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IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 30th Oct to 3rd Nov, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 30th October – 3rd November, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 Launch of historic Support and Outreach Initiative for MSME sector (Topic: Mains II and III – Govt. schemes and policies; Good Governance; Indian Economy – Investment; MSME sector) Five key aspects for facilitating the MSME sector: Access to credit Access to market Technology upgradation Ease of doing business A sense of security for employees 12 key initiatives which will help the growth, expansion and facilitation of MSMEs across the country were unveiled, under the 5 key aspects mentioned above – Access to credit: 59 minute loan portal to enable easy access to credit for MSMEs 2 percent interest subvention for all GST registered MSMEs, on fresh or incremental loans All companies with a turnover more than Rs. 500 crore, must now compulsorily be brought on the Trade Receivables e-Discounting System (TReDS) – will enable entrepreneurs to access credit from banks, based ontheir upcoming receivables. This will resolve their problems of cash cycle. Access to market: Public sector companies have now been asked to compulsorily procure 25 percent, instead of 20 percent of their total purchases, from MSMEs. Out of the 25 percent procurement mandated from MSMEs, 3 percent must now be reserved for women entrepreneurs. All public sector undertakings of the Union Government must now compulsorily be a part of GeM Technology upgradation: 20 hubs will be formed across the country, and 100 spokes in the form of tool rooms will be established. Ease of doing business: Clusters will be formed of pharma MSMEs – 70 percent cost of establishing these clusters will be borne by the Union Government The return under 8 labour laws and 10 Union regulations must now be filed only once a year. The establishments to be visited by an Inspector will be decided through a computerised random allotment. Under air pollution and water pollution laws, now both these have been merged as a single consent and the return will be accepted through self-certification. An Ordinance has been brought, under which, for minor violations under the Companies Act, the entrepreneur will no longer have to approach the Courts, but can correct them through simple procedures. A sense of security for employees: a mission will be launched to ensure that they have Jan Dhan Accounts, provident fund and insurance. Solve: What is Zero Defect – Zero Effect (ZED) scheme? Examine its significance for India’s MSME sector. Must Read: New classification of the MSMEs Government exploring transport innovations that are pollution free and cost effective (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Efforts are being undertaken for building a safe and efficient public transport system in the country would motivate people to shift from personal to public transport. Government is exploring Usage of new kinds of vehicles like hybrid aeroboats that combine land, water and aviation technology and can run on land, water and air at speeds greater than 80 km per hour. Looking at the possibility of using aerial transport systems like ropeways, pods etc, especially for hilly terrains and as a last mile connectivity option in congested cities. Start a campaign to promote the use of bicycles as the new expressways are being built with provisions for cycle tracks. Electric cycles will soon be in use. Taxi aggregators are being called upon to consider using bicycles for transporting single passengers. Advocating the use of alternate fuels in this sector. By use of methanol, ethanol and electric sources, the country can save huge sums on petroleum imports. Also, people in backward areas can find an additional source of income by opting to generate bio-gas from local sources in a big way. Solve: What is intelligent transportation system? What are its components? Why is it needed badly in Indian cities? Examine. What is hyper loop technology? Do you think this technology is really needed in India? Critically examine. Cabinet approves Agreement between India and Morocco on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters: The Agreement will provide a broad legal framework for bilateral cooperation between India and Morocco in investigation and prosecution of crime, tracing, restraint, forfeiture or confiscation or proceeds and instruments of crime. It aims to increase effectiveness in investigation and prosecution of crime, and in providing the necessary peaceful ambience which is a pre-requisite for the development of society as a whole. It will further be instrumental in gaining better inputs and insights in the modus operandi of organized criminals and terrorists, which in turn can be used to fine-tune policy decisions in the field of Internal Security. MoU between India and Korea for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism: To expand bilateral cooperation in tourism sector To increase Exchange of information and data related to tourism To encouraging cooperation between tourism stakeholders including Hotels and Tour Operators To establish exchange programmes for cooperation in Human Resources Development To encourage Investment in the Tourism and Hospitality sectors To exchange visits of Tour Operators / Media / Opinion Makers for promotion of two-way tourism To exchange experience in the areas of promotion, marketing destination development and management To encourage participation in travel fairs/exhibitions in each other's country and Promoting safe, honorable and sustainable tourism Moving a Resolution in the first Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for amending the Framework Agreement of the ISA for opening up the ISA membership to all countries that are members of the United Nations: Will put solar energy in global agenda with the universal appeal for developing and deploying solar energy It will make ISA inclusive, whereby all member countries that are members of the United Nations could become member. Expanding membership will lead to ISA initiative benefitting the world at large. Prelims oriented news Ayurveda Day: 5th November Latest country to have decided to join the International Solar Alliance: Botswana Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN 2018: A joint military exercise between Indian & Japanese Armies World’s tallest statue: Statue of Unity, India – a 182 metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – the integration of India by Sardar Patel, has resulted today in India’s march towards becoming a big economic and strategic power. The Statue of Unity is 177 feet higher than China’s Spring Temple Buddha, which was the tallest statue till now. It is located on the river island called Sadhu Bet near Rajpipla, Gujarat. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Uniting the Nation President gives assent to promulgation of the Companies Amendment (Ordinance), 2018: For Promotion of Ease of Doing Business Better corporate compliance India’s Ranks in Ease of doing Business: As per the World Bank report 2019 on Ease of Doing Business, India has taken a huge leap of 23 ranks from 100 in 2017-18 to 77 in 2018-19 indicating it is continuing its steady shift towards global standards. One of the key indices which has contributed immensely toward this growth is ‘Trading across borders’ which shows an impressive improvement from 146 rank last year to 80th rank this year. The Ministry of Shipping has been taking initiatives to improve the parameter of ‘Trading across border’ as 92% of India’s Export- Import trade by volume is handled at ports. The report mentions that this is mainly due to India’s continued reform agenda, which has made it the top-ranked economy in the region: Upgradation of port infrastructure Improvement of processes Digitization of document submission has substantially reduced Export/Import cargo handling time at ports which has significantly contributed towards improving the trading across border parameter The Government has initiated a series of steps to make India’s EXIM logistics more competitive in terms of time and cost. The focus has been on development of port infrastructure and capacity enhancement, improvement in last mile connectivity and development of multi-modal hubs to promote EXIM while reducing logistics cost and time. Under Sagarmala, port-led-development initiative of the Govt, 266 port modernization projects with an investment of more than Rs 1.45 lakh Crore has been identified for implementation over next 10 years Indian Navy’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) Capability: This System has a Side Scan Sonar for locating the position of the submarine in distress at sea, providing immediate relief by way of posting Emergency Life Support Containers with the help of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and thereafter rescuing the crew of the submarine using the DSRV itself. With this capability, India has joined a select league of nations which have this unique capability and we are now in a position to not only provide rescue cover to our own submarines but also to other friendly nations in the IOR and beyond. Our vision is to emerge as a centre of regional excellence for Submarine Rescue Services in line with the stature of our great nation. World Cities Day: 1st November NMCG & UN Habitat organize a policy dialogue - Urban Cafe: ‘River for Habitat’ on this occasion and discussed the deep association that rivers have with various aspects of human civilization – our cities, our economy and various facets of our  daily lives, the challenges to maintaining healthy river ecosystems and ways to deal with the same. Innovations such as One City One Operator, Hybrid Annuity Model, 15 year Operations & Maintenance of sewerage infrastructure projects have been introduced Other issues that are vital include managing flood plain encroachments, developing city-specific urban management plan, valuation of river services in economic terms, preserving biodiversity in Ganga, maintaining groundwater recharge, NMCG’s collaboration and convergence with all stakeholders and engaging public participation. Emphasis was laid upon – River and river basins should be seen as ‘national capital or asset’ Developing an Urban River Plan from where the river enters the city and where it exits. Emphasizing the importance of ghats, the experts further noted that not only do ghats connect river to the people but also promote safety of the river and people. Advocacy and resolve combined with public participation as vital elements for restoring our river ecosystems. India’s first ease of Mobility Index: The Index offers a source of information to aid transit agencies and urban planners to make informed decisions and align solutions with the preference of commuters. The report has been prepared by Ola Mobility Institute - Ola’s research and social innovation arm. Overall, 80 per cent of citizens believe that the transport ecosystem has improved over the last five years. 60 per cent of respondents report using public modes of commute, signalling that integrating modes of first and last mile connectivity with mass transport could lead to improved usage. In fact, 72 per cent of the respondents believe that this integration could lead to an improved public transport ecosystem. A majority of Indians are willing to adopt electric mobility and are in agreement that electrification will reshape the transportation segment. 75 per cent of respondents believe that electric vehicles could replace conventional vehicles by 2030. Additionally, results indicate that urban mobility is going digital with 55 per cent of commuters who use public transport owning smart cards, and over 40 per cent transact digitally while using public transport including Intermediary Public Transport. UDAN scheme: UDAN is an innovative scheme to develop the regional aviation market. It is a market-based mechanism in which airlines bid for seat subsidies. This first-of-its-kind scheme globally will create affordable yet economically viable and profitable flights on regional routes so that flying becomes affordable to the common man even in small towns. It will create affordable yet economically viable and profitable flights on regional routes so that flying becomes affordable to the common man even in small towns. Under it, airlines will have complete freedom to enter into code sharing with larger airlines for connectivity and they will be exempted from various airport charges. Mindmap Solve: Critically examine the significance of regional connectivity for a developing economy like India. Also discuss the features of the UDAN scheme launched by the government. Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Guaranteed Pension Scheme of Government of India administered by PFRDA. The Subscriber base under APY has crossed 1.24 crore mark. For: The unorganised sector workers who do not have sufficient and reliable old age security Earlier called: Swavalamban Yojana NPS (National Pension Scheme) Lite Objective: To encourage unorganised workers to make regular small savings during their working years towards pension benefits later Regulated by: Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Zika virus disease: An emerging disease currently being reported by 86 countries worldwide. Symptoms of Zika virus disease are similar to other viral infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. The virus causes only mild to moderate illness. The only vulnerable category is pregnant women. In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January/February 2017 and second outbreak in July,2017 from Krishnagiri District in Tamilnadu. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management. The Zika Virus has been identified decades back in Uganda where there is a river named Zika, the region around which the virus was first identified.  92% MGNREGA wage payments generated on time Independent evaluation studies have indicated the success of Natural Resource Management in improving incomes, acreage, productivity, fodder availability, and water table.  Similarly, independent assessment of Individual Beneficiary Schemes especially for animal resources has acknowledged their contribution in livelihood diversification and poverty reduction. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): a demand driven and additional resources will be made available as and when required to ensure that no one is denied work on demand.  Adequate steps have been taken to ensure timely payments and mobilization of additional resources when required. Reforms in the programme over the last 3 years have substantially improved the quality of durable assets and convergence for effective livelihood diversification.

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 104]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 104] Archives Q.1) ‘Aipan’ is a traditional terracotta and white motifs drawn on floors and walls on ceremonial occasions. It belongs to which state? Uttarakhand Karnataka Maharashtra Rajasthan Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Kordylewski clouds’ They are large concentrations of dust that exist at the L4 and L5 Lagrangian points of the Earth–Moon system They are exceptionally faint, which makes it very difficult to observe from Earth Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Border Area Development Programme (BADP)’ The funds under BADP are provided to the States for execution of projects relating to infrastructure, livelihood, education and health It was initiated during the Second Five Year Plan period Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Shakti- India’s first microprocessor’ It has been designed by researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) It can work with various devices such as consumer electronic devices, mobile computing devices, embedded low-power wireless systems and networking systems Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Which of the following states is converting ‘INS Viraat’ into a museum? Andhra Pradesh Maharashtra Tamil Nadu Gujarat To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 06th November 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 06th November 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) India declares nuclear triad operational Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Defence; Security In news: India declared that its nuclear triad, stated in its nuclear doctrine, is operational. A nuclear triad is a three-pronged military force structure that consists of land-launched nuclear missiles, nuclear-missile-armed submarines and strategic aircraft with nuclear bombs and missiles. India’s And-triad became operational with its indigenous ballistic missile nuclear submarine INS Arihant conducted its first deterrence patrol. Do you know? The purpose of having this three-branched nuclear capability is to significantly reduce the possibility that an enemy could destroy all of a nation's nuclear forces in a first-strike attack. This, in turn, ensures a credible threat of a second strike, and thus increases a nation's nuclear deterrence. India's nuclear weapons policy is that of "no first use" and "minimum credible deterrence," which means that the country will not use nuclear weapons unless they are attacked first, but the country does have the capability to induce the second strike. India completed its nuclear triad with the commissioning of INS Arihant in August 2016, which was India's first submarine built ingenuously. US sanctions on Iran: India, China get relief Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II - International Relations; India and the world In news: India is one of eight countries to receive temporary exemptions from U.S. sanctions on Iran. China, India, Italy, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey – are the eight countries. Miscellaneous NHIDCL fined ₹2 cr. for pollution - The National Green Tribunal has levied a fine of ₹2 crore on the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) for dumping muck into the Bhagirathi river in Uttarakhand during the construction of a road. Centre eyes seaplanes in UDAN 3 - Seaplanes may soon be operating commercial passenger flights in India with the Centre inviting bids for connecting selected destinations under the regional connectivity scheme (RCS). Opening the third round of the RCS, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has invited proposals for air routes that include tourist destinations. Ozone layer is recovering, says UN - Ozone layer is recovering is recovering at a rate of one to three percent per decade. (Thanks to Montreal Protocol, a 1987 ban on man-made gases that damage the fragile high-altitude ozone layer) (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Policies of developed and developing countries and their impact on India’s interests. Bilateral and multilateral agreements and their impact on India’s interests. Preserving the taboo: on nuclear arms control Introduction The U.S. President declared that the U.S. is quitting the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, a bilateral agreement with Russia signed in 1987. S.'s decision has generated dismay and concern that this will trigger a new nuclear arms race in Europe and elsewhere. What it ignores is that the INF Treaty reflected the political reality of the Cold War — of a bi-polar world with two nuclear superpowers — no longer consistent with today’s multi-polar nuclear world. The greater challenge today is to understand that existing nuclear arms control instruments can only be preserved if these evolve to take new realities into account. Background of the INF treaty By the early 1980s, the U.S.S.R. had accumulated nuclear weapons, exceeding the U.S. arsenal, and deployed more powerful weapons in Europe. To reassure its North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) allies about its nuclear umbrella, the U.S. began deploying Pershing IIs and GLCMs in the U.K., Belgium, Italy and West Germany, setting off a new arms race. Realisation dawned that any nuclear conflict on European soil would only lead to more European casualties, catalysing a movement for ‘no-deployments’ in Europe. In the 1980s, the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. began three sets of parallel negotiations — on strategic weapons leading to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), on intermediate-range weapons leading to the INF, and the Nuclear and Space Talks to address Soviet concerns about Reagan’s newly launched ‘space wars’ programme (Strategic Defense Initiative). Under the INF Treaty, the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. agreed to eliminate within three years all ground-launched-missiles of 500-5,500 km range and not to develop, produce or deploy these in future. The INF talks originally considered equal ceilings on both sides but then moved to equal ceilings and non-deployment in Europe to address the sensitivities of allies. Europe breathed a sigh of relief and the INF was hailed as a great disarmament treaty even though no nuclear warheads were dismantled and similar range air-launched and sea-launched missiles were not constrained. Since it was bilateral, the INF Treaty did not restrict other countries but this hardly mattered as it was the age of bi-polarity and the U.S.-U.S.S.R. nuclear equation was the only one that counted. Changing political backdrop Since 2008, the U.S. has voiced suspicions that with the Novator 9M729 missile tests, Russia was in breach; in 2014, U.S. President Barack Obama formally accused Russia of violating the INF Treaty. On the other hand, Russia alleges that the U.S. launchers for its missile defence interceptors deployed in Poland and Romania are constituting a violation. China has always had a number of Chinese missiles in the 500-5,500 km range but its modernisation plans, which include the commissioning of the DF-26, today raise the U.S.’s concerns. The U.S.’s 2018 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) reflects a harsher assessment of the security environment faced by the U.S. and envisages a more expansive role for nuclear weapons than in the past. Russia is blamed for seeking the break-up of NATO and a re-ordering of ‘European and Middle East security and economic structures in its favour’. China is identified for the first time as a strategic competitor seeking regional hegemony in the Indo-Pacific region in the near-term and ‘displacement of the U.S. to achieve global pre-eminence in the future’. A 30-year modernisation plan with a price tag of $1.2 trillion with new nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCMs) and low-yield warheads is detailed in the NPR. Russia has unveiled plans to develop a new nuclear torpedo and nuclear-powered cruise missile. What next? The INF Treaty is not the first casualty of unravelling nuclear arms control. In December 2001, the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty with the U.S.S.R. which limited deployment of ABM systems thereby ensuring mutual vulnerability, a key ingredient of deterrence stability in the bipolar era. The next casualty is likely to be the New START agreement between the U.S. and Russia, which will lapse in 2021, unless renewed for a five-year period. This limits both countries to 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBMs) and heavy bombers and 1,550 warheads each. The lapse of the New START would mark the first time since 1968 that the U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals would be unconstrained by any agreement. Complex race of weapon development Even more worrisome are developments that blur the line between nuclear and conventional weapons. In order to lessen its dependence on nuclear weapons, the U.S. developed layered missile defences and conventional Prompt Global Strike (PGS) capabilities that use conventional payloads against strategic targets. Other countries have responded with hypersonics and a shift to lower yield tactical warheads. With growing dependence on space-based and cyber systems, such asymmetric approaches only increase the risks of accidental and inadvertent nuclear escalation. Preserving the nuclear taboo In today’s return of major power rivalry, it is no longer a bi-polar world, and nuclear arms control is no longer governed by a single binary equation. There are multiple nuclear equations — U.S.-Russia, U.S.-China, U.S.-North Korea, India-Pakistan, India-China, but none is standalone. Therefore, neither nuclear stability nor strategic stability in today’s world can be ensured by the U.S. and Russia alone and this requires us to think afresh. What about NPT? The political disconnect is also evident in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the most successful example of multilateral arms control. It has become a victim of its success. It can neither accommodate the four countries outside it (India, Israel, North Korea and Pakistan) as all four possess nuclear weapons, nor can it register any progress on nuclear disarmament. It succeeded in delegitimising nuclear proliferation but not nuclear weapons. This is why NPT Review Conferences have become increasingly contentious. Conclusion The most important achievement of nuclear arms control is that the taboo against use of nuclear weapons has held since 1945. Preserving the taboo is critical but this needs realisation that existing nuclear arms control has to be brought into line with today’s political realities. Connecting the dots: Death of INF treaty gives a lesson that existing nuclear arms control agreements need to be brought in line with today’s political realities. Elucidate. NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Constitution: Parliament; functions and powers 'Private' efforts at legislation: How they are made, how often they succeed Introduction Nominated Member of Rajya Sabha Rakesh Sinha said he would bring a private member’s Bill “on the Ram Temple”. How are private member’s Bills introduced and discussed? What chance does such a Bill have of becoming law? Private members, their Bills Any MP who is not a Minister is referred to as a private member. Parliament’s key role is to debate and make laws. Both Ministers and private members contribute to the lawmaking process. Bills introduced by Ministers are referred to as government bills. They are backed by the government, and reflect its legislative agenda. Private member’s bills are piloted by non-Minister MPs. Their purpose is to draw the government’s attention to what individual MPs see as issues and gaps in the existing legal framework, which require legislative intervention. Introduction in the House The admissibility of a private member’s Bill is decided by the Rajya Sabha Chairman. (In the case of Lok Sabha, it is the Speaker; the procedure is roughly the same for both Houses.) The Member must give at least a month’s notice before the Bill can be listed for introduction; the House secretariat examines it for compliance with constitutional provisions and rules on legislation before listing. Up to 1997, private members could introduce up to three Bills in a week. This led to a piling up of Bills that were introduced but never discussed; Chairman K R Narayanan, therefore, capped the number of private member’s Bills to three per session. While government Bills can be introduced and discussed on any day, private member’s Bills can be introduced and discussed only on Fridays. Private member’s Bills have been introduced and discussed in Rajya Sabha on 20 days in the last three years. Procedure for introduction On the scheduled Friday, the private member moves a motion for introduction of the Bill, which is usually not opposed. Two recent exceptions to this convention were in 2004, when nominated MP Vidya Nivas Misra’s Bill seeking to amend the Preamble of the Constitution was opposed; and in 2015, when Shashi Tharoor’s Bill to decriminalise homosexuality was not introduced in Lok Sabha after the BJP’s Nishikant Dubey forced a division, which led to the motion being defeated. (The Supreme Court struck down IPC Section 377 this September.) Rajya Sabha draws a ballot to decide the sequence of discussion of Bills. If a Bill is successful in the ballot, it has to wait for the discussion to conclude on a Bill currently being debated by the House. For example, a Bill related to sittings of Parliament introduced by Naresh Gujral in March 2017 was taken up for discussion only in August 2018. The discussion will resume when private member business is taken up in the upcoming Winter Session, and other private member’s bills will have to wait for the debate to conclude. Over the last three years, Rajya Sabha saw the introduction of 165 private member’s Bills; discussion was concluded on only 18. A private member’s Bill that is introduced but not discussed in Rajya Sabha, lapses when Member retires. After discussion ends Upon conclusion of the discussion, the Member piloting the Bill can either withdraw it on the request of the Minister concerned, or he may choose to press ahead with its passage. In the latter case, the Bill is put to vote and, if the private member gets the support of the House, it is passed. In 1977, Rajya Sabha passed a private member’s Bill to amend the Aligarh Muslim University Act. The Bill then went to the sixth Lok Sabha, where it lapsed with the dissolution of the House in 1979. In 2015, Rajya Sabha passed The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014, a private member’s Bill piloted by Tiruchi Siva of the DMK. The Bill is now pending before Lok Sabha. Conclusion Many private members' bills were introduced in parliament, but only a fraction of them are taken up for discussion and very few finally passed. The last time a private member’s Bill was passed by both Houses was in 1970. This was the Supreme Court (Enlargement of Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction) Bill, 1968. Fourteen private member’s Bills — five of which were introduced in Rajya Sabha — have become law so far. Connecting the dots: What is private member's bill? Briefly discuss the procedure of introduction of such bill and importance of it in Indian democracy. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a nuclear agreement between India and USA China and Japan Iran and P5 +1 India and Australia Q.2) National Green Tribunal Act, 2010has been enacted with the objectives to provide for establishment of a National Green Tribunal (NGT) for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to: Environment protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources Wildlife Protection Enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property Which of the above statements are correct? 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements with reference to the National Green Tribunal India is the first country to have a dedicated court for environmental matters. It has Original Jurisdiction over matters related to environment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Only 1 Only 2 1 and 2 None Q.4) Consider the following statements about Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC): These are gases that are released mainly from air conditioning systems and refrigeration. CFCs rise to the troposphere, where they come in contact with few other gases, which lead to reduction of ozone layer. Choose the correct statement/s: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Which among the following is/are the international treaties specific for the protection of the Stratospheric Ozone (Ozone layer)? Vienna Convention Montreal Protocol Rotterdam Convention Basel Convention Choose appropriate answer: 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 4 only Q.6) Which of the following substance are responsible for depletion of Ozone Layer? Carbon tetrachloride Methyl bromide Hydro-Fluoro Carbons Hydro chlorofluorocarbons Select the correct answer using the codes given below 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 4 only All of the above MUST READ  No respite from poverty for Muslims The Hindu The long arm of the state The Hindu  What’s in a name? : on changing names of cities The Hindu  Raja Mandala: Shifting sands in West Asia The Indian Express  An exclusionary benchmark  The Indian Express Going beyond the credit requirements of MSMEs  Livemint

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 05th November 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 05th November 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) China-Pakistan Ties Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II - International Relations; India and its neighbours In news: China backs Pakistan’s efforts to resolve issues with India. China also to support Pakistan on two other key topics — the expansion of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and counterterrorism. Do you know? China is an observer at South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Pakistan urged China to play an “active” role in the SAARC platform where it is at present an observer. SAARC has eight member countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri-Lanka) and eight observer status countries (China, the European Union, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Mauritius, Burma/Myanmar and the United States of America). India-China Wuhan consensus focus on – Communication, Cooperation, Contacts, Coordination and Control. Wildlife Sanctuary/Animal in news Greater flamingoes at Hope Island after 25 years Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Animal Conservation; Biodiversity In news: Flock of five greater flamingoes has been spotted along the coast of Hope Island, a part of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. Greater flamingoes are filter feeders and get their characteristic pink colour from their diet of brine shrimps and algae available in coastal wetlands. Flamingoes being spotted along the coast can be considered as indicator of a healthy coastal environment. About Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) is a wildlife sanctuary and estuary situated in Andhra Pradesh. It covers an area of 235.7 square kilometers. It is the second largest stretch of mangrove forests in India with 24 mangrove tree species and more than 120 bird species. It is home to the critically endangered white-backed vulture and the long billed vulture. Speedy trial through Special courts Part of: GS Mains II – Good governance In news: Special courts have helped to deal with speedy trials. Special courts for Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) cases sets example with speedy trial. (After its set up in April, it has awarded conviction in 18 POCSO cases) Important Additions Justice delayed is justice denied is the corner stone in delivering justice, speedy trial is the essence of the criminal justice. If legal redress is available for a party that has suffered some injury, but is not forthcoming in a timely fashion, it is effectively the same as having no redress at all. The state as guardian of fundamental rights of its citizens is duty bound to ensure speedy trial and avoid excessively long delays in criminal trial cases that could result in grave miscarriage of justice. Water ATMs Part of: GS Mains II – Government welfare policies and schemes; Good governance; Health issue In news: Government has started to accept small water enterprises — such as water ATMs and community purification plants — as an alternative solution to the safe drinking water challenge. Water ATMs may help in bridging safe water gap. Do you know? India is ranked at 120 out of 122 countries on the Water Quality Index, said Niti Aayog, adding that 70% of the country’s water supply is contaminated. A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) pointed out that only 18% of the rural population has access to potable piped water, failing to meet the 2017 target of 50%. To reach the government’s Har Ghar Jal target of 100% piped water by 2030, almost ₹5 lakh crore of infrastructure investment will be required, says government data. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/11/05/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/927c2015_2506662_101_mr.jpg Person in news: Vice-Admiral M.P. Awati (retd.) In news: Vice-Admiral M.P. Awati (retd.), who commanded a naval unit of the Eastern Fleet in the 1971 India-Pakistan war and whose actions led to the destruction of an enemy submarine, passed away. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Policies of developed and developing countries and their impact on India’s interests. Bilateral and multilateral agreements and their impact on India’s interests India and U.S.: How not to choose among allies Background In May 2012, U.S. secretary of state, on behalf of the Western countries negotiating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the nuclear deal, with Iran, tried hard to convince India to cut its oil imports from Iran. These cuts were to put pressure on Iran to return to the negotiating table for the six-party talks. Eventually, India agreed to cut its imports by only about 15%. But cumulative global pressure had the desired impact on Iran, where inflation had risen more than 40% and oil exports declined from 2.5 million barrels of crude each day to about 1 million. JCPOA negotiations that followed eventually led to a deal hailed by the United Nations. Changed times Again similar negotiations started between India and U.S., but with a completely different backdrop. The sanctions that the U.S. now proposes and trying to ensure India adheres to, have been placed not in order to forge any deal, but because the Trump administration has walked out of the JCPOA. In this, the U.S. has no support from any other country involved in the deal, and the UN has expressed grave misgivings about the decision. The U.S. has given no evidence that Iran in any way violated the terms of the JCPOA. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s June report concluded that Iran’s stockpile of uranium and heavy water as well as its implementation of additional protocols were “in compliance” with the agreement. Unlike in 2012, the U.S.’s EU allies are now working closely with arch rivals like Russia and China to put a “special payments mechanism”, primarily with a view to supporting trade to Tehran to ensure that the Iranian regime does not walk out of the nuclear deal as well. While the U.S. may succeed in squeezing Iran economically, it is increasingly isolated politically, as was evident at the most recent Financial Action Task Force meet in Paris where the U.S. proposed sanctions on Iran for terror funding. Even so, the U.S. has continued on its unilateral path, without a care for the very “rules-based international order” that it so often invokes. Impact of American sanctions on India For India, the impact of the American sanctions plan would be manifold, regardless of the waiver. First, Iran is India’s third largest supplier of oil. There are not only rising costs of oil to contend with, but also the added cost of having to recalibrate Indian fuel refineries that are used to process Iran’s special crude. The second impact would be on India’s investment in the Chabahar port, which would face both direct and indirect sanctions. Problem will only get more acute as sanctions kick in, threatening India’s $500 million investment in the port and its $2 billion plan for a railway line to circumvent Pakistan and reach Afghanistan and Central Asian trade lines. Finally, there would be the impact on India’s regional security situation, which could see the Iranian-Arab divide deepen, Afghanistan’s choices dwindle and an angry Iran pitched closer into the China-Russia corner. Waiver for Indian Most worrying for India is that all of the above outcomes will follow regardless of whether the U.S. gives India a waiver for sanctions or not. While the ‘waiver’ list, would stave off penalties and allow India to continue some of its trade with Iran, it will not restore the pre-2018 situation. The U.S. is only issuing temporary waivers, and the waivers are strictly linked to the condition that countries receiving them keep cutting down their purchases from Iran. Along with the JCPOA-linked sanctions, India continues to face sanctions linked to the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which puts more strictures on dealings with Iran, Russia and North Korea. The waiver is therefore no magic wand to be wished for, as it only pushes the problems for India down the road. Iran’s options little thought has been given to Iran’s reaction if India keeps submitting to the U.S.’s sanctions regime against it. With trade levels receding, the Iranian regime may well lose interest in the Chabahar option, and focus on its main port of Bandar Abbas instead, derailing India’s grander plans for regional connectivity. Conclusion Given the heavy costs and in the complete absence of any benefits, India should have been more vocal in its protest against the U.S.’s actions. If India will not protest and the U.S. presses on with sanctions, it would be a marked failure of Indian diplomacy. And if the waiver does come through, it will be no victory, but signify an abject submission to the sanctions themselves. With no gains in the offing from a policy of ‘pragmatism’, India may have been better off sticking to principle instead. Connecting the dots: What is CATSAA? Critically analyse the U.S.’S sanctions and their impact on India’s geoploitical and economic relations. ECONOMY TOPIC: General studies 3 Indian economy; inclusive growth Banking and credit facilities Government policies and issues arising out of their design and implementations Significance of MSMEs and recent steps taken by the Government Introduction The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have been impacted adversely by the twin shocks of demonetisation and goods and services tax (GST). Demonetisation made it difficult for these units to pay their contractual labour in cash and access credit, which is again largely through informal channels. GST similarly led to an increase in compliance costs, apart from depriving them of the inherent advantages of doing business in cash without leaving a paper trail. Th outstanding gross bank credit to MSMEs has shrunk — from Rs 4.71 lakh crore to Rs 4.69 crore between September 2014 and September 2018. Despite refinancing schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, this shrunk is proof of formal lending institutions being unable to fill the void either. Why MSMEs are important? The MSME sector accounts for an estimated 30 per cent of the country’s GDP, 45 per cent of its manufacturing output and 40 per cent of merchandise exports. MSMEs have contributed least to the banking system’s non-performing assets crisis, even while disproportionately bearing the brunt of demonetisation and GST. Steps taken by government The government announcing a 2 per cent interest subvention on both fresh and incremental loans taken by MSMEs having GST registration, besides launch of a portal enabling credit sanctions of up to Rs 1 crore “in just 59 minutes”. GST, along with digitisation, allows for creation of a database of transactions, bank account statements and tax returns of all firms. That should make it possible for assessing the creditworthiness of any applicant in a reasonably short period. Whether this would work on the ground will, depend on the banks. Central government has also promised that factory inspectors will be permitted to conduct visits through random computerised allotment, with compulsory publication of reports within 48 hours. In addition, there would be only a single environmental approval for both air and water pollution. But the implementation here, too, is dependent mainly on the states concerned. State of NBFCs The state of non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) is another thing to worry. NBFCs' share in total formal credit to MSMEs has almost doubled from around 5.5 per cent in December 2015 to 10 per cent in March 2018. With these institutions themselves now facing a liquidity squeeze, the danger of credit flows to MSMEs being further affected cannot be ruled out. Conclusion If demonetisation and GST ultimately leads to an ecosystem, wherein MSMEs are able to obtain better access to formal finance and without fear of harassment by tax/enforcement authorities, the short-term pains may still turn out to be worth having endured. Connecting the dots: Explain in brief the significance of MSMEs in Indian economy. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Hope Island is under the administration of West Bengal Orrisa Andhra Pradesh Tamil Nadu Q.2) The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) is located in which state? Andhra Pradesh West Bengal Jharkhand Manipur Q.3) Which of the following fertilizers excessive use may be responsible for the presence of a toxic substance in groundwater? Nitrogen Phosphate only Potassium only Phosphate and Potassium Q.4) The contamination of water by sewage is indicated by the presence of the cyst of Amoeba Pseudomonas Escherichia Coli Lactobacillus MUST READ  Failing to lead by example: on Kerala and the Sabarimala tension The Hindu The ghosts of laws past: on the application of Section 66A of IT Act The Hindu Imaginary homelands The Indian Express Juggler’s art The Indian Express  Making early childhood education a priority Livemint

AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : World's first organic agricultural state – Sikkim, India

World's first organic agricultural state – Sikkim, India ARCHIVES Search 14th October, 2018 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Audio-Archive-Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 3 Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices Inclusive growth and issues arising from it General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation In News: The Indian state of Sikkim just achieved the feat of being the world's first organic state and has been awarded UN Future Policy Gold Award 2018, also known as Oscar for best policies, beating 51 nominated policies from 25 different countries. Sikkim is an outstanding example on how to successfully transform the food system and ensure respect for people and planet and the award recognises the state's leadership and political will. Sikkim's transition to organic farming has benefited over 66,000 family farmers, reaching beyond just organic production to include socioeconomic aspects such as consumption and market expansion, rural development and sustainable tourism with its comprehensive and inclusive approach The award recognises the policies adopted by the state starting with a political commitment to support organic farming in 2003 that led to the 2010 Sikkim Organic Mission. The state's policies and commitment led to it becoming the first 100 per cent organic state. Around 75,000 hectares of agricultural land was gradually converted to certified organic land by implementing organic practices and principles as per guidelines laid down in National Programme for Organic Production. The Journey Factors that led to organic farming in Sikkim It was 12 years ago in 2003 when the Pawan Chamling-led government decided to make Sikkim an organic farming state through a declaration in the legislative assembly. Later the entry of chemical inputs for farmland was restricted and their sale banned. Farmers therefore had no option but to go organic. Farmers (main occupation) in this difficult terrain were already pursuing traditional farming with minimal use of chemical fertilizers and the fact that the state has far less cultivable land — about 76,000 acres — compared to other agricultural states in India. Taking the required measures to get certified as organic farmers was a logical step for Sikkim’s farmers. Rain-fed farming Sikkim’s soil being rich in organic carbon Richness in bio-diversity The Sikkim Organic Mission Project, the state’s organic policy, spread awareness about why, what, and how the mission would be accomplished. Organic farming was added as a subject in school. Farmers attended required training on organic farming led by organic experts and scientists. And they began using natural alternatives, such as compost and manure made from dung, decayed leaves, and dry grasses. Various indigenous technologies were used, like pheromone traps to control fruit flies, biopesticides, and biofertilizers. But the transition to organic farming in Sikkim had its own set of challenges – Many agricultural experts say that a lot more needs to be done before agricultural practices in this mountain state can be held up as a role model for the rest of India where rampant use of pesticides and fertilizers has become a serious issue. While Sikkim deserves to be commended for deciding to go organic, it still faces the below mentioned challenges. Sikkim has long been a food-deficient state. Existing food production there meets only 30 percent of the local population’s dietary needs. The rest has to be imported from neighboring states. In making plans for organic agriculture, the leaders in Sikkim seem to have avoided discussions on two major issues — food self-sufficiency and nutritious food for all Sikkimese. For a state to shift to organic production it is not enough to do certification, support on-farm input generation, and training programs. The state has to begin with a policy goal of food sovereignty and minimizing nutritional inequality; and then build the organic agriculture mission to cater to these overarching policy goals. Additionally, Sikkim’s organic mission does not talk about the following – Farmers do not seem to be at the center-stage of Sikkim’s organic mission. It simply sounds like the government’s program with a top down agenda that doesn’t consider the farmers’ perspective. The heavy expenditure involved in the certification process for farmers when it was not known whether it is benefiting the farmers. Sikkim’s organic mission does not talk about the integration of non-timber forest produce of the highly forested Sikkim state with its organic production goals. For example, rather than shifting or importing resources from other states, Sikkim can easily use its locally available biomass for compost. Vegetables and fruits, which generally have very short shelf lives, make up a large part of the produce in Sikkim. But the mountainous state is poorly connected to the rest of India. It is very difficult to deal in fresh produce, especially when Sikkim is landlocked and has no rail or airport connectivity. The risk factor for farmers is quite high as there are no proper storage facilities. There is no cold store chain, no refrigerated vans, no processing unit, no food park, no packaging material leading to everything coming from outside the state. Plus, all these factors make transportation of produce very expensive and many small scale farms have a hard time covering their costs and finding a fair price for their produce. Sikkim’s organic mission is facing are other challenges like dealing with pests and diseases in certain key cash crops like ginger and cardamom, ensuring the timely supply of organic pesticides and bio fertilizers and irrigation problems in some areas. The State needs to take immediate efforts in establishing the following – Food processing-plants for value addition Cold-storage facilities everywhere in the state Connecting the region to rest of India for speedy transportation of produce to markets The Way Ahead: Sikkim has to put in a lot more effort to address these challenges for ogranic agriculture to become sustainable and profitable for its farmers over the long term. But despite these challenges, Sikkim’s intiative is already serving as an inspiration for other Indian states. Issue with organic farming: However, scientists say the success of organic farming depends on various things such as climate, the type of crop and the quality of soil. Thus, crop failures are common when farmers switch to organic farming. When a farmer transitions from conventional to organic agriculture, you are suddenly removing all the synthetic inputs you had previously been applying, but at the same time the soil does not have the native fertility it used to. With organic methods, the soil fertility takes several years to build back up. During this transition period, farmers can see yield losses. So it is really quite important for the government to support the farmers during this transition period. So, should we go ahead with it: But despite the initial yield drops, organic methods could be beneficial, if used with other integrated farming methods. Organic agriculture has an untapped potential role in global food and ecosystem security because it has been able to provide jobs, be profitable, benefit the soil and environment, and support social interactions between farmers and consumers. About the Award: Nicknamed the 'Oscar for best policies', the award is co-organised with the FAO by The World Future Council (WFC) and IFOAM - Organics International, and recognises 'the world's best laws and policies promoting agroecology'. Must Read: Mindmap – Organic Farming Organic Farming: Training the farmers Zero Budget Natural Farming: A model for the future Connecting the Dots: Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State ‘in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State? No one farming system alone will safely feed the planet. Rather, a blend of organic and other innovative farming systems, will be needed for future global food and ecosystem security. Discuss.

RSTV Video

RSTV - Elephants' Right of Way

Elephants' Right of Way Archives TOPIC: General Studies III Animal Conservation; Man-Animal Conflict In News: Seven elephants died after coming in contact with a sagging electric wire in Odisha's Dhen-kanal on 26 October. This is the highest casualty of elephants in a single incident in Odisha. Why is this national issue? Environment ministry data shows that 655 elephant deaths took place in India from 2009 to 2017. This translates into an average of about 80 elephant deaths per year, seven every month and one every four days. Due to Electrocution – Every year, about 50 elephants have died on average due to electrocution. A total of 461 elephant deaths due to electrocution occurred in the eight years between 2009 and November 2017. The States with the highest elephant population are Karnataka (6,049), followed by Assam (5,719) and Kerala (3,054). Main Causes behind current elephant deaths? Electrocution Train accidents Poaching Poisoning Weak regulation of ecotourism is severely impacting important habitats, and affecting animals that have large home ranges, like elephants. Fragmentation of forests makes it all the more important to preserve migratory corridors. The movement of elephants is essential to ensure that their populations are genetically viable, and help regenerate forests on which other species, including tigers, depend. Ending human interference in the pathways of elephants is a conservation imperative, more so because the animals are then not forced to seek alternative routes that bring them into conflict with people. Forests that have turned into farms and unbridled tourism are blocking their paths, resulting in growing incidents of elephant-human conflict. What does it really mean for India? The horrifying deaths of the seven elephants have once again brought home the fact that India can no longer neglect its wildlife corridors. Elephant corridors are strips of land connecting two large habitats, which are supposed to provide a safe corridor for elephants to migrate from one landscape to another. In India, there are 101 elephant corridors. Has India done anything to safeguard its elephants? Project Elephant – Project Elephant (PE) was launched by the Government of India in the year 1992 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with following objectives : To protect elephants, their habitat and corridors To address issues of man-animal conflict Welfare of captive elephants Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Programme – Mandated by COP resolution of CITES, MIKE program started in South Asia in the year 2003 with following purpose – To provide information needed for elephant range States to make appropriate management and enforcement decisions To build institutional capacity within the range States for the long-term management of their elephant populations The main objectives of the MIKE are To measure levels and trends in the illegal hunting of elephants; To determine changes in these trends over time; and To determine the factors causing or associated with such changes, and To try and assess in particular to what extent observed trends are a result of any decisions taken by the Conference of the Parties to CITES Elephant Information Network (EIN) Has enabled human-elephant coexistence in southern India Acts as an early warning mechanism to alert people when elephants are nearby, minimizing negative human-elephant interactions, and increasing people’s tolerance towards elephants. By Mr. Ananda Kumar India needs to take more concrete steps to ensure the safety of her elephants – Better surveillance of the elephant corridors Greater coordination between the Forest Department and different agencies, including the Power Department, as well as continuous monitoring of electrical wires passing through areas of elephant movement Radio tagging of elephants can help identify danger spots and also avoid man-animal conflict Ban on illegal electrical fencing with proper guidelines for maintaining the height of high tension electrical wires - cabling of power lines should be mandatory A proper zone-wise management plan for different elephant landscapes — where to allow elephants and where to restrict their movement Effort should be to expand elephant corridors, using the successful models within the country, including acquisition of lands using private funds and their transfer to the government. Among the major factors affecting conservation, two need quick remedies: about 40% of elephant reserves are vulnerable, as they are not within protected parks and sanctuaries; and the corridors have no specific legal protection. Illegal structures in these pathways should be removed without delay. Do you know? India prohibits import and export of ivory. The population estimation of Asian elephants in 2017 census is lower than from the last census estimate in 2012. Karnataka has the highest number of elephants (6,049), followed by Assam (5,719) and Kerala (3,054) Karnataka, which has the largest elephant population in the country, captures and confines elephants in conflict with humans Called Kumki elephants, they are tamed and trained in forest camps, and are now in demand in other States, for patrolling duties in forest reserves Their ‘export’ also helps Karnataka, reducing the burden on its camps. How: The state has a tradition of training wild pachyderms: folklore has it that the Jenu Kuruba tribes excelled at it, supplying elephants to the Chola and Pallava kings. Tipu Sultan institutionalised the practice three centuries ago. They have been exported to the following parks – Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh Jharkhand’s Palamu Tiger Reserve Uttarakhand: Corbett Tiger Reserve + Rajaji Tiger Reserve + Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 103]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 103] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about ‘Sinamalé Bridge’ It links the islands of Malé and Hulhulé in the Maldives. It is funded by the Indian Government Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Which of the following countries are members of Paris Club? China Japan South Korea Israel Select the correct code: 1, 3 and 4 2, 3 and 4 1, 2 and 4 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) ‘Agenda for Action 2020’ is concerned with India and African Union BIMSTEC G-20 European Union Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘INS Arihant’ It belongs to Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN) class It will be armed with K-15 and K-4 missiles Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Which of the following is/are correctly matched? Operation Greens – Raising high yielding bamboo plantations on commercial basis in Forest as well as Non-Forest areas KUSUM Scheme – Harnessing solar power for rural India Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 102]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 102] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about ‘Hydrazine’ It is a molecule of nitrogen atoms and hydrogen atoms It is used as rocket fuel propellant It acts as an oxygen scavenger Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements Indian nationality law largely follows the ‘jus sanguinis’ as opposed to the ‘jus soli’ In the U.S. children obtain their citizenship through the legal principle of ‘jus soli’. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Veer Surendra Sai’ He resisted the British and successfully protected most parts of Western Odisha region for some time He died during the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) _____________ has launched the world's first sovereign blue bond. Seychelles Mauritius Maldives Haiti Q.5) Cyclical Unemployment is the: Unemployment that results when people become discouraged about their chances of finding a job so that they stop looking for work Unemployment that occurs during recessions and depressions. Portion of unemployment that is due to the normal working of the labour market. Portion of unemployment that is due to changes in the structure of the economy that results in a significant loss of jobs in certain industries. To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

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