRICS: Focus on Terrorism Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests In News: BRICS member states have urged for concerted efforts to fight terrorism in accordance with the international law.  The declaration at the end of the 11th BRICS summit stressed on the need to tackle the misuse of information and communication technologies for terrorist activities and combating illicit financial laws. Speaking at the plenary session of the summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi said terrorism has caused loss of approximately 1 trillion dollars to the world economy and 2.25 lakh people have lost their life due to terror acts in over a decade. India’s engagement with the BRICS involves three key elements:  Develop mechanisms to counter-terrorism ‘Reformed multilateralism’ Encourage intra-BRICS trade and cooperation Focus on terrorism remains India’s main priority and it would like to build a consensus on methods to curb the menace of global terrorism by enhancing cooperation with other BRICS countries. Russia, Brazil and South Africa may offer unconditional support, but China is unlikely to endorse India’s case if it involves Pakistan, directly or indirectly. The BRICS joint working group on counter-terrorism has decided to constitute five sub working groups on counterterrorism in the areas of  Terrorist financing Use of Internet for terrorist purposes] Countering radicalization Issue of foreign terrorist fighters Capacity-building The comprehensive approach should include countering  Radicalisation Recruitment Travel of foreign terrorist fighters Blocking sources and channels of terrorist financing Dismantling terrorist bases Countering misuse of the Internet by terrorist entities through misuse of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) Emphasis was laid on the need to launch multilateral negotiations on an international convention for the suppression of acts of chemical and biological terrorism, including at the Conference on Disarmament. The five nations also reaffirmed their commitment to support international cooperation in combating illicit financial flows from all types of criminal activity, including within the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the World Customs Organization. They underscored the importance of improving mutual exchanges and data sharing. They emphasized the importance of upholding and supporting the objectives of FATF, as well of intensifying cooperation to implement and improve its standards on combating Money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation. BRICS BRICS is the acronym coined for an association of five major emerging national economies -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The grouping brings together five major emerging economies comprising 42 per cent of the world's population, having 23 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product. Must Read: Overall Analysis of BRICS Summit

PIB

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 25th November to 30th November – 2019

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 25th to 30th November, 2019 ARCHIVES GS-2 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly (Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions & basic structure) November 26, 2019 – The day 26th November is celebrated every year as Constitution Day (also known as ‘Samvidhan Divas’). President: Dr Rajendra Prasad Chairman of the Drafting Committee: Dr Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, who is rightly known as the architect of the Constitution. 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly: Included Sarojini Naidu, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Hansaben Jivraj Mehta, Sucheta Kripalani and G. Durgabai, who spoke of equal rights for one and all, when women in many parts of the world were denied basic rights. Quotes and Speeches In his speech before the Constitution was adopted, Dr Rajendra Prasad rightly noted that the successful working of democratic institutions requires willingness to respect the views of others, and capacity for compromise and accommodation. He said, [quote] “Many things which cannot be written in a Constitution are done by conventions. Let me hope that we shall show those capacities and develop those conventions.” [Unquote] Seventy years later, we have reasons to believe that the nation has lived up to his hopes to a fair degree. The Constitution itself calls for making justice accessible to all. Consider the Preamble, which is the ‘seed text’ of the whole document. Why did ‘We, the People of India’, solemnly resolve to constitute India into a republic”? Obviously this pledge seeks, “To secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE—Social, Economical and Political”. Like any religious scripture, this grand statement or “Mahavakya” of the constitution aims to secure liberty, equality and fraternity along with justice. “While it is absolutely necessary to defend the Fundamental Rights relating to life, liberty, equality and freedom of expression etc., it is time that we, as citizens, take our duties towards the nation seriously. Entitlements come with duties and responsibilities as well. He further said that a proper environment for enjoying rights will be created if every citizen performs her duties. “Let us perform our duty to make India mighty”, Vice President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu appealed to the citizens. To spread awareness among the citizens about their Fundamental Duties, the Vice President suggested a three point action plan including introduction of Fundamental Duties at an appropriate level in the curriculum, displaying the duties at all the educational institutions, offices and public spaces across the country and reaching out to the youth through appropriate campaigns.     Samagra Shiksha - an Integrated Scheme for school education (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education) An overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class XII and aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels of school education Subsumes the three erstwhile Schemes of  Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) Teacher Education (TE) Samagra Shiksha focuses on – Improvement in quality of education by providing support for different interventions like  In-service training of teachers and school heads, Conduct of achievement surveys at state and national level Composite school grant to every school for providing a conducive learning environment, grants for library, sports and physical activities Support for Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan, ICT and digital initiatives School Leadership development programme Remedial teaching for academically weaker students Support for Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat, etc. Scheme of Vocationalisation of School Education The scheme of  Vocationalisation of School Education covers 55 job roles in 19 sectors i.e. Agriculture, Apparel Made ups & Home Furnishing,  Automotive, Banking Finance and Insurance Services, Beauty and Wellness, Construction, Electronics & Hardware, Healthcare, Information Technology / Information Technology Enabled Services (IT/ITeS), Media & Entertainment, Multi Skilling, Physical Education & Sports, Plumber, Power, Retail, Security, Telecom, Tourism & Hospitality, Transportation Logistics & Warehousing. WCD Ministry and NITI AAYOG Examining Measures to Strengthen ICDS AYUSH Ministry & WHO  (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health) Meetings on: Developing Standardized Terminologies Benchmarks documents of Practice for Traditional Medicine WHO is developing Benchmarks Document for Practice of Ayurveda, Panchakarma & Unani and International Terminologies Documents in Ayurveda, Siddha & Unani as part of its global strategy to strengthen the quality, safety and effectiveness of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM).  Development of this benchmarks document is included in the Project Collaboration Agreement (PCA) signed between World Health Organization (WHO) and Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India on Cooperation in the field of Traditional and Complementary Medicine under WHO strategy on T&CM covering the period 2014-2023. The practice benchmark documents are expected to Serve as international benchmarks for qualified practice of Ayurveda, and Unani They will frame the safety requirements for practicing Ayurveda, Panchakarma, and Unani and provide qualifying criteria for practitioners of Ayurveda and Unani among addressing other details and nuances of medical practice.  Serve as reference to national authorities to establish/strengthen regulatory standards and ensure practice of Ayurveda, Panchakarma, and Unani, and assure patient safety. Provide: list of terms in the respective systems, their definitions (short or explanatory descriptions as required) including contextual meanings of the terms, classical usage/ of the terms with references to the definitions, suggested English terms, synonyms, and even define exclusions to the meanings of the term in medical context.   The documents shall cover terms related to basic principles, fundamental theories, human structure and function, diagnosis, pathologies, patterns, and body constitutions, pharmacognosy, pharmacology, preparation of food and medicines, therapeutics, and preventive and health promotion interventions, and miscellaneous terms in the respective medical systems. ADB, India sign $451 Million Loan to strengthen Power Connectivity in Tamil Nadu (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a $451 million loan to strengthen power connectivity between the southern and northern parts of the Chennai–Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor (CKIC), which is part of the East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC), in Tamil Nadu. ADB is the lead partner of the Government of India for developing ECEC. The project will help Government of Tamil Nadu meet the increasing demand for power supply from industry and commercial enterprises in the State through transfer of power from new generation facilities, including renewable energy, in the southern CKIC to the industrial hubs in the state’s northern region The project will provide an impetus to the industrial development of CKIC, which ADB has been assisting through strategic planning and investments in infrastructure while facilitating industrial investments. They are expected to enhance industrial competitiveness while creating well paid jobs to support the state’s rapid economic transformation. Cabinet Approves India's Approach to UN Climate Change Conference to be held in Spain: COP 25 is an important conference as countries prepare to move from pre-2020 period under Kyoto Protocol to post-2020 period under Paris Agreement. India's approach will be guided by principles and provisions of UNFCCC and Paris Agreement particularly the principles of Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capability (CBDR-RC). India has been ambitious in its actions and has emphasized that Developed countries should take lead in undertaking ambitious actions and fulfil their climate finance commitments of mobilizing USD 100 billion per annum by 2020 and progressively and substantially scale up their financial support to inform Parties for future action through NDCs. India will further stress upon need for fulfilling pre-2020 commitments by developed countries and that pre-2020 implementation gaps should not present an additional burden to developing countries in the post-2020 period. Agreement on establishment of Strategic Partnership Council between India and Saudi Arabia:  The proposal aims to benefit the citizens with improved economic and commercial linkages with Saudi Arabia irrespective of any gender, class or income bias. This Agreement with Saudi Arabia will open new avenues of partnership in strategic areas like defence, security counter-terrorism, energy security and renewable energy. MoU signed between India and Myanmar on bilateral cooperation for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons: To strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries and to increase bilateral cooperation on the issues of prevention, rescue, recovery and repatriation related to human trafficking. To strengthen cooperation to prevent all forms of human trafficking and to protect and assist the victims of trafficking Ensure speedy investigation and prosecution of traffickers and organized crime syndicates in either country. To strengthen immigration and border controls cooperation and implementation of strategies with relevant Ministries and Organizations to prevent trafficking in persons. Setting up Working Groups/ Task Force to make efforts to prevent human trafficking Develop and share database on traffickers and victims of trafficking in a safe and confidential manner and exchange information through designated focal points of India and Myanmar Capacity building programmes for the agencies concerned of both countries. Formulation and adoption of Standard Operating Procedures for Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and Integration of the victims of trafficking. MoUs signed between India and Saudi Arabia in the field of combating illicit trafficking and smuggling of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Chemical Precursors:  The MoU shall facilitate and enhance the cooperation between the two countries in combating illicit trafficking and smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors, as defined by the United Nations international Drug Control Conventions. Under the MoU, there is a provision for the exchange of relevant information as well as methods, identities and suspicious activities of producers, smugglers and traffickers of narcotic drugs, details of trafficking of NDPS and Precursors Chemicals on requisitions and financial details of the traffickers arrested on drug related charges. Under the MoU, there is also a provision for notification of the details of the arrested citizen of the other Party for committing the crime of illicit trafficking or smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors and consular access to the arrested person. The MoU also provides for exchange of chemical reports/analysis of narcotic drug, psychotropic substances and chemical precures seized within the territory of either party or data/information about illegal laboratories of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemical precures and their technical specifications. Agreement and Protocol between India and Chile for the avoidance of double taxation: The DTAA will facilitate elimination of double taxation. Clear allocation of taxing rights between Contracting States through the Agreement will provide tax certainty to investors & businesses of both countries while augmenting the flow of investment through fixing of tax rates in source State on interest, royalties and fees for technical services.  The Agreement and Protocol implements minimum standards and other recommendations of G-20 OECD Base Erosion Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project. Inclusion of Preamble Text, a Principal Purpose Test, a general anti-abuse provision in the Agreement along with a Simplified Limitation of Benefits Clause as per BEPS Project will result in curbing of tax planning strategies which exploit gaps and mismatches in tax rules. GS-3 Protection of Endangered Species (Topic: Conservation) Census of major flagship species Undertaken at the State-level by the respective State/Union Territory Governments periodically.  However census of tiger and elephant is undertaken at the national level once every four and five years respectively.  As per the report of the latest census carried out by the state and central government, the population of endangered species especially lions, rhinos, tigers, and elephants has increased in country. The Ministry Providing financial assistance to State /UT Governments for the recovery programme of  critically endangered species under the component- Recovery programme for saving of critically endangered species and habitats of the Centrally sponsored scheme ‘Development of Wildlife Habitats’. Presently 21 critically endangered species have been identified under this programme. The Ministry has formulated the 3rd ‘National Wildlife Action Plan’ for a period of 2017 to 2031 to save wild animals in the country. The Plan focuses landscape approach in conservation of all wildlife irrespective of where they occur. It also gives special emphasis to recovery of threatened species of wildlife while conserving their habitats which includes terrestrial, inland aquatic, coastal and marine ecosystems. Measures taken by the Government to control illegal killing and poaching of wild animals are: The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for punishment for violation of its provisions. The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offence(s). Law enforcement authorities in the States maintain strict vigil against poaching of wild animals. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been set up to gather intelligence about poaching and unlawful trade in wild animals and animal articles and to achieve inter-state and trans-boundary coordination in enforcement of wildlife laws. The State/Union Territory Governments have been requested to strengthen the field formations and intensify patrolling in and around Protected Areas. Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves covering important wildlife habitats have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve wild animals and their habitats. Financial assistance is provided to the State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’, for providing better protection to wildlife and improvement of habitat. India’s Efforts to Combat Global Climate Change (Topic: Environmental pollution and degradation, Climate Change) Reports from various sources including Intergovernmental Panel Climate Change namely Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, Special Report on Climate Change and Land, and Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, highlight the challenges faced due to climate change arising mainly from historical emissions of greenhouse gases by developed countries. Climate change is a global phenomenon and requires the cooperation of all nations based on the principles of ‘Equity’ and ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities’.  India is a Party to the  United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Kyoto Protocol (KP) Paris Agreement (PA): Has mechanisms like global stock-take and ratcheting up action every 5 years to address climate change and avoid adverse consequences. For addressing the challenge of climate change, India adheres to the paramountcy of the UNFCCC processes. It has proactively contributed to multilateral efforts to combat climate change and continues to do so while undertaking its own independent, enhanced initiatives in climate mitigation and adaptation besides meeting all its commitments under the UNFCCC, its KP and PA. Independent studies rate India’s efforts highly and compliant with the requirements under PA. Prelims oriented News: World AIDS Day: 1st December, 2019 Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure: Will serve as a platform to generate and exchange knowledge on different aspects of climate and disaster resilient infrastructure Leadership Group for Industry Transition: Launched jointly by India and Sweden, which will provide a platform for government and the private sector in different countries to work together on accelerating low carbon growth and cooperation in the area of technology innovation. Global Competitiveness Index: By World Economic Forum India’s ranking in the Global Competitiveness Index has fallen by 10 ranks partly as a consequence of a relatively small decline in score but more significantly due to faster improvements of several countries earlier ranked close to India. However, India ranked high on innovation (35th), financial sector (40th), and macro-economic stability (43rd).  On innovation, India was well ahead of most emerging economies and on par with several advanced economies. To improve India’s position in the Global Competitiveness Index: Reduction of corporate tax rate from 30 percent to 22 percent to encourage investment in the economy Extension of PM Kisan, an income support scheme, to all farmers for boosting rural consumption Merger of 10 public sector banks into 4 entities for strengthening their balance sheets and increasing lending Setting up of a Realty Fund worth Rs. 25,000 crore for financing stalled housing projects Introducing the scheme for Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Product (RoDTEP) for promoting exports.  Besides, the Reserve Bank of India has cut the repo rate by 135 basis points between February and October, 2019 for reducing the lending rates of Banks with a view to encouraging investment in the economy. National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme Children in the age group of 9-14 years are withdrawn from work and put into NCLP Special Training Centres, where they are provided with bridge education, vocational training, mid-day meal, stipend, health care etc. before being mainstreamed into formal education system.   The children in the age group of 5-8 years are directly linked to the formal education system through a close coordination with the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.  Further, to ensure the effective enforcement of the provisions of the Child Labour Act and smooth implementation of NCLP Scheme, a dedicated online portal named PENCiL (Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour) is developed in order to make the NCLP successful through better monitoring and implementation ensuring the timely disposal of work with transparency. Under this Scheme, funds are provided directly to the District Project Societies who in turn engage and allocate the funds to NGOs/Voluntary Agencies/Civil Societies Organisation etc. for running of Special Training Centres.  Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) Implemented by MSDE provides short term training to the youth across the country including farmers and women in rural areas. There are three kinds of training routes under the scheme:  Short term Training for fresh skilling of school / college drop outs and unemployed youth Recognition of Prior Learning to recognize the existing skills - Only provides orientation to the already skilled workforce, and does not mandate placements. Special Projects to address skilling requirements of groups which are underrepresented or require special initiatives and efforts Scheme is being implemented in the country in both rural and urban areas across 37 sectors including Agriculture sector. The Government has also –  Developed a National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) as a competency based framework to be adopted by all skill development programmes Established Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) as industry led bodies to develop National Occupational Standards Focusses on apprenticeship training and laying down of common norms for standardization of inputs and outcomes. Successful launch of PSLV-C47 carrying indigenous Cartosat-3 satellite:  India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its forty ninth flight (PSLV-C47), successfully launched Cartosat-3 along with 13 Nanosatellites of USA from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota The advanced Cartosat-3 will augment our high resolution imaging capability. The mission life of the Cartosat-3 is 5 years. Cartosat-3 will address the increased user’s demands for large scale urban planning, rural resource and infrastructure development, coastal land use and land cover, etc. Measures for augmenting nuclear power capacity Accord of administrative approval and financial sanction of - ten (10) indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be set up in fleet mode & two (02) units of Light Water Reactors (LWRs) to be set up in cooperation with Russian Federation. Creation of Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP) in the context of Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act 2010. Amendment of the Atomic Energy Act to enable Joint Ventures of Public Sector Companies to set up nuclear power projects. Entering into enabling agreements with foreign countries for nuclear power cooperation. Lok Sabha passes the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019 The Bill says that family members of a former Prime Minister who reside with him at his allotted accommodation will get security cover of the SPG only for five years, from the date he/she ceases to hold the office of Prime Minister. There is a perception in the country that the amendment in SPG Act is only for the purpose to remove the SPG security cover for the Gandhi family. Contrary to this, the change of the security cover has been done only on the basis of yearly security threat perception review by the government. Such a security review has been a part of the original act. The security cover of the Gandhi family has not been reduced or taken away, rather it has just been changed from SPG cover to Z Plus security cover by the CRPF, along with ASL and ambulance, across the country. The level of the security cover has been maintained and not even one security personnel has been reduced. Based on the recommendations of the Birbal Nath committee report, SPG came into existence in 1985. The SPG Act was enacted in 1988 to provide for the constitution and regulation of the SPG as an armed force to provide proximate security to the Prime Minister and his/her immediate family members. Amendments to the Act were effected in 1991, 1994, 1999 and 2003 and a further amendment is being brought to revert back to the original spirit of the Act. The main aim of bringing this amendment is to make SPG more efficient. This would ensure that no omission happens in carrying out its core mandate, as the security of the Prime Minister, as Head of the Government, is of paramount importance for Government, governance and national security. The Bill says that when the proximate security is withdrawn from a former Prime Minister, such proximate security shall also stand withdrawn from members of his or her immediate family. Lok Sabha passes the Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Bill, 2019 Bill has been brought to provide for merger of union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, in view of the policy of the Government to have "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance".  This would bring about administrative convenience, speedy development and effective implementation of central and state government schemes. Having two separate constitutional and administrative entities in both the Union territories leads to lot of duplicity, inefficiency and wasteful expenditure. Further, this also causes unnecessary financial burden on the Government. Besides these, there are various challenges for cadre management and career progression of employees. Availability of more officers and infrastructure would help in more efficient implementation of flagship schemes of the government The Bill, inter alia, provides for better delivery of services to the citizens of both Union territories by improving efficiency and reduction in paper work; reduction in administrative expenditure; bringing uniformity in policies and schemes; better monitoring of schemes and projects; and, better management of cadres of various employees. Introduction of The Industrial Relations Code Bill, 2019 The Bill aims to consolidate and amend the laws relating to trade unions, conditions of employment in industrial establishment or undertaking, investigation and settlement of industrial disputes. The draft code on Industrial Relations has been prepared after amalgamating, simplifying and rationalizing the relevant provisions of following three Central Labour Acts viz: The Trade Unions Act, 1926, The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946 and The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. SHE-BOX: Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India has developed an online complaint management system titled Sexual Harassment electronic–Box (SHe-Box) for registering complaints related to sexual harassment at workplace by women, including government and private employees. Once a complaint is submitted to the SHe-Box portal, it directly reaches to the concerned authority having jurisdiction to take action in the matter. Monitoring Mechanism under Poshan Abhiyan NITI Aayogis closely monitoring the status of implementation of POSHAN Abhiyaan. Further, there is a National Nutrition Resource Centre (NNRC) at National level and State Nutrition Resource Centre (SNRC) at State level to closely monitor the implementation of POSHAN Abhiyaan. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through which ICDS-Common Application Software, a mobile based Application,which is a job-aid to Anganwadi Worker,has been developed and deployed. Regular reviews and meetings are conducted at National and State/UT level to monitor the progress of implementation of POSHAN Abhiyaan.  Field level checks are carried out by the Ministry andState Governments.National Council under the Chairmanship of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog and the Executive Committee also monitor the progress of POSHAN Abhiyaan regularly. ICDS-Common Application Software captures data on weight and height of children, opening of Anganwadi Centres, distribution of Take Home Ration, attendance of children for pre-school education at Anganwadi Centres. This data/information is then made available for monitoring on web-based ICDS-CAS dashboard to the supervisory staff at Block, District, State and National level. G.I. Tagged Products So far, 65 handloom products and 6 product logos are registered under GI Act.  Sl.No. Geographical Indications Goods State 1 Uppada Jamdani Sarees Handloom Andhra Pradesh 2 Venkatagiri Sarees Handloom Andhra Pradesh 3 Mangalagiri Sarees And Fabrics Handloom Andhra Pradesh 4 Dharmavaram Handloom Pattu Sarres And Paavadas Handloom Andhra Pradesh 5 Muga Silk of Assam Handloom Assam 6 Bhagalpur Silk Handloom Bihar 7 Champa Silk Saree And Fabrics Handloom Chhattisgarh 8 Tangaliya Shawl Handloom Gujarat 9 Kachchh Shawls Handloom Gujarat 10 Patan Patola Handloom Gujarat 11 Kullu Shawl Handloom Himachal Pradesh 12 Kinnauri Shawl Handloom Himachal Pradesh 13 Kashmir Pashmina Handloom Jammu & Kashmir 14 Kani Shawl Handloom Jammu & Kashmir 15 Navalgund Durries Handloom Karnataka 16 Ilkal Sarees Handloom Karnataka 17 Molakalmuru Sarees Handloom Karnataka 18 Udupi Sarees Handloom Karnataka 19 Cannanore Home Furnishings Handloom Kerala 20 Balaramapuram Sarees And Fine Cotton Fabrics Handloom Kerala 21 Kasaragod Sarees Handloom Kerala 22 Kuthampully Sarees Handloom Kerala 23 Chendamangalam Dhoties & Set Mundu Handloom Kerala 24 Kuthampully Dhoties & Set Mundu Handloom Kerala 25 Chanderi Sarees Handloom Madhya Pradesh 26 Maheshwar Sarees & Fabrics Handloom Madhya Pradesh 27 Solapur Chaddar Handloom Maharashtra 28 Paithani Sarees And Fabrics Handloom Maharashtra 29 Shaphee Lanphee Handloom Manipur 30 Wangkhei Phee Handloom Manipur 31  Moirang Phee Handloom Manipur 32 Kotpad Handloom Fabric Handloom Odisha 33 Orissa Ikat Handloom Odisha 34 Khandua Saree And Fabrics Handloom Odisha 35 Gopalpur Tussar Fabrics Handloom Odisha 36 Dhalapathar Parda & Fabrics Handloom Odisha 37 Sambalpuri Bandha Saree & Fabrics Handloom Odisha 38 Bomkai Saree & Fabrics Handloom Odisha 39 Habaspuri Saree & Fabrics Handloom Odisha 40 Berhampur Patta (Phoda Kumbha) Saree & Joda Handloom Odisha 41 Kota Doria Handloom Rajasthan 42 Kancheepuram Silk Handloom Tamil Nadu 43 Bhavani Jamakkalam Handloom Tamil Nadu 44 Madurai Sungudi Handloom Tamil Nadu 45 Arani Silk Handloom Tamil Nadu 46 Kovai Kora Cotton Sarees Handloom Tamil Nadu 47 Salem Silk know as Salem Venpattu Handloom Tamil Nadu 48 Pochampally Ikat Handloom Telangana 49 Gadwal Sarees Handloom Telangana 50 Siddipet Gollabama Handloom Telangana 51 Narayanpet Handloom Sarees Handloom Telangana 52 Agra Durrie Handloom Uttar Pradesh 53 Banaras Brocades And Sarees Handloom Uttar Pradesh 54 Mirzapur Handmade Dari Handloom Uttar Pradesh 55 Santipore Saree Handloom West Bengal 56 Baluchari Saree Handloom West Bengal 57 Dhaniakhali Saree Handloom West Bengal 58 RajKot Patola Handloom Gujarat 59 Mysore Silk Handloom Karnataka 60 Guledgudd Khana Handloom Karnataka 61 Solapur Terry Towel Handloom Maharashtra 62 Karvath Kati Tussar Sarees And Fabrics Handloom Maharashtra 63 Chakhesang Shawls Handloom Nagaland 64 Salem Fabric Handloom Tamil Nadu 65 Warangal Durries Handloom Telangana   Details of GI Registered Handloom Products Logos 1 Mysore Silk (Logo) Handloom Karnataka 2 Muga Silk of Assam (Logo) Handloom Assam 3 Kullu Shawl (Logo) Handloom Himachal Pradesh 4 Navalgund Durries (Logo) Handloom Karnataka 5 Kota Doria (Logo) Handloom Rajasthan 6 Banaras Brocades and Sarees (Logo) Handloom Uttar Pradesh

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd December 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd December 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) WORLD AIDS DAY Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Society In News The World AIDS Day 2019 was observed in India on the 1st of December. It is a pandemic disease caused due to the infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) World AIDS Day was the first global health day to be celebrated.  This year, the theme is "Communities Make the Difference."  As per the latest estimate of 2017, there are around 21.40 lakh people living with HIV in the country. The government is implementing National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) as a hundred per cent Central Sector Scheme for prevention and control of AIDS.  NACP response to HIV epidemic comprise a comprehensive three-pronged strategy of prevention, testing and treatment.  The Government has also developed a seven-year National Strategic Plan from 2017 to 2024 to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. HORNBILL FESTIVAL Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Culture In News The 20th Edition of Hornbill Festival began at Naga Heritage Kisama in Nagaland It is annually held from 1 - 10 December.The first festival was held in 2000. The festival organised by Nagaland Government is an annual tourism promotional event to showcase the state’s traditional and rich cultural heritage in all its ethnicity, diversity and grandeur. The Objective is to encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland. Highlights of the Hornbill Festival will witness cultural performance of different tribes of Nagaland and Northeastern States, indigenous games, city tour, night carnival, art exhibition, photo-fest and many more. One of the major highlights of this festival is the Hornbill International Rock Festival where local and international rock bands perform. EXERCISE SURYA KIRAN – XIV Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III- International Relations In News Joint military exercise ‘SURYA KIRAN – XIV’ between India and Nepal will be conducted in Nepal from 03 to 16 December 2019. It is an annual event which is conducted alternatively in Nepal and India. The aim of this exercise is to conduct a Battalion level combined training between Indian Army and Nepal Army to increase interoperability in jungle warfare and counter terrorist operations in mountainous terrain, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief etc. JNANPITH AWARD Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains I - Culture In News Eminent Malayalam poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri, popularly known as Akkitham, has been chosen for the 55th Jnanpith Award. A Padma Shri awardee, he has won several literary accolades including the Sahitya Akademi Award (1973), Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (1972 and 1988), Mathrubhumi Award etc Jnanpith Award It is given by Bharatiya Jnanpith, a literary and research organization based in Delhi. It is given annually to an author for their "outstanding contribution towards literature". It is bestowed only on Indian writers writing in Indian languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India and English. There are no posthumous conferral. Also only works published during the preceding twenty years is considered for the award. The award consists of cash prize is ₹11 lakh and a Bronze replica of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and wisdom. Shipping Ministry approves Loktak Inland Water ways project Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III – Economy In News The Shipping Ministry gave approval for the development of Loktak Inland Water ways improvement project in Manipur under the central sector scheme The estimated cost of the project is over 25 crore rupees.  The Loktak Lake is the largest fresh water lake in North east located at Moirang in Manipur. The project will develop the Inland water transport connectivity in North East States and give boost to the tourism sector also. Do You Know? Loktak Lake is famous for the phumdis floating over it. Phumdis are a series of floating islands, exclusive to the Loktak Lake in Manipur. They are heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil and organic matter, in different stages of decay. It has been designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990. It is also listed under the Montreux Record in 1993, "a record of Ramsar sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur". OPERATION CLEAN ART Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III –Environment Conservation In News Operation Clean Art was recently conducted in India to ensure that the mongoose hair brush trade be closed down across the country. It was the first pan India operation to crack down on the smuggling of mongoose hair in the country. It was conceived by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB). It was a planned raid, not to apprehend criminals, but to check on organised factories that were making paint brushes with mongoose hair. Raids were carried out not only in Uttar Pradesh, but also at Jaipur in Rajasthan, Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra, and in Kerala, on the same day. The entire operation across the country yielded 54,352 brushes and 113 kg of raw hair Mongoose hair is in high demand among artists worldwide because of the quality of brushes they help create, which define lines clearly and hold paint properly. India is a major source for these brushes. For about 150 kg of mongoose hair, at least 6,000 animals would have been killed The mongoose is listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 - making its hunting, possession, transportation and trade a punishable offence [caption id="attachment_53795" align="aligncenter" width="389"] Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd December 2019[/caption] Src: Click here (MAINS FOCUS)  SOCIAL JUSTICE/ S & T  TOPIC  General Studies- II  Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.  General Studies- III  Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life   Battling anti-microbial resistance  Context:   Recently (Nov 18-24) world observed Antibiotic Awareness Week It is one of the WHO Campaigns.  The campaign highlights best practices among the general public, health workers and policy makers to help stop the further emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance.  It is observed in the month of November   Antibiotics  Antibiotics, also known as antibacterials, are medications that destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria.   Antibiotics have saved millions of lives till date.  In humans antibiotics are primarily used for treating patients,  In Animals they are used as growth promoters often because they offer economic shortcuts that can replace hygienic practices.  Present antibiotics becoming ineffective  Many infectious diseases have ceased to respond to antibiotics.   In their quest for survival and propagation, common bugs develop a variety of mechanisms to develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR).  The indiscriminate use of antibiotics is the greatest driver in selection and propagation of resistant bugs.  AMR   Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of a microorganism (like bacteria, viruses, and some parasites) to stop an antimicrobial (such as antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials) from working against it. As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others.  AMR has been recognised worldwide as an important public health challenge with serious impact on economy and development.  AMR is a man made disaster by the Irresponsible use of antibiotics which is rampant in human health, animal health, fisheries, and agriculture. Globally, use of antibiotics in animals is expected to increase by 67% by 2030 from 2010 levels.  AMR can lead to further complications such as   Minor untreatable infections can become fatal  Complex surgeries such as organ transplantation and cardiac bypass might become difficult to undertake because of untreatable infectious complications that may result post-surgery.  Can new anitbiotics be developed?  No new class of antibiotics has been discovered in the past three decades  The pipeline for the discovery, development and dissemination of new antibiotics has virtually dried out, the reason being for the development of new anti-biotics it takes about 10-12 years and an investment of $1 billion.  Even if developed once it comes into the market, its indiscriminate use swiftly results in resistance, rendering it useless.  Steps taken globally:  Every year, World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) is observed by governments, health facilities, schools and communities across the globe in the month of November.  The Sustainable Development Goals have highlighted the importance of containing AMR.   Various economic and political platforms such as  UN general Assembly, G7, G20, EU, ASEAN etc have dealt with the subject of containing AMR  O’Neill report on AMR   Global Action Plan on AMR  Steps taken by India:  Government of India has taken a number of steps that will contribute to global efforts to preserve and prolong the efficacy of antibiotics such as   Bringing out its National Action Plan on AMR (NAP) in 2017.   Surveillance networks have been established in human health and animal health.   In July,  the Indian government banned the manufacture, sale and use of colistin in the poultry industry.   The FAO has assisted India in forging the 'Indian Network for Fishery and Animals Antimicrobial Resistance' for the generation of reliable data on the magnitude of the problem and monitoring trends in response to control activities.  Issues in India:  The health of humans and animals falls in State list which adds complexity to the nationwide response  Need in the future:  World must launch a global movement to contain AMR which will include the capacity augmentation  for regulatory mechanisms, infection control practices and diagnostics support, availability and use of guidelines for therapy, biosecurity in animal rearing practices and understanding the role of the environment and the engagement of communities.  Implementation of India’s NAP needs to be accelerated.  [caption id="attachment_53794" align="aligncenter" width="234"] Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd December 2019[/caption] Source: React group O’Neill report on AMR  The Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, often referred to as the O’Neill Commission, was commissioned by the UK Prime Minister David Cameron and is chaired by esteemed economist Jim O’Neill.   This report examines the need to boost the development of new antibiotic drugs, and proposes national and international strategies that will meet those needs, including reforms to the current economic models surrounding antibiotic development and sales.   Published in 2016  It has stated that inaction in containing AMR is likely to result in annual mortality reaching 10 million people and a 3.5% fall in global GDP by 2050.  Global Action Plan on AMR  In 2015 World Health Assembly endorsed a global action plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance as a part of the tripartite collaboration with World Health Organization, Food and Agricultural Organization, and World Organization for Animal Health.  five strategic objectives  to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance;  to strengthen knowledge through surveillance and research;  to reduce the incidence of infection;  to optimize the use of antimicrobial agents;   develop the economic case for sustainable investment that takes account of the needs of all countries, and increase investment in new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines and other interventions.  National Action Plan on AMR (NAP)  It is developed on the lines of Global Action Plan for AMR   It is based on the 'One Health approach', which means that human health, animal health and the environment sectors have equal responsibilities and strategic actions in combating AMR.  Collistin  Colistin is a 50 year-old antibiotic that is being used increasingly as a ‘last-line’ therapy to treat infections caused by Multi Drug Resistant bacteria, when essentially no other options are available.    Connecting the dots:  UN deputy secretary-general had said that 'antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats we face as a global community'. In this context explain what is AMR and steps taken by India against the same?  POLITY TOPIC:General Studies- II Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. Role of the Governor Context : Prolonged stalemate in Maharashtra over the formation of a government as no single party had a majority of its own after the Assembly election in October. It was not a wholly fractured verdict. A pre-poll alliance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (105 seats) and the Shiv Sena (56) had a clear majority (161 in the 288-seat Assembly, with 145 being the majority mark), but the Sena broke the alliance over unresolved issues related to sharing of power.  The Supreme Court of India ordered an early floor test, Ajit Pawar resigned. Mr. Fadnavis followed suit, admitting that he did not have the required majority.  A new post-poll combination, between the Sena, NCP and the Congress and some independents, has now formed the government.  The developments have brought under focus the role of the Governor in such circumstances. What should the Governor do if there is a hung Assembly? The Constitution envisages that the Governor act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in those situations in which he is, by or under the Constitution, required to act in his discretion (Article 163).  It is clear that in identifying a candidate who, in his opinion, is in a position to command a majority, the Governor has to make his own decision, subject, of course, to democratic norms. This is why one often sees the Governor of a State inviting leaders for discussions as part of efforts to explore the possibility of forming a government.  When the Governor appoints the Chief Minister in this way, it is accompanied by a stipulation that the appointee prove his or her majority within a specified time on the floor of the House. Preferred order  The Governor may invite the leader of the largest single party first. However, if it is clear that the largest single party has no potential ally or enough independent members to ensure a majority, he may also invite the leader of the largest pre-poll combination or alliance. If there is no combination or alliance, he may invite leaders one by one in the order of their size in the new Assembly.  During this process, a post-poll combination may emerge, if any one of them agrees to form a government. The Governor may insist on letters of support from those outside the leader’s party who are willing to join or extend support to him. Sarkaria Commission on inter-State relations An alliance formed prior to the election;   The largest single party staking claim with the support of others, including independents;   A post-electoral coalition, with all partners joining the government;   A post-poll coalition, with some joining the government, and others extending support from outside. Governor should look for a party or combination that commands the widest support in the Assembly Governor’s  task is to see that a government is formed, and not to try to form a government which will pursue policies which he approves”. The Sarkaria Commission recommends that a person, who has been appointed Chief Minister without a clear majority, should seek a vote of confidence in the Assembly within 30 days.  Do you know? Article 174, the Governor summons the House only on the advice of the Council of Ministers, but will be within his constitutional rights to cause the House to be convened if there is reason to believe that there is a doubt about the incumbent’s majority. SC Judgements: The key principle that ought to guide the Governor is set out in the S.R. Bommai vs. Union of India case (1994).  The court said, for testing the strength of a ministry is a floor test.  Even though this verdict was in the context of the imposition of President’s rule in different States, the principle holds good for any situation in which Governors have to decide on the appointment of a Chief Minister or continuance of a regime based on its numerical strength in the House. In Rameshwar Prasad (2005), the court ruled that there was nothing wrong in installing a post-poll combination, and that the Governor could not decline the formation of a government on the ground that it was being done through unethical means. Karnataka (2018) and Maharashtra (2019) are instances of the court ordering a floor test in a situation in which the Assembly had not yet been convened after the general election. Therefore, the legislators were yet to take their oaths. The court directed the appointment of a pro tem Speaker, to be followed by the administration of oath to the new members and, thereafter, a floor test. SC: “In a situation wherein, if the floor test is delayed, there is a possibility of horse-trading, it becomes incumbent upon the court to act to protect democratic values.” Connecting the dots: In a case examining the validity a Constitution Bench cautioned Governors against acting on internal party developments or “entering the political thicket”. Examine (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 about Operation Clean Art The aim of the initiativewas to recover the stolen heritage art from across the world and bring it back to India It is launched by Ministry of Culture in collaboration with UNICEF Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Loktak Lake It is the largest fresh water lake in North east located in Nagaland Phumdis which are a series of floating islands consisting of heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil and organic matter,is exclusive to the Loktak Lake 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 Jnanapith Award It is given by Bharatiya Jnanpith, a literary and research organization based in Delhi. It is bestowed on both Indian and foreign writers writing in Indian languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India and English. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Exercise Surya Kiran is a joint military exercise conducted between India and which other country/countries? Nepal Sri Lanka Australia and Japan Bhutan and Bangladesh Q.5) Consider the following statements about Hornbill festival It is annually held from 1 - 10 December. The first festival was held in 2000. The festival is organised by Union Ministry of Culture as an annual tourism promotional event to showcase the North East India’s traditional and rich cultural heritage in all its ethnicity, diversity and grandeur. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 30 Nov 2019 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 C 3 C 4 C MUST READ Glimmer of hope: On fresh SIT report on 1984 riots The Hindu Time to act: On latest estimates of economy The Hindu The fountainhead of India’s economic vitality The Hindu Making Air India’s disinvestment work The Hindu For Innovative Fiscal Policy, Action ET Climate action beyond lip service ET Transgender Persons Bill has let down the community’s long struggle for self respect IE