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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 31st August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 31st August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Angikaar campaign Part of: GS Prelims In News The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has launched the 'Angikaar campaign'. The campaign aims for social behaviour change, focusing on issues such as water & energy conservation, waste management, health, tree plantation, sanitation and hygiene for beneficiaries of completed houses under PMAY (U). The campaign will include door to door activities, ward and city level events. For this purpose, the campaign will converge with schemes and Missions of other Ministries dealing with these subjects, especially Ujjwala yojana for gas connection and Ayushman Bharat for health insurance. It will be initiated in all target cities on 2nd October 2019 and culminate on the occasion of Human Rights Day, 10th December, 2019. Do You Know? PMAY- Urban envisions provision of Housing for All by 2022, when India completes 75 years of its Independence The scheme has following four verticals Slum rehabilitation of Slum Dwellers with participation of private developers using land as a resource. Promotion of Affordable Housing for weaker section through credit linked subsidy. Affordable Housing in Partnership with Public & Private sectors. Subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction /enhancement. Fit India Movement Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II – Issues relating to Health In News Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Fit India Movement on the occasion of National Sports Day. The campaign is aimed at encouraging people to integrate physical activity and sports in their everyday lives. Technology has contributed to a sedentary lifestyle which has led to increase in lifestyle diseases like diabetes & hypertension, thus fitness is the need of the hour. The 28-member government committee headed by Sports Minister has been formed to take the movement forward.  National Sports Day is celebrated on 29th August, the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. On this Day, President confers the National Sports Awards, National Adventure Awards, Arjuna Award, Khel Ratna, Dronacharya Award and Dhyanchand Award to recognise the exceptional achievements of Indian sportspersons. https://static.toiimg.com/img/70891964/Master.jpg UN Population report Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains I - Society In News The World Population Prospects 2019 which gives global population estimates and projections was released by United Nations The world’s population is expected to increase from 7.7 billion currently to 9.7 billion in 2050 and the overall growth rate will continue to fall. The countries expected to show the biggest increase in population are India, Nigeria and Pakistan Also, fertility rates are falling worldwide from 3.2 in 1990 to 2.5 in 2019, and is projected to fall further to 2.2 births by 2050. In 2018, for the first time, persons aged 65 years or over worldwide outnumbered children under age five.  By 2050, the number of persons aged 65 or over will also surpass the number of adolescents and youth aged 15-24. Life Expectancy (LE): Although overall LE will increase (from 64.2 years in 1990 to 77.1 years in 2050), LE in poorer countries is projected to continue to lag behind.  Sex ratio: Males are projected to continue to outnumber females until the end of the century, but the gap will close https://images.indianexpress.com/2019/06/one.jpg Do You know? Early marriage, absence of reproductive and sexual rights has a major and negative repercussions on Indian women’s education, income, safety and their overall empowerment.  India’s Maternal mortality ratio in 2015 was 174 deaths per lakh live births (down from 448 in 1994) while the global MMR in 2015 was 216.  While 28 of every 1,000 Indian adolescent women (age 15-19) gave birth between 2006 and 2017, the global adolescent birth rate was at 44 per 1,000.  India’s fertility rate in 2019 is 2.3 births per woman, compared to 2.5 worldwide Mergers of Public sector banks(PSB) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III - Economy In News Government announced mega bank amalgamation plan that merged 10 PSBs into four larger entities Banks have been merged on the basis of likely operating efficiencies, better usage of equity, geographical synergies and their technological platform There are four new sets of mergers  Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India to merge to form the country’s second-largest lender. These three banks are technologically compatible as they use Finacle Core Banking Solution platform. Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank to amalgamate;  Union Bank of India to acquire Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank;  Indian Bank (Strong presence in South India) to merge with Allahabad Bank (strong presence in East & North India) – To maximise geographical synergies. Government also announced to infuse 55,250 crore in these banks to enable them to grow their loan book The government also unveiled governance reforms in PSB, providing their boards greater autonomy, flexibility to fix sitting fee of independent directors, longer term to directors at management committee of boards etc. Do You Know? Out of the 10 banks that the government has decided to merge to create four, nine have net non-performing assets (NPAs) of over 5%. Government had merged Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank with Bank of Baroda on January 2019, creating the third-largest bank by loans in the country. With these series of mergers, the number of state-owned banks is down to 12 from 27. Narasimham Committee of 1998 had proposed a three-tier banking structure for India - Three large banks of international size, eight to 10 national banks and a large number of regional banks. https://www.thehindu.com/business/5vg8pr/article29302645.ece/alternates/FREE_615/REV-Banking-on-mergerscol (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. The public sector bank merger Context: The Centre Friday announced a mega amalgamation plan, the third in a row, that merged ten public sector banks into four larger entities, alongside board level governance reforms aimed at improving their financial health and enhancing their lending capacity to support growth. The public sector bank merger The merger announcement was followed by an equity infusion move of Rs 55,250 crore in these banks to enable them to grow their loan book. With these series of mergers, the number of state-owned banks is down to 12 from 27. There are four new sets of mergers —  Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India to merge to form the country’s second-largest lender; Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank to amalgamate;  Union Bank of India to acquire Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank; and  Indian Bank to merge with Allahabad Bank. The biggest merger out of the four was Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank merging into Punjab National Bank to create a second largest state-owned bank with Rs 17.95 lakh crore business and 11,437 branches. These three banks are technologically compatible as they use Finacle Core Banking Solution (CBS) platform The merger of Syndicate Bank with Canara Bank will create the fourth largest public sector bank with Rs 15.20 lakh crore business and a branch network of 10,324 branches. Canara Bank will get capital infusion of Rs 6,500 crore. Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank’s merger with Union Bank of India will create India’s fifth largest public sector bank with Rs 14.59 lakh crore business and 9,609 branches. The government announced capital infusion of Rs 11,700 crore for the Union Bank of India. The merger of Allahabad Bank with Indian Bank will create the seventh largest public sector bank with Rs 8.08 lakh crore business with strong branch networks in the south, north and east of the country. Indian Bank will get equity infusion of Rs 2,500 crore. The logic behind the mergers According to the government, banks have been merged on the basis of likely operating efficiencies, better usage of equity and their technological platform.  But the move marks a departure from the plan to privatise some of the banks or bringing in a strategic investors to usher in reform in the sector.  The government, after consultations, decided that amalgamation is the “best route” to achieve banking sector scale and to support the target of achieving a $5 trillion economic size for India in five years Previous bank mergers Last year, the government had merged Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank with Bank of Baroda, creating the third-largest bank by loans in the country. Earlier, the State Bank of India had acquired its associate banks How this move will help? The Banking sector as a whole will get strengthened due to obvious efficiencies and will lead to enhanced productivity and better results thereby leading to better lending too The mergers should help create stronger institutions thereby leading to efficiencies of scale and stronger balance sheets.  It will help rationalize costs across many areas including branches, people, technology etc. The branch network would become larger so access to bank branches would become easier provided the merged entity does not shut down all branches of merging banks  Connecting the dots: More than banks, it is the operation of banks is what creates the financial inclusion. Discuss the impact on banking sector with merging Why is the government keen on consolidating the banks? Are there any merits of merging the banks to create banking behemoths? Critically evaluate (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements Merging of Public Sector banks will improve operating efficiencies, lead to better usage of equity, enhance geographical synergies and helps tackle rising NPA problem. With the recent mergers of Public sector banks, the number of state-owned banks is reduced from 27 to 12. Narasimham Committee of 1998 had proposed a two-tier banking structure for India - Three large banks of international size and eight to 10 national banks Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following statements  The World Population Prospects 2019 which gives global population estimates and projections is released by World Economic Forum India’s present Maternal Mortality ratio and adolescent birth rate is higher than the corresponding global ratio/rate. India’s fertility rate in 2019 is 2.3 births per woman, compared to 2.5 worldwide Which of the statement(s) given above is/are incorrect? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following statements  Fit India movement is aimed at encouraging people to integrate physical activity and sports in their everyday lives.  National Sports Day is celebrated on 29th August, the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Angikaar campaign is being implemented by which Union Ministry? Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Ministry of Tribal affairs Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry None of the above Must Read GDP growth contracts to 5%, slowest in six years; Govt says more boosters coming  Indian express Liberalism runs into national populism The Hindu Hope and hurt in Ladakh The Hindu What’s Boris Johnson’s Brexit strategy? The Hindu

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Out of the box thinking – Inspirational Educative Articles

Out of the box thinking: How often have we heard people talk about the importance of out of the box thinking and yet how often have we actually given it any serious consideration. We know that there is such a thing called as out of the box thinking – people talk about it as a way of problem solving and yet why is it that we know so little about how exactly it works. Whatever the reason might be for us to ignore the concept of out of the box thinking, we cannot deny its usefulness. Out of the box thinking is more important than we think it is. It helps us to get out of difficult situations, it helps us to understand life better, it helps us to break out of fixed limiting mindsets, and it helps us to solve important problems and so much more. So let us see what exactly is out of the box thinking. Well, the fact is almost all our thinking is sought of out of the box. We have fixed boxes of ideas, which we use to pull out ideas from. The box is made up of our emotions, circumstances, people etc. There is really no independent thought process, all our thoughts are based on a particular situation and context. When all our thinking is out of the box, there is a particular type of thinking that can be categorized as out of the box thinking. It is the ability to completely disassociate oneself from the situation and circumstances around and re-look at a problem or a situation by using the power of imagination. Imagination is the key differentiating factor between ordinary thinking and out of the box thinking. While everybody, including some of the famous scientists of his time was thinking in a fixed and narrow way, Einstein was able to think out of the box and that is what made him a genius. The difference between ordinary thinking and out of the box thinking is the difference between everybody else and Einstein. Some of the greatest minds of the world have used the power of imagination to re-imagine a situation to find solutions nobody else was able to see. Most often we are simply unable to see solutions because we are blinded by our circumstances and conditioning. Out of the box thinking by using imagination helps you to go beyond all conditioning and apply a thought purely to solve problems, sometimes unsolvable problems even. Out of the box thinking can be used in handling relationships, managing work, solving problems, be creative and inventive, and so much more. In its simplest sense, out of the box thinking is creative thinking by using the power of imagination. When people had hardly contemplated on the properties of light, Einstein used his power of imagination to travel on a light particle and look at reality from a completely different perspective. That ability to say let me see what might happen if I travel on a light particle at the speed of light! – Now that is pure genius, or rather simply out of the box thinking. All great inventions have come about mainly because of an individual’s ability to think out of the box. It is one of the greatest skills you can possess. If you feel you are stuck in life and you are unable to do certain things, try and step away from the circumstance, clear out your mind and re-imagine the problem completely. More often than not, out of the box thinking will give you the solutions you are looking for. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”

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All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - Ban on Crypto Currency

Ban on Crypto Currency ARCHIVES Search 23rd July, 2019 Money Talk here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3 Indian Economy, Banking Development in IT In News: A government panel had proposed a draft bill titled Banning of Cryptocurrency & Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2019. The move will make it illegal to deal in any cryptocurrency in India, which is not regulated by the government. That will include currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and more. Cryptocurrencies enable some level of anonymity in transactions, operate on decentralised networks outside central banking systems, and are subject to fluctuation. Naturally, consumer and market protection, and lack of accountability of users and exchanges are relevant triggers for regulation. While the recommendations elaborate on some of these concerns, they make a limited case for regulation and not a blanket ban. What are cryptocurrencies? Cryptocurrencies are digital currency in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds.  Cryptocurrency has been defined as "any information or code or number or token not being part of any official digital currency, generated through cryptographic means or otherwise, providing a digital representation of value which is exchange with or without consideration, with the promise or representation of having inherent value in any business activity which may involve risk of loss or an expectation of profits or income, or functions as a store of value or a unit of account and includes its use in any financial transaction or investment, but not limited to, investment schemes." Benefits Reduces administration and transaction costs Obviates duplication and improves accuracy of data Improves the speed and efficiency of transactions and detecting fraud Potential use cases for blockchain technology Payments systems including cross-border and small value payments Data identity management or know-your-customer requirements by various financial entities Insurance Collateral and ownership (including land) registries Loan issuance and tracking E-stamping Trade financing Post-trade reporting Securities and commodities Internal systems of financial service providers Problems plaguing the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry  Lack of regulations Illegitimate transactions Evasion of taxes Lack of talent  Certain justifications provided by the committee merit scrutiny. Excessive power consumption for cryptocurrency mining has been provided as a reason for the ban. The total global power consumption of banks and the internet is approximately 100 TWh and 2,500 TWh per year, respectively. Bitcoin uses 66.7 TWh per year globally. Therefore, this claim appears to be conjecture and perhaps merits a separate evaluation for India. Similarly, the committee points out China as an example that has banned the use of cryptocurrencies. Recently, a Chinese court recognised cryptocurrency as digital property. While countries such as China have adopted harsher regulation in the past, their changing approach to cryptocurrencies cannot not be ignored. The Case against Cryptocurrencies All the cryptocurrencies have been created by non- sovereigns and are in this sense entirely private enterprises. There is no underlying intrinsic value of these cryptocurrencies back they lack all the attributes of a currency. There is no fixed nominal value of these private cryptocurrencies i.e. neither act as any store of value nor are they a medium of exchange. Since their inceptions, cryptocurrencies have demonstrated extreme fluctuations in their prices. These crytocurrencies cannot serve the purpose of a currency. The private cryptocurrencies are inconsistent with the essential functions of mon- ey/currency, hence private cryptocurrencies cannot replace fiat currencies. A review of global practices show that they have not been recognised as a LEGAL tender in any jurisdiction. Committee also recommends that all exchanges, people, traders and other financial system participants should be prohibited from dealing with cryptocurrencies. The committee proposes a new form of digital currency — the Digital Rupee — which will be the only digital currency permitted under Indian law. The recommendations lack clarity on its implementation, scaling for billions of Indians, inclusion of the unbanked, and whether India possesses the necessary infrastructure for rolling out a digital currency of this magnitude. Against the Bill The draft law proposed by the committee raises significant questions of implementation and enforcement. Policymakers must first assess whether the police and traditional investigation tools are equipped to investigate crimes of this nature. Crypto is just one manifestation of the technology. The regulation takes India away from speculative use of technology and paves the way for beneficial use of technology and thereby propagates auditable, secure digital business ecosystem. The blockchain technology adopted in these virtual currencies was not disputed and, therefore, a blanket ban was "arbitrary, unfair and unconstitutional".  The Way Forward In order to address concerns regarding protection of users and fraud prevention, existing laws can be revisited.  Cryptocurrency exchanges, users and other market players can be brought under the purview of anti-money laundering laws or KYC norms.  Like the US, sectoral regulators can monitor aspects of cryptocurrency for the purpose of taxation or monitoring large transactions. The government should work towards developing a risk-based framework to regulate and monitor cryptocurrencies and tokens. A ban would inhibit new applications and solutions from being deployed and would discourage tech startups. It would handicap India from participating in new use cases that cryptocurrencies and tokens offer. To solve the issue of evasion of taxes, the government could collaborate with cryptocurrency exchanges to bring in transparency. All legitimate cryptocurrency exchanges would be ready to collaborate with the government. To address consumer protection concerns, cryptocurrency-based businesses can be tested in the regulatory sandboxes being launched by the financial sector regulators across the country. We should work towards creating a regulatory framework that will constantly monitor and prevent illegal activities. Regulating would allow the law enforcement agencies to be better equipped to understand these new technologies, enable them to gather intelligence on criminal developments and take enforcement actions Undoubtedly, a case can be made for making reasonable regulation to ensure that block chain-based cryptocurrencies don’t upend the existing financial security of the country, but the way forward isn’t a ban. As the government mulls its next move, it is important to consider a reasonable policy that suitably balances technological innovation and protection of users and economic interests. Do you know? Facebook’s own cryptocurrency: Libra Must Read: Virtual Currencies Connecting the Dots: What are Cryptocurrencies? How Do Cryptocurrencies work? Are there risks involved in cryptocurrencies? Examine

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All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - Bilateral ties between India and Bhutan

Bilateral ties between India and Bhutan ARCHIVES Listen to the 17th August 2019 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx  TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests In News: Prime Minister Narendra Modis two-day visit to Bhutan was aimed at re-engaging with the Himalayan neighbour during his second term in office as part of his ‘neighbourhood first’ policy. It has signalled a deepening of the bilateral ties with both sides making efforts to diversify and develop their ties to a wider variety of sectors that go much beyond the traditional cooperation in the hydropower sector. Background Modi’s trip is his first to Bhutan since the China-India military face-off in 2017, triggered by an intrusion by Chinese troops into territory claimed by Bhutan. It aims to diversify India’s partnership with the kingdom from cooperation in the hydro-power sector to enhanced trade and linkages in space and education. It comes in the backdrop of efforts by Beijing to woo Thimphu as well as calls within sections of the Bhutanese political establishment for stronger diplomatic ties with China and a shift away from its hydel power ties with India. Agreements and MoU Signed Trade & Exports: India will provide ₹400 crore for a trade support facility to encourage Bhutanese exporters, a special focus and a special package is being given in this five-year plan as trade support for companies and manufacturers to incentivise them to export more to India Hydropower: India is providing ₹5,000 crore for Bhutan’s 12th five-year plan that began in 2018, the same as the allocation for the previous plan. Hydro-power, however, will continue to be an important sector of cooperation between the two neighbours with the two sides looking to start discussions on the 2,500 MW Sankosh project Space: The two prime ministers inaugurated ₹7-crore ground earth station built by India’s space agency to allow Bhutan to use a transponder on the South Asian Satellite for broadcast services and disaster management – will enhance the communication, public broadcasting and disaster management coverage in Bhutan. Digital Finance: India launched its Rupay card in Bhutan that would boost tourism and lead to shared spiritual heritage and strong people-to-people relationship. Education: Unveiled e-plaque of the interconnection between India’s National Knowledge Network and Bhutan’s Druk Research and Education Network. Collaboration and relationship between Royal Bhutan University and IITs of India and some other top educational institutions are in line with today’s requirements for education and technology. Inauguration of Mangdechhu hydropower project: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 720-MW Mangdechhu hydropower project during his two-day visit to Bhutan, one of the major projects under Bhutan's initiative to generate 10,000 MW hydropower by 2020 with the Indian government's support. The Rs 4,500-crore hydroelectric plant, touted as a Bhutan-India friendship project, is a 720MW run-of-river power plant built on the Mangdechhu River in Trongsa Dzongkhag district of central Bhutan. It was developed by the Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project Authority (MHPA), which was jointly constituted by the Indian and the Bhutanese governments. China in Bhutan Tourism stands to be the second greatest economic contributor to Bhutan’s GDP and China has resorted to using tourist trends as economic leverage. There has been a significant increase in Chinese tourists to Bhutan, but this fastest growing industry witnessed a major drop in tourist arrivals after the Doklam standoff. This came as a warning to Bhutan about the country’s vulnerability. There are also concerns about Bhutan’s economic progress under India’s umbrella. The current Bhutanese government faces major challenges with respect to rising unemployment and rising foreign debt to India. As the government seeks to shift away from a dependence on hydropower for economic growth, Chinese investment has caught the attention of both young people and the private sector as offering a better future – but India still stands as the major hurdle to realizing that dream.  There is a growing interest in Bhutan for diplomatic relations with China. The issue has now become a part of the public debate and the government is facing large-scale pressure from the private sector to establish economic relations with China. Bhutan would like to benefit from the growing Chinese ties in the region as well but the pressure from India seems to be choking the country today. The Way Forward India and Bhutan celebrated 50 years of diplomatic ties in 2018. Now it is time for New Delhi to level up its relationship with Thimpu. In this pursuit, the focus should not only be on government-to-government engagement but also on people-to-people interaction and development.  The fundamental area of cooperation is the hydro power sector but both sides needed to deepen the relationship in other areas — education, health care, science and technology. It can also stem out from regional diplomacy with Indian Himalayan states, such as Ladakh, which shares common religious and cultural ties with Bhutan dating back centuries. This must be supplemented by institutions and policies that could ease the people-to-people connectivity between the two Himalayan regions. It is time for India to take Bhutan seriously, with a more mature and coherent policy. India’s casual dealings with Bhutan could be detrimental to its security and economy under the present geopolitical dynamics steered mainly by China. Do you Know? PM Modi plants a Cypress tree sapling at Bhutan's historic Simtoka Dzong in Thimpu: Built-in 1629 by Shabdrung Namgyal, a Tibetan Buddhist lama who is regarded as the unifier of Bhutan as a nation-state, Simtoka Dzong is one of the oldest fortress in the Himalayan nation and functions as a monastic and administrative centre. Must read: India Bhutan Relations  + Mindmap Connecting the Dots: India-Bhutan partnership today is of a special character and substance and forms an important pillar of Government of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Discuss. Himalayan linkages can be seen as a constraining factor or as a great regional foreign policy connector. What do you think? Explain. Bhutan is India’s most trusted partner but it shouldn’t be taken for granted. Critically analyse relation between both countries.

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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 30th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 30th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III – Environmental Conservation In News PM Modi will launch an International CDRI during the UN Climate Action Summit in New York on September 23.  The Coalition’s secretariat will be set up in New Delhi.  The CDRI will create a mechanism to assist countries for upgrading their capacities and practices with regard to infrastructure development in accordance with their risk context and economic needs. It will bring together technical expertise from a multitude of stakeholders.  The charter of the CDRI will be finalized by the National Disaster Management Authority (in consultation with Ministry of External Affairs) after taking inputs from potential member countries  India will provide support of Rs 480 crore (approx. $ 70 million) to the CDRI so as to support research projects, setting up secretariat and covering recurring expenditure over a period of five years from 2019 to 2024. Potential: A clear niche for a Global CDRI would simultaneously address the loss reduction targets under the Sendai Framework, address a number of SDGs and also contribute to climate change adaptation. Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II – Issues relating to Federalism In News The Union Environment Ministry on Thursday transferred ₹47,436 crore to 27 States for afforestation as a part of CAF Levies are imposed on firms (under Forest Conservation Act 1980) that seeks to divert forest land for developmental activities, which are accrued in the CAF The amount to be paid by industry depends on the economic value of the goods and services that the razed forest would have provided.  These funds were supposed to be disbursed to states to plant trees elsewhere so as to compensate the loss of forest due to development projects Only a fraction of this corpus had actually been disbursed to states, due to the lack of a legal framework (until CAF Act, 2016) and instances of States using it for non-forestry purposes. The CAF Act 2016, established an independent authority — the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority — to execute the fund. The rules governing the management of the fund were finalised in August 2018. The release of fund to States will boost the efforts of the Government towards restoration and enhancement of forest wealth, enhance bio-richness, water availability and secure ecological security of the country The funds will also help in creating the additional carbon sink to meet the nation’s INDC of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by the year 2030. Do You know? The rate of diversion of forest land for non-forestry activities is roughly 20,000-25,000 hectare per year in India (as per Minister of Environment in 2016) 90% of CAF funds will flow to States & UT afforestation fund which can be used for catchment area treatment, wildlife management, forest fire prevention, soil and moisture conservation work in the forest However, it cannot be used for payment of salary, travelling allowances, making buildings and buying office equipment for forest officers 10% of CAF funds will be utilized by Centre for monitoring mechanism and R&D activities Foreign Direct Investment(FDI) Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III – Economy In News In an effort to get economic growth government has liberalised FDI rules in various sectors Digital media: Government approved FDI up to 26% under the “government route” for digital media companies that upload or stream news and current affairs. Digital news media was unregulated & thriving with 100% FDI was allowed in such start ups. Coal mining: Government permitted 100% FDI under automatic route for sale of coal, for coal mining activities including associated processing infrastructure This will result in FDI inflow along with updated technology, and increase India’s coal production thus reducing coal imports. It will also enhance Coal India Limited’s (CIL) competitiveness and efficiency. Contract Manufacturing: Government has decided to allow 100% FDI under automatic route in contract manufacturing in India. Single Brand Retail Trading (SBRT): All procurements made from India by the SBRT entity for the single brand shall be counted towards local sourcing, irrespective of whether the goods procured are sold in India or exported. Do You know? Print media and news broadcast television companies in India have had FDI caps of 26% and 49% respectively. In India, it takes at least six years from getting a mine allocation to actually starting mining operations. In 2018-19 India spent about $8 billion on importing 125 million tonnes of coal for non-coastal thermal plants. State-owned Coal India and Singareni Collieries Company together accounted for 91.6% of the total coal produced in the country during FY2017-18 Total FDI flows into India in 2018-19 i.e. US $ 64.37 billion (provisional figure) is the highest ever FDI received for any financial year. Lucy Part of: GS Prelims In News A 3.8-million-year-old skull named MRD was discovered at a palaeontological site in Ethiopia in 2016  Research on MRD could now clarify the origins of Lucy, the well-known ancestor of modern humans which is estimated to be 3.2 million years old. The finding helps bridge a big gap between the earliest-known human ancestors (about 6 million years old) and species like Lucy. The dating suggests that MRD’s species could have coexisted with Lucy’s for some 100,000 years. It is possible that a small group of MRD’s species became genetically isolated from the rest of the population and evolved into Lucy’s species, whose population eventually out-bred MRD’s species Do You know? The age of MRD was determined by dating minerals in layers of volcanic rocks near the site.  Researchers also combined field observations with analysis of microscopic biological remains to reconstruct the landscape, vegetation, and hydrology in the area where MRD died, Scientists have reconstructed MRD’s facial features and described him as “a mix of primitive and derived facial and cranial features” (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. New FDI Norms  Context: The Centre’s announcement on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms on Wednesday appears to be one more push to make India a more attractive destination to overseas investors, especially those keen on entering the market for the long haul. Concerns: The government, clearly concerned by the economic slowdown and persistently weak investment activity, has sought to provide a policy fillip to attract more foreign capital into sectors that it sees as having a multiplier effect particularly in terms of job creation New Rules: It has provided for a relaxation of the contentious sourcing norms which have been a major deterrent for foreign investment in single-brand retail. Firms can adjust their entire procurement from India, be it for their domestic operations or for global markets, against their local sourcing requirements. Local sourcing norms need not be met annually, but as an average of the first five years. Sourcing, even through group companies or indirectly through third parties such as contract manufacturers, will now be counted towards their domestic sourcing obligations Single brand retailers have also been allowed the option of setting up their online retail platforms before putting in place a brick and mortar presence. The government has allowed 100 per cent FDI in contract manufacturing and in coal mining and related activities such as washery, handling and separation.  How are the new rules significant? Easing of restrictions on foreign investment, which sends a positive signal to the international community So far, India has not been able to take advantage of this ongoing relocation of production facilities out of China. But, these changes in the rules should gradually facilitate foreign firms setting up manufacturing bases in India, providing a boost to both employment and exports. Allowing 100 per cent FDI in contract manufacturing through the automatic route will also attract global players looking to set up alternate manufacturing hubs — diversifying away from China.  Adding exports to the local sourcing norms is also likely to encourage the building of larger production facilities, providing a much needed fillip to the country’s subdued exports. These initiatives are an attempt to create a manufacturing ecosystem, establishing value chains with both upstream and downstream linkages Sectors such as electronics, mobiles, apparel and pharma are likely to benefit the most from these measures. And with India’s electronics imports exceeding $50 billion in 2018-19 — it was the biggest driver of the trade deficit after oil — over time, these measures could also help contain India’s current account deficit. Concerns of New Rules: For instance, the tweaks to investment norms on coal appear at first flush to be a win-win for both the economy at large and the coal industry, the environmental costs of focusing on one of the most polluting fossil fuels notwithstanding. This is predicated on the prospect of seeing an influx of both capital and modern technology into mining and processing, as well as raising domestic supply of the key raw material for power, steel and cement production thereby cutting costly and burgeoning imports.  But for foreign mining companies to make a beeline to pitheads, several related regulatory and market challenges will have to be addressed post-haste Conclusion: All these initiatives need to be accompanied by reforms, especially factor market reforms, that address the structural issues plaguing the economy. The continuing overvaluation of the rupee also needs to be attended to. In the coming weeks, the government is likely to announce more measures to tackle the slowdown. These should be at the top of its agenda. Connecting the dots: How does the foreign investment in India affect India’s economic growth? Critically evaluate in reference to major FDI policy decisions taken recently. NATIONAL/WELFARE TOPIC:General studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections Marine Fisheries Regulation and Management (MFRM) Bill 2019 In news: A Marine Fisheries Regulation and Management (MFRM) Bill 2019 is in the public domain for discussion.  India has obligations to frame laws under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreements.  UNCLOS: Under UNCLOS, which India ratified in 1995, the sea and resources in the water and the seabed are classified into three zones — the internal waters (IW), the territorial sea (TS) and the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).  The IW is on the landward side of the baseline — it includes gulfs and small bays. Coastal states treat IW like land.  The TS extends outwards to 12 nautical miles from the baseline — coastal nations enjoy sovereignty over airspace, sea, seabed and subsoil and all living and non-living resources therein.  The EEZ extends outwards to 200 nautical miles from the baseline. Coastal nations have sovereign rights for exploration, exploiting, conserving and managing all the natural resources therein. Importance of having the regulation: Since fisheries is a state subject, fishing in the IW and TS come within the purview of the states concerned. Other activities in the TS and activities, including fishing beyond the TS up to the limit of the EEZ, are in the Union list. No Central government, so far, has framed laws covering the entire EEZ. This would be the first one to regulate fisheries in comprehensive manner. The annual fishery potential of the country’s EEZ is about 5 million tonnes. Utilising it judiciously is an important priority of the government. It has been underscored by the formation of a new fisheries ministry. The Bill is also a response to discussions on fisheries’ subsidies at the WTO since the Doha Round of 2001. India has been defending the rights of developing nations for special and differential treatment. Developed countries contend that nations without laws to manage fisheries in their respective EEZs are not serious about unregulated fishing. The MFRM Bill is India’s response to such sentiments. Pros: Bigger vessels, particularly trawlers, registered and licenced under state departments, will need a permit to fish. This is a welcome measure to manage the fishing sector. The Bill respects the jurisdiction of our coastal states over the TS. It proposes social security for fish workers and calls for protection of life at sea during severe weather events. Cons: The Bill prohibits fishing by foreign fishing vessels, thus nationalising our EEZ. An Indian fishing vessel desirous of fishing in the EEZ, outside the TS, must obtain a permit. This requirement has been contested by the fishing industry — particularly small-scale operators. There is a faulty assumption in the Bill that only large-scale vessels fish outside the TS. Actually, thousands of small-scale fishing crafts regularly venture into such areas. Their freedom to access fish outside the TS will cease if the Bill becomes law. A few exemption clauses to safeguard their livelihoods should be incorporated in the Bill. The Bill lacks congruence with important regional fishery agreements. It is incomplete compared to the regulations in other coastal nations. Conclusion: Fish cannot be bound by territoriality diktats of the Centre or states. Cooperative governance between them over different territories (IW, TS and EEZ) is key to the sustainable management of marine fisheries.  Small-scale fish workers can demand making the entire IW and TS completely free of trawling using the FAO/UN Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines to support their arguments. This will raise their incomes, ensure a steady supply to consumers, heal the coastal areas and curb the bane of destructive fishing. Connecting the dots: India is yet to have a central regulation on fisheries. In this light discuss the importance of Marine Fisheries Regulation and Management (MFRM) Bill.  (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Compensatory Afforestation Fund(CAF) The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority established under Forest Conservation Act 1980 will execute the fund. 90% of CAF funds will flow to States & UT afforestation fund which can be used for catchment area treatment, wildlife management, salaries and travelling allowances for forest officers. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are incorrect? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) The CDRI will create a mechanism to assist countries for upgrading their capacities and practices with regard to infrastructure development in accordance with their risk context and economic needs. Its secretariat will be set up in New Delhi.  The charter of the CDRI will be finalized by the National Disaster Management Authority in consultation with Ministry of External Affairs Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following statements  Government permitted 100% FDI under automatic route for sale of coal, for coal mining activities including associated processing infrastructure  Total FDI flows into India in 2018-19 is the highest ever FDI received for any financial year Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Which of the following countries are considered as part of Horn of Africa? Eritrea Ethiopia Somalia Gabon  Select the correct answer from codes given below. 1,2 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1,3 and 4 only 1,2,3 and 4 Must Read: What is the right way of regulating social media? The Hindu Seize the slowdown Indian express A more precarious citizenship Indian Express Gadgil happy over renewed interest in WGEEP report The Hindu To make India the factory of the world Live Mint

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 60

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 60 Archives Q.1) Bhagoria Haat Festival is celebrated by which of the tribes of India? Bhils Munda Khasi Angami Q.2) Who appoints Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India? NITI Aayog Government of India Reserve Bank Governor President of India Q.3) Which among the below is a constitutional body? National Development Council Central Information Commission Central Vigilance Commission Finance Commission Q.4) Who of the following social reformers published a set of notes on “Infant Marriage and Enforced Widowhood.”? Ishwarchand Vidyasagar Raja Rammohun Roy Bahramji Malabari Swami Dayananada Q.5) Consider the following Market Borrowings Special securities issued to RBI Treasury Bills Which among the above is / are components of Internal Debt?  1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 2 Only 1, 2 and 3  To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 29th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 29th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II – International Organisations In News Mr. Modi has been invited by Mr. Putin as the chief guest of the EEF to be held in Vladivostok (in Russia’s Far East) on September 5. EEF is an international forum held each year, which was established by decree of the President Putin in 2015 to support the economic development of Russia’s Far East  The Russian Far East comprises the eastern Russian territory between Lake Baikal in eastern Siberia and the Pacific Ocean. This region bordering China is rich in mineral resources like diamonds, borax materials, gold, tungsten, fish and seafood In EEF, India and Russia are likely to seal a military logistics support agreement, the Agreement on Reciprocal Logistics Support (ARLS), ARLS will facilitate access to each other’s’ military facilities for exchange of fuel and provisions on mutual agreement, simplifying logistical support and increasing operational turnaround. A pact may be signed where Russia will construct six nuclear power plants in India, apart from the six being set up in Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu. Do you know? India signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Understanding (LEMOA) with the U.S. in August 2016 Russia has assured that it be delivering the S-400 Triumph air defence missile system to India by 2023 despite the US pressure on New Delhi not to acquire the system. America has threatened to impose sanctions on India (for S-400 defence deal) under the CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) legislation Anti-microbial resistance Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II – Issues relating to Health In News The government has commissioned a ₹9.3 crore study to check antibiotic resistance in along the entire length of the river Ganga. Agencies involved: Motilal Nehru Institute of Technology, Allahabad; the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur; Sardar Patel Institute of Science & Technology, Gorakhpur and two private companies Phixgen and Xcelris Labs. The aim of the research project is to indicate the type of “contamination” (sewage and industrial) in the river and “threat to human health (antibiotic resistance surge) and identifying sources of Eschericia coli Eschericia coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the gut of animals and humans. Though it is harmless, some species have been linked to intestinal disease as well as aggravating antibiotic resistance. Do You know? Residues of antibiotics reach water bodies through waste discharged from households and industries These antibiotics in water lead to evolution of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, which then grow in numbers and spread in the environment. Research has shown that levels of resistance genes that lead to “superbugs” (antibiotic-resistant) were about 60 times greater during the pilgrimage months of May and June than at other times of the year. Sisir Kumar Mitra Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III – Science & Technology In News Chandrayaan-2 took photos of various craters on the moon while it was flying over its north pole.  One of the craters it scanned over was a lunar impact crater named Mitra, after the noted Indian physicist, Sisir Kumar Mitra The Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN), an arm of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) had named the crater after Mitra in 1970. Mitra was the first to introduce radio communication in India and was pioneer in the field of Ionospheric Science and Radio Technology. The ionosphere is a region of the upper atmosphere which extends from 60 km to several thousand kilometres above the earth.  Ionosphere reflects short radio waves, enabling transmission to be made around the curved surface of the earth by sky waves, and its presence is vital for long-distance radio communication.  Other Indian scientists who have their names etched on the moon is Dr Vikram Sarabhai. Jan Aushadhi Sugam Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II – e-governance In News Union Minister for Chemicals launched a mobile application “Jan Aushadhi Sugam”to enable people to search Jan Aushadhi generic medicine stores. The app also enables search of Janaushadhi generic medicines, analyse product comparison of Generic vs Branded medicine in form of MRP & overall Savings, etc Government also announced that “Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-Biodegradable Sanitary Napkin” will now be available at only One Rupee per pad (earlier cost was Rs 2.50 per pad). Jan Aushadhi Suvidha comes with a special additive, which makes it biodegradable when it comes in contact with oxygen after being discarded. Do You know? About 28 million girls are reported to be leaving education because of lack of availability of good quality Sanitary Napkin” pads at reasonable cost. Jan Aushadhi Suvidha is being made available for sale in more than 5500 PMBJP (Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana) Kendras across the country. Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the implementing agency of PMBJP BPPI was established as an independent society in December, 2008 under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. RBI transfer surplus to government of India Context: The Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to transfer a sum of ₹1,76,051 ($24.4 billion)  crore to the Government of India (Government) comprising of ₹1,23,414 crore of surplus for the year 2018-19 and ₹52,637 crore of excess provisions identified as per the revised Economic Capital Framework (ECF). To understand what the transfer is, we must first understand where the funds come from. The central bank has three different funds that together comprise its reserves. These are the Currency and Gold Revaluation Account (CGRA), largest and makes up the significant bulk of the RBI’s reserves. The Contingency Fund (CF) and The Asset Development Fund (ADF). Why Government wanted it? The government has argued that relatively lower transfers crimped public spending for infrastructure projects and social sector programmes, considering the pressure to meet deficit targets and to provide space for private firms to borrow. How does the RBI generate surplus? A significant part comes from RBI’s operations in financial markets, when it intervenes for instance to buy or sell foreign exchange; Open Market operations, when it attempts to prevent the rupee from appreciating; As income from government securities it holds; As returns from its foreign currency assets that are investments in the bonds of foreign central banks or top-rated securities; From deposits with other central banks or the Bank for International Settlement or BIS;besides lending to banks for very short tenures and management commission on handling the borrowings of state governments and the central government. RBI buys these financial assets against its fixed liabilities such as currency held by the public and deposits issued to commercial banks on which it does not pay interest. What can the government do with this huge surplus? The money is transferred to the Consolidated Fund of India from which salaries and pensions to government employees are paid and interest payments done, besides spending on government programmes.  The large payout can help the government cut back on planned borrowings and keep interest rates relatively low. Besides, it will provide space for private companies to raise money from markets. And if it manages to meet its revenue targets, the windfall gain can lead to a lower fiscal deficit.  The other option is to earmark these funds for public spending or specific projects, which could lead to a revival in demand in certain sectors and boost economic activity. What did the Jalan Committee recommend? The Jalan Committee, as it was called informally, is actually called the Expert Committee to Review the RBI’s Extant Economic Capital Framework. The committee recommended that the RBI maintain a Contingent Risk Buffer — which mostly comes from the CF — of between 5.5-6.5% of the central bank’s balance sheet. Since the latest CF amount was about 6.8% of the RBI’s balance sheet, the excess amount was to be transferred to the government. The committee also decided, for the year under consideration, to use the lower limit of 5.5% of the range it recommended. So, basically, whatever was excess of 5.5% of the RBI’s assets in the CF was to be transferred. That amount was ₹52,637 crore. Regarding the RBI’s economic capital levels — which is essentially the CGRA — the committee recommended keeping them in the range of 20-24.5% of the balance sheet. Since it stood at 23.3% as of June 2019, the committee felt that there was no need to add more to it, and so the full net income of the RBI — a whopping ₹1,23,414 crore — should be transferred to the Centre. That ₹1.23 lakh crore plus the ₹52,637 crore is what comprises the ₹1.76 lakh crore that the RBI has decided to transfer to the government. It must be noted that this ₹1.76 lakh crore includes the ₹28,000 crore interim dividend earlier transferred to the Centre and does not come over and above it. Recommendation on a profit distribution policy has been endorsed by the Central Board meaning a more transparent and rule-based payout from next year, as in many other central banks, which could help narrow differences between the government and RBI. Conclusion: The bottom line however remains unchanged. India’s economy has weakened in the last few years. To reverse this trend, government needs to unleash a new round of reforms which encompass factors of production such as land, labour and capital. Connecting the dots: Why RBI’s surplus corpus transfer raises more questions? Discuss POLITY TOPIC: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. Reconstituting and Reforming the Law Commission of India In news: The government is yet to take a call on reconstituting the Law Commission. The last commission had gone out of office a year. The Law Commission of India — the oldest amongst the national-level bodies — remains an odd one even in its 65th year. Background: Law Commission of India is an executive body established by an order of the Government of India. Its major function is to work for legal reform. Its membership primarily comprises legal experts, who are entrusted a mandate by the Government. The Commission is established for a fixed tenure and works as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice. In the eighth year of Independence, the Government of India decided to revive the British legacy of appointing law commissions to study, research and report on legal matters specified in their terms of reference.  The first commission was set up in 1955. Reports of the commission are generally written individually by members including the chairman and placed before the full commission for discussion and adoption. Issues: Unlike its sister organisations, established much later, it has no fixed composition, no defined eligibility criteria for its chair and members, and no set functions — everything rests on the government’s will.  The terms of reference are specified afresh each time it is reconstituted as if it were an ad hoc body.  Three of the other national commissions those for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes, are now regulated by the Constitution and there is a parliamentary charter for each of the national commissions for human rights, minorities, women, children and safai karmcharis. Though the commission’s job requires research-oriented juristic learning, which cannot essentially be the outcome of judicial experience, the commission has been a haven for retired judges.  Members of the commission are also generally drawn from the judiciary, and the member-secretary is always from the bureaucracy.  Way forward and Conclusion: If the commission has to work without regard for extra-legal and political considerations it must have a governing statute defining its powers and responsibilities, and limitations. Before constituting the 22nd Law Commission —the institution should be placed under a proper parliamentary charter.  The government should determine by legislation, the composition, tenure, functions and work procedure of the Law Commission. It should be a predominantly jurists’ commission, not a retired judges’ collective with a sprinkling of legal scholarship and jurisprudential expertise. Connecting the dots: Discuss the importance of the National Commission of India. The commission despited being one of the oldest is yet to be revamped. Comment. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Eastern Economic Forum EEF is an international forum established by Russia in 1991 to support the economic development of Russia’s Far East  The Russian Far East comprises the eastern Russian territory between Lake Baikal in eastern Siberia and the Pacific Ocean 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 Eschericia coli (E-Choli)  It is a type of virus that which infects humans through mosquito bites It has been linked to intestinal disease as well as aggravating antibiotic resistance. 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 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana The aim of the scheme is to make healthcare affordable by providing generic medicines through Jan Aushadi Kendras It is being implemented by Union Ministry of Health and Family welfare Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Must read: Murder most foul The Hindu Educational reforms require teachers to play a central role Live Mint Message delivered  The Hindu Democracy and its discontents The Hindu

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 59

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 59 Archives Q.1) ‘Guldasta-E-Haqiqat’ is a lyrical Urdu translation of the Ramayana Bhagvad Gita Mahabharat Bijak Q.2) Which of these cities is the capital of a BIMSTEC country? Naypyidaw Kuala Lumpur Vientiane Hanoi Q.3) Bahubali festival is associated with which of the following religions? Buddhism Hinduism Jainism Sikhism Q.4) China has been blamed for purposive devaluation. Consider the following statements in this regard. Price of country’s products in international market may fall due to devaluation of currency Appreciation of currency is always a good thing for the economy Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Federalism is important to Indian economy’s diverse nature. In regard to federalism what is not ideal for the economy? Dynamic and cooperative federalism Cooperative but not competitive federalism States as models and magnets for resources and ideas. Select the appropriate code: 1 and 2 2 Only 1 and 3 2 and 3 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Child well-being index Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains I –Society  In News The index is prepared by NGO World Vision India and research institute IFMR LEAD to measure and tracks children’s well-being comprehensively.  The index contains 24 indicators based on three key dimensions of healthy individual development, positive relationships and protective contexts. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Puducherry topped the index rankings whereas Meghalaya, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh were at the bottom of rankings The report helps States to prioritise the areas of interventions with respect to improving the status of children Some of the key indicators that need to be studied in the future include mobile usage, digital access, financial literacy, mental health and quality of relationships per se, between parents/peers and children https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/hpxglu/article29272083.ece/alternates/FREE_615/Col-Childrencol Bonn Challenge Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III – Environment Conservation In News India for the first time will be hosting the 14th session of the Conference of Parties (COP-14) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) from 2nd -13th September 2019 Bonn Challenge is a global effort to bring 150 million hectares of the world’s deforested and degraded land into restoration by 2020, and 350 million hectares by 2030 At the UNFCC COP 2015 in Paris, India also joined the voluntary Bonn Challenge pledge to bring into restoration 13 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by the year 2020, and additional 8 million hectares by 2030. In India about 29% or about 96.4 million hectares are considered degraded (soil becoming unfit for cultivation) Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil Health Card Scheme, Soil Health Management Scheme and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana are some of the schemes to tackle land degradation. Do You know? United Nations has 3 Rio Conventions namely, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).  Established in 1994 UNCCD is the only legally binding international agreement linking environment and development issues to the land agenda In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared 17 June the "World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought" to promote public awareness and the implementation of the UNCCD Fedor  Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III – Science & Technology In News Fedor short for Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research is a Russian humanoid robot which has recently reached International Space Station(ISS). Fedor weighing 160 kg & standing 180 cm tall, was sent in an unmanned Soyuz capsule from the launch pad at Russia’s space facility in Baikonur, Kazakhstan.  It will copy human movements and will help with high-risk tasks at the ISS specially to work on the outside of the ISS While Fedor is Russia’s first robot in space, in 2011, NASA sent up Robonaut 2 and in 2013 Japan sent up a small robot called Kirobo into Space. Do You Know? The International Space Station is habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit.  The ISS programme is a joint project between five participating space agencies:  NASA - USA  Roscosmos - Russia  JAXA - Japan  ESA – Europe CSA – Canada The ownership and use of the space station is established by intergovernmental treaties and agreements The ISS serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory in which crew members conduct experiments in biology, human biology, physics, astronomy, meteorology, and other fields Xenotransplantation Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains III – Science & Technology In News Xenotransplantation is the transplanting of organs from one species to another Pioneering transplant surgeon Sir Terence English, who had performed the first heart transplant in the United Kingdom in 1979, declared that his team would transplant a pig’s kidney into a human’s body by end of 2019. The first attempts at animal-to-human transplants were made in 1838, when the cornea of a pig was transplanted into a human. Over the past century there has been unsuccessful attempts to transfer organs from pigs, goats, sheep, monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons and pigs into humans With a lack of human cadavers as donors, researchers are looking at animal organs as viable alternative. A pig’s genetic make-up and internal organs are similar to a human’s. Its weight, lipids, arterial pressure, heart rate, renal function, electrolyte balance, and digestive system match those in the human body Disadvantage with xenotransplantation: fear of transmission of viruses from animals to humans and high rejection rate (human body’s immune system starts working against any foreign organ) Do You Know? India’s national registry shows 1,945 liver and 7,936 kidney transplants were conducted in 2018.  However, India needs 1.8-2 lakh kidney transplants every year, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data. In 1997, Dr Dhani Ram Baruah attempted pig-to-human heart transplant on a patient in Guwahati who died a week later due to infection. He was held guilty of an unethical procedure, culpable homicide, violation of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994 and sent to jail. (MAINS FOCUS) NAGALAND  TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections Chasing peace in Nagaland Context: More than three years ago, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced with much fanfare the signing of a historic framework agreement to end the Naga insurgency, which is often termed as the mother of all insurgencies in India.  Concern: Lasting peace in the Northeast is not possible without resolving the Naga insurgency Framework Agreement: The framework agreement was signed between the Central government and the Naga Groups led by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Isak- Muivah (NSCN-IM). The central government accepted the uniqueness of Naga history and culture and primacy of the Indian Constitution was accepted by the NSCN-IM. Earlier the objective of Naga group was to establish an independent sovereign state for the Naga community but now the demand has been limited to the creation of a Greater Nagalim with the integration of the Naga-inhabited areas of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh Key notes: Shillong Accord, 1975: The Naga National Council (NNC) led by Angami Zapu Phizo accepted the Indian Constitution. NNC was formed in 1946 to hold the Naga community and their interest together. NSCN, 1980: to oppose the decision of NNC to accept Indian Constitution, Maoist guerilla leaders Isak Chisi Swu, Thuingaleng Muivah, and SS Khaplang created NSCN in 1980. Later after the differences between the leaders, in 1988, the group split into the NSCN-IM and the NSCN-K. After the death of Phizo in 1991, the NSCN-IM came to be recognized as the voice of Naga assertion. The ceasefire agreement, 1997: Govt. of India and NSCN-IM signed a ceasefire agreement which started the peace talks with resolving the conflict but the demand of the group insisted on a separate flag as well as the inclusion of all Naga-inhabited areas in one administration became a roadblock in the peace talks. Later in 2015, the framework agreement was signed. Significance of the agreement: First-time NSCN-IM wipes out its demand for attaining sovereignty for Nagas from India. The agreement has started the peace talks between the government and the groups. The agreement shifts the nature of the group who prefer violence as a method to achieve their aims as now the groups are regularly held consultations with the government. The agreement will strengthen the security of India as the agreement will provide maximum sovereignty to the Nagas to grow. The agreement would generate more trusts among Nagas. Criticisms of the agreement: Though the agreement was signed three years ago there is no progress since then. The agreement is a secretive agreement as the provisions of the agreements have not been disclosed by the government which makes the rebel groups more active. The agreement has failed to address the illegal activities of NSCN-IM. The demand for autonomy to Nagas in other states i.e. Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh will be a threat to integrity. Special arrangement for Nagas as per Article 371 and similar concessions are expected by Manipur also as the Naga insurgency is linked with Manipur insurgency where the Nagas are more active. The agreement does not address other important issues like the demand of Separate ‘flag’, non-codification of Naga customary law. Politically unviable to accept this demand even though the Centre has agreed to guarantee the protection of the Naga identity. The non-Nagas and other ethnic groups may be tempted to demand a similar arrangement Conclusion: Lasting peace in the Northeast is not possible without resolving the Naga insurgency, which had also lent some form of support to other disaffected elements in the region from time to time. However, given the complexities involved, there is no easy solution. In other words, any pronouncement about the Naga accord needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Which of the following best reflects the meaning of Xenotransplantation? Transferring mitochondrial DNA from donor into recipient embryo Process of plant reproduction whereby new plant grows from a fragment of the parent plant Transplanting of organs from one species to another None of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements  Fedor is Russia’s first robot in space which has recently reached International Space Station(ISS) ISS is a joint project between NASA, JAXA, Roscosmos, ISRO and European Space Agency 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 Bonn Challenge It aims to aims to conserve terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species throughout their range. India has also joined the voluntary Bonn Challenge pledge. 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 Child well-being index It is released by NITI Aayog to track state’s progress in enhancing children’s well-being in a comprehensive manner Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Puducherry topped this year’s index ranking Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Cooking with gas, not wood The Hindu Rediscovering development banks  The Hindu Why women are still being treated as unequal to men Live mint Deforestation, desertification and climate solutions Financial express

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RSTV IAS UPSC – 10th Schedule

10th Schedule Archives TOPIC: General studies 2 Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. In news: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said the time has come to revisit the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The Vice President, underlining the need to revisit the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, also known as the anti-defection law, said, “We should discuss this and come to a conclusion. Legislatures are for debate, discussion without disruption. Further, credibility, capability and capacity should be the yardstick for anyone to enter the legislature and not caste, cash and criminality.” A comprehensive relook on the statute is required, he emphasised.  The Punjab Assembly has issued a notice to Sukhpal Singh Khaira, former rebel AAP leader and MLA from Bholath, for disqualification under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution. Mr. Khaira had resigned from the party on 6th January, but had not resigned as a legislator. Later, without informing, he floated a new political outfit. Anti-defection Law The anti-defection law under 10th Schedule of the Constitution was enacted through the 52nd amendment after a prominent culture of ‘Aaya Ram Gaya Ram’, in which legislators used to change parties frequently, was witnessed in the Indian polity. Aaya Ram Gaya Ram was a phrase that became popular in Indian politics after a Haryana MLA Gaya Lal changed his party thrice within the same day in 1967.   The anti-defection law sought to prevent such political defections which may be due to reward of office or other similar considerations. The Tenth Schedule was inserted in the Constitution in 1985.  Tenth schedule It lays down the process by which legislators may be disqualified on grounds of defection by the Presiding Officer of a legislature based on a petition by any other member of the House.  A legislator is deemed to have defected if he either voluntarily gives up the membership of his party or disobeys the directives of the party leadership on a vote (voting against the direction of whip in the house) This implies that a legislator defying (abstaining or voting against) the party whip on any issue can lose his membership of the House.  The law applies to both Parliament and state assemblies. Are there any exceptions under the law? The law allows a party to merge with or into another party provided that at least two-thirds of its legislators are in favour of the merger.  In such a scenario, neither the members who decide to merge, nor the ones who stay with the original party will face disqualification. The amendment, by which the Tenth Schedule was inserted in the Constitution, did three broad things. Firstly, it made legislators liable to be penalised for their conduct both inside (voting against the whip of the party) and outside (making speeches, etc.) the legislature — the penalty being the loss of their seats in Parliament or the state legislatures. Secondly, it protected legislators from disqualification in cases where there was a split (with 1/3rd of members splitting) or merger (with 2/3rds of members merging) of a legislature party with another political party. Thirdly, it made the Presiding Officer of the concerned legislature the sole arbiter of defection proceedings The 2003 Amendment The last step in the legislative journey of the anti-defection law came in 2003. A Constitution Amendment Bill was introduced in Parliament by the government of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to address some of the issues with the law. A committee headed by Pranab Mukherjee examined the Bill. Pranab Mukherjee Committee observations: It is observed that the lure of office of profit plays dominant part in the political horse-trading resulting in spate of defections and counter defections. The one-third split provision which offered protection to defectors was deleted from the law on the committee’s recommendation. The 2003 Amendment also incorporated the 1967 advice of the Y B Chavan committee in limiting the size of the Council of Ministers, and preventing defecting legislators from joining the Council of Ministers until their re-election. Injustice to a legislator’s right to vote: Legislators have become mere hostages of whip-driven tyranny (actual power residing in the political party)—Unable to vote according to his conscience, convictions, common sense and constituency concerns The party whip— Directs its members which way to vote practically on each and every bill (enforced adherence – a member invariably ends up voting for a bill if he/she is on the Treasury benches and against a bill if he/she is in the Opposition; parliamentarians sometimes voting against a legislative instrument which they had supported previously, depending on whether their party occupies the Opposition or Treasury benches) Disincentivises lawmakers from seriously thinking, researching or even striving for best practices to incorporate into legislation that is before the House for consideration and focus their energies on procedural matters Absence of a sunset clause— If a bad law is enacted, it remains on the statute books for at least a century Recent Trend: The usage of House majorities to get even Private Members’ Bills defeated at the introduction stage thus, restricting whatever little space individual members have left for legislative activity Increasing Moral Deviations & Anti-Defection Policies: Criminalisation of politics, disrespect to parliamentary conventions, parliamentary disruptions and improper conduct of members, has added to the glaring legislative paralysis. The intention behind bringing in Anti-Defection law was to curb political defections, promote party discipline and bring stability in the structures of political parties; on the contrary, it has led to the following: Curbs the Right to Dissent & Freedom of Conscience Ban on retail defections & legalisation of wholesale defections The Way forward: There is a need to prevent unholy alliances. Parties form post-poll coalitions with the opposing parties only to form government, even when the ideologies do not match and against the wishes of elected legislators, as happened in case of Karnataka.  Parties should promote internal democracy for the member to express their opinion on important matters concerning parties, like with whom to form coalition, who should be chief minister etc. Keeping defections in check ensures stability of governance and helps in keeping up with the mandate of people. Thus, to uphold this spirit, reforms within the parties are required apart from the legal solution. Must read: All about Whip Do you know? Disqualification vs Resignation A disqualified member cannot become a Minister without getting elected again, whereas one who resigns can be inducted into an alternative Cabinet without being a member.  Accepting a resignation is a simple function of being satisfied if it is voluntary, while disqualification is decided on evidence and inquiry.    Converting resignation into a disqualification matter is an attempt to deny a member’s right to quit his seat in the legislature before joining another party, even if the crossing-over is a politically expedient measure.  Role of Speaker  The Speaker already enjoys extraordinary powers under the Constitution.  In addition to immunity from judicial scrutiny for legislative matters, such as whether a Bill is a money bill, presiding officers get to decide whether a member has incurred disqualification under the anti-defection law.  Though the decision is subject to judicial review, many Speakers have evaded judicial scrutiny by merely not acting on disqualification matters.  The question whether the Speaker’s inaction can be challenged in court is pending before another Constitution Bench.  Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have instances of Speakers not acting on disqualification questions for years. Connecting the Dots: Discuss the concerns against anti-defection laws suggest the possible reforms that can be made to anti-defection law? Recent developments in Karnataka and Goa legislative assemblies prove that the political problem of defection can’t be addressed by the legal solution of the anti-defection law. Comment.   The anti-defection law and issuance of whips by political parties curtail the freedom of independence of mps. Critically analyse. What reasons would you attribute to the decline of parliamentary standards? Can you suggest some remedies?

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