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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 1st October 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 1st October 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Kerala bagged the top spot on the School Education Quality Index (SEQI)  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II - Education In News SEQI assesses States on the basis of learning outcomes, access, equity and infrastructure and facilities, governance processes using survey data, self-reported data from States and third-party verification. It is developed by NITI Aayog through a collaborative process, including key stakeholders such as Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) and World Bank. Some of the findings of the Index are Among the large States, Kerala bagged the top spot with 76.6 per cent and while Uttar Pradesh with 36.4 per cent scored the lowest for 2016-17. Among the small States, Manipur (68.8 per cent) emerged as the top performer while Arunachal Pradesh (24.6 per cent) came last in the category. Among Union Territories, Chandigarh (82.9 per cent) stood at the top position while Lakshadweep ranked lowest (31.9 per cent). The index provides instructive feedback to State authorities to drive reforms in crucial sectors and encourage innovation in cost-effective policy approaches Paleochannel Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains I - Geography In News The Union Water Ministry has excavated an old, dried-up river in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) that linked the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.  The discovery was made last December by a team of scientists from the CSIR-NGRI (National Geophysical Research Institute) and the Central Groundwater Board. A palaeochannel is a remnant of an inactive river or stream channel that has been filled or buried by younger sediment.  Paleochannels typically act as pathways for groundwater movement and provide a potential source of groundwater. Their presence can be helpful in identifying areas suitable for recharge. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/wyxpkb/article29560056.ece/ALTERNATES/FREE_960/TH01New-rivercol Commutation Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II - Polity In News The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to commute the death sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana, who was convicted for the assassination of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, to life imprisonment Beant Singh, credited for ending terrorism in Punjab, was assassinated on August 31, 1995, in an explosion in Chandigarh. About Presidential Pardoning Powers Article 72 says that the President shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence Commutation: It means reducing the punishment by changing the nature of punishment. For example, punishment to death may be changed to life imprisonment. Pardon: It removes both the sentence and the conviction and completely absolves the convict from all the sentences, punishments and disqualifications. Remission It implies reducing the period of sentence without changing its character Respite It denotes awarding a lesser sentence in place of one originally awarded due to some special fact, such as the physical disability of convict or the pregnancy of a woman offender. Reprieve It implies a stay of the execution of a sentence (especially that of death) for a temporary period. its purpose is to enable the convict to have time to seek pardon or commutation from the President. Eight core industries’ output contracts (negative growth) by 0.5% in August 2019 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III – Indian Economy In News The eight core sector industries are coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser, steel, cement and electricity. The eight core sector industrieshad expanded by 4.7 per cent in August last year The contraction indicates weakness in industrial activity and may spur RBI to cut REPO rates in its next Monetary Policy Review. Do You Know? These eight sectors have 40.27% of the weight of all sectors that figure in Index of Industrial Production (IIP) The IIP index is computed and published by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) on a monthly basis The base year used for IIP calculations is 2011-12. Repo rate is the rate at which the central bank of a country (RBI) lends money to commercial banks in the event of any shortfall of funds (MAINS FOCUS) EMPLOYMENT & AGRICLUTURE  TOPIC: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. The link between jobs, farming and climate Context: Slowing economy is taking place, growth has slowed for the past two-and-a-half years Unemployment is the biggest crisis that India is facing today Data: Periodic Labour Force Survey point to a dramatic rise in the unemployment rate since 2011-12 Unemployment is the highest in the 45 years since 1972-73 Unemployment  in ‘Rural Males’, in 2017-18, is four times the average for the 40 years up to 2011-12. Causes for the slow growth in rural income: Since 2008-2009, crop agriculture activity has recorded zero or negative growth in five years not seen anything like this since 1947. Other causes include low export growth , the state of the banking sector etc Decline in investment rate (due to poor agricultural growth) ecological factors like land degradation involving loss of soil moisture and nutrients, and the drop in the water table, leading to scarcity which raises the cost of cultivation excessive fertilizer use caused over-abuse of the earth’s resources. increasingly erratic rainfall, due to climate change Measures  to be taken : Recent Reduction in the corporate tax rate. ( but large part of corporate sales is driven by rural demand ) The future growth of demand for much of industrial production is likely to come from rural areas so the rural picture matters Way Forward: Govt must strive to increase rural income Intelligent governance, resource deployment and change in farmer behaviour is a need of the hour  Draw in the public agricultural institutes and farmer bodies for their views on how to resuscitate the sector. Policy focus is disproportionately on the tax rate, the ease of doing business in the non-agricultural sector which must be turned towards agricultural sector Did you know: In the average country of the OECD, an increase in unemployment of such magnitude would have triggered a nationwide debate and agitation on the streets. Connecting the dots : It is imperative to focus on agricultural production in devising a long-term solution to the problem of unemployment. Substantiate . POLITY General Studies 2: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.. The EC’s order on Sikkim CM’s disqualification Context: Sikkim CM Prem Singh  was found guilty of misappropriation of government funds in a cow distribution scheme while he was the minister of animal husbandry in the 1990s.A case was registered in 2003 under the Prevention of Corruption Act Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang's disqualification period of 6 years, which began on August 10, 2018, was to end on August 10, 2024 Tamang’s SKM party won the assembly elections held in April, took over as CM in May. He has to contest assembly polls within six months of becoming the chief minister to hold the office Tamang had requested the poll panel to waive his disqualification period under Section 11 of the Representation of the People Act. The EC reduced Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang's disqualification period by almost five years under a provision of the electoral law, paving the way for him to contest the state assembly elections. Did you know? Section 11 of the RP Act states, "The Election Commission may, for reasons to be recorded, remove any disqualification under this Chapter 1 (except under section 8A) or reduce the period of any such disqualification." EC’s stand: The legislature has, in its wisdom, deemed it necessary to vest this Commission with this power with the understanding that socio-economic-political factors may, in certain peculiar circumstances, warrant that the general disqualification prescribed by statutory rule should be removed/reduced by exercising this extraordinary power.” The Prevention of Corruption Amendment Act 2018 The Bill incorporates the recommendations given by the 20th Law Commission headed by Justice (retd) AP Shah in its 254th Report. The Bill makes bribing a punishable offence. It redefines provisions related to criminal misconduct. It makes mandatory for taking prior approval of relevant Government or competent authority to conduct any investigation into offence. It modifies definitions and penalties for offences related to taking bribe, being habitual offender and abetting offence. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 Article 327 of Indian Constitution For the conduct of election of the Houses of Parliament and to the House or Houses of the Legislature of each State,  The qualifications and disqualifications for membership of those Houses,  the corrupt practices and other offences at or in connection with such elections  It was introduced in Parliament by law minister Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.  Rationale behind the relief: Argument was that law prevailing at the time of his offence entailed disqualification only if the sentence was for a term of two years or more; and that the amendment in 2003, under which any conviction under the anti-corruption law would attract the six-year disqualification norm, should not be applied to him. Criticisms: Morally wrong and a dangerous precedent that may end up reversing the trend towards decriminalising politics Tamang was convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act for and his one-year prison term was upheld by the High Court and the Supreme Court. Disqualification from contest is a civil disability created by electoral law to keep those convicted by criminal courts from entering elected offices. EC decision also goes against the grain of a series of legislative and judicial measures to strengthen the legal framework against corruption in recent years.( apex court has described corruption as a serious malady and one impinging on the economy.) Concluison: The EC is already battling a perception that its actions are partisan and this action is bound to further strain its credibility. Connecting the dots: Today, we have 43% of the people sitting in the Lok Sabha with pending criminal cases. Do you think the EC’s act of  removing the disqualification of a convict is morally wrong and a dangerous precedent that may end up reversing the trend towards decriminalising politics? Elucidate . (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) Index of Industrial Production is released by which body/ministry? Central Statistical Organisation Ministry of Commerce and Industry NITI Aayog None of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements about Palaeochannel It is a remnant of an inactive river or stream channel that has been filled or buried by younger sediment.  Their presence can be helpful in identifying areas suitable for groundwater recharge 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 Article 161 deals withpower of Governor to grant pardons, etc, and to suspend, remit or commute sentences in certain cases Commutation of sentence means reducing the period of sentence without changing its character Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) School Education Quality Index (SEQI) is developed by which of the following body/bodies? NGO Pratham NITI Aayog Union Ministry of Human Resource Development Both b and c MUST READ A test for judicial review in India The Hindu Creating jobs for young India  The Hindu Housing crisis, untouched The Hindu How to read corporate tax cut Indian Express South Asia needs a culture of commitment to human rights Indian Express ‘Howdy, Modi’ showcased that India, US have shed Cold War baggage Indian Express An innovator of resistance, Bapu defeated hatred Live Mint

AIR

All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - Eastern Economic Forum

Eastern Economic Forum ARCHIVES Search 5th September Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx  TOPIC: General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood relations, International relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. About Eastern Economic Forum EEF was established by a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, in 2015, with the aim of supporting the economic development of Russia’s Far East, and to expand international cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The ongoing EEF Summit at the Far Eastern Federal University is the fifth in its history. Among the participants in the Summit are India, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. According to the EEF website, the 2018 Summit was attended by more than 6,000 participants from over 60 countries, and over 220 agreements worth over RUB 3.1 trillion were signed. (Each Russian ruble is almost exactly worth 1 Indian rupee.) The Summits have roundtable conferences, panel sessions, business breakfasts, besides business dialogues and bilateral talks and agreements. What has the EEF achieved till now? In the last five years, as many as 17 different countries have invested in the Far East, according to the EEF website. These include regional and global heavyweights like China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Vietnam.  As a result, 20 advanced special economic zones and five free ports have been put in place.  A total of 1,780 new investment projects, worth over 3.8 trillion rubles, and 230 new enterprises have become functional, the EEF website says. What is India’s interest in the EEF? Prime Minister Modi has described the EEF as a “historic opportunity” to give new impetus to the cooperation between India and Russia. He has said that the relationship between the two countries has “special chemistry, special ease”, even pointing out that Siberian cranes migrate to “my home state Gujarat”. Going beyond the bonhomie and historical ties, India is also a key customer of the Russian arms industry. In March, India entered into a joint venture with Russia to manufacture the legendary Kalashnikov assault rifles in India. In 2018, Russia sold the S-400 advanced air defence system to India. India is interested in expanding the level of trade between the two countries. An area of special interest for India is the exploration of hydrocarbon reserves along the coast of Russia’s Far East. Modi in Russia Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian premier to visit the Far East Russia. Announcing $1 billion loan for the development of Russia's Far East, Modi said it was a 'unique case' of India providing such special credit line The launch of a Russian-Indian joint venture for manufacturing AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles in India will bring bilateral cooperation in the military and technical area to a new level Putin and Modi signed 15 agreements, MoUs to strengthen bilateral ties. The prime minister unveiled his government's "Act Far East" policy to boost India's engagement with Russia's Far East region, blessed with oil, gas and other minerals. The Far East will become the bedrock of a strong India-Russia tie, which is based on the principles of "rules-based order, sovereignty, respect for territorial integrity and is against engaging in the internal matters of other countries". Vladivostok and India When ships will start plying between Vladivostok and Chennai with the opening of the maritime routes between the two cities, the Russian port city will become the springboard of northeast asia market in India. This will further deepen the India-Russia partnership." Modi added that the partnership between India and Russia in the development of the Far East will make it a "confluence of open, free and inclusive Indo-Pacific". In Russian, Vladivostok is ‘Ruler of the East’. Located on the Golden Horn Bay north of North Korea and a short distance from Russia’s border with China, it is the largest port on Russia’s Pacific coast, and home to the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy. It is the eastern railhead of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, which connects the far east of Russia to the capital Moscow, and further west to the countries of Europe. At Vladivostok’s massive port, shipping and commercial fishing are the main commercial activities. Automobiles are a major item of import at the port, from where they are often transported further inland. Trade and strategy India is building nuclear power plants with Russia’s collaboration in Kudankulam on the sea coast in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district. The opening of a sea route is likely to help in the project. Even otherwise, a vibrant sea route will help in the upscaling of trade relations between the two nations. It will also increase India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific, and especially the South China Sea, a deeply contested patch of the ocean that Beijing considers its stomping ground. Connecting the dots: India and Russia have been strategic partners even before cold war era. Critically analyse the defence relation between two countries and what can be possible way forward.

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

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 30th September 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Petronet – Tellurian deal Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II – International Affairs In News During Indian PM visit to the USA, a MoU instead of an actual agreement, was singed for the $2.5 billion investment planned by Indian PSU Petronet in American LNG company Tellurian’s Driftwood LNG terminal Reasons for delay in reaching agreement: Price drops in LNG India’s demand shortfallgiven the recent downturn in manufacturing Expected LNG supply from Indian market and  Negative experience with locking in contracts for along period About Petronet It was formed as a Joint Venture by the Government of India to import LNG and set up LNG terminals in the country. It involves India's leading oil and natural gas industry players with its promoters being GAIL, ONGC, IOCL and BPCL. It has set up the country's first LNG receiving and regasification terminal at Dahej, Gujarat, and another terminal at Kochi, Kerala. Government bans export of Onions Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III- Economy In News In the light of increasing prices, the GOI prohibited onion exports and imposed limits on the stocks that can be held to prevent hoarding The buffer stocks are maintained through National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and supplies are sent to states at regulated prices using these stocks About NAFED NAFED was set up in 1958 under the Multi State Co-operative Societies Act. Its objective is to promote Co-operative marketing of agricultural produce to benefit the farmers. Agricultural farmers are the main members of Nafed, who have the authority to say in the form of members of the General Body in the working of Nafed. GALO Community Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-I- Society In News Members of the Galo community in Arunachal Pradesh can recall the name of their ancestor from 20 generations ago i.e. right up to the founder of their clan.  This is made possible by their system of naming. About Galos The TheGalos belong to the Tani group inhabiting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, besides Tibet. Galos are one of the 26 major communities of Arunachal Pradesh.  They have a system of prefixing the second syllable of a father’s name to that of a son, who passes on the suffix in his name to his son. thus, they can trace the names of ancestors from the first syllable or prefix of our names.  The genealogy is patriarchal. National nutrition survey Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II - Health In News The Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey was conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and UNICEF between February 2016 and October 2018 It is the first study undertaken to measure malnutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies through biochemical measures such as blood and urine samples, anthropometric data as well as details of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and kidney function in children and adolescents. Some of the key finding of the report (yet to be released) are 10% of children and adolescents are pre-diabetic 4% adolescents have high cholesterol 7% children and adolescents have high risk of chronic kidney disease 5% adolescents were found to have high blood pressure Difference with National Family Health Survey (NFHS) The NHFS, collects anthropometric data (weight for age, height for age, weight for height, mid-upper arm circumference) to measure prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight and household dietary intake to measure deficiencies. Moreover, these are collected for children in the age group of 1-5 years and adults, but not for school going children between the age of 5 and 19 years. NHFS were carried out in 1992-93 (NFHS-1), 1998-99 (NFHS-2), 2005-06 (NFHS-3) and 2015-16(NFHS-4) All NFHS have been conducted under the stewardship of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, serving as the nodal agency. Plogging Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II - Health In News PM in his Mann Ki Baat radio address highlighted the efforts of RipudamanBelvi who has started the movement of plogging Plogging is a combination of jogging with picking up litteri.eworkout combined with an activity to keep the environment clean The picking-up-litter part can be seen as a cooling-down exercise after the exhausting cardio. It started as an organised activity in Sweden in 2016 and started spreading to other countries Plogging encapsulate the government’s two initiatives together — Fit India Movement and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.  Sports Ministry has organised “Fit India Plogging” run on October 2nd in which participants from across India would plog for 2 kms Miscellaneous IAU names asteroid after PanditJasraj The International Astronomical Union has named as asteroid discovered in 2006, after Indian Classical Singer PanditJasraj The asteroid or more formally known as minor planetoid is located between Mars and Jupiter. (MAINS FOCUS) INDIA’S FOREIGN RELATIONS TOPIC: General Studies 2 : India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context : The imposing Lotus Tower in Colombo, which was opened to the public recently, is considered to be the latest symbol of Sri Lanka-China ties. Srilanka: Island country in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean to the southwest of the Bay of Bengal and to the southeast of the Arabian Sea.  The island is geographically separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. Its geographic location and deep harbours made it of great strategic importance from the time of the ancient Silk Road through to the modern Maritime Silk Road a 26-year civil war, which ended decisively when the Sri Lanka Armed Forces defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009 founding member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, the G77, and the Non-Aligned Movement Image: https://www.worldatlas.com/img/areamap/continent/asia_map.gif China – Sri-lanka relations: 1957, China and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations Relations between both countries during the rule of Sri Lankan president, Mahinda Rajapaksa,  saw closer relations due to Rajapaksa's pro-China stance Under current Sri Lankan president, Maithripala Sirisena, relations remain strong with Sirisena interested in balancing both Chinese and Indian influence in the country. recent developments have shown a pro-China tilt in Sri Lanka's current foreign policy support of China's position in the South China Sea dispute Sri Lanka is a major country on the String of Pearls (Chinese strategic initiative in the Indian Ocean,)  Srilanka is part of the Belt and road initiative(BRI) of china  Though economic ties with China are driving Sri Lanka into a “debt trap”, the bilateral relationship on the economic front is only becoming stronger.  Ex : (Hambanatota ) Did you know: Back in 1952, Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) and China signed a barter trade pact under which the two countries agreed to exchange Sri Lanka’s natural rubber for Chinese rice. With the international market for its natural rubber much reduced, Sri Lanka’s economy slumped. China’s purchase of Sri Lanka’s natural rubber helped ease the crisis. Hambantota port: The Hambantota Port   is a maritime port in Hambantota, Sri Lanka Total estimated construction cost of the Phase 1 of the project is US$361 million, out of which 85% was funded by China As the port incurred heavy losses, making debt repayment difficult, in 2016 it was proposed to lease 80% of the port in a debt-for-equity swap to  China Merchants Ports holding company (CMPort)(Signed ) for 99 years In July 2018, it was announced that Sri Lanka would relocate its naval base at Galle to Hambantota. India sri- lanka relations: Srilanka was before part of various Indian kingdoms. India is  the island's largest trading partner  India is the only neighbour of Sri Lanka, separated by the Palk Strait India and Sri Lanka are republics within the Commonwealth of Nations. India has signed a nuclear energy deal to improve relations the Rajiv Gandhi-Jayawardene Accord of 1987 and the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, envisaging devolution of powers for provinces, still provide a solid framework to address the ethnic question India’s assistance during the 2004 tsunami and Mr. Modi’s visit to Colombo in June (the first foreign dignitary to do so) in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks show India’s sincerity of approach Low time  in India – srilanka relations: The anti-Tamil program of 1983 dragged India into the Sri Lankan Tamil question. withdrawal of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in March 1990 a  the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 made New Delhi adopt a “hands-off approach” towards Colombo till the final phase of the civil war. Recent development: India cannot claim to have accomplished much in the Sirisena years, despite its “neighbourhood first” policy since May 2014. India cannot boast of having taken up any major infrastructure project in Sri Lanka. the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement, an improved version of the existing bilateral Free Trade Agreement, has been shelved. In recent years, only a couple of social sector projects of the Indian government— gathered momentum.( — building 60,000 homes for Tamils and ambulance services)  concern over delays in projects proposed by India. The joint development of an oil storage facility in Trincomalee is one such project India – Srilanka – China: China’s footprint in Sri Lanka is  expanding into the island’s Tamil-dominated areas  where India’s influence in the island has been the strongest, is worrying” as its role here could  grow at India’s cost. According to the 2018 annual report of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, imports from China accounted for 18.5%, just a little less than the 19% from India. Way forward: India must sit with that leader not just to get expeditious approvals for all the pending infrastructure projects but also contribute to a holistic development of Sri Lanka’s youth. India must encourage the voluntary repatriation of nearly 95,000 refugees who live in Tamil Nadu back to Sri Lanka. Conclusion: China-funded infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka may look great, but India-Sri Lanka ties are deeper and more complex. A benign and comprehensive approach, backed by the sincerity of purpose, will  earn India greater respect of Sri Lankans, and also send a message to the world  about the strength of its ties with Sri Lanka. Connecting the dots: Unlike China, India has not accomplished much in Sri Lanka. Critically analyze. HEALTH TOPIC: General Studies 2 : Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources Context: September 29 is observed as World Heart Day, an initiative by the World Heart Federation to spread awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD) World Heart Federation: The World Heart Federation (WHF) is a nongovernmental organization based in Geneva, Switzerland in 1971 The first World Congress of Cardiology was convened in Paris in September 1950 "World Heart Day" was founded in 2000 to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading causes of death cardiovascular diseases (CVD) : CVDs are a group of disorders of the heart and the blood vessels.  coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease and congenital heart disease among others. Causes: lifestyle choices such as an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and excessive use of alcohol. lead to increased blood pressure, increased blood glucose levels and obesity.  Essentially, they increase the risk of developing a heart attack, stroke and other such complications. preventable to some extent. Data: 17.9 million people die of CVDs every year(31 per cent of global deaths) One-third of these deaths are premature 75 per cent cases come from low and middle-income countries. Indian scenario: the number of years lost to ill-health has increased in India 2016, CVDs contributed to 28.1 percent of the total deaths, as compared to 15.2 percent in 1990. prevalence of CVDs is estimated to be around 54.5 million. 35% of patients with no conventional risk factors suffered from cardiovascular diseases (CAD) due to reasons linked to air pollution. Reasons:   high systolic blood pressure, ambient air pollution, high total cholesterol and high BMI among major risk factors contributing towards heart diseases Air pollution : A person stranded in a traffic junction for five minutes in a polluted area will be exposed to the effect of smoking five cigarettes Case study: The research was carried out on 2,400 patients in the Premature Coronary Artery Disease (PCAD) .Patients under the age of 40, who had been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, were registered. The study shows that 26% of the patients were working in different types of jobs in the private sector; 15% each were agriculturists and daily wage workers, 12% were working in technical fields, and 6.5% were housewives. As many as 24% of the patients were drivers, which accounted for the most common nature of work among PCAD patients. Steps taken: In 2013, the WHO developed targets to control and prevent non-communicable diseases includes a relative reduction of 25 per cent in overall mortality from CVDs by 2025. India’s National Health Policy 2017 too, aims to reduce premature mortality from CVDs, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases by 25 per cent by 2025. Conclusion: risks contributing to cardiovascular diseases across India is ominous, and this situation has to be addressed through systematic policies and action in various sectors Connecting the dots: Air pollution is a new tobacco; it kills more people than smoking. Substantiate. (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 National nutrition survey is the first survey undertaken by Ministry of Health & Family welfare to study both malnutrition and non-communicable diseases in India September is being observed as PoshanMaah or Nutrition month 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 National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) It was set up under National Food Security Act, 2013 Its objective is to promote Co-operative marketing of agricultural produce to benefit the farmers. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3)Galos community recently in news is present primarily in which region of India? Bastar district of Chhattisgarh Andaman and Nicobar islands Ladakh region Arunachal Pradesh and Assam Q.4)Plogging often in news is related to which area? New form agriculture Fitness and health Environmental cleanliness Both b and c MUST READ Trust deficit: On Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative Bank issue The Hindu Strictures in the name of security The Hindu The doyen of a diplomatic dynasty The Hindu Govt must not sacrifice rise in farm incomes at altar of short-term consumer interest Indian Express Is Parliament sovereign in India or not? We need to know. Indian Express

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Art of Persistence – Inspirational Educative Articles

Art of Persistence: When everything else is equal, the key differentiating factor between success and failure is persistence. While most people persist for a while and give up, a few persist till they get what they want. Those few are the ones who eventually succeed in life. Persistence is what separates one individual from another. So what exactly is persistence? How do you develop it? Where can you find it? Why is it that some people are naturally more persistent than others? Can one even develop persistence or is it just a quality one inherits from birth? Let us dive a little deeper into the art of persistence. Firstly persistence is an entirely self-consciously developed ability. Nobody is born with unique abilities of persistence. In one sense, as kids we all were equally persistent. As a process of growing up, our ability to be persistent changes over time due to several external and internal factors. External factors contributing to our levels of persistence are the environment we grow up in, the challenges we had to face and overcome our upbringing and education, friends and family etc. Internal factors include our ability to defer gratification, endure hardships, individuality, creativity etc. When one begins to pay attention to his/her persistence levels, one can always assess its intensity and make changes accordingly to increase the levels of persistence. It simply doesn’t matter what kind of growing up conditioning you were subjected to. When you become conscious of your persistence levels, you can work on it and change it. This is where one has to learn the fundamental principles of persistence. Persistence can be developed by simply pushing yourself to hold on to things a little longer every time. We all have our breaking points. We all have our “I am done with this now” moments. We all have our “ I cannot do this anymore” moments. By recognizing fully that every time you decide to quit doing something, the reason for it will always be the mental pattern that you have been used to – when you quit has very little to do with physical and mental ability and has everything to do with what you are comfortable with. One of the best ways of improving your persistence levels is by accepting the uncomfortable feeling of staying with something longer than is necessary. This might sound a little too simplistic a way to improve persistency, but try it and it always works. We give up a little too soon because we don’t want to put our minds and bodies in any uncomfortable position. This is the self defense mechanism of life. When you are able to recognize this and push yourself a little further, you will discover persistency levels that you could not have imagined. To know what you are capable of, you got to learn how to push yourself a little further, and the best way to do this is to be totally ok with the uncomfortable feeling of pushing yourself. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”

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

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th September 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) SC order demolition of Maradu blocks violating CRZ regulations Part of: GS Prelim sand Mains GS-III – Environmental Conservation In News The coastal land up to 500m from the High Tide Line (HTL) and a stage of 100m along banks of creeks, estuaries, backwater and rivers subject to tidal fluctuations, is called the Coastal Regulation Zone(CRZ). CRZ Notification 2018 is based on the recommendations of Shailesh Nayak committeeand have been issued under Section 3 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. CRZ along the country has been placed in four categories, which are as follows CRZ I - Ecologically Sensitive Areas. They lie between low and high tide line. Exploration of natural gas and extraction of salt are permitted no construction is allowed except activities for atomic power plants, defense. CRZ II - Shore Line Areas The areas that have been developed up to or close to the shoreline. Unauthorized structures are not allowed to construct in this zone. CRZ III - Undisturbed Area Rural (CRZ IIIA and CRZ IIIB) and Urban localities which fall outside I and II. Only certain activities related to agriculture even some public facilities are allowed in this zone. CRZ IV - Territorial Area An area covered between Low Tide Line and 12 Nautical Miles seaward. Fishing and allied activities are permitted in this zone. Solid waste should be let off in this zone. Madhya Pradesh miners demand treatment for Silicosis Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II- Health About Silicosis Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, a mineral that is part of sand, rock, and mineral ores such as quartz. It mostly affects workers exposed to silica dust in occupations such mining, glass manufacturing, foundry and building construction industries.  Over time, exposure to silica particles causes scarring in the lungs, which causes bloody coughing and breathlessness. Silicosis is incurable, and so clinical management includes removing the worker from the industry and giving symptomatic treatment Do You Know? Jodhpur’sRaju Devi, who, after her husband’s death due to silicosis, organised around 25,000 miners and secured their rights with regard to working conditions and adequate health insurance benefits to deal with Silicosis. Factory Act of India (1948) mandates a well ventilated working environment, provisions for protection from dust, reduction of overcrowding and provision of basic occupational health care.  The main challenge of eliminating silicosis in India is in the informal, unregulated sectors of industry which do not fall under the control of the Factory Act of India. Citizenship Bill Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II – Federalism In News NGOs across the northeastern States have lined up protests against the Union government’s bid to reintroduce the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. Groups in Assam feel the bill goes against the NRC and the Assam Accord, groups in Mizoram fears a higher influx of Chakmas while other Northeastern states fear influx of outsiders may lead to changes in demography of their states About Citizenship(Amendment) Bill The Bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act of 1955 and grant citizenship to people from minority communities — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians — from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of stay in India even if they do not possess any proper document.  The current requirement is 12 years of stay. The proposed legislation was cleared by the Lok Sabha in January but not tabled in the Rajya Sabha. Other Criticism of the bill The bill has no provision for Shias or Ahmadiyas in Pakistan who are persecuted minorities there. By allowing non-Muslim migrants to claim citizenship, the bill goes against to Article 14 of the Constitution that guarantees right to equality. Air Pollution and health risks Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II - Health In News Previously, air pollution was exclusively linked only to respiratory diseases.  But in recent times, multiple clinical studies have proved the role of air pollution in causing cardiovascular diseases The study says that out of one lakh Indians, about 200 people are prone to heart diseases due to air pollution. A study also found that approximately 35% of patients with no conventional risk factors suffered from cardiovascular diseases (CAD) due to air pollution. Institutes involved in study: Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, & NIMHANS Bengaluru. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act empowers Central Pollution Control Board to set standards for the quality of air. Current NAAQS were notified by CPCB in the year 2009. Pollutants covered under NAAQS are Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Particulate Matter (PM 10, PM 2.5), Ozone (O3), Lead (Pb), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ammonia (NH3), Benzene (C6H6), Benzo(a)Pyrene (BaP), Arsenic(As), Nickel (Ni). National Air Quality Index NAQI, launched by CPCB,  is a number used to communicate to the public how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecasted to become. The classifications of air quality are part of a 6 grade, colour coded taking into account 8 pollutant levels. These pollutants measured in this index are: Ground-level Ozone (O3), Particulate Matter (soot and dust) - PM 2.5 and PM 10, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Ammonia (NH3) 10-year sanitation plan Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II – Health and Sanitation In News With India set to be completely open defecation free (ODF) by 2nd October 2019, the Centre has launched a 10-year sanitation strategy to maintain these gains The focus would now shift to solid and liquid waste management in rural areas of the country. Nevertheless, the first priority is to sustain the gains of ODF, to prevent slipbacks and continue behaviour change About Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Launched in 2014, it aims to accelerate the efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage in the country.  About 110 million toilets have been built in past five years. At present, 98% of Indian villages have rural sanitation coverage instead of 38% four years ago. Swachh Bharat (rural) is implemented by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation; and Swachh Bharat (urban)by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Tiger Conservation Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III – Environmental Conservation In News India, Nepal, Bhutan to count tigers in high altitudes Potential high altitude tiger landscapes include the Valmiki-Chitwan-Annapurna (India-Nepal),  Manas-Royal Manas-Jigme Dorji (India-Bhutan);  Neora Valley-Torsa-Buxa-Phibsu (India-Bhutan);  Askot-Pithoragarh-Nandhaur-Suklaphanta (India-Nepal); and  Arunachal-Sikkim-bordering Bhutan (India-Bhutan). Recording the presence of tigers in high altitudes is important to judge the health of the species, as poaching and fragmented habitat are serious challenges to their population growth Do You Know? India is home to the most number of tigers in the world, most of them are focussed in Central India and the Western Ghats.  The latest tiger survey, made public earlier this year estimated 2,967 tigers all over India. (MAINS FOCUS) INDIA’S FOREIGN RELATIONS TOPIC: General Studies 2 : India and its neighbourhood- relations. Context: Memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by the NCP(Nepal communist party) with the Communist Party of China . President Xi Jinping is visiting Nepal in October 2019 Background about Nepal: https://www.mapsofindia.com/neighbouring-countries-maps/maps/india-nepal.jpg Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia. It borders China in the north and India in the south, east Hinduism is the predominant religion of the country The Constitution of Nepal, adopted in 2015, affirms Nepal as a secular federal parliamentary republic divided into seven provinces. Friendship treaties were signed with India in 1950 and the People's Republic of China in 1960. Member of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Non Aligned Movement(NAM) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative.  India – Nepal relations: The 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship treaty  provides Nepalese, the same economic and educational opportunities as Indian citizens in India, while accounting for preferential treatment to Indian citizens and businesses compared to other nationalities in Nepal The Indo-Nepal border is open; Nepalese and Indian nationals may move freely across the border without passports or visas and may live and work in either country since late 2015, political issues and border disputes have strained relations between the two countries with anti-Indian sentiment growing amongst the government and people of Nepal No border agreement between two countries  Recent developments in India – Nepal relations: In August 2014, when the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited and number of sops were announced.  When a big earthquake struck Nepal, India was quick to respond with help and relief materials.  India’s failure to complete past projects on time has created frustrations. In 2015  India objected to Nepal’s constitution and exerted pressure for Nepal to accommodate the voices of Madhesi people led to blockade this infringed the relations China- Nepal relations: The Sino-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed in 1960. From 1975 onward, Nepal has maintained a policy of balancing the competing influence of China and India China has been making an effort to gain entry into SAARC, and, Nepal has continuously backed and supported the proposal to include China as a member in the regional grouping China being the largest source of FDI, (while India still remains one of the major source of remittance to Nepal) The  Nepal and China ratified the border agreement treaty 1960. Recent development in China – Nepal relations: Nepali leaders played the nationalism card to reach out to China (after blocked).  With the announcement of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), exchanges and interactions between the two countries grew.  Nepal signed agreements with China to ensure it was not “India locked”, in turn opening transit and trade opportunities through its northern border. Problems with the Nepal: Nepal’s engagements with the outside world have been more of theatrics, speeches and little action. Nepal  has never been about seeking investments and get into a partnership model such as what Bangladesh has been able to do successfully with both China and India. With a strong patriarchal and feudal culture embedded in Hinduism, rituals dominate Nepali life, there is much emphasis on rituals rather than an understanding of the deeper issues. Communism in Nepal Vs China: The recent rise of the Nepali communist has been due to the empathy of and support from the Communist parties of India that were part of the United Progressive Alliance(UPA). The Maoists, while underground, received tacit support. With the communist parties in India in disarray now, the Nepali communist leaders are looking for options. Communism to Nepal came through Calcutta and not straight from China. Therefore, what we see in Nepal is the West Bengal version of communism rather than a Chinese one. The communist movement in both India and Nepal has been about rent-seeking on positions and selling rhetoric and hypocrisy. In contrast to the Chinese societal model of hard work and encouraging entrepreneurial pursuits. Nepali communists, especially the former insurgents, still talk about Mao and the Maoist ideology. In China, Mao is a word best avoided and is jarring for the current key leadership. In China, over the years, when a majority group within the party decides on an issue, people with opposing views accept the decision and do not challenge them in the future. Nepali communism has been about continuous infighting and creating fiefdoms rather than accepting an individual’s leadership. China- India-Nepal Trilateral: China wants to invest in big connectivity projects in Nepal but prefers to bring India, on board. But India have not shown much interest. Chinese engagement in Nepal is sharply increasing, making India uncomfortable. India views Nepal as its traditional sphere of influence, and wants to contain Chinese influence. Thus India  is rejecting the proposal for trilateral cooperation Nepal wants to change the old pattern of a heavy economic dependence on India by expanding large-scale ties with China. China, meanwhile, is keen to increase its economic, military, and strategic influence in Nepal without direct confrontation with India. Ongoing Trade and transit agreement of Chinese and Nepal governments. Once it is finalized, Nepal, a land-locked country, could use Chinese ports and seas for the export and imports of goods .Currently, Nepal uses Indian ports and cities for exports and imports.( The border blockade of 2015 taught Nepal the lesson) China is perceived as a trusted neighbor, agreements, treaties, and conventions. India is greeted with suspicion.. China’s noninterference policy seems to have played a vital role in creating positive public opinion toward China.  By contrast, there are widespread perceptions that India interferes in Nepal’s politics.  Ex : In 2015, India objected to Nepal’s constitution and exerted pressure for Nepal to accommodate the voices of Madhesi people, China welcomed the promulgation of the constitution in Nepal, lauding it as a historic progress. How far is the progress of China – Nepal relation? China-funded projects such as constructing Pokhara International Airport and the Kathmandu Ring Road expansion are underway.  Chinese investment in various sectors is increasing. Chinese tourists have also noticeably increased in fact surpassed Indian tourists in 2018 Nepal Army and People’s Liberation Army of China is on the rise, after their first joint military exercise last year Nepal and China signed a framework agreement on the BRI and now the onus lies on Nepal to select the projects under the BRI framework(2017) Nepal is asking China to open more border crossings. Though both countries are talking about broader connectivity, China has opened very few border points. China and Nepal are also exploring the possibility of a free trade agreement (FTA). Way forward: Longstanding people-to-people ties and cultural connect. India should focus on fructifying the potential of hydropower cooperation, which has remained untapped largely due to differing perceptions. Timely completion of projects   India should maintain the policy of keeping away from internal affairs of Nepal Conclusion: President Xi’s visit will be once again be one made by a “friendly neighbour or cousin”, who brings some gifts, exchanges pleasantries and then moves on. With its immense strategic relevance in the Indian context as Indian security concern, stable and secure Nepal is one requisite which India can’t afford to overlook. INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TOPIC: General Studies 2 : India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora. Context: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)    Voiced concern over the human rights situation in Kashmir. Discussed the communication restrictions put in place in Kashmir. The group demanded that India "rescind" its actions in Kashmir and reiterate its commitment to abide by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. It said India should allow access to Jammu and Kashmir to human rights organisations and international media to ascertain and report on the situation there. India replied that the abrogation of Article 370 is its "internal matter". Background: Founded in 1969, 57 member states, 53 countries being Muslim-majority countries.  The organisation states that it is "the collective voice of the Muslim world" and works to "safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony". The Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUOICM) was established in Iran in 1999,. Only OIC members are entitled to membership in the union The OIC supports a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The OIC has called for boycott of Israeli products in effort to pressure Israel into ending the occupation of the Palestinian territories. condemned the human rights violations against the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. raised the issue of China's Xinjiang re-education camps and human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority in 2018  India – OIC Relation: India's relationship with Pakistan has always been tense and has a direct impact on India-OIC relations, with Pakistan being a founding member of the OIC. India has pushed for the OIC to accept India as a member, Pakistan opposes India's entry into the OIC For the first time in five decades, the United Arab Emirates invited foreign minister of India Sushma Swaraj to attend the inaugural plenary 46th meeting of OIC foreign ministers. (Pakistan boycotted the meet) From the mid-1990s, when this Contact Group was formed, it has issued several statements on behalf of Pakistan (on Kashmir issue) The United Arab Emirates, for instance, conferred the Order of “Zayed”, its highest civilian award on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, more than a week after New Delhi’s moves on Article 370, and declared that Kashmir was India’s internal matter. Way forward: Asking Pakistan to change its state policy on terrorism.  Imran Khan ensure that Pakistan abjures support to Kashmir-centric groups such as the Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Lashkar-e-Taiba The OIC would do a lot better if it did something useful to better the lot of its members or mediate between warring Saudi Arabia and Yemen, for instance. Conclusion: The organisation, constituted on religious lines, but seeking to fulfil geopolitical interests, needs reforms from within. The OIC’s record of conflict resolution when it comes to issues between OIC member states is poor and must be improved (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 Manas National Park It is Tiger reserve, Elephant reserve, UNESCO World Heritage Site(Natural) and Biosphere Reserve under Man & Biosphere Programme of UNESCO It is located in Sikkim State of India bordering Bhutan  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 Citizenship(Amendment) bill recently in news It has provisions to grant citizenship to people from minority communities — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians — from SAARC countries It has reduced the time period of stay in India from previous 12 years to 6 years so as to be eligible to grant Citizenship The bill is being opposed in Assam as the above provisions goes against the NRC and the Assam Accord  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 about Silicosis It is a skin disease which is not curable It mostly affects workers exposed to silica dust in occupations such mining, glass manufacturing, foundry and building construction industries. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4)Consider the following statements about Coastal Regulation Zones(2018) It is based on the recommendations of Shailesh Nayak committee  They have been issued under provisions of Environment Protection Act, 1986. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Running for President: On Sri Lanka polls  The Hindu The top court and a grave of freedom The Hindu Crime data in India is short on information on victims and witnesses Indian Express India should join RCEP, but negotiate a better deal to safeguard its interests   Indian Express Pakistan’s blind spot Livemint

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All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana ARCHIVES Search 24th September, 2019 Public Speak here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders In News: The ambitious Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) completes a year on Monday, with impressive numbers to show but it still faces challenges of sustainability, synchronization and financial fulfilment. According to the ministry of health and family welfare, in the last one year, around 46.4 lakh hospital treatments worth ₹7,500 crore have been carried out, and 60% of the amount spent was on tertiary care. As on date, the scheme has been implemented in 32 states and union territories. Various states are using different models for implementing their own health insurance/assurance schemes. Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme having central sector component under Ayushman Bharat Mission anchored in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).  Implementation by: National Health Authority (NHA) Ayushman Bharat is a conscious attempt to holistically address health, encompassing prevention, promotion and ambulatory care at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. It promises to bring healthcare to the poorest through two components: Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) delivering comprehensive primary healthcare through the development of 1.5 lakh HWCs, and PM-JAY, the health assurance scheme delivering secondary and tertiary care to 55-crore people through a health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year.  Ayushman Bharat has been designed on the fundamental precepts that prevention is better than cure, and that no one should fall into poverty because of expenditure on healthcare, or die, because they cannot afford treatment. Health and Wellness Centres: These centres will provide comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable diseases and maternal and child health services. National Health Protection Mission (AB-PMJAY) AB-PMJAY provides a defined benefit cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year. This cover will take care of almost all secondary care and most of tertiary care procedures. To ensure that nobody is left out (especially women, children and elderly) there will be no cap on family size and age in the scheme. The benefit cover will also include pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. All pre-existing conditions will be covered from day one of the policy. A defined transport allowance per hospitalization will also be paid to the beneficiary. Benefits of the scheme are portable across the country and a beneficiary covered under the scheme will be allowed to take cashless benefits from any public/private empanelled hospitals across the country. The beneficiaries can avail benefits in both public and empanelled private facilities. All public hospitals in the States implementing AB-PMJAY, will be deemed empanelled for the Scheme. Hospitals belonging to Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) may also be empanelled based on the bed occupancy ratio parameter. As for private hospitals, they will be empanelled online based on defined criteria. To control costs, the payments for treatment will be done on package rate (to be defined by the Government in advance) basis. The package rates will include all the costs associated with treatment. For beneficiaries, it will be a cashless, paper less transaction. Keeping in view the State specific requirements, States/ UTs will have the flexibility to modify these rates within a limited bandwidth. What has Ayushman Bharat Scheme done till now? Ayushman Bharat has provided a platform and framework for the country to accelerate its progress towards comprehensive universal healthcare. Integration of Schemes:  Eleven states/UTs have expanded the coverage to include almost all families.  In addition, 23 states/UTs have expanded the beneficiary base with the same benefit cover as under PMJAY or lower in some cases.  Several states have merged their many ongoing schemes with PMJAY to make implementation simpler for both beneficiaries and participating hospitals. They don’t need to deal with different target groups, rates and reporting systems. Creation of Job opportunities:  With the setting up of 1.5 lakh HWCs by 2022, an expected 1.5 lakh jobs will be created for community health officers, including 50,000 multi-purpose health workers.  It has generated an estimated 50,000-60,000 jobs in the first year itself and is expected to add over 12.5 lakh jobs in both public and private sectors over the next three to five years, with 90 per cent of them in the healthcare sector and the remaining in allied sectors such as insurance and implementation support.  As more people seek in-patient care, 1.5 lakh beds will be added in existing and new hospitals. This, in turn, will lead to the creation of around 7.5 lakh new opportunities for doctors, nurses, technicians, pharmacists and frontline healthcare workers such as Pradhan Mantri Arogya Mitras (functionaries who are the key interface between beneficiaries and the scheme). Participation of Private Hospitals: PM-JAY has created a massive demand for private (and public) sector services by making hospital facilities accessible to 55 crore people.  In tier II and tier III cities, private sector hospitals are already witnessing an almost 20 per cent increase in footfall.  Some hospital chains are already contemplating plans for expanding their capacity or opening new facilities in underserved areas.  Public sector facilities have streamlined their processes so as to improve service quality and amenities with funds from PMJAY. Strong IT backbone: Facilitates the identification of beneficiaries, records treatments, processes claims, receives feedback, and addresses grievances.  A live dashboard helps in monitoring and improving performance, based on real-time data and regular analysis.  This platform also helps states to compare their performance.  A strong and sophisticated fraud prevention, detection and control system at the national and state level has proved to be critical for PM-JAY to ensure that frauds are largely prevented. If attempted, they are quickly detected and strong action is taken. Challenges the Scheme faces A good beginning has been made, but a lot needs to be achieved before we reach our goals. Opportunities that lie ahead need to be effectively harnessed. By the government’s own admission, the uneven geographic distribution of poor families makes it difficult to find out the real targeted beneficiaries given the uneven geographic distribution of poor families. Inspite of many people having been treated under the scheme, many remain unaware of the programme. Exploiting the potential of collective bargaining and leveraging economies of scale - this could deliver more affordable and quality healthcare by negotiating better prices for various devices, implants and supplies, and also leveraging other policies such as Make in India.  Ensuring quality treatment of patients by prescribing and ensuring adherence to standard treatment protocols is another opportunity waiting to be fully harnessed.  Strengthening the linkage between HWCs and PMJAY will improve the backward and forward referrals and enhance overall healthcare services, especially to the poor. Expansion of coverage to include the lower-middle and middle class needs to be a priority. “Green field” states with no past experience of implementing healthcare schemes have to work harder to scale up their progress. All states will need to make sincere efforts towards providing seamless health services to the last mile. Lacks in rational pricing and health insurance for all as it covers only a section of the population: There is a need to scale up this programme with quality and sustainability for all stakeholders. We need to strengthen delivery mechanism which includes expansion of private providers’ network, shift towards organized care delivery, innovations, speciality, low cost, and value-based care Along with delivery and quality, the government will need to adopt innovative funding models for long-term sustainability. India needs to attract strategic funding through various other internal and external sources to sustain Ayushman Bharat. With adequate financing and funding to the sector, rural-urban gaps in quality and delivery systems can also be bridged. Ensuring seamless connectivity in regions of turmoil like Kashmir or empanelling hospitals in remote areas like the north-east and Leh remains a challenge. Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2 + Link 3 +  Connecting the Dots: Ayushman Bharat is one of the most ambitious health schemes ever launched in India. What can be the key challenges in proper implementation of this scheme? Examine the status of insurance coverage in India. What is your assessment of the potential of Ayushman Bharat in this regard?

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance: Book Review – Empire of the Summer Moon – Gwynne

Empire of the Summer Moon: Empire of the summer moon is a fascinating book tracing two amazing stories of Native American Indians. The story covers the rise and fall of one of the most powerful Native American tribes – The Comanche. Another story covers the incredible story of Cynthia Ann Parker who was kidnapped by Comanche as a nine-year-old girl. This book covers the legendary fighting skills of the Comanche and their fascinating lives. Native American Indian stories represent the fight between the old and new, it represents the changing times and the conflict of change. This book captures all these aspects in a simple yet powerful narrative style. The war with the Comanche lasted for almost four decades. The Comanche were so powerful at war that they were able to hold their fort against the invading colonial Spain from Mexico and the French expansion. This book will dazzle you with their abilities and their painful story. Empire of the summer moon is written in a simple and beautiful story telling format which is both easy to read and understand. Read this book to expand your awareness of world history. The conflict between the Native American Indians and the modern changing world will open a new way of looking at things.

Important Articles

UPSC MAINS PAPER 2019 (GENERAL STUDIES PAPER 3) : ANALYSIS, APPROACH and REFERENCES-How IASbaba was Helpful

UPSC MAINS PAPER 2019 (GENERAL STUDIES PAPER 3) : ANALYSIS, APPROACH and REFERENCES-How IASbaba was Helpful   Read GS 1 and GS 2 Here Read GS 4 ETHICS Here Dear Aspirants, We are all engaged in some or the other activity. When there is no passion attached to the activity, we call it a ‘job’. When an activity has passion behind it, it becomes ‘joy’. We have been doing one thing with great passion and dedication for the last 5 years. Yes! We love to guide civil servant aspirants. We have dedicated ourselves into creating an ecosystem that gives even a person sitting in the remotest corner to crack the prestigious civil services examination with Rank-1. In this process, we have developed, designed and dedicated a series of initiatives for civil services preparation. The quality of these initiatives have been proven time and again. It has become the norm to have high hit ratios in Prelims and Mains from the initiatives of IASbaba, namely Integrated Learning Programme (ILP) and Think Learn and Perform (TLP). This article is not to boast about the HIT RATE of our initiatives in any case. It would be an injustice to say that these many questions, directly or indirectly came from our initiatives using keywords of the UPSC questions. In that way, if we frame questions over the year on all keywords in UPSC syllabus our hit ratio will be 100%. However, you are smart enough to analyse the importance of our initiatives and its very close resemblance to actual UPSC papers.   Rather than numbers focus on its significance and make it a part of your preparation. You should work on the smart study and smart thinking to keep your inputs minimum and maximize the output. Below we have come up with the Analysis and Approach for each question of General Studies (GS) Paper 3 that was asked by UPSC along with the links and references of IASbaba questions/ articles. Needless to say- if you are regular with the initiatives of IASbaba, your chances of clearing the most coveted examination of India is really high. We at IASbaba are expecting bigger and better results this year!! OVERVIEW of GENERAL STUDIES (GS) PAPER 3: Overall General Studies-3 paper was easy to moderate, except for one or two technical questions which an aspirant would have found it difficult to answer in those 3 hours. Also, the questions are not lengthy, which is an added advantage to finish this paper in three hours. Indian Economy (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13 and 14): Questions 3, 4, 5 are based on agriculture which are easy to moderate. Questions 1, 2, 11 and 12 are based on economic situation of country and are more on the analytical side. Questions 13 and 14 are based on food grain distribution and food processing. Both these questions are about the steps taken and policy measures by Government. These questions are easy in nature. Science and Technology (6, 15 and 16): Question 16 is on the easier side, whereas question 15 is a moderate to difficult question because of its specificity. Question number 6 can be considered an easy to moderate level question. Environment (7 and 17): Two questions have been asked from this part. While one of them is based on static concept, the other one is based on one of the current threats (sand mining) to environment. These questions can be easily answered by the aspirants. Disaster Management (8 and 18): Two questions have been asked from this part. The question on hazard zonation mapping is a specific question. Overall both the questions are of moderate level. Internal Security (9, 10, 19 and 20): Four questions have been asked from this part. One of them on CyberDome project can be considered as a difficult question as it is very specific and one can answer only if they have prior knowledge about that question. The other three questions are of moderate Q1. Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017. (Answer in 150 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: This is a direct question asking to enumerate the indirect taxes subsumed in GST. By enumeration means- provide a list of such taxes. Do not go deep explaining about each one of them (This is the first part of the question). Second part: Revenue implications on Indian Economy after the introduction of GST. Note to mention both positive and negative sides of GST on revenue (since the question clearly says ‘implications’) Also, this answer must be backed by reports, data and citation from government’s sources like “The growth of indirect taxes slowed to 5.80 per cent in 2017/18 compared to a growth of 21.33 per cent in 2016/17”- CAG Report on GST Increase in tax base- More people paying taxes- More Funds to Government. Streamlining of taxes that has resulted into better tax management- More money in the hands of Government First year of implementation of GST, revenues grew by 11.9% and the buoyancy was 1.20. A buoyancy ratio over 1shows progressiveness in the revenue growth and opens up the prospect of a rising tax-to-GDP ratio. The buoyancy in GST revenues is also reflected in the bump in the personal tax revenues on the direct tax side. Personal income-tax collections include the revenues of unincorporated enterprises that have tended to pay more direct tax revenues induced by their formalisation in the GST scheme. The first is that gross GST collections are short of expectations. Thus, as against a target of ₹1,12,000 crore a month set for 2018-19, average GST revenues fell short of ₹1 lakh crore a month in that year. The shortfall is a problem especially for the States. GST revenue accruing to the Central divisible pool is doing better than that received by the States from the State GST (SGST) and Integrated GST (IGST). All this enhances the dependability of States on Centre and inequality among states. IASBABA REFERENCE: Covered in ILP VAN-Economy The implementation of post-independent India’s biggest tax reform i.e. the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has completed more than a year. What are your views on the impact of GST on India’s industrial growth? (TLP 2019-phase 1) https://tlp.iasbaba.com/2018/12/day-33-q-1-the-implementation-of-post-independent-indias-biggest-tax-reform-i-e-the-goods-and-services-tax-gst-has-completed-more-than-a-year-what-are-your-views-on-the-impact-of-gst-o/ Daily Current Affairs Analysis 2nd July 2018 https://iasbaba.com/2018/07/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-prelims-mains-focus-2nd-july-2018/ Q2. Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (Answer in 150 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: This question requires an understanding of GDP (steady) and inflation (low) and its impact on the economic growth of the country.  You have to give reasons- is it good for the overall economy or not? You can cite reports, facts and figures to support your arguments. Note not to write stories in this question as it is very much fact-oriented and asking for reasons to support your arguments, very clearly in the question itself. Do mention the low inflation rate & GDP growth rate (present) and past trends to give clarity to steady-state of GDP growth and low inflation over previous quarters. Divide the answer taking specific sectors and impact therein like Services, Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Infrastructure etc. Don’t miss impact on Fiscal deficit, forex reserve, FDI and share markets. You have to focus on various economic sectors only. Points/concepts that you can use: Impact on Per Capita Income: Given per capita monthly income of Rs 10,534 in 2018-19, an annual GDP growth of 5% means that the per capita income will go up by Rs 526 in FY20- as per one report On Investors: If overall economic output is declining or merely holding steady, most companies will not be able to increase their profits, which is the primary driver of stock performance. On Job Creation: over the past 20 years, annual GDP growth over 2.5% has caused a 0.5% drop in unemployment for every percentage point over 2.5%. Inflation Low inflation is a sign of- Weak demand in economy. Moderately high inflation signals growing consumption and spurs investment. GDP deflator inflation, the relevant index of inflation, was incidentally just 2.8% in this quarter, and declined steadily over the past fiscal year. Inflation and growth move together and in the same direction-Philips Curve Low inflation means a high real interest rate that, in turn, tends to crimp investment activity. Likewise you can answer taking specific sectors and associated sub-sectors. IASBABA REFERENCE: ILP VAN- Economy-Inflation, GDP What inferences can be drawn regarding the health of the economy on the basis of India’s latest GDP growth trends? Analyse. (C2C 2019-phase 1 Test-2) Macro-economic stability is a prerequisite to sustainable growth and job creation. Comment. (TLP Phase-2 2019) https://tlp.iasbaba.com/2019/07/day-11-q-1-macro-economic-stability-is-a-prerequisite-to-sustainable-growth-and-job-creation-comment/ Q3. How far is Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production? (Answer in 150 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: It is a straight forward question. Crux is about sustainable agriculture through integrated farming system and its techniques. Define Integrated Farming System and mention its importance and advantages. You have to make a correlation between IFS and agricultural production. Sustainable agriculture means an integrated approach to increasing farm yield and managing resources in order to address all three critical aspects of sustainability: economic, environmental and social. Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) approach stabilises income streams through natural resource management and livelihood diversification. Sustainable development in agriculture must include integrated farming system (IFS) with efficient soil, water crop and pest management practices, which are environmentally friendly and cost effective. IASBABA REFERENCE: ILP VAN- Geography (Yojana-Kurukshetra Gist December 2018) https://iasbaba.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/UPSC-IAS-IASbaba-Yojana-Kurukshetra-Gist-DECEMBER-2018.pdf Q4. Elaborate the impact of National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water stressed areas. (Answer in 150 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: You just have to establish a link between increasing agricultural production due to National Watershed Project. Write about the aim of the project like Har Khet Ko Pani, More Crop Per Drop under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana etc. and how it helps in increasing agricultural production. Talk about crop intensity, better irrigation management systems, Incremental rainfed agriculture productivity, Reduce surface runoff of rainwater, increase groundwater levels and better water availability in rainfed areas etc. Provide access to global best practices in watershed management and improve the livelihood and incomes of the farmers. WATERSHED APPROACH: Complementing the efforts towards soil and water conservation, Regeneration of ground water, Improvement in agricultural productivity Providing livelihood options Also mention about Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) IASBABA REFERENCE: ILP VAN- Irrigation Module- Discussed in detail under Neeranchal National Watershed Management Project and IWMP. Q5. How was India benefitted from the contributions of Sir M.Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively? (Answer in 150 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: A very straight forward question that requires specific knowledge about given personalities. Sir M Visvesaraya suggested that India try to be at par with industrialized nations as he believed that India can become developed through industries. He has the credit of inventing ‘automatic sluice gates’ and ‘block irrigation system’ which are still considered to be marvels in engineering. Each year, his birthday 15 September is celebrated as Engineer’s Day in India. Since river beds were costly, he came up with an efficient way of filtering water through ‘Collector Wells’ in 1895 which was rarely seen anywhere in the world. Dr.M S Swaminathan Indian geneticist and administrator- known for his role in India's Green Revolution, a program under which high-yield varieties of wheat and rice were planted. Swaminathan has been called the "Father of Green Revolution in India" Swaminathan is an advocate of moving India to sustainable development, especially using environmentally sustainable agriculture, sustainable food security and the preservation of biodiversity. IASBABA REFERENCE: https://iasbaba.com/2019/09/press-information-bureau-pib-ias-upsc-8th-sep-to-15th-september-2019/                                        (PIB 8th to 15th  September) https://iasbaba.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IASbabas-Economic-Survey-2017-18-Gist.pdf                                   (Economic Survey 2017-18 Gist) https://iasbaba.com/2018/12/daily-current-affairs-ias-upsc-prelims-and-mains-exam-8th-december-2018/                          (Daily Current Affairs Analysis-8th December 2018) Q6. What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (Answer in 150 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: Again a straight forward question. Mention about International Space Station and countries like US, China and Russia’s ownership/monopoly over there. India as a leading and advancing country in space development and research has to look beyond ISS. India has proved its mettle in Space Development through indigenous technologies. As a leader in South East Asia and aspiring Asian leadership role, having own Space Station is a well thought move. Mention about upcoming programmes of ISRO like Gaganyaan Mission, Aditya Mission etc. IASBABA REFERENCE: Programmes discussed in ILP VAN https://iasbaba.com/2019/06/daily-current-affairs-ias-upsc-prelims-and-mains-exam-14th-june-2019/                          (Daily Current Affairs Analysis-14th June) Q7.  Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. (Answer in 150 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: It is a direct question.  Note to mention recent NGT judgments and incidences of illegal sand mining in various parts of the country. National Green Tribunal imposes has imposed penalties on state governments regarding illegal sand mining. It has also made clear notifications regarding the non-compliance of NGT orders by various stakeholders. Legal or illegal: Affects are It pollutes the rivers (low PH, mix of various metal oxides, reduces oxygen and thus, increased BOD). This badly affects river biota. In stream sand mining results in the destruction of aquatic and riparian habitat through large changes in the channel morphology. Impacts include bed degradation, bed coarsening, lowered water tables near the streambed, and channel instability. Sea sand - it is mined both legally and illegally, to extract minerals and for reclamation projects. It affects the terrain coastal areas. Salinity is affected through excessive sand mining- River, Sea. Large-scale sand mining also destabilises the banks and beds, affecting the natural flow of rivers and streams and increasing risks of floods, like in the case of Kerala & Assam, which experienced its worst-ever floods. WWF, says that mining is responsible for a 90% drop in sediment levels in major Asian rivers, including the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna, Mekong and Yangtze rivers. This has resulted in the shrinking of the delta regions of these rivers, leaving residents extremely vulnerable to flood, land loss, contaminated drinking water and crop damage, researchers said. The indiscriminate mining has also destroyed hills, eroded biodiversity spheres, denuded forests and degraded fertile soil. It has changed the physical characteristics of river basins, impacting heavily the socio-economic condition of local people. Sand mining generates extra vehicle traffic, which negatively impairs the environment. This excessive mining not only impact river ecology but also affect livelihood of people living in these regions. Polluted water and reduced ground water levels due to sand mining lead to drinking water shortage, agrarian distress in the vicinity, which in turn has triggered an exodus of people to urban clusters, upsetting the economic and cultural balance of a society. Illegal sand mining also results in damage to physical infrastructure (like railways, bridges, highways etc.) nearby, resulting in further economic distress of the community. IASBABA REFERENCE: ILP VAN What are the effects of excessive sand mining on the river ecosystem? Also discuss its long term implications for livelihood security. Riverbeds perform critical ecosystem services. However, rampant sand mining has severely depleted the ability of rivers to perform these services. Identify these services performed by rivers and also enumerate the factors causing their deterioration. https://iasbaba.com/2017/03/3-effects-excessive-sand-mining-river-ecosystem-also-discuss-long-term-implications-livelihood-security/ https://iasbaba.com/2016/03/3-riverbeds-perform-critical-ecosystem-services-however-rampant-sand-mining-severely-depleted-ability-rivers-perform-services-identify-services-performed-rivers-al/ Q8. Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters. (Answer in 150 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: Explain about vulnerability and establish a link between vulnerability and disasters. Discuss about various types of vulnerability and provide examples. Physical vulnerability: Depends on its geographic proximity to the source and origin of the disasters. Example: earthquakes are common at foothills of Himalayas due to geographic structure. Economic vulnerability: Upon the economic status of individuals, communities and nations. The poor people are more vulnerable due to economic conditions and lack of infrastructure. Example: During Kerala flood (2018) many villagers were deprived of basic amenities. Social vulnerability: Related to levels of literacy and education, the existence of peace and security, access to basic human rights, systems of good governance, social equity, positive traditional values, customs and ideological beliefs and overall collective organizational systems. Example: Citizens passports were lost during Chennai flood (2015) which created chaos in reissuing. Attitudinal vulnerability: About disunity and individualism in the society. Become victims of conflicts, hopelessness and pessimism which reduce their capacity of coping with a disaster. Example: Lack of cooperation from villagers to forest department during Bandipur forest fire (2019) related to investigation of the cause. Environmental vulnerability: Due to natural resource depletion and resource degradation. Example: flash floods in Uttarakhand. Anthropological vulnerability: Manmade disasters. Example: Bhopal gas tragedy IASBABA REFERENCE: This question of TLP talks about vulnerability in general and includes disaster segment also. What do you understand by ‘vulnerability’? How do structural vulnerabilities arise? Examine https://tlp.iasbaba.com/2018/11/day-18-1-what-do-you-understand-by-vulnerability-how-do-structural-vulnerabilities-arise-examine/ And this question-synopsis answers the aspects under vulnerability that was required for UPSC’s question. What measures both preventive and mitigative can be taken to address the ecological hazard of droughts? Suggest. https://tlp.iasbaba.com/2019/01/day-57-q-4-what-measures-both-preventive-and-mitigative-can-be-taken-to-address-the-ecological-hazard-of-droughts-suggest/ Q9. The banning of ‘Jamaat-e – islaami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize influence of OGWs. (Answer in 150 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: The question is of analytical nature as one should have knowledge about the difference between militant and Over-ground worker. Try to mention few recent terrorist attacks (Pulwama, Uri) in Kashmir reflecting rising militancy in the region. The body of the answer should bring out the characteristic of OGW –civilian who mingles in society freely and has not taken up arms to fight against Indian State, however, provides the necessary support to militants to carry on their activities. In the second part elaborate on various role played by OGW –logistics support, funding support, ideological support, radicalization support, recruitment support and intelligence inputs to militants. Measures to neutralize the influence of OGW increasing intelligence and police personnel, effective crackdown on funding through enhanced surveillance, can take help of Community leadership to counter the militant propaganda of OGW and ensuring that development is inclusive in nature to counter the feelings of alienation.  IASBABA REFERENCE: https://iasbaba.com/2019/03/daily-current-affairs-ias-upsc-prelims-and-mains-exam-25th-march-2019/ (Daily Current Affairs - 25th March) Q10. What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India. (Answer in 150 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: This is a very specific question. Explain CyberDome project and its relevancy in controlling internet crimes in India. Cyberdome project: Cyberdome is a technological research and development Centre of Kerala Police Department conceived as a Cyber Centre of excellence in cyber security as well as technology augmentation for effective policing. It is a hightech public-private partnership Centre of collaboration for different stakeholders in the domain of cyber security and handling of cybercrimes. IT firms, ethical hackers, cyber security experts and trained volunteers work here. Uses of cyberdome in controlling internet crimes:  cyber forensic, cyber intelligence, cyber security, incidence response, internet monitoring, cybercrimes against women and children, VOIP/Skype call analysing, cyber terrorism, dark net exploring and crimes related to the social media, which will be examined through the social media analysing laboratory. Q11. It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement. (Answer in 250 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: The QUESTION is of analytical in nature which requires understanding and inter-relation of growth, inclusiveness and sustainability. Start by defining inclusive growth taking various sectors and aspects into consideration like economic, social, environmental correlations etc. Inclusive economic development will include poor, vulnerable, marginalized, women, youth and people from every stratum of society in economic activity for a sustainable future. Growth (GDP growth), inclusive development (distribution of growth & reduction of inequality) and sustainability (inter-generational equity)- Provide facts and reports on these parameters. The inter-relationship between these three: inclusiveness w.r.t women, Dalits, tribals and weaker sections of society, fiscal sustainability (CAD and Fiscal deficit), and environmental sustainability (water conservation, air pollution, sustainable forestry and plastic usage). Measures towards such a path – rectifying our economic structure (boost to labour intensive manufacturing sector), affirmative actions of government, better targeting of welfare measures and adoption of recycling & cleaner technologies. Example of Greta Thunberg – 16-year-old Swedish girl (CAN BE QUOTED) who is demanding increased actions from government with regard to Climate Change. This shows that Sweden even though high on HDI and low on inequality is having issues w.r.t its developmental model. IASBABA REFERENCE: What do you understand by ‘inclusive growth’? What are its dimensions? Discuss. (TLP Phase-1 2019) https://tlp.iasbaba.com/2018/12/day-29-q-1-what-do-you-understand-by-inclusive-growth-what-are-its-dimensions-discuss/ Why is inclusive economic growth imperative for a sustainable future? Analyse. (TLP Phase-2 2019) https://tlp.iasbaba.com/2019/07/day-12-q-4-why-is-inclusive-economic-growth-imperative-for-a-sustainable-future-analyse/ Inclusive Growth Mind Map - (ILP 2019) Q12. The public expenditure management is a challenge to the government of India in the context of budget making during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it. (Answer in 250 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: The question is analytical in nature which needs critical examination of budgeting exercise. Mention the evolving role of government, post 1991, where government role has changed from being the driver of economic growth to that of facilitator of growth process. Elaborate the three pillars of Public Expenditure Management – Aggregate fiscal discipline (Fiscal deficit, CAD), Allocative efficiency (fund allocation between different priority sectors), and Operational efficiency (to reduce leakages). The answer needs to give primacy to first aspect by explaining Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, FRBM Act. (To institutionalize financial discipline, reduce India's fiscal deficit, improve macroeconomic management and the overall management of the public funds by moving towards a balanced budget and strengthen fiscal prudence.) Mention about the challenges faced by government on each of these three aspects– Low tax base, Populist measures (farm loan waiver, free electricity), External factors (global slowdown impacting export, oil prices), Leakages and corruption etc. Answer can be concluded by brief mention of N.K.Singh panel recommendations – Fiscal Council, range of Fiscal Deficit and debt-to-GDP ratio etc. IASBABA REFERENCE: ILP VAN- Polity and Economy- Budgeting What budgeting reforms have been taken in the latest budget? Discuss. https://iasbaba.com/2017/02/5-budgeting-reforms-taken-latest-budget-discuss/ Q13. What are the reformative steps taken by the government to make food grain distribution system more effective? (Answer in 250 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: Mention major Reforms in Public Distribution System (PDS) for better Targeting, Transparency & Accountability in procuring and distribution. Automation of Fair Price Shops: use of PoS at FPS Direct Benefit Transfer (Cash): food subsidy is directly credited to the account of the beneficiaries. Aadhaar Seeding in PDS: To weed out duplicate/in-eligible/bogus ration cards and to enable rightful targeting. Deletion of ration cards: As an outcome of digitization of Ration Cards/beneficiary records, de-duplication due to Aadhaar seeding, transfer/migration/deaths, change in economic status of beneficiaries. Digital/Cashless/Less-cash Payments in PDS: To promote the use of less-cash/digital payment mechanisms, the Department has issued detailed guidelines for use of AePS, UPI, USSD, Debit/Rupay Cards and e-Wallets. Food procuring: cold storage and strengthening food supply chain. IASBABA REFERENCE: How can revamping the PDS in India ensure food security? What measures should be taken in this direction? Suggest. (TLP phase-I GS-3 compilations) https://tlp.iasbaba.com/2019/01/day-44-q-3-how-can-revamping-the-pds-in-india-ensure-food-security-what-measures-should-be-taken-in-this-direction-suggest/ Does India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) address food security concerns and malnutrition effectively? Critically examine. (C2C Test-2) ILP VAN & MOCK Q14. Elaborate the policy taken by the government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (Answer in 250 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: Explain about food processing sectors: It is the transformation of raw ingredients, by physical or chemical means into food, or of food into other forms. It is very direct question asking about government of India’s initiatives to meet the challenges of the food processing sectors. First, mention the challenges and then provide its solution through policy/initiatives of GoI FICCI through its internal research identified 15 major factors hampering the growth of food processing sector and holding it back. (Mentioned below) Comprehensive national level policy on food processing sector Availability of trained manpower Processing plants with cost effective technologies Cost effective food machinery & packaging technologies Constraints in raw material production Inadequate infrastructural facilities Access to Credit Market Intelligence Inconsistency in central and state policies Lack of Applied research Adequate value addition Lack of specific plan to attract private sector investment across the value chain Food safety Laws Weights & measures Act & Packaging commodity rules Taxation IASBABA REFERENCE: ILP VAN and Mock What are the supply chain constraints of India’s food processing sector? What steps have been taken to address those? Examine. (TLP phase-II GS-3 compilations) Food Processing Mind Map - (ILP 2019) https://tlp.iasbaba.com/2019/07/day-15-q-2-what-are-the-supply-chain-constraints-of-indias-food-processing-sector-what-steps-have-been-taken-to-address-those-examine/ Q15. How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (Answer in 250 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: Start with your understanding of ‘Traditional Knowledge’-Define it. Write about Traditional Knowledge Digital Library-India, Creation of Ministry of Ayush by GoI, CSIR etc. Traditional Knowledge Digital Library: A repository of 1200 formulations of various systems of Indian medicine, such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha and 1500 Yoga postures (asanas), translated into five languages  English, German, French, Spanish and Japanese. India has also signed agreements with the European Patent Office (EPO), United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to prevent the grant of invalid patents by giving patent examiners at International Patent Offices access to the TKDL database for patent search and examination. With patent examiners getting access to the TKDL database, legal cases regarding unethical patent claims, which had taken years and vast expenditure for each case, could be avoided Intellectual Property Rights- TRIPS Convention on Biodiversity- As a future project, a people’s Register of Biodiversity, is being set up by the government, to document and protect, traditional knowledge passed down through the oral tradition, under India’s National Biodiversity Act of 2002. To date the TKDL has enabled the cancellation or withdrawal of a large number of patent applications attempting to claim rights over the use of various medicinal plants. Example- Neem Case, Turmeric Case, Basmati Case- all won by India against other countries. Q16. How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers? (Answer in 250 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: In this question answer how biotechnology can improve the living standards of farmers. Do not write anything not related or asked. You have to mention GM Crops, Organic farming techniques, Innovation in the field of agriculture Molecular farming etc. Also, mention that with scientific understanding, farmers are becoming better in terms of awareness and technical understanding. Discuss few government schemes and programmes in this regard like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana: To promote bio-farming in the country, research institutions innovation in the field of agriculture for better agricultural practices, w.r.t seeds and various varieties, farming techniques etc. Areas to touch: Use of organic material to produce biodegradable plastics , fuel and fertiliser Use of recombinant growth hormone to increase milk and milk production In-vitro fertilisation of farm animals using selected sperms and eggs Genetically Modified Organisms and Gene Editing Techniques. Fish Farming Seaweed farming to produce fatty acids etc. Organic farming techniques IASBABA REFERENCE: ILP VAN- Covered in Science and Environment VAN and Mains Mock Innovations in the field of infotech and biotech hold the potential to transform the agricultural landscape. Comment. (TLP phase-I GS-3 compilations) https://tlp.iasbaba.com/2019/01/day-43-q-4-innovations-in-the-field-of-infotech-and-biotech-hold-the-potential-to-transform-the-agricultural-landscape-comment/ Farming in India must move up the technology ladder, with the government setting out clear and progressive policies on GM crops and IPR. Comment. (TLP Plus test-3) Q17. Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region. (Answer in 250 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: Define Carrying Capacity w.r.t Environment Concept of “carrying capacity” The concept of “carrying capacity” addresses the question as to how many people can be permitted into any area without the risk of degrading the environment there. The carrying capacity of a biological species in an environment is the maximum population size of the species that the environment can sustain indefinitely, given the food, habitat, water, and other necessities available in the environment. There is a certain carrying capacity of the environment. When the rate of extraction of resources exceeds the rate of their regeneration, the environment fails to perform its activities. The resulting phenomenon is called environmental degradation. Relate the given dimensions with sustainable development. While discussing the vitality of sustainable planning and development focus on resources to be used since it is about carrying capacity. For example: When talking about Pollution-Air/Water, give facts and reports where overuse or improper management has worsen the situation. Like in Delhi Air Pollution.   Similarly for other aspects. Dimensions to be discussed are IASBABA REFERENCE:  ILP VAN- Economy and Environment Is it possible to strike a balance between developmental imperatives of a growing economy like India and the limits to growth imposed by environmental degradation? Critically analyse. (TLP phase-II GS-3 compilations) https://tlp.iasbaba.com/2019/08/day-51-q-2-is-it-possible-to-strike-a-balance-between-developmental-imperatives-of-a-growing-economy-like-india-and-the-limits-to-growth-imposed-by-environmental-degradation-critically-analyse/ Q18. Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help in disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. (Answer in 250 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: This is a direct question on disaster management. The 1st part of the question asks you to explain the importance/significance of Disaster preparedness as the 1st step of any disaster management process. And the 2nd part on how hazard zonation mapping will help in disaster mitigation specific to landslides Disasters affect millions of people each year on a personal, business, local community or national level. The golden rule for successful disaster management at all levels is to increase awareness, develop actions plans and practice them. Mitigation -Minimizing the effects of disaster. Example: building codes and zoning; vulnerability analyses; public education. Preparedness - Planning how to respond. Example: preparedness plans; emergency exercises/training; warning systems. Landslide hazard zonation refers to the division of land into homogeneous areas and ranking of these areas according to their degrees of actual or potential hazard caused by landslides and mass movements. The landslide hazard zonation maps display the spatial distribution of hazard classes. Example: the regional landslide hazard zonation maps of Srinagar-Rudraprayag area of Garhwal Himalaya in the state of Uttarakhand. The hazard zonation map produced by using this technique classifies the area into relative hazard classes in which the high hazard zones well correspond with high frequency of landslides. Q19. Indian government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the unlawful activities (Prevention) act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations. (Answer in 250 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: Taking note of features of respective amendments under the UAPA Act, analyse the issues under required headings: Amendments of UAPA Act: Approval for seizure of property by NIA:Under the Act, an investigating officer is required to obtain the prior approval of the Director General of Police to seize properties that may be connected with terrorism.  The Bill adds that if the investigation is conducted by an officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the approval of the Director General of NIA would be required for seizure of such property. Investigation by NIA: Under the Act, investigation of cases may be conducted by officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner of Police or above.  The Bill additionally empowers the officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases. Insertion to schedule of treaties: The Act defines terrorist acts to include acts committed within the scope of any of the treaties listed in a schedule to the Act.  The Schedule lists nine treaties, including the Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (1997), and the Convention against Taking of Hostages (1979).  The Bill adds another treaty to the list.  This is the International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005). Issues with the amendment: An organization:  the Centre may designate an organisation as a terrorist organisation if it commits or participates in acts of terrorism, prepares for terrorism, promotes terrorism, or is otherwise involved in terrorism. The rules are ambiguous. Not effective: The government said the new law would be used "sparsely" — for example only in such cases as dreaded militants like Yasin Bhatkal and Masood Azhar, to name a few. Unlawful’ detention: Provisions in the UAPA are stricter than the domestic criminal law. Under the law, the police are allowed a time period of 180 days for investigation as opposed to 60 to 90 days under criminal law. Violation of rights: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019 is violation of fundamental rights as enshrined under Article 14 (Right to Equality), 19 (Right to Free Speech and Expression) and 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution of India. Against federalism: NIA seizing property in any state is against the federalism. More power to central government: The Act assigns absolute power to the central government, by way of which if the Centre deems an activity as unlawful then it can vary. Societal attitude: Once an individual is designated as a terrorist, he will lose his job, family will be biased. Trivial reasons: UAPA has been used to file an utterly flimsy case against selfless, dedicated human rights activists and NGOs. IASBABA REFERENCE: Will the amendments to the UAPA Act control terrorism in India? Critically examine. (TLP Plus test-13) What are the most striking features of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act? Are these changes justified? Share your viewpoint. (TLP Plus test-13) UAPA Mind Map - (ILP 2019) ILP Mains Mock Q20. Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also discuss the steps to counter the challenges. (Answer in 250 words) LINE OF THOUGHT/APPROACH: It is a straight forward question on security related challenges w.r.t India-Myanmar border. Since it is asking to ‘EXAMINE’ the various challenges, you are supposed to not only write/list out the challenges but also mention why or why not the issue is resolved yet with few facts/reports etc. For example Mention about porous border (basically border management), boundary agreements between India-Myanmar, Movement Regime between two countries, lack of infrastructural support and development (mention the difficult geographical terrain and lack of funds from government), golden triangle, drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal migrants etc. and associated challenges in its management from government.  You must mention the mutual programmes and initiatives of India-Myanmar Governments regarding the same. Like, Operation Sunrise. Second part of the question: You have to discuss about the steps to counter those challenges. Here, make sure to streamline your answer by using structured content: Say if in the first part, you mentioned about drug trafficking, then surely you need to mention the steps to counter drug trafficking in second part too. Similarly, you should be very careful in understanding the correlation between first and second part. This will conclude and make sure that your answer doesn’t lack flow, structure and content at the same time. IASBABA REFERENCE: ILP 2019 VAN How is ethno-nationalism in the North East a serious internal security threat to India? How is it being tackled? Discuss. (TLP Plus Test-13) ILP Mind Maps      TLP Connect 2020: Prelims + Mains+ Interview Mentorship Based Programme (OFFLINE and ONLINE) [embed]https://www.youtube.com/embed/57pdBuBEwCw[/embed] Important timelines in the Video: Initial 10 mins - about IASbaba and Team 13 minutes onwards - Philosophy behind TLP and Details about TLP Connect Mentorship programme 35mins, 30 Sec onwards - Art of Answer Writing 1:14:25 (hr:min:sec) onwards - Live Demo of Answer Writing 1:37:30 onwards - Ethics Strategy 2:19:45 onwards - Right Attitude for UPSC Preparation   DOWNLOAD THE PDFS GENERAL STUDIES PAPER 1-2019 GENERAL STUDIES PAPER 2-2019 GENERAL STUDIES PAPER 3-2019 GENERAL STUDIES PAPER 4-2019  

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RSTV IAS UPSC – The Third Child Norms

The Third Child Norms Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. In News: Uttarakhand High Court has struck down a state government rule denying leave to women employees for the birth of their third child as “unconstitutional” and said it was against the “letter and spirit” of the Constitution that calls for “just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief”. The court said the second provision of Fundamental Rule 153 of the Uttar Pradesh fundamental rules, as adopted by Uttarakhand, goes against a central act as well as the Article 42 of the Constitution. “This proviso is contrary to Section 27 of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. Section 27 of the Act, 1961 does not prohibit, in any manner, to grant of maternity leave to a female government servant, who has already two children at the time of submission of an application for maternity leave, after giving birth to a third child,” the single bench of Justice Rajiv Sharma ruled. Justice Sharma gave the directions while hearing a writ petition of Urmila Masih, who had applied for a maternity leave for almost six months in 2015. The court issued the orders on July 30 but its copy was made available on Thursday. The court directed the state government to provide leave to Masih, who belongs to Haldwani in Nainital district and works as a nurse at a government hospital, within six weeks. Masih had said that the government's rule to not provide maternity benefits in case of a third child violates Article 42 of the Constitution of India and Section 27 of the Maternity Benefit Act.  The government challenged the order of the single bench by filing a special appeal and contending that the petitioner could not claim benefits of the maternity act as she already had two children and could not be granted maternity leave for her third child in consonance with the "second provision of the fundamental rule 153". Article 42 of the Constitution  Provides for “just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief” “ Argument by the Court: Article 42 of the Constitution is under directive principles of state policy and its provisions cannot be enforced. Maternity Benefit Act of India The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, protects the employment of women during the time of her maternity and entitles her full paid absence from work to take care of her child. It is applicable to all private and government establishments, employing 10 or more people. An amendment to the maternity benefit act was passed in the Rajya Sabha in August 2016 and in the Lok Sabha in March 2017, and received an assent from President of India in March 2017, with its provisions coming into effect from April 1, 2017. The amendment increased the duration of paid maternity leave available for women employees from the 12 weeks to 26 weeks and in case of women, who are expecting their third child, the duration of paid maternity leave was fixed at 12 weeks. Connecting the Dots: Do you agree with the decision? Discuss the implications of your answer.