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Creative Guidance: Book Review – The Sacred Wisdom of the Native Americans – Larry Zimmerman

The Sacred Wisdom of the Native Americans: Throughout the world, the indigenous population has suffered immense loss due to the rapid expanding modern landscape of reality. In this sense, modernization is both a boon and a curse. The merciless expansion of our horizons has pushed so many beautiful civilizations to go beneath the horizon, to never ever have the opportunity to surface again. The Native American story is probably the most painful story about the end of an era of people who called other animals their brothers and sisters. No other race will ever walk on this earth that has had such reverence for life all around it. In his book ‘The Sacred Wisdom of the Native Americans’ Larry Zimmerman explores the native American way of life. It is a beautiful textual and pictorial representation of the life of the Native American People. Once in a while it is important to take a break from our busy lifestyles to look at life from a new perspective. This book will help you to do just that. Immerse yourself in discovering a way of life that is so connected with nature, the pain of not being able to live that will trouble your soul. Explore this marvelous book to reconnect with nature, life and existence. Native American’s understand of life was so deep and mysterious that there is a lesson for every modern to learn from their experience of life. This book will surely transport you into a magical land; you would not wish to come back from.

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 19th September 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 19th September 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) India targets slight increase in 2018-19 foodgrain output Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Agriculture, food security In news: The Agriculture Ministry has set a foodgrain production target of 285.2 million tonnes for 2018-19, a marginal increase from the previous year’s harvest of 284.8 million tonnes. What is the expected increase? Pic: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.thehindu.com/business/agri-business/lucxno/article24980034.ece/alternates/FREE_615/TH19Foog%2520grainscol&source=gmail&ust=1537440276669000&usg=AFQjCNFAPaQz6CLPWOJCAXFWZ7Ja9jodBQ Issues and challenges Access to export markets in the case of high production In the years of normal monsoons and record harvests, prices of several commodities have crash, hurting many farmers. In case of government procurement, shortage of storage capacity. In States like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, there is no space left in the godowns. Steps taken by government The government has ramped up procurement of pulses and oilseeds in an effort to ensure that more farmers receive the minimum support price (MSP) for these crops even as the market rates fall. NAFED is holding 44 lakh tonnes of pulses, 57 lakh tonnes including oilseeds. Warehouse capacity is making some States consider the new Central scheme to pay oilseed farmers the cash differential between MSP and market prices. Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have expressed interest in opting for the scheme, which was approved by the Union Cabinet as part of a wider ₹15,053 crore procurement policy. ISRO to tap small cities for innovations Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and technology, Space research In news: ISRO launched a space technology incubation centre in Tripura capital Agartala. It is the first of six such centres planned nationally to build capacity in new locations. More such space research activities will be splashed in a big way across small cities to tap their talent and include them in the space footprint. Do you know? Incubation centre in Tripura capital Agartala will help in taking technology programmes to the remote northeast India. The space agency’s new Capacity Building Programme directorate will invest ₹2 crore in incubation facilities in Jalandhar, Bhubaneswar, Tiruchi, Nagpur and Indore. These are the locations that have a good presence of academia and industry but do not have activities related to space. Will help domestic industries to produce critical electronics items needed in space and other programmes, as 75% of it is now imported. Indian space market offers big opportunity to industry as it is estimated to grow to $1.6 billion by 2023. SEBI cuts expense ratio for MF schemes Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy In news: SEBI has broadly accepted the recommendations of the R. Khan Committee on Know-Your-Client (KYC) requirements for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), while lowering the Total Expense Ratio (TER) for open-ended equity schemes, thereby making it less expensive for investors to invest in mutual funds. SEBI has agreed to amend the circular [issued in April] and the new one is largely in line with Khan Committee recommendations. Do you know? Expense Ratio It is the annual fee charged by the mutual fund scheme to manage money on behalf of individuals. It covers the fund manager’s fee along with other expenses required to run the fund administration. Changes made by SEBI SEBI capped the total expense ratio (TER) for equity-oriented mutual fund schemes (close-ended and interval schemes) at 1.25% and for other schemes at 1%. However, it allowed an extra 30 basis points (bps) for selling in B-30 (beyond top 30) cities. One basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point. The TER cap for fund of funds will be 2.25% for equity-oriented schemes and 2% for other schemes. Additional expense The regulator has, however, allowed an additional expense ratio of 30 basis points for retail flows from beyond the top 30 cities. More importantly, the additional expense will not be allowed for flows from corporates and institutions. Laws managing losses in the Market The regulator has framed the SEBI (Settlement Proceedings) Regulations 2018 which bar offences that cause a marketwide impact, loss to investors or affects the integrity of the market, to be settled through the consent route. While serious offences like insider trading or front running can be settled through consent, the regulator has said that it would use a principle-based approach while deciding on such matters. The regulator will also not settle any proceedings wherein the applicant is a wilful defaulter or if an earlier application for the same offence has been rejected. Other Measures The board of the capital markets has also approved a framework for permitting foreign entities having an exposure in physical commodity market to hedge in the commodity derivatives segment. Sebi also reduced the time period for listing after an initial public offering to three days from six, freeing up locked investor funds faster. Significance The regulator is of the view that the lower expense ratio would lead to investors saving ₹1,300 crore to ₹1,500 crore in commissions. It will enhance returns for investors. However, the change in TER may impact profit margins of AMCs. Early listing and trading of shares will benefit both issuers and investors. Issuers will have faster access to the capital raised, thereby enhancing the ease of doing business and the investors will have early liquidity. New Akash missile gets green light Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Defence and security In news: Enhanced features The upgraded version will include the seeker technology and possess a 360-degree coverage, and will be of compact configuration. It is operationally critical equipment, which will provide protection to vital assets. The DAC also gave approval for the development of an individual under-water breathing apparatus for the T-90 tank. The apparatus is used by the tank crew for emergency escape. About Akash DRDO developed Akash as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme which was initiated in 1984. It is made by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Akash is a surface-to-air missile defense system Akash can fly at supersonic speeds, ranging from Mach 2.8 to 3.5 Akash has a range of 25 km and can engage multiple targets at a time in all-weather conditions. It has a large operational envelope, from 30 meter to a maximum of 20 km. Each regiment consists of six launchers, each having three missiles. Akash missile has an indigenous content of 96 per cent. UN Report: A child under 15 dies every 5 seconds around the world Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Health In news: According to the new mortality estimates released by UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Population Division and the World Bank Group, an estimated 6.3 million children under 15 years of age died in 2017, or 1 every 5 seconds, mostly of preventable causes. Statistics In 2017, 2.5 million newborns died in their first month while 5.4 million deaths — occur in the first five years of life, with newborns accounting for around half of the deaths. Globally, in 2017, half of all deaths under five years of age took place in sub-Saharan Africa, and another 30% in Southern Asia. Also, a baby born in sub-Saharan Africa or in South Asia was nine times more likely to die in the first month than a baby born in a high-income country The most risky period of child’s life is the first month. The estimates also said that the number of children dying under five has fallen dramatically from 12.6 million in 1990 to 5.4 million in 2017. The number of deaths in older children aged between 5 to 14 years dropped from 1.7 million to under a million in the same period. Disparities within countries Under-five mortality rates among children in rural areas are, on average, 50% higher than among children in urban areas. In addition, those born to uneducated mothers are more than twice more likely to die before turning five than those born to mothers with a secondary or higher education. Causes Most children under 5 die due to preventable or treatable causes such as complications during birth, pneumonia, diarrhea, neonatal sepsis and malaria. Among children between 5 and 14 years of age, injuries become a more prominent cause of death, especially from drowning and road traffic. Within this age group, regional differences exist, with the risk of dying for a child from sub-Saharan Africa 15 times higher than in Europe. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighbourhood Bilateral and multilateral agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Himalayan divide: India Nepal relationship Introduction Despite several attempts at a reset, ties between India and Nepal continue to be a cause for concern. The disconnect between the two governments was most visible at the seven-nation Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation military exercises that concluded recently. Why Nepal withdrew from military exercise? Officials from Nepal government said that they were upset with India’s “unilateral” announcement of the multilateral exercises during the BIMSTEC summit on August 30-31, without having formally proposed it to the host(Nepal was host). Even the contingent from Thailand did not join the counter-terror exercises because of lack of adequate notice. Concerns in India Nepal relations Nepal’s decision to join China for a 12-day Mt Everest Friendship Exercise, but refusing to participate in BIMSTEC military exercise, which is also focussed on anti-terrorism drills, drives the wedge in further. Despite New Delhi signalling its discomfiture with the volume of Chinese investment in hydropower and infrastructure and transport projects, Nepal went ahead recently and finalised an ambitious connectivity proposal. This connectivity agreement will eventually link Kathmandu to Shigatse by rail; this will give Nepali goods access to Chinese sea-ports at Tianjin, Shenzhen, Lianyungang and Zhanjiang, and land ports in Lanzhou, Lhasa and Shigatse. Much of Nepal's bitterness draws from the past. India is still blamed for the 2015 economic blockade against Nepal. It is also held responsible for attempts to destabilise Mr. Oli’s previous tenure as Prime Minister during 2015-2016. Way forward New Delhi cannot turn a blind eye to these negative developments, and must address them. New Delhi and Kathmandu must put an end to the unseemly controversy by renewing diplomatic efforts over the issue. India and Nepal don’t just share an open border; they have shared the deepest military links, with both countries traditionally awarding each other’s Army chiefs the honorary rank of General. Such unique ties must not be undermined due to lack of communication. India must fix its lines of communication with Nepal and arrest the drift in ties. At such a time, the Army chief’s statement on BIMSTEC, that “geography” will ensure that countries like Bhutan and Nepal “cannot delink themselves” from India, could have been avoided; such comments unnerve India’s smaller neighbours and are misleading. Modern technology and connectivity projects could well take away geography’s role as a guarantor of good relations. Connecting the dots: India’s neighbourhood first policy has more failures in its account than successes. Do you agree? NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Constitution: Directive Principle Governance and issues related to it The progressive way Introduction In a consultation paper released recently, the Law Commission of India has boldly said that a uniform civil code (UCC) is neither feasible nor necessary at this stage. There is a consensus that the state is not the only source of law. History has many instances of pluralistic legal systems where multiple sources of law existed. The Law Commission has rightly recognised the plurality of diverse personal laws and proposed internal reforms in personal laws to make them compatible with the constitutional provisions of equality and non-discrimination. Debate on UCC In the Constituent Assembly, there was division on the issue of putting a UCC in the fundamental rights chapter. The sub-committee on this was so sharply divided that the matter was eventually settled by vote. It finally held that the provision was outside the scope of fundamental rights and thus non-justiciable. We need to appreciate the distinction between justiciable and non-justiciable rights. R. Ambedkar explicitly said in the Assembly, “No government can use its provisions in a way that would force the Muslims to revolt. If a government acts thus [imposing a common civil code], such a government would be insane in my opinion.” In ABC v. State (2015), SC observed: “Our Directive Principles envision the existence of a uniform civil code, but this remains an unaddressed constitutional expectation.” Here, the court was not dealing with some religious or personal law but with a statutory provision of the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890. Thus the reference to a UCC was unwarranted. In Sarla Mudgal (2015), the Supreme Court made observations that those who stayed back after Partition knew that India believes in one nation and therefore no community can claim separate religious laws. Loyalty to the nation and uniformity in laws are not related to each other. Preserving legal diversity We need to appreciate that in Article 44, the framers of the Constitution have used the term ‘uniform’ and not ‘common’ because ‘common’ means one and same in all circumstances whatsoever and ‘uniform’ means ‘same in similar conditions’. It is an erroneous perception that we have different personal laws because of religious diversity. As a matter of fact, the law differs from region to region. It seems the framers of the Constitution did not intend total uniformity in the sense of one law for the whole country because ‘personal laws’ were included in the Concurrent List, with power to legislate being given to Parliament and State Assemblies. Preservation of legal diversity seems to be the reason of inclusion of Personal Law in the Concurrent list. The Law Commission has given due weightage to this diversity. It is a myth that we have uniform criminal laws. States have made amendments to the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. For example, Punjab recently introduced Section 295AA to the IPC — life term in all sacrilege cases. Another myth is that Hindus are governed by one homogenous law after the enactment of the Hindu Code Bill. It is also true of Muslims and Christians. The Constitution itself protects the local customs of Nagaland. It is repeatedly mentioned that Goa already has a uniform code. But Hindus there are still governed by the Portuguese Family and Succession Laws. The reformed Hindu Law of 1955-56 is still not applicable to them. In the case of Muslims, the Shariat Act 1937 has not been extended to Goa. Thus they are governed by Portuguese and Shastric Hindu law, and not by Muslim personal law. The Special Marriage Act (a progressive civil code) has not been extended to Goa. Even in Jammu and Kashmir, local Hindu law statutes do differ with the Central enactments. The Shariat Act is also not applicable and Muslims continue to be governed by customary law which is at variance with the Muslim personal law in the rest of the country. Forgotten issues It is distressing that no one talks about the non-implementation of other Directive Principles which are far more important than the enactment of a uniform code. Some of those important Directive Principles are, the right to work, living wages, distribution of community resources to sub-serve the common good, avoidance of concentration of wealth in few hands and the protection of monuments. Conclusion Amendments to a community’s personal law with a view to bringing about changes for its betterment is one thing; but to tinker with the enactment with the sole purpose of introducing ‘uniformity’ is quite another. Just laws are far more important than uniform law. Gradual reforms should be the way forward. Connecting the dots: Uniform civil code neither necessary nor desirable at this stage; critically comment on the Law panel's statement. (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) Khan Committee deals with - ‘One State-one vote’ BCCI should be represented by every State and Union Territory. No full membership to associations with no state entity. Foreign portfolio investors Q.2) Foreign exchange reserves of India are managed by SEBI Ministry of Finance Ministry of Commerce and Industry None of the above Q.3) Which among the following is/are Financial Regulator in the Indian Financial Market? NABARD SEBI SIDBI All of the above Q.4) Akash Missile was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Akash Missile? It is a medium range air to air missile. It can simultaneously engage multiple targets in all weather conditions It uses high energy solid propellant as the booster. Select the code from following: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) India has successfully test fired its surface to air missile ‘Akash’. Consider the following statements regarding Akash: It is the first surface to air missile with indigenous seeker that has been test fired. It has been developed by DRDO It has a strike range of about 25km and carries fragmentation warhead. Which of the above statements are correct? 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above MUST READ   Ten years on, in uncharted waters The Hindu ‘India’s challenge will be fighting non-communicable diseases’ The Hindu  Celestial misfit The Hindu Explained: Why Bank of Baroda, Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank are being merged Indian Express How India plans to address cooling needs Indian Express  The new corruption Indian Express    Dismantling the public university Indian Express  Plate to Plough: Drowning in sweetness Indian Express

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 69]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 69] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) It is part of the World Bank Group It was established in 1966 by the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States. India is not a member of the ICSID Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) The Draft ‘India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP)’ is released by International Energy Agency (IEA) The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) The Ozone Cell of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to Minimum Import Price (MIP) It is a form of quantitative restriction not seen as compliant with the WTO norms It can be seen as government’s policy of promoting domestic industry Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Which of the following statements with respect to ‘invasive species’ is/are correct? It can cause decline or extinction of a native species They have high reproduction rates Both (a) and (b) Neither (a) nor (b) Q.5) ‘Pension Adalats’ are organised by Ministry of Commerce and Industry Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Ministry of Corporate Affairs NITI Aayog To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 18th September 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 18th September 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Public sector banking reforms: Unification of state-owned banks Part of: Prelims and mains GS III- Indian economy; Banking In news Public sector banking reforms The Centre proposed the unification of state-owned banks - Bank of Baroda, Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank - to create India’s third largest bank. Merger to provide total business of more than ₹14.82 trillion. After getting in-principle approval, the banks will take steps in accordance with the law and SEBI requirements. The final scheme will be notified by the Central government in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India. The merger will be based purely on commercial considerations. Why was the decision taken? India aspiring to be the fastest growing economy has to be supported by stronger and globally competitive banks with increased choices to the stakeholders. Dena Bank has been placed under the prompt corrective action framework (It is in a bad shape with higher NPAs, higher cost to income and falling profitability). So the idea is to merge the weaker bank with stronger bank (BoB and Vijaya Bank) so that it would be a strong competitive bank with economies of scale. The entity would also be positioned for substantial rise in customer base, market reach and operational efficiency. The amalgamation is aimed at catering the massive credit requirements of the growing economy, and cutting costs as well as dependence on the government for capital infusion in the longer term. Do you know? The proposal of fewer but stronger state-run lenders was originally mooted in 1991. Narasimhan report on banking reforms had recommended merger of public sector banks to make them stronger It had envisaged a three-tier banking structure with three large banks with international presence at the top, eight to 10 national banks at tier two, and a large number of regional and local banks at the bottom. Machines will rule workplace by 2025: “The Future of Jobs 2018” report by WEF Part of: Prelims and mains GS III- Indian economy; Employment In news “The Future of Jobs 2018” report by WEF predicts that the rise of robotics will result in machines performing more tasks on the job than humans by 2025. The trend could displace 75 million jobs globally by 2022. The report surveyed executives from different industries around the world, aiming to get a look at how new technologies, like artificial intelligence, will affect the global labor force. Pic: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/jx4v0t/article24970905.ece/alternates/FREE_615/th18machinescol Details of the report In 2018, humans performed an average of 71% of total task hours across the 12 industries spanning manufacturing, services and high tech. By 2025, that will drop to just 48%, according to the WEF. Machines will perform the remaining 52%. Globally, almost half of all companies expect automation to cut their full-time workforce in the next four years; However, new jobs will still lead to a net gain in employment opportunities if sufficient reskilling is done. In India, 54% of employees in these sectors will need reskilling by 2022 Of this 35% would need at least six months’ worth of reskilling, 10% would need more than a year of training in order to meet the demands of the new economy Significance Roles that rely on human skills, like sales, marketing and scientific-based positions, will likely see an increase in demand. The report calls on businesses and government leaders around the world to create a support system for their employees and ensure a smooth transition as the workforce evolves. Fluoride contamination in Odisha Part of: Prelims and mains GS II and  GS III- Health, Environment and Pollution In news School Children in Odisha’s Nuapada district are facing the brunt of Flouride Contamination with potable water sources in as many as 54 schools and anganwadi premises testing for fluoride presence beyond permissible limits. Laboratory tests found 5.25 mg per litre fluoride content in water. Consumption of water having fluoride content above 1.5 mg per litre is considered dangerous to health. In 2018-19, drinking water sources in eight schools in Nayagarh, seven in Balangir and eight in Kalahandi districts were found to be fluoride contaminated. Health Issues Prolonged consumption of fluoride-contaminated water leads to dental and skeletal fluorosis. Mottled Teeth and crippled backbone and limbs are manifestation of the disease. Bones in children are in formation stage while fluoride tends to damage bones. Maharashtra to set up cyber varsity Part of: Prelims and Mains GS III- Technology, Security issues: cyber security In news The Maharashtra Government has taken the first step towards setting up a varsity dedicated to mitigating cyber threats. It has set aside 80 crore for the first round of its funding. What was the need? A 2015 skill gap analysis for Maharashtra by the consultancy firm KPMG had pointed to a gap of 1.5 crore professionals in 10 sectors. Of these, there was a greater shortfall in the IoT and Cyber Forensics sectors. The new varsity will bridge this skill gap The current supply of cyber professionals in the country is about a lakh while the demand hovers around 30 lakh. A cyber-attack is taking place every 10 minutes as opposed to 12 minutes previously. The varsity will remedy this. Details The new Cyber University will train 3,000 professionals to fight online space cyber-attacks, internet crimes, and conduct cyber forensics. It will also impart training in 15 other Internet of Things (IoT) areas such as Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The government will provide different levels of training and enable affiliated colleges to impart certification for the 15 courses. The State will also supply infrastructure for training and education. Cost of courses The varsity will provide for and prepare internet professionals on the lines of the Microsoft Certified Professional Program. The courses will cost less than 5 lakh for courses in data analytics, cloud computing, blockchain, AI, cyber forensics and cyber investigations. Background Maharashtra is already in the process of setting up its version of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team to ward off external cyber threats. In 2016, the State had even appointed a consortium of M/s C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) and Railtel Corporation of India for the 838-crore project. The consortium in its analysis used the same technology as GARUDA, India’s national grid computing initiative, and the Graphics and Intelligence Based Script Technology. Do you know? GARUDA (Global Access to Resource Using Distributed Architecture) GARUDA initiative is a collaboration of the Scientific, Engineering and Academic Community to carry-out research and experimentation on a nationwide grid of computational nodes, mass storage that aims to provide the distributed data and compute intensive High Performance Computing solutions for the 21st century. It will deploy a distributed networked infrastructure for universities, research labs, industry and government throughout India. Department of Information Technology (DIT) has funded the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to deploy the nation-wide computational grid, GARUDA. It connects 45 institutions across 17 cities, with an aim to bring Grid computing to research labs, industries and academic institutions. GARUDA is part of the National Knowledge Network (NKN), an initiative to build a high-speed national network backbone with reliable quality of service (QoS) and security. Read more on: GARUDA India calling: 5G networks may be in place by 2020 Part of: Prelims and mains GS III – Economy and technology In news Having missed the bus for early adoption of latest technologies in the past, India — one of the fastest growing telecom markets in the world — is pushing for a timely roll-out of 5G technology in the country. The Indian government is aiming to commercially introduce 5G services in the country by the end of 2020, almost in line with rest of the world. The steering committee has recommended that the 5G spectrum allocation policy should be announced by the end of this year. The high-level panel has recommended that 5G programmes be also funded by the government. What is 5G? 5G is the next generation of mobile Internet connectivity that would offer much faster and more reliable networks, which would form the backbone for the emerging era of Internet of Things (IoT). Previous generations of mobile networks addressed consumers predominantly for voice and SMS in 2G, web browsing in 3G and higher speed data and video streaming in 4G. The transition from 4G to 5G will serve both consumers and multiple industries. Globally, over 150 pre-commercial 5G trials are under way around the world, including South Korea, China and the U.S., 5G trials are yet to begin in India. Challenges ahead Coverage in rural areas remains a challenge. Disrupting industries: Once commercialised, 5G is expected to disrupt not only telecom but other industries as well as. 5G is expected to see use beyond delivery of services just on “personal phone platforms.” It will also connect new devices to support a much larger range of applications and services. This comes at a time when the industry continues to reel under financial stress, weighed down by high debt. Advantages Next generation mobile Internet connectivity will offer faster, more reliable networks that will form the backbone for era of IoT. The next generation network will see usage in key government projects such as smart cities and Digital India, besides other business-to-business applications. Consumption in terms of using IoT (Internet of Things) devices such as connected refrigerators etc. It would enable revenue opportunity for Indian telecom operators by 2026. The largest opportunity would be seen in sectors like manufacturing, energy and utilities followed by public safety and health sectors. Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS): Smart fencing will end infiltration Part of: Prelims and mains GS III- Security and border management In news Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the first phase of hi-tech ‘smart fencing’ of 11 km stretch on the International Border (IB) in Jammu. CIBMS would provide for round-the-clock laser-guided surveillance of the borders. The smart fencing project will initially be implemented to cover gaps in the physical fencing. Eventually, this technology will be implemented across the entire border, The smart fencing is a web of surveillance, communication and data storage devices. It will enable surveillance during difficult weather conditions and reduce the need for physical patrolling of the borders. It will rely on thermal imaging, infra-red and laser-based intruder alarms to stop infiltration. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1 Role of women and women’s organization Social empowerment The power of Kudumbashree: A case study on Women participation Introduction: In the month of August 2018, Kerala faced the worst disaster in a century. Now, long and tedious process of relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction process is going on. There are many heroic stories coming to surface about how people are contributing to rebuild Kerala. One of them is of contribution of Kudumbashree. What Kudumbashree is doing in disaster relief? Kumari had contracted leptospirosis while doing relief work in Kerala after the floods, away from her own home which had not been affected. She was a health volunteer and prominent member of the Kudumbashree Mission. Volunteers Zarina and Sudha said: “We saw mounds of foul-smelling black mud piled outside the houses blocking the entrances and, in some cases, partially covering the houses. There were dead animals too..... We knew we could fall ill or be stung by poisonous insects or snakes, but we were not afraid. Tribal women and members of Kudumbashree from nearby areas also joined us.” Like Kumari, Zarina and Sudha, around 4,00,000 women of Kudumbashree self-mobilised across the State to do relief work. The Kudumbashree State Mission estimates that Kudumbashree groups cleaned up 11,300 public places and two lakh houses. They provided counselling and information assistance as well as shelter to families. They also donated Rs. 7.4 crore to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. This scale of voluntary relief work by women is quite unprecedented by any standard. United in relief work The attention is necessary not just to accord women relief helpers like Kumari recognition and appreciation, but also to understand how such an enormous, effective and well-planned intervention could be made across the State by women through their own initiatives. Women from working class families, women from the lower middle class and middle class, Muslim women and Dalit women were present. They were a microcosm of the 2.43 lakh groups functioning across the State. Within a day or two of the deluge, the Kudumbashree members started contacting each other to discuss what they should do. They divided themselves into squads of five to six members and started relief work. They were helped by the district coordination team of five women, who were on deputation to the Kudumbashree Mission from the government. Within a short span of time, there were 7,000 women volunteers engaged in various tasks. When the situation in their district improved, some of them set out to neighbouring districts to help. Many of these women have family responsibilities, but they convinced their families of the urgency of the work at hand and set off with all the equipment required for cleaning which they themselves had collected through sponsorships. A unique model Started in 1998, it was envisioned as a part of the People’s Plan Campaign and local self-governance, with women at the centre of it. In its conceptualisation, it was markedly different from the self-help group (SHG) movements in many parts of India. While the commonality with other States was in the thrift and credit activities at the grassroots level through the formations of saving groups, the structures differed. Kudumbashree has a three-tier structure. The first is the basic unit — the neighbourhood groups (NGs). There could be several such units within a ward and they are networked through the area development societies (ADS). All ADSs are federated through the community development societies (CDS). There are core committees of elected coordinators at all three levels. Each Kudumbashree member has a vote. Direct elections for the NG coordinators are held every three years. These people, in turn, elect the coordinators of the ADS who elect the members of the CDS. A majority of the members of the coordinator groups have to belong to women below the poverty line or from comparatively poorer sections. There is reservation for Dalit and Adivasi women. At the district and State levels, employees/officers of the government are appointed on deputation to help the Kudumbashree groups. Thus, there is a socially representative leadership. This secular composition acts as a facilitator for the secularisation of public spaces. The micro-enterprises undertaken by the women NGs in Kerala also strengthen community bonds. These include organic vegetable growing, poultry and dairy, catering and tailoring. The concepts and practices have expanded over the years. Today the community farms run by Kudumbashree groups are acknowledged as a critical avenue for the rejuvenation of agricultural production in Kerala. Kudumbashree training courses are quite comprehensive and include women’s rights, knowledge of constitutional and legal provisions, training in banking practices, and training in skills to set up micro-enterprises. The Kudumbashree groups are therefore often seen as a threat by those who would like women to adhere to socially conformist roles. Conclusion: In a modern democratic India, women are still suffering to prove their existence and abilities. This case study is a proof that women are equal half in pair of human. They can significantly contribute to the society as well as economy. This model of Kudumbashree can be implemented across India, if it is done with the same secular and gender-sensitive spirit. Connecting the dots: Historically, be it the disaster of world war or floods of Kerala, time and again women proved their abilities. Critically comment in context of role of women in modern society and economy. Note: Story of Kumari, Zarina and sudha, or story of Kudumbashree can be used in Essay as well as examples in ethics (Humanitarian behaviour in the event of crisis). AGRICULTURE TOPIC: General Studies 3 Biodiversity, Environment and Climate change Agriculture and related issues Transforming agriculture Introduction India is signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity. As four of the 35 biodiversity hotspots are located in India, it is biodiversity-rich. However, climate change and development without consideration for biodiversity are leading to loss of biodiversity. Some of the issues India gave the world crops such as rice, chickpea, pigeon pea, mango and eggplant. Most keepers of these crops genetic diversity are smallholder farmers, including women. With the focus on policies that cater to market demands, its reservoir of indigenous traditional crops has dwindled. Man-animal conflicts in the fringes of Protected Areas or animal corridors Conflicts over unsustainable procurement of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have been contentious, especially in Odisha and Uttarakhand. Green Agriculture project and its significance India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) recognises the importance of biodiversity for inclusive development. The Green Agriculture project implemented by the Indian government and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) takes a novel approach to support the NBAP and synergise biodiversity conservation, agriculture production and development. It is being implemented in five landscapes adjoining Protected Areas/Biosphere Reserves: Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. It envisages a transformation in Indian agriculture for global environmental benefits by addressing land degradation, climate change mitigation, sustainable forest management, and biodiversity conservation. The approach will be to strengthen their role as agrodiversity guardians by developing value chains for their indigenous crops such as traditional rice varieties in Odisha. Way forward A participatory and landscape approach can ensure sustainability of conservation efforts. Keeping the focus on initiatives for sustainable NTFP harvest, eradication of invasive alien species, and mitigation of wildlife conflicts is essential. Biodiversity conservation is a part of traditional wisdom. Examples include the Orans of Rajasthan and the village safety and supply reserves in Mizoram. Traditional farming systems such as jhum encouraged crop diversity. However, climate change and shortened fallow cycles are undermining jhum cultivation sustainability. The landscape approach will aim to restore traditional knowledge systems, such as the conservation of common property resources. Participatory learning tools will encourage farmers to adopt more sustainable indigenous soil conservation. Conclusion Environmental concerns are inadequately reflected in the development rhetoric. Thus, projects such as Green Agriculture are essential in equipping decision-makers with the necessary instruments to design effective and informed policies to underpin environmental concerns. Connecting the dots: Write a brief note on Green Agriculture project and India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP). (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) Narasimham Committee is associated with Banking Reforms Labour Reforms Taxation Extradition Q.2) Which one of the following is a major effect of long term consumption of drinking water containing little(less than 0.5 ppm) or no fluoride? Cavity of tooth Erosion of nail Deformation of bone Mottling of tooth Q.3) Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? Arsenic Fluoride Formaldehyde Sorbitol Uranium Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 1 and 2 only 2, 4 and 5 only 1, 2 and 5 only 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 MUST READ  2+2 is less than the sum of its parts? The Hindu Himalayan divide: on the drift in India-Nepal ties The Hindu Saving rivers The Hindu The progressive way The Hindu No land’s people The Hindu  Rupee in a global world Indian Express   Terrorised By Law Indian Express  Plate to Plough: Drowning in sweetness Indian Express  Raja Mandala: Two discourses on strategic autonomy Indian Express

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TLP PHASE 2 UPSC MAINS 2018- COMPILATION

Hello Friends,  Here we present the compilation of TLP Mains 2018-Phase 2. Hope you find it useful :) UPSC GS PAPER 1 UPSC GS PAPER 2 UPSC GS PAPER 3 UPSC GS PAPER 4 UPSC GS CURRENT AFFAIRS You can also download Phase 1- Mains 2018 Compilation- Click Here

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 68]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 68] Archives Q.1) Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to Eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers Rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood Release the sex workers form their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood Release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them Q.2) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 None of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘EyeROV TUNA’ It is India's first underwater robotic drone It is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation. Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Boko Haram, an extremist group often in news is based in? Iraq Nigeria Lebanon Syria Q.5) ‘Mt Everest Friendship Exercise’ is held between India and Nepal Bhutan and Nepal Nepal and China BIMSTEC Members To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

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RSTV - HIV AIDS Act, 2017

HIV AIDS Act, 2017 Archives  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 In News: Announcement of implementation of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Act – The Act, which received Presidential assent on April 20 last year, prohibits discrimination against such persons in: Accessing healthcare Getting jobs Renting accommodation Admission in educational institutions, whether private or public India is the first state in south Asia to pass legislation prohibiting discrimination. By: The Ministry of Health Status of the Act: the Act received Presidential assent way back in 2017 but it was not notified. The current development has come after the Delhi High Court asked the Centre why it has not yet notified the law to prevent discrimination against HIV and AIDS patients despite the statute receiving Presidential assent in April last year. Key Statistics: India has the third largest HIV-infected population with an estimated 2 million people. The country aims to decrease new infections by 75 per cent between 2010 and 2020 and eliminate AIDS by 2030. India brought down the number of new cases and deaths by 27% and 56%, respectively, between 2010 and 2017 But even as India celebrates such progress, it is important to be mindful of the scale of the challenge. With 2.1 million cases, India is among the largest burden countries in the world. And there are critical gaps in its strategy. What is AIDS? Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a condition caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which attacks and weakens the body’s immune system. Objective of the Act: Prevention and control of the spread of the HIV/AIDS: Mandates the central government with respect to also the state governments to formulate rules and also to have laboratories in place for assisting all those people who have been suffering with HIV/AID Protection of the basic human rights of the people suffering from HIV/AIDS The act penalises discrimination against protected persons and lays down provisions for guardianship of affected minors Salient features of the Act The Act penalises "propagation of hatred" against the protected person where a violator could be punished with a minimum jail term of three months to a maximum of two years and can be fined up to one lakh rupees. As per the Act, Union and state governments shall take measures to: Prevent the spread of HIV or AIDS Provide anti-retroviral therapy and infection management for persons with HIV or AIDS Facilitate their access to welfare schemes especially for women and children, among others The government will also issue necessary guidelines with respect to protocols for HIV and AIDS-related diagnostic facilities. Anti-retroviral therapy and opportunistic infection management will also be applicable to all persons. The Act makes Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) a legal right for all HIV/AIDS patients. It has also adopted "test and treat" policy which means any person testing positive will be entitled for free treatment by the state and central government. Earlier, this was restricted by a CD4 count rate. Provides for confidentiality of HIV-related information and makes it necessary to get informed consent for undertaking HIV tests, medical treatment and research. The law makes it mandatory for state governments to appoint an Ombudsman to inquire into complaints related to the violation of the Act and the provision of health care services. If a person or an institution fails to comply with any order given by the Ombudsman within the stipulated period of time, they could be fined a maximum of Rs 10,000. A continuous failure could lead to an additional fine of up to Rs 5000 every day until they comply. The new legislation has provisions to safeguard the property rights of HIV positive people. Every HIV infected person below the age of 18 years has the right to reside in a shared household and enjoy the facilities of the household. The Way Ahead: No one should be left behind in the fight against HIV. There is an urgent need to tackle the social stigma surrounding people suffering from AIDS. Activists from the HIV community had demanded changes to the Section 14 (1) of the Bill which states, “The measures to be taken by the central or state governments under section 13 shall include measures for providing, as far as possible, anti-retroviral therapy and opportunistic management to people living with HIV or AIDS.” The HIV community and other critics demanded that the phrase “as far as possible” be removed from the Bill as it can be used as an escape route by the state governments which do not want to fulfill their responsibility. Important value addition: HIV/AIDS: First disease to be the subject of a UNSC resolution Three north eastern States emerge as new HIV hotspots – Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura; reasons being attributed to injecting drug users and unsafe sexual practices The HIV Sentinel Surveillance (HSS), a biennial study conducted by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), is one of the largest regular studies in the world dealing with HIV in high risk groups of the population. Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) – leads to effectively suppressing the virus and reducing the transmission of HIV from the infected person. National AIDS Research Institute (NARI) target is to bring 90% of the 21 lakh people living with the HIV infection in India under ART. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/08/07/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/b3e32ce2_2302538_101_mr.jpg Connecting the Dots: What is HIV and how is it a life threatening disease? How has India battled against HIV? Critically examine.

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 17th September 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 17th September 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) More river stretches critically polluted: CPCB Part of: Prelims and mains GS III – Environment and pollution In news Based on the recommendations of the NGT, the CPCB last month apprised the States of the extent of pollution in their rivers. Findings of CPCB The number of polluted stretches in India’s rivers has increased to 351 from 302 two years ago. The number of critically polluted stretches — where water quality indicators are the poorest — has gone up to 45 from 34. While the ₹20,000 crore clean-up of the Ganga may be the most visible of the government’s efforts to tackle pollution, but several of the river’s stretches — in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh — are actually far less polluted than many rivers in Maharashtra, Assam and Gujarat. These three States account for 117 of the 351 polluted river stretches. Mithi among the worst, from Powai to Dharavi — with a BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) of 250 mg/l, the Godavari — from Someshwar to Rahed — with a BOD of 5.0-80 mg/l; the Sabarmati — Kheroj to Vautha — with a BOD from 4.0-147 mg/l; and the Hindon — Saharanpur to Ghaziabad — with a BOD of 48-120 mg/l. In its compilation of polluted stretches in Uttar Pradesh, the Ganga with a BOD range of 3.5-8.8 mg/l is indicated as a ‘priority 4’ river. Pic: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/svd6lj/article24962439.ece/alternates/FREE_320/REV%20Troubled%20waterscol Measuring health of the rivers The CPCB, since the 1990s, has a programme to monitor the quality of rivers primarily by measuring BOD, which is a proxy for organic pollution — the higher it is, the worse the river. The health of a river and the efficacy of water treatment measures by the States and municipal bodies are classified depending on BOD, with a BOD greater than or equal to 30 mg/l termed ‘priority 1,’ while that between 3.1-6 mg/l is ‘priority 5.’ The CPCB considers a BOD less than 3 mg/l an indicator of a healthy river. A priority 1 river may show high pollution but it also means more resources for clean up, whereas a priority 4 can mean achieving a clear river with relatively fewer resources. U.P. to launch first-ever dial-FIR Part of: Prelims and mains GS II – Governance In news The Uttar Pradesh Police are set to launch a first of its kind dial-FIR scheme in the country. In this scheme, a common man can register regular crimes without going to a police station. The scheme will also prepare an online photographic dossier of criminals that will be provided to policemen on 22,000 new i-pads. Besides this, the UP Police is also expanding the counter-terror combat and response grid in the State by training over 100 fresh commandos in special skills including a maiden batch of women personnel. The aim is to enhance the strength of the ATS both qualitatively and quantitatively. Do you know? An e-FIR or dial-FIR scheme is the FIR (first information report) that sets the law into motion and to start investigation. In managing water, Surat takes lead Part of: Prelims and mains GS III – Environment; Water conservation In news India’s ‘Diamond City’ offers a lesson for the country’s ever-expanding cities on water management and the optimal use of water. Surat’s civic body is setting up state-of-the-art sewage treatment plants (STPs) to ensure every drop of waste water is treated and reused for purposes other than drinking. From March 2019, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) will be supplying 115 MLD (million litres per day) treated water to industries located within the city, in order to meet the entire industrial requirement of water through treated or recycled water. The entire quantum of water will be treated from domestic sewerage water in tertiary treatment plants, for supplying to mainly textile factories. Surat was the first city in the country to start selling recycled water to industries in 2014. Surat’s cost effective water management system is most advantageous for its contribution towards reducing the dependency on conventional resources of water, and thus optimal use of the resource. So far, the SMC has invested ₹ 280 crore in creating tertiary water treatment facilities in the city. Pic: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/e3a30f/article24962210.ece/alternates/FREE_660/TH17%20plantcol Fact check India is facing its worst water shortage in history, according to a new report prepared by the Niti Aayog. Nearly 600 million Indians faced high to extreme water stress. About 2,00,000 people die every year in the country because of inadequate access to safe water. CIC wants break-up of how MPLADS funds are utilised Part of: Prelims and mains GS II – Governance In news Noting that ₹12,000 crore of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds remains unspent, the Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman to come out with a legal framework to ensure its transparency and hold parliamentarians and political parties accountable for their obligations under the scheme. What is MPLADS? The MPLADS allots ₹5 crore per year to each MP to be spent on projects of their choice in their constituency. The scheme is funded and administered through the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Projects are to be recommended to and implemented by the district-level administration. What CIC said? The CIC’s orders asked the leaders of the two Houses of Parliament to consider providing the “necessary legal frame” for the scheme, which would “make all Parliamentary parties and MPs answerable and accountable for MPLADS funds as public authorities under the RTI Act to prevent MPLADS irregularities.” The framework should make transparency a legal obligation, with all MPs and parties required to present the public and Parliament with a comprehensive report on the number of applications received for their constituency, works recommended, works rejected with reasons, progress of works and details of beneficiaries. Liabilities for any breach of duties should also be imposed, said the order. Further, the framework should prohibit and prevent MPs using the funds for their private works, or diverting them to private trusts or to their own relatives. District administrations must provide regular information — work-wise, MP-wise, and year-wise details on progress — which are to be compiled by the MoSPI and made available to the public. Everything you need to know: When the world collapsed around Lehman Brothers Part of: Prelims and mains GS III – Economics In news It has been ten years since the investment banking firm Lehman Brothers collapsed in mid-September 2008. Shortly after, there was a meltdown in global financial markets, including India. What triggered the crisis? From 2005 to 2007, at the height of the real estate bubble, mortgages were given to many homebuyers who could not afford them, and then packaged into securities and sold off. Lehman Brothers bought several mortgage brokerages and posted record profits. But in mid-2007, defaults on sub-prime mortgages rose exponentially. A credit crisis erupted in August 2007 with the failure of two Bear Stearns hedge funds while payment defaults triggered massive declines in banks and real estate incomes. In 2008, Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy. Was there any ‘rescue act’ by banks? In 2008, when America’s two biggest banks Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers reported high losses due to huge exposure to risk assets, all triggered by sub-prime lending by banking institutions, Bank of America came to the rescue of Merrill Lynch while Lehman Brothers had to file for bankruptcy. What is a sub-prime loan? Sub-prime refers to a loan given to a borrower who does not qualify for a regular home loan because of a poor credit record, low income and lack of job security. If the customer has a poor credit record, why did banks offer a loan? The main reason was banks expected the value of the underlying security or the property to go up. So, they increased the mortgage interest rate (higher than the conventional loan) and called it a sub-prime mortgage. They could earn more with the higher mortgage interest rate and if the borrowers discontinued repayment, they could sell the property for a higher consideration due to appreciation in property prices. Was India insulated? The impact on the Indian economy was less severe due to lower dependence on exports and the fact that a sizeable contribution to the GDP came from domestic sources. Indian banks had limited exposure to the U.S. mortgage market, directly or through derivatives, and also to the failed and financially-stressed global financial institutions. (MAINS FOCUS) WELFARE/SOCIAL ISSUE TOPIC: General Studies 2 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 Lethal filth – on manual scavenging Introduction Five young men who were employed to clean a septic tank in an upmarket residential community died during the process. Around the same time as the Delhi incident, five workers died in a septic tank in Odisha. Do you know? What is manual scavenging? Manual scavenging is a term used mainly in India for a caste-based occupation involving the manual removal of untreated human excreta from bucket toilets or pit latrines by hand with buckets and shovels. Manual scavenging has been officially prohibited by law in 1993 due to it being regarded as a dehumanizing practice (if not done in a safe manner). Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013’ came into effect from 6thDecember, 2013 replacing Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines(Prohibition) Act, 1993.This Act intends to achieve its objectives of eliminating insanitary latrines, prohibition of employment as manual scavengers etc The act says National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)would monitor implementation of the Act and enquire into complaints regarding contravention of the provisions of the Act. What does the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 say? A violation can be punished with two years of imprisonment or fine or both. Under the provision, no person, local authority or agency should engage or employ people for hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. Mechanised cleaning of septic tanks is the prescribed norm. Issue: The law (Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013) is not being enforced, and there is no fear of penalties. The workers in Delhi were apparently asked to perform the task in violation of Section 7 of the Act; In spite of a well-funded programme such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in operation, little attention is devoted to this aspect of sanitation. The requirements of worker safety and provision of safety gear for rare instances when human intervention is unavoidable are often ignored. The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation in its manual of 2016 on toilet design acknowledges that in rural areas, mechanical pumps to clear septic tanks are not available. In the southern States, sanitation has expanded along with urbanisation, but it has brought with it a higher number of deaths as workers clean septic tanks manually. For instance, Tamil Nadu recorded 144 fatalities of workers engaged for septic tank cleaning in the past three years, according to official data. Toilet designs proposed by the government include those in which fully composted waste must be removed from pits every two years. In the absence of political will and social pressure, more lives could be lost because more tanks are being built in rural and urban areas as part of the drive to construct toilets. Way forward: If the law on manual scavenging is to be effective, the penalties must be uniformly and visibly enforced. It is equally important for State governments to address the lack of adequate machinery to clean septic tanks. The Centre must ensure that the proposals for new toilet design does not become a fresh avenue to oppress members of some communities who are expected to perform such work, reflecting social inequalities. Conclusion: The incident is a shocking reminder that India’s high-profile sanitation campaign has done little to alter some basic ground realities. India’s sanitation problem is complex, and the absence of adequate toilets is only one lacuna. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan should make expansion of the sewer network a top priority and come up with a scheme for scientific maintenance that will end manual cleaning of septic tanks. The law should be enforced vigorously to eliminate manual scavenging in its entirety. Connecting the dots: Comment in brief on Manual scavenging in India. What are the steps taken by government to end this menace? ECONOMY/AGRICULTURE TOPIC: General Studies 3 Agriculture economy Farmer issues; crop insurance Use of technology in agriculture Covering the last field – On Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) Introduction Excess rains and floods in Kerala, deficit rainfall in eastern and north-eastern India, and associated large-scale crop losses have again highlighted the need for providing social protection to poor farmers. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): A highly subsidised Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched in 2016 to provide insurance to farmers from all risks. The scheme was aimed at reducing basis risk and premium burden of the farmers The scheme’s total expenses today are almost Rs. 30,000 crore. In comparison to earlier schemes, the PMFBY is more farmer friendly, with sums insured being closer to the cost of production. The scheme’s linkage with parallel programmes like the ‘Jan Dhan Yojana’ and ‘Digital India’ makes it a truly inclusive and welfare-based scheme. The scheme therefore led to increased coverage of 5.7 crore farmers in 2016 and the sum insured crossed ₹200,000 crore. However, notwithstanding its ambition and intent, the scheme since its operation has been scrutinised more for its misses than its hits. What are some of the problems inherent in the scheme: Outmoded method of crop loss assessment Inadequate and delayed claim payment High premium rates Poor execution Consequently, in 2017, the expansive coverage of the scheme suffered some setback as seen in a drop of nearly one crore farmers in enrolment (about 17%). Such shortcomings inspired recent announcements such as that of Bihar to start its own scheme, the “Bihar Rajya Fasal Sahayata Yojna”. How can the scheme be made more effective? In order to make the PMFBY a sustained developmental action for a comprehensive climate risk protection for every Indian farmer, the following action points are suggested: Faster and appropriate claim settlement: The weakness of the PMFBY is the methodology deployed for crop loss assessment: the crop cutting experiments (CCEs). Crop Cutting Experiments: are periodic exercises conducted nationwide every season to determine crop yields of major crops. Sample villages are chosen through scientifically designed surveys, and crops are physically harvested to determine yields. Improvement in the efficacy of the PMFBY: technology use must be intensified. With options available today, such as detailed weather data, remote sensing, modelling and big data analytics, the exercise of monitoring crop growth and productivity can be not only more accurate and efficient but also resource saving. Hybrid indices, which integrate all relevant technologies into a single indicator, are good ways to determine crop losses. Creation of an online portal: the whole process of monitoring can be made accessible and transparent to farmers, policy-makers and insuring agencies alike through an online portal. Universal and free coverage for all smallholders: Farmers’ awareness about the scheme and crop insurance literacy remain low in most States, especially among smallholders in climatically challenged areas in most need of insurance. To increase insurance coverage a system should be thought of whereby every farmer automatically gets insured by the state. Improved and transparent insurance scheme design: Insurance companies are supposed to calculate actuarial rates, and based on tenders, the company quoting the lowest rate is awarded the contract. Science has the capacity today to characterise risks and reconstruct reasonably long-time series of yields. The premium rates, and hence subsidy load on the government, can come down significantly if we make greater use of such proxies and appropriate sum insured levels. Conclusion: If a comprehensive social protection scheme is implemented, there would be opportunities for further rationalisation of subsidies. The government today spends more than Rs. 50,000 crore annually on various climate risk management schemes in agriculture, including insurance. This includes drought relief, disaster response funds, and various other subsidies. Climate-risk triggered farm-loan waivers are an additional expense. All these resources can be better utilised to propel farm growth. Reinvigorating the crop insurance scheme will provide better social protection to every farmer. Connecting the dots: There are enough number of schemes and programs for farmers, still large number of farming population is living in poverty. Critically analyse. (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) Increase in Biological Oxygen demand (BOD) in a water body indicates: Increase in microbial pollution Decrease in microbial pollution Absence of microbial pollution Can’t say Q.2) The biological oxygen demand of water is reduced mainly by: Primary treatment Secondary treatment Tertiary treatment None of the above Q.3) Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for Measuring oxygen levels in blood Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions Q.4) Consider the following statements about MPLADS Scheme It is a centrally-sponsored plan scheme fully funded by the government of India The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has been responsible for the policy formulation, release of funds and prescribing monitoring mechanism for implementation of the Scheme Funds from MPLADS Scheme can be converged with MGNREGA with the objective of creating more durable assets Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 Q.6) Which of the following are the objectives of part of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY)? To provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crop as a result of natural calamities, pests & diseases. To stabilise the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming. To ensure flow of credit to the agriculture sector. Select the code from below: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above MUST READ  Where goes the rupee? The Hindu  The power of Kudumbashree The Hindu  Transforming agriculture The Hindu What not to post online: how Europe law proposes to protect copyright Indian Express   Iran on the edge Indian Express The urban Naxal subterfuge Indian Express  In Good Faith: The natural fallacy Indian Express

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 67]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 67] Archives Q.1) Which of the following statements about ‘INS Karanj’ is/are correct? It is a Scorpene Class Submarine It is built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in collaboration with the Russian Shipbuilding Naval Group Both (a) and (b) Neither (a) nor (b) Q.2) Coral reefs in India can be seen in which of the following areas? Gulf of Mannar Gulf of Kutch Lakshadweep islands Andaman and Nicobar islands Select the correct code: 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 4 All of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Listeria monocytogenes’ It is capable of surviving in the absence of oxygen. It is an electricity producing bacteria Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) ‘Indian Rock Agama’ is mostly found in Rocky hills of South India Aravallis Himalayan Ranges in North East India Dhaula Dhar range Q.5) Consider the following statements about ‘BUFFALO Survey’ It is one of the missions co-ordinated by NASA to explore the origins of the earliest galaxies It is built around the six Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Frontier Fields clusters 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

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Present Moment – Inspirational Educative Articles

Present Moment: It is so easy to get distracted and be lost in some unwanted thought process. If only we can clearly understand how easy it is to get lost in some random and useless thought process, most of what we do will change immediately. Just at the very moment of realizing that most of our thinking is simply unwanted and repetitive, a new way of looking at things will emerge. We all can without any doubt agree that our minds simply have no definite purpose of their own. The purpose of our mind changes moment to moment depending on our moods, emotions and physical condition. If only our minds had some definite purpose in life, we didn’t have to struggle so much finding our true identity in this chaotic world. Relying on our mind to show us the right way is like relying on a blind man to find our way out of the confusion of life. The more we become simply attached to our thought process and desires, the lesser we will be certain about who we are and what our real purpose is. There is another dimension of intelligence apart from thinking. We have totally ignored this dimension. There is tremendous intelligence in being in the present moment. Present moment is filled with intuition, awareness and some kind of cosmic intelligence that has the ability to point our lives in the right direction. No need to get all spiritual and other worldly to understand the importance of being in the present moment. Just a pure scientific way of looking at things will help us to understand the importance of being in the present moment. Everything in existence is in the present moment except for man. This is why he is so much in pain and suffering. When we move away from the present moment and begin to drift into the past and future of our thought process, we are stepping away from our home. How can there be any comfort to the one who has travelled very far away from home and has lost his way. There is no respite for us till we find our way back to the present moment. Our thinking has to be only one part of our life. There has to be a nurturing of intuitive intelligence through which we can understand emotions, effects of time and space around us, effects of people and places and so much more which can never be grasped by our thoughts. Without finding our way to this intuitive intelligence we will always be lost, constantly searching for meaning and purpose. Each one of us is born with this intuitive intelligence. Each one of us has the ability to access this dimension within us; all we have to do is give more importance to being in the present moment than to being lost in some random thought process. Life is a beautiful experience only in the present moment. Everywhere else, it is a pure torture. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”