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Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 29

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 29 Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES)’ It assists Central and State Government Agencies for creation of appropriate infrastructure for growth of exports from the States. It provides financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid to Central/State Government owned agencies for setting up or for up-gradation of export infrastructure Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘‘Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana’ The scheme provides relief in case the Insured Person (IP) is rendered unemployed It is launched by Employees' State Insurance Corporation Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) ‘Kihoto Hollohan case’ is associated with which of the following schedules of the Indian Constitution? Tenth Schedule Fourth Schedule Eighth Schedule Sixth Schedule Q.4) Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? NavIC – India GLONASS - Russia BeiDou – Japan Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) ‘Ploonets’ refers to Moon Comets Lakes created by a meteor impact Trans-Neptunian Objects To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 17th July 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 17th July 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Pakistan opens its airspace after 6 months Part of : Mains GS paper II - India and its neighbourhood- relations In news :  Pakistan reopened its airspace for all flights early  after a gap of six months  Pakistan shut its airspace in February after India carried out an air strike against what it said was a terrorist training camp in Pakistani territory. How does the curb affect India?  Airlines had to take a longer route to their destinations and burn more fuel,  stop midway for refuelling Roster more pilots and cabin crew as their duty hours are regulated. An increase in fuel expenses, which constitute 40% of an airline’s operational costs Advantage of lifting the curb on airspace The move will benefit Indian carriers as well as the airlines that enter or exit Pakistan from its eastern border with India. Flights between Delhi and the west will see travel times drop by up to four hours Close polluting units in critical areas: NGT Part of: Prelims and Mains GS paper III - Environmental pollution and degradation In news:  National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to shut down all polluting industries in “critically polluted” and “severely polluted” areas within three months. It also directed all States and Union Territories to furnish a report on the amount of biomedical waste generated and asked them to set up common treatment and disposal facilities, if not done yet. Do you know? National Green Tribunal was established in 2010 under National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 to dispose of cases having environmental ramification.  Its headed by retired judge of supreme court or being chief justice of high court and almost 20 experts and 20 judicial members. Mandate of NGT To dispose of cases dealing with any environment law violation, conservation of forests and natural resources. Eg: The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 The Environmental Protection Act ,1986 The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 etc. Indian forest act, 1927 and wildlife protection act, 1972 are out of purview from this jurisdiction. Powers: Recommend penalties and fine Recommend policies for environment protection Disposal of cases within 6 months Enforcement of any legal right relating to environment Giving relief and compensation for damages Has power of civil courts Significance Helps reduce burden on higher courts Faster resolution of cases Specialised member brings efficiency to justice Less expensive than courts Fulfils constitutional provision like article 21 i.e. right to clean environment and article 48(a) i.e. protection of environment and safeguarding of forests The rapid pace of development is harming the environment. The NGT provides a check and balance for this. It takes suo – moto cases like banning the crackers, directing states to speed up action to clean Ganga. All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) demanded that the Centre scrap the Manual for Drought Management, 2016 Part of : Mains GS paper III - Agricultural produce and issues In news : Manual for Drought Management, 2016, had changed the way that droughts are declared and the circumstances under which Central help can be sought by affected States. Data: Data from the India Meteorological Department show over half the country’s land area still faces rainfall deficits of more than 20% this monsoon season.  Saurashtra and Kutch are the worst affected region, with a 60% deficit  Before 2016, it was considered a drought year in a particular area if there was deficient rainfall and the crop yield was less than 50% of the average of the previous 10 years. Manual for Drought Management, 2016 parameter States are required to assess conditions using five indicators: rainfall, agriculture, soil moisture, hydrology and crop health.  The Manual allows States to request for support from the National Disaster Response Fund if a drought is declared as “severe”. This can only happen if three impact indicators (apart from rainfall) fall into the “severe” category, These conditions are so stringent that an area may not be officially declared as facing a severe drought even while its farmers are suffering Centre, Assam move SC for sample re-verification of NRC Part of : Mains GS paper II - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. In news :  The Centre and the State of Assam  made an urgent mention before the Chief Justice of India for an extension of the deadline for final publication of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) for the State from July 31, 2019 to a “future date”. Why? To conduct a “sample re-verification process” in relation to names included in the draft NRC published on July 30, 2018. Background: The first draft of the updated National Register of Citizens (NRC) of Assam has been published recently by the Office of the State Coordinator of NRC on December 31, 2017. The objective behind updating and publishing the 1951 NRC is to compile a list of the names of genuine Indian citizens residing in Assam and, in the process, detect foreigners (read Bangladeshis) who may have illegally entered the state after March 24, 1971. The publication of the initial NRC list is the outcome of a long-standing demand of the Assamese people to detect and deport illegal Bangladeshi migrants from their state. The Assam Accord of 1985 did not contain any specific mention of updating the NRC. The Government of India constituted a number of Tribunals and Appellate Courts under both the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act of 1983 and the Foreigners Tribunal Act of 1964 to detect illegal Bangladeshis. In May 2005 that the first step towards updating the NRC of 1951 was taken, when a tripartite meeting between the Centre, the Assam government and AASU was held to review the progress made in the implementation of the Assam Accord. Successive governments have been extremely reluctant to update the NRC of 1951 due to various political considerations and vested interests. Supreme Court ordered the Union and State governments to begin the process of updating of the NRC in Assam. Accordingly, the Ministry of Home Affairs, issued the notification for starting the work of updating the NRC. The Supreme Court constituted a Committee “to take care of any clarification that would be required with regard to the modalities in the preparation of the NRC.” (MAINS FOCUS) ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General studies 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation Impact of Climate Change and Global Warming Reducing Carbon emissions from road transport Introduction: Congested streets and polluted air are common experiences in India’s metropolises. Delhi tops the charts and emissions are more than twice as high as other Indian megacities, such as Mumbai, Bengaluru or Ahmedabad. India’s road transport emissions are small in global comparison but is increasing exponentially. The Global Carbon Project reports that India’s carbon emissions are rising more than two times as fast as the global rise in 2018. Reducing CO2 emissions of road transport leverages multiple co-benefits, for example, improving air quality and increasing physical activity, which are critical for well-being, particularly in urban areas. Factors: Climate action requires an understanding of how emissions vary with spatial context. Income and urbanisation are the key determinants of travel distance and travel mode choice and, therefore, commuting emissions.  The way cities are built and the design of public transit are critical for low-carbon mobility systems.  Average per capita commuting emissions are highest for the most affluent districts, which are predominantly urban, and that heavily use four-wheelers for commuting. In contrast, average per capita commuting emissions are lowest for Indian districts that are poor, and commuting distances are short and rarely use three-wheelers. Way ahead: Focusing on well-being: Mayors and town planners should organise cities around public transport and cycling, thereby improving mobility for many, while limiting car use. Uptake of non-motorised transport emerges as a sweet spot of sustainable development, resulting in both lower emissions and better public health in cities. According to the recent National Family Health Survey (2015-16), nearly 30% of all men are overweight or obese in southwest Delhi, but only 25% in Thiruvananthapuram and 13% in Allahabad. These data correlate with high reliance of car use in Delhi and low demand for walking. Increase in cycling will lower chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, while also abating emissions. Car use, in contrast, correlates with higher rates of diabetes. Fuel price increases, congestion charges or parking management could be a strategy that improves the well-being of individuals living in urban areas. Technology transition: India should double down in its strategy to transition to electric two and three-wheelers. India is the third-largest market for automobiles and is one of the world’s largest producers and consumers in two- and three- wheelers and Indian companies can take a leading role in switching to electric vehicles. This will also help in transforming India’s vision of ‘Make in India’. City planning: Compact cities improve accessibility and reduce emissions from transport and even the building sector. Most Indian cities are already very dense, with few benefits expected by further high-rise. City managers should ensure that existing urban areas provide short routes and fast access to schools, hospitals and jobs, otherwise, residents would be required to travel long distances.  Conclusion: Providing access to public service, choosing rapid transit over car driving in cities and supporting the rise of electric two and three-wheelers will help drive India to a modern and low-carbon transport system fit for the 21st century. Connecting the dots: Reducing CO2 emissions of road transport leverages multiple co-benefits, for example, improving air quality and increasing physical activity, which are critical for well-being, particularly in urban areas. Comment. NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation General studies 3: Indian agriculture Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) Introduction: Earlier this year, the Cabinet approved the Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM). With a Budget allocation of Rs. 34,000 crore, and a similar contribution expected from the States, KUSUM aims to provide energy sufficiency and sustainable irrigation access to farmers. It is also essential to achieve the country's 100 GW solar target by 2022. Present situation: At present, despite burgeoning farm power subsidies, nearly 30 million farmers, especially marginal landholders, use expensive diesel for their irrigation needs as they have no access to electricity.  More than half of India’s net sown-area remains unirrigated.  Three components of the scheme: 10,000 MW of de-centralised ground- mounted grid-connected renewable power plants.  Installation of 17.50 lakh standalone solar powered agricultural pumps. Solarisation of 10 lakh grid-connected solar-powered agricultural pumps Way ahead: Addressing inequity between States: KUSUM should aim to reduce the existing disparity among States with regard to solar pumps deployment and irrigation access. Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan together account for about half of the two lakh solar pumps currently deployed in the country. On the other hand, States such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, where penetration of diesel pumps is among the highest, have not managed to deploy any significant number of solar pumps. This disparity highlights poor State budget allocation towards solar pumps and the lack of initiative by State nodal agencies. To encourage more equitable deployment of 17.5 lakh off-grid pumps by 2022, the Centre should incentivise States through target-linked financial assistance, and create avenues for peer learning. Addressing inequity within a State: 90% of Bihar’s farmers are small and marginal. Yet, they have received only 50% of government subsidies on solar pumps. On the other hand, in Chhattisgarh, about 95% of beneficiaries are from socially disadvantaged groups due to the mandate of the State. Learning from these contrasting examples, a share of central financial assistance under KUSUM should be appropriated for farmers with small landholdings and belonging to socially disadvantaged groups. Addressing inequity between farmers: Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, KUSUM should provide greater financial assistance to smaller farmers. KUSUM proposes a 60% subsidy for the pumps, borne equally by the Centre and the States, and the remaining 40% will be the farmer’s contribution — 10% as down payment and 30% through loans. This unilateral financing approach will exacerbate the inter-farmer disparity given the inequity in access to credit and repayment capacity between small and large farmers. A higher capital subsidy support to small and marginal farmers and long-term loans with interest subsidies for large and medium farmers would be a more economical and equitable alternative. KUSUM should not woo a certain section of farmers with short-sighted objectives. Solarising existing grid-connected pumps, as proposed under the scheme, needs a complete rethink. Existing grid-connected farmers, who have enjoyed power subsidies for decades, would receive the same financial support as that received by an off-grid farmer. In addition, they would earn regular income from the DISCOM on feeding surplus electricity, furthering the inequitable distribution of taxpayers’ resources.  Solarising grid-connected pumps must include replacement of the pump. Poor efficiency levels of the existing pumps would mean unnecessary oversizing of the solar panels and lesser available energy to feed into the grid.  It is also essential that distribution companies pay fair rates to farmers for the electricity they purchase from their solar arrays. The scheme holds the potential of enabling farmers to become exporters of clean solar energy from importers of subsidized energy. Conclusion: If designed better and implemented effectively, KUSUM holds the potential to catapult the Indian irrigation economy from an era mired in perpetual subsidy, unreliable supply, and inequitable distribution of resources to a regime of affordable, reliable, and equitable access to energy and water. Connecting the dots: KUSUM could radically transform the irrigation economy if the government chooses an approach of equity by design and prudence over populism. Analyze. (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 ‘Kaziranga National Park’ It has the largest population of the Wild water buffalo It has been identified as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International It is a World Heritage Site Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Which of the following statements is/are correct about National Green Tribunal (NGT)? Establishment of NGT made National Environment Appellate Authority defunct. Mumbai is one of the place of sitting of Tribunal. Code: Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 None of the above Q.3) Which of the following statements is/are correct? All India Kisan Sabha (All India Peasants Union)was the name of the peasants front of the undivided Communist Party of India The Kisan Sabha movement started in Bihar Choose correct code: Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 None of the above MUST READ The many hurdles in providing citizenship The Hindu Tapping the potential of communities to end AIDS The Hindu The great dollar gamble Indian Express The escape from freedom Indian Express

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 28

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 28 Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Markandeshwar temple’ It belongs to the Svetambara sect of Jainism It is situated on the bank of River Wainganga Select the correct statement 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Bureau of Indian Standards’ It has been established as the National Standards Body of India under the BIS Act, 2016. The standards and certification scheme of BIS supports various public policies in areas of product safety, consumer protection, food safety, environment protection, building and construction, etc. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) ‘Pink Bollworm’ primarily affects which of the following crops? Maize Paddy Wheat Cotton Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’ It is an inter-governmental body It reviews money laundering and terrorist financing measures taken by countries Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Broadband Readiness Index (BRI) for Indian States and UTs will be developed by NITI Aayog Department of Telecom Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 4 2 and 4 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

IASbaba’s OFFLINE and ONLINE Programs/Initiatives: MAINS 2019 and PRELIMS 2020

IASbaba’s OFFLINE and ONLINE Programs/Initiatives: MAINS 2019 and PRELIMS 2020    We have been receiving many enquiries regarding our OFFLINE and ONLINE initiatives/courses. This write-up is to address all the Programme details of IASbaba in a single post.   OFFLINE PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES FOR MAINS 2019: TLP MAINS MENTORSHIP BASED ANSWER WRITING PROGRAMME -2019 (General Studies & Essay)- Daily and Weekly Mains Test, One-One Mentorship, General Discussion, Evaluation, Synopsis -> CLICK HERE   TLP SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL  MAINS TEST SERIES -> CLICK HERE   TLP KANNADA LITERATURE OPTIONAL  MAINS TEST SERIES -> CLICK HERE   FOR FRESHER'S 2020: ILP OFFLINE 2020 - It’s an integrated programme (15 months) covering Prelims + Mains + Interview, with regular Prelims and Mains Test.       For Complete Details/Payment/Faculty Profile/Schedule - > CLICK HERE   OFFLINE All India Prelims Test Series (AIPTS) 2020 -> CLICK HERE   OPTIONAL CLASSES (Test Series is included) provided at IASbaba: SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL  ANTHROPOLOGY OPTIONAL KANNADA LITERATURE OPTIONAL  GEOGRAPHY OPTIONAL  POLITICAL SCIENCE OPTIONAL  For Complete Details of the Optional Classroom Programme - CLICK HERE   ONLINE PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES: ONLINE ILP- FRESHER’S 2020 It’s an integrated programme covering both Prelims + Mains. Important Feature includes – Babapedia (Prelimspedia, Mainspedia), Value Added Notes (VAN), All India Prelims Test Series(40 GS, 10 CSAT), Mains Mocks, Essay guidance, Abhivyakti (Social Media of ILP) and many more. ONLINE ILP- VETERANS 2020 It’s an integrated programme covering both Prelims + Mains. Important Feature includes – Babapedia (Prelimspedia, Mainspedia), Value Added Notes (VAN), All India Prelims Test Series(40 GS, 10 CSAT), Mains Mocks, Essay guidance, Abhivyakti (Social Media of ILP) and many more. Please note that, here the Schedule of ILP Veteran’s will be different and Test Series will be from Moderate to Difficult level (Subject-wise from both Standard and NCERT's), whereas in ILP Fresher’s the Test Series will be of Easy to Moderate to Difficult Level, wherein in the Easy level will cover concepts from Basic NCERT’s, gradually to Standard Text Books and Reference Books. For Complete Details/Schedule/Fees - > CLICK HERE   ONLINE All India Prelims Test Series (AIPTS) 2020 -> CLICK HERE ** Please note that, there is NO DEADLINE to join ILP ONLINE/AIPTS 2020 Programme **   FOR MAINS 2019: TLP PLUS - ONLINE MAINS GENERAL STUDIES (GS and ESSAY) Test Series -> CLICK HERE OPTIONAL (ONLINE) MAINS TEST Series: TLP MAINS SOCIOLOGY Test Series -> CLICK HERE TLP MAINS ANTHROPOLOGY Test Series -> CLICK HERE TLP MAINS PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Test Series-> CLICK HERE TLP MAINS KANNADA LITERATURE Test Series -> CLICK HERE   PROGRAMS/COURSES EXCLUSIVE to  DELHI CENTER   TLP OFFLINE Mains Answer Writing Programme 2019 TLP PLUS - ONLINE MAINS PROGRAMME (GS and Essay) 2019 OFFLINE ALL INDIA PRELIMS TEST SERIES (AIPTS) 2020  -> CLICK HERE   For Complete Details about IASbaba's Program's at DELHI ->CLICK HERE Delhi Centre : 5 B, PUSA road , Opposite to Karol Bagh Metro station (Landmark: CROMA Store) Office No.: +91 1141678500/ 1141672600   CONTACT US: You can visit any of the following centres for Admissions or Related Enquiries: Vijayanagar Centre: 1737/ 37, MRCR Layout, Vijayanagar Service Road, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru-5660040 Chandra Layout Centre: No. 1443/1444, Above Carzspa, 80 Ft. Main Road, Ganapathi Circle, Chandra Layout, Bengaluru- 560040   You can also reach us on  Email id: offline@iasbaba.com -> Offline initiatives ilp@iasbaba.com -> Online ILP/AIPTS Related Queries support@iasbaba.com -> General Queries   Mobile No.: 9035077800/7353177800 ( Office Timings: 10 am – 5.30 pm)     Thank You IASbaba

Topper's From IASbaba

TOPPER'S STRATEGY: Chitra Mishra Rank 20, CSE 2018- History Optional (Paper II) - 300/500 !!

TOPPER'S STRATEGY: Chitra Mishra Rank 20, CSE 2018- History Optional (Paper II) - 300/500 !!   On behalf of the student community, we would like to thank Chitra Mishra, Rank 20 for sharing her History Optional (Paper II) Notes and Strategy with IASbaba, so that it would benefit many aspirants who are preparing for Mains with History as their Optional. It's a Kind Gesture and very few people do this.  “When we share, we open doors to a new beginning.” ― Paul Bradley Smith    The 34 page PDF (available for Download) below, gives you a comprehensive strategy, Notes, Sources Chsitra had referred to. If your Optional is History make the best use of it, if not kindly share it with your friend's who are giving Mains with the same Optional. Strategy on HISTORY OPTIONAL (Paper I) will be shared soon.   Detailed Strategy for Paper II - History Optional History optional strategy requires a renewed analysis, delineating the topics, previous year paper analysis, and detailed strategy;  History optional has acquired a fossil-like significance and format post 2013-14. This is due to the fact students who zero down on taking up history as optional has very limited and specific institutes.  One being Insight IAS Academy under Baliyan Sir at Karol Bagh and The Study by Manikant Singh Sir, for Hindi Medium at Mukherjee Nagar- remains two major go-to-site for any beginner in the initial phase. Both these institutes are relevant and exam-oriented, to a large extent. However, simple enrollment to these would be partial and insufficient and one-dimensional, if one aims to score 300 +.  Study material for this optional is very extensive, scattered, diverse. In other words, it is far from being to-the-point, concise and organized to handle those crucial 500 marks effectively. While one standard option is to read exclusively the class notes given by these institutes, other option is clearly the more challenging one- to plan, prepare and review your strategy as per the changes in UPSC optional paper requirements;  Nonetheless, the relevance and importance of this optional is further enhanced due to its components in General Studies -1 and Prelims.  There are two specific purpose of writing this particular post.  During my course of preparation, there was a lot of resource material at hand and readings across, study material. As an enthusiastic aspirant, you tend to quickly hoard material- of all the possible, probable, potential books from the list of books.  In the first part of my post, I try to substantiate the co-relation between books and topic in the History syllabus.  Secondly, the purpose also would be to analyze if the sub-sections have been asked in last 5 years (2014-18) and if so, can the material, notes and ideas help us to tackle those?  The central idea behind this post is to also analyse the themes/topics on the basis of last few years of question paper pattern of UPSC. This would act as ready reckoner for future History optional aspirants.  This section will be useful for those of you interested in the preparation strategy of General Studies Paper 1 as well as importantly for Paper II in History Optional for 250 marks. I scored 169/250 in this paper CSE – 2018. In this post, I wish to analyse the syllabus- reading list and include my handwritten and word notes which was instrumental in scoring higher in Paper 2.    Few general points: The idea is not to let yourself get lost in multiple sources, resource material, reference books. Our main guide to this section & the central basis must be the topics clearly articulated in the syllabus. Utmost care should be taken that – while one has clear, understanding on the factual content, equal emphasis should also be to link, analyse the topics in logical manner with continuities. Flowcharts, Maps can be extremely instrumental to handle 10-mark questions. Statement based questions can be prepared to a large extent by following UPSC last 25 years question papers. Do have a copy of previous year papers.     Modern India - Part A How to approach Modern Indian History: This is perhaps the most important segment in the History optional preparation Prelims section (usually 12-15 questions) GS -1 (4-5 questions) 125 marks of Part A of Paper II of History Optional;   Books Referred for Modern Indian History Segment: Assuming such a crucial significance of the Modern Indian section, one must be very clear about the sources. During the course of my preparation, I made summary notes and here, attached the pdf of the chapters of two most important books suggested for history optional aspirants- Shekhar Bandhopadhyay’s Link attached –  Plassey to Partition Summary Notes Bipan Chandra’s India’s Struggle for Independence 1857-1947 (Specific Chapters summary) is attached.  Bipan Chandra- India Since Independence for last few topics (Chapters mentioned) and a 200 page summary of India After Gandhi by Ramchandra Guha ( for those of you interested in this section) Selected notes from IGNOU ( Social Reforms section, Industrialization, Permanent Settlement, Peasant and Tribal Uprising notes – attached along the topics ); Specific chapters from 32nd edition of A new look at Modern Indian History – From 1707 to the Modern Times- B.L Grover and Alka Mehta, S. Chand Publication; I used this book in selective manner. Some of the chapters are required to tackle those areas which are not quite the popular NCERT prelims- and GS mains topics and yet from optional paper and 10 marks- compulsory section, it becomes extremely crucial. One segment in this book, enables you to understand the narrative of Governor Generals Chapter 7– Clive’s Second Governorship of Bengal, 1765-1767; Chapter 8, Warren Hastings; Chapter 9, Cornwallis; Chapter 10, Lord Wellesley; Chapter 12, Lord Hastings; Chapter 14, Lord Bentinck; Chapter 18, Dalhousie; Chapter 24, Lytton and Ripon; Chapter 25, Lord Curzon; Second segment in specific is about: Chapter 4– Anglo-French Rivalry in the Carnatic and Chapter 6– Career and Achievements of Dupleix; Chapter 2 and 3– Marathas – Achievements of the Early Peshwas and Marathas Administration under the Peshwas and Chapter 13– Anglo-Maratha Struggle for Supremacy; Chapter 11– Anglo-Mysore, Chapter 15– Sind; Chapter 16 & 17– Anglo-Sikh; Chapter 26– Anglo-Afghan & Chapter 27– North-West Frontier; Third segment which can be selectively referred are Chapter 21– Tribal revolts, Civil Rebellions, popular Movements and Mutinies, 1757-1856 & Chapter 37– Peasant Revolts and Agrarian Movements For a selected 10-mark question on Famine policy, Chapter 38 – The development of famine policy; Finally, the reason this book would be useful is its introductory statement-based facts, right at the beginning of each chapter. Some of them are asked in previous year CSE exam. For example, Chapter 15 Annexation of Sind, Page 132 (Statement of Sir Charles Napier).   World History - Part B   General Sources: IGNOU B.A selected chapters. In addition, I have attached few theoretical chapters from M.A (on Imperialism, Colonialism, Total War). The latter is however optional for reading. Norman Lowe – Selected chapters for second half of syllabus; This is good source for 1900-1991 and beyond. A Study of Modern Europe and the World 1815-1950by Mukherjee. This is meant to be read and not made notes. It is like a good revision for narrative; This book should be read for chapters like Part 1- Congress of Vienna1815, Eastern Question (Part I- Chapter III, V,X, Part II, chapter IV), Part II, chapter VIII - United Nations Organisationand Part III section for Middle Egypt, Arab Nationalism, China, Japan, South-East Asiaand finally, for USA section, chapter V entirely).  Link of the book; Arjun Dev’s- Contemporary World History- Old NCERT Class XII book. Again, this book is only meant for basic reading for later half of syllabus. Wikipediafor factual clarity. I prepared sections of Locarno Pact, Inter-war treaties from here too.   For Detailed Topic Analysis and Strategy of HISTORY OPTIONAL (Paper II) -> Click here   Thank You Chitra Mishra Rank 20, CSE 2018

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 16th July 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 16th July 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Debate on the National Investigation Agency (NIA) (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in loksabha Part of Prelims and Mains GSIII security issues  In news The Lok Sabha on July 15, 2019 passes The National Investigative Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019. This Bill gives NIA officers power to investigate offences committed outside India too, and mandates the setting up of Special Courts. During the debate over the bill, erstwhile Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) was also became part of the political discussion. Do you know? “Prevention of Terrorism Act” (POTA), 2002 Came after the IC-814 hijack and 2001 Parliament attack. A suspect could be detained for up to 180 days by a special court. A separate chapter to deal with terrorist organisations was included. Union government was mandated to maintain a list of organised that would fall under the act’s radar and had full authority to make additions or removals. National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 provides for the following: "In order to facilitate the speedy investigation  prosecution of Scheduled Offences, including those committed outside India against the Indian citizens or affecting the interest of India  To insert certain new offences in the Schedule to the Act as Scheduled Offences which adversely affect the national security, it has become necessary to amend certain provisions of the Act." National Green Tribunal (NGT) constituted a committee on illegal construction on the floodplains Part of Prelims and mains GS III Environment and ecology In news National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a committee to look into a plea alleging illegal construction on the floodplains of river Kosi in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, by a private university Do you know? National Green Tribunal is a statutory body established by a Government Notification using the powers of Section 3 of the NGT Act 2010. Objective  To provide effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forestsand other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment. Giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property Other Related Matters. River kosi Kosi River is known as the "Sorrow of Bihar" These include the Tamor River originating from the Kanchenjunga area in the east and Arun River and Sun Koshi from Tibet The Kosi is 720 km long and drains in Tibet (China), Nepal and Bihar (India). NGT directs Army to shift ammunition dump Part of Prelims and mains GS III Environment and ecology In news National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Army to shift its ammunition dump in Raiwala, Uttarakhand to ensure restoration of the Chila-Motichur Elephant Corridor. The ammunition dump was a threat to the wildlife and ecology of the Chilla-Motichur corridor. Do you know? Chilla-Motichur corridor It is a part of Rajaji national park  Loctedin uttarakhand It an elephant corridor , Declared free of human habitation Vaccine trials started to check Tuberculosis spread  Part of Prelims and Mains GS II Governance; Health services  In news: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has started a TB vaccine trial with a view to preventing the occurrence of tuberculosis among the close contacts of a patient. Trial is being conducted to come up with the first TB vaccine for adults as the BCG vaccine is only for new-borns. Two vaccines — VPM1002 and Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii (MIP) — had been short-listed for the phase III trial among the healthy household contacts of a sputum smear-positive patient. Do you know? India contributes to 27% of global TB population. Few TB drugs of TB are Isoniazid, Rifampicin. Nikshay is a web based solution for monitoring TB, launched by the Health Ministry. India want to end TB by 2025 About Tuberculosis (TB) A serious infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs. TB is an infectious disease usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Spread when an infected person. Through airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes) and by saliva (kissing or shared drinks). TB is Curable and preventable, when medicines are provided and taken properly. ‘Blue Flag’ challenge for Indian oceans Part of Prelims and Mains GS III Environment and ecology In news Union Environment Ministry has selected 12 beaches in India for a ‘Blue Flag’ certification, an international recognition conferred on beaches that meet certain criteria of cleanliness and environmental propriety About Blue Flag The Blue Flag programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education). It started in France in 1985 and has been implemented in Europe since 1987 Spain tops the list with 566 such beaches; Greece and France follow with 515 and 395, respectively What is the criteria to achieve this Blue Flag certification Nearly 33 criteria that must be met to qualify for a Blue Flag certification Such as the water meeting certain standards such as waste disposal facilities, disabled-friendly facilities, first aid equipment and no access to pets in the main areas of the beach. Some criteria are voluntary and some compulsory To help Indian beaches meet these criteria The Union Ministry has allowed structures such container toilet blocks, change rooms, shower panels, mini greywater treatment plants in an enclosed structure, mini solid waste recycling plants and off-grid solar photovoltaic panels to come up, provided they are a minimum 10 metres from the high tide line. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health A WASH for healthcare Introduction Healthcare facilities are many and varied. Some are primary, others are tertiary. Many are public, some are private. Some meet specific needs, whether dentistry or occupational therapy, and some are temporary, providing acute care when disaster strikes. Adequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) amenities, including waste management and environmental cleaning services, are critical to their safe functioning.  Impacts of lack of WASH facilities  When a healthcare facility lacks adequate WASH services, infection prevention and control are severely compromised.  This has the potential to make patients and health workers sick from avoidable infections.  As a result, efforts to improve maternal, neonatal and child health are undermined. Lack of WASH facilities also results in unnecessary use of antibiotics, thereby spreading antimicrobial resistance. Current scenario According to a report, published this year by the World Health Organization and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) jointly, outlines WASH services in many facilities across the world are missing or substandard.  According to data from 2016, an estimated 896 million people globally had no water service at their healthcare facility.  More than 1.5 billion had no sanitation service.  One in every six healthcare facilities was estimated to have no hygiene service. While data on waste management and environmental cleaning was inadequate across the board. Need of WASH services  In WHO’s South-East Asia region, efforts to tackle the problem and achieve related Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets are being vigorously pursued.  Improving WASH services in health-care facilities is crucial to accelerating progress towards each of the region’s ‘flagship priorities’, especially the achievement of universal health coverage.  Improving WASH services was deemed essential to enhancing the quality of primary healthcare services, increasing equity and bridging the rural-urban divide. Resolution to provide WASH services  A World Health Assembly Resolution is hoping to catalyse domestic and external investments to help reach the global targets.  These include ensuring;  At least 60% of all healthcare facilities have basic WASH services by 2022;  At least 80% have the same by 2025; and  100% of all facilities provide basic WASH services by 2030. Way forward Member states should implement each of the WHO- and UNICEF-recommended practical steps.  Health authorities should conduct in-depth assessments and establish national standards and accountability mechanisms.  Across the region, and the world, a lack of quality baseline data limits authorities’ understanding of the problem.  Health authorities should create clear and measurable benchmarks that can be used to improve and maintain infrastructure and ensure that facilities are ‘fit to serve’. Health authorities should increase engagement and work to instil a culture of cleanliness and safety in all health-care facilities.  Alongside information campaigns that target facility administrators, all workers in the health system — from doctors and nurses to midwives and cleaners — should be made aware of, and made to practise, current WASH and infection prevention and control procedures (IPC).  Modules on WASH services and IPC should be included in pre-service training and as part of ongoing professional development.  In addition, authorities should work more closely with communities, especially in rural areas, to promote demand for WASH services. Authorities should ensure that collection of data on key WASH indicators becomes routine.  Doing so will help accelerate progress by promoting continued action and accountability.  It will also help spur innovation by documenting the links between policies and outcomes.  Conclusion As member states strive to achieve the ‘flagship priorities’ and work towards the SDG targets, that outcome is crucial. Indeed, whatever the healthcare facility, whoever the provider, and wherever it is located, securing safe health services is an objective member states must boldly pursue. Connecting the dots: Without adequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) amenities, infection control is severely compromised in India's heathcare system. Comment. INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. India and its neighborhood- relations. India's foreign policy needs rework in the next five years Introduction The geopolitical scenario of the world is changing and this has brought up new global issues for India deal with. Therefore, various aspects of India's foreign policy also is required to be changed to fit the changing geopolitics of the world. Earlier Scenario: Strategic autonomy In the past, India did manage a shift from non-alignment to multi-alignment.  We could improve our relations with the United States without jeopardising our long-term relationship with Russia. We could paper over our prickly relations with China without conceding too much ground; all the while maintaining our strategic independence. Current Scenario - Impact of U.S. conflict with Russia/ China  Deepening India-U.S. relations today again carry the danger of India becoming involved in a new kind of Cold War.  According to the author, the earlier policy of multi-alignment based on strategic autonomy has now become unsustainable.  Firstly, it is due to rise in confrontation between the US with Russia & China. And Secondly this earlier policy needs to be changed because of the recent policies of Donald Trump.  Even the definition of a liberal order seems to be undergoing changes. Recommendations: South Asia, the region of our highest priority, needs close attention. Began engagement with Pakistan. Involve India further in Afghanistan to secure India's interest in expected US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Ensure resistance to BRI among India's neighbours. Avoid alignment in the new Cold War between US with Russia and China. India should focus on developing disruptive technologies such as AI, cyber technology, etc as part of its defence policy. Focus and build India's economic power. India must ensure that it does not become a party to the conflicts and rivalries between the U.S. and a rising China, the heightened tensions between the U.S. and Russia, and also avoid becoming a pawn in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Connecting the dots: With the change in global political scenario, India must also change its strategy of foreign relations. Comment. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q1) River kosi flows flows through?  India , China and Nepal India and Nepal  India Nepal and Bhutan Only in India Q2) Chilla-Motichurelephant corridor is located in Bihar Uttarakhand Uttar Pradesh Assam Q3) National Green Tribunal (NGT) objectives provide effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment protecting the tiger and elephant corridors Select the wrong statement from above only III both I and II all of the above none of the above Q4) Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is a vaccine related to Leprosy Tuberculosis Hepatitis B Measles Q5) ‘Blue Flag’ certification is for  Peace agreement between blue water nations An international recognition conferred on beaches that meet certain criteria of cleanliness and environmental propriety Cleaning up of oil spills in oceans Naval exercise between India and Singapore MUST READ Maritime challenges and opportunities Indian Express A test of law and justice The Hindu India must play a role in Afghan peace talks Livemint

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 27

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 27 Archives Q.1) ‘Limbuwan Region’ is part of which of the following states? Sikkim Jammu & Kashmir Bihar Madhya Pradesh Q.2) Uzbekistan is not bordered by which of the following countries? Kazakhstan  Russia Tajikistan  Afghanistan Q.3) Which of the following countries are doubly landlocked? Liechtenstein Lesotho Uzbekistan Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘SARFAESI Act’ It allows banks and financial institutions to recover their dues exceeding one lakh rupees by proceeding against secured assets of the borrower/guarantor without the intervention of the court/tribunals It allowed the creation of asset reconstruction companies (ARC) and allowed banks to sell their non-performing assets to ARCs. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) The Service Area Approach was implemented under the purview of Integrated Rural Programme Lead Bank Scheme Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme National Skill Development Mission To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

PIB

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 8th July to 14th July – 2019

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 8th  to 14th July – 2019 ARCHIVES GS-2 Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (Topic:  Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources) Under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), deposit free LPG connection is provided in the name of an adult woman member of a poor family and the beneficiary has an option to avail connection with 14.2 kg or 5 kg cylinder. The existing beneficiary with 14.2 kg LPG cylinder has an option to swap with 5 kg cylinder also. Mantra: Swacch Indhan, Behtar Jeevan – Mahilaon ko mila samman As on 01.07.2019 – More than 10.27 crore prospective consumers filled their Know Your Customer (KYC) forms under PMUY, out of which more than 7.30 crore connections have been released. More than one crore LPG consumers have given up their subsidy under “GiveItUp” campaign. PAHAL Government has introduced well targeted system of subsidy delivery to LPG consumers through PAHAL. This initiative of the Government was aimed at rationalizing subsidies based on approach to cut subsidy leakages, but not subsidy per se. Applicable subsidy is directly transferred into the bank account of the beneficiaries. PAHAL has helped in identifying ‘ghost’ accounts, multiple accounts and inactive accounts. This has helped in curbing diversion of subsidised LPG to commercial purposes. Solve: Does there exist a direct relation of smokeless kitchens with economic development. Discuss. How far has the Ujjawala scheme been able to address the problems of rural women? Analyse. Why having an LPG connection important for woman empowerment? In this regard, do you think Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana can make a difference? Examine. Also discuss its other advantages. The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill – 2019 (Topic: General studies 2 Important aspects of governance, social justice Justice System General studies 3 Technology Security issues) The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 has been introduced in the Parliament, with a view to creating a national DNA database for solving crimes and identifying missing persons. About the Bill: The purpose of the bill is to expand the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country. By providing for the mandatory accreditation and regulation of DNA laboratories, the Bill seeks to ensure that the DNA test results are reliable and the data remain protected from misuse or abuse in terms of the privacy rights of our citizens. Bill’s provisions will enable the cross-matching between persons who have been reported missing on the one hand and unidentified dead bodies found in various parts of the country on the other, and also for establishing the identity of victims in mass disasters. The Bill includes provisions for the destruction of DNA samples and removal of innocent people’s DNA profiles from the database. Criticism on DNA bill: Creating large databases is often not a cost-effective way to solve more crimes, and limited resources must be targeted effectively. Using DNA effectively during criminal investigations requires proper crime scene examination, trained and reliable policing, a trusted chain of custody of samples, reliable analysis, and proper use of expert evidence in court. Without these prerequisites, a DNA database will worsen rather than solve problems in the criminal justice system (false matches or misinterpretation or planting of evidence, etc.). The Bill’s proposed DNA Regulatory Board is still too powerful and insufficiently transparent or accountable. There are provisions which give the government or the Board the power to amend aspects of the safeguards in the Bill, and to avoid accountability in court. A number of other privacy protections are also missing — the need to restrict DNA profiling so that it uses only non-coding DNA, a commonly used international standard for one. There is no attempt to assess the cost effectiveness of these provisions or to estimate the database’s likely size. Way Forward: Consideration should be given to an independent forensic science regulator. An independent ethics board should be set up. The Board’s responsibilities for privacy protections need an independent regulator. Privacy or data protection bill should be adopted first. Any international sharing of DNA profiles should also be covered by a privacy or data protection law, and meet international human rights standards. There should be separate the databases for missing persons and for criminals set up by the Bill, so that people who volunteer their DNA to help find their missing relatives are not treated as suspects for criminal offences. It is needed to specify that volunteers must be fully informed about future storage and uses of their genetic information before they give consent. International evidence shows that the success of a DNA database is driven primarily by the number of crime scene DNA profiles loaded on to it, not by the number of DNA profiles from individuals, so proper crime scene analysis should be the top priority. Cabinet approves  The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2019: The Bill will benefit a large number of transgender persons, mitigate the stigma, discrimination and abuse against this marginalized section and bring them into the mainstream of society. This will lead to inclusiveness and will make the transgender persons productive members of the society. Amendment in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012: It will make punishment more stringent for committing sexual crimes against children including death penalty. The amendments also provide for levy of fines and imprisonment to curb child pornography. Impact The amendment is expected to discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as a deterrent due to strong penal provisions incorporated in the Act. It intends to protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress and ensures their safety and dignity. The amendment is aimed to establish clarity regarding the aspects of child abuse and punishment thereof. Background The POCSO Act, 2012 was enacted to Protect the Children from Offences of Sexual Assault, Sexual harassment and pornography with due regard for safeguarding the interest and well-being of children. The Act defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age, and regards the best interests and welfare of the child as matter of paramount importance at every stage, to ensure the healthy physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of the child. The act is gender neutral. Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2019: The Bill will help tackle the menace of illicit deposit taking activities in the country, which at present are exploiting regulatory gaps and lack of strict administrative measures to dupe poor and gullible people of their hard-earned savings Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Bill, 2019: This proposal would enhance the coverage of the safety, health and working conditions provisions manifold as compared to the present scenario. The decision will enhance the coverage of the safety, health and working conditions provisions manifold as compared to the present scenario. The New Code has been drafted after amalgamation, simplification and rationalisation of the relevant provisions of the 13 Central Labour Acts: The Factories Act, 1948; The Mines Act, 1952; The Dock Workers (Safety, Health and Welfare) Act, 1986; The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996; The Plantations Labour Act, 1951; The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970; The Inter-State Migrant workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979; The Working Journalist and other Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service and Misc. Provision) Act, 1955; The Working Journalist (Fixation of rates of wages) Act, 1958; The Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961; Sales Promotion Employees (Condition of Service) Act, 1976; The Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1966; and The Cine Workers and Cinema Theatre Workers Act, 1981. After the enactment of the Code, all these Acts being subsumed in the Code will be repealed. Benefits: Safety, Health, welfare and improved Working Conditions are pre-requisite for well-being of the worker and also for economic growth of the country as healthy workforce of the country would be more productive and occurrence of less accidents and unforeseen incidents would be economically beneficial to the employers also. With the ultimate aim of extending the safety and healthy working conditions to all workforce of the country, the Code enhances the ambit of provisions of safety, health, welfare and working conditions from existing about 9 major sectors to all establishments having 10 or more employees. GS-3 Challenges Faced by the Dairy Industry On GST: As per Goods and Services Tax Act 2017, the current rate of GST applicable on dairy products ranges from 5% to 18%. The Department has received representations from stakeholders like Indian Dairy Association and Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited, to reduce GST on some dairy products like ghee, butteroil and flavoured milk and to reduce import duty on some dairy machinery. Indian cattle and buffaloes have among the lowest productivity in the world. Similarly there is a shortage of organized dairy farms and there is a need of high degree of investment to take dairy industry to global standards. To improve low productivity of indigenous bovine breeds, Department has been implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission with aim of development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds and enhancing production and productivity thereby making milk production more remunerative to the farmers. In order to promote organized dairy farming and investment, Department of Animal Husbandry And Dairying, Government of India has been supplementing the efforts of State Governments by implementing following dairy development schemes for creation/ strengthening of infrastructure for production of quality milk, procurement, processing and marketing of milk and milk products across the country: National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS) iii. National Dairy Plan-I (NDP-I) Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations engaged in dairy activities (SDCFPO) Must Read: Contribution of Dairy Farming in the Economy Solve: What are the upstream requirements of the dairy sector? Examine the existing levels of backward and forward linkages in the dairy sector. Dairy farming is a source of income and nutrition to a large number of Indian families. What are the typical features of the dairy sector in India? What are the problems being faced by the sector? Also, suggest a roadmap for improving the performance of the dairy sector. Dairy farming can’t sustain itself without a vibrant livestock processing industry. Comment. Prelims oriented News Gold in Women's 100m Sprint: Dutee Chand India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO): At Pottipuram in the Theni District of Tamil Nadu The project aims to set up a 51000 ton Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) detector to observe naturally occurring atmospheric neutrinos in a cavern at the end of an approximately 2 km long tunnel in a mountain. This will help to reduce the noise from cosmic rays that is ever present over-ground and which would outnumber the rare neutrino interactions even in a detector as large as ICAL. The INO project does not disturb the ecosystem around the site and does not release any radiation, as it does not have any radioactive substance. It measures cosmic rays. There is no other neutrino detector anywhere in India at present. ICAL at INO would be the first of its type. Child Labour: As per information received from the District Project Societies set up under the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme, a total number of 320488 children were rescued from all forms of child labour, and were rehabilitated and mainstreamed to formal education system during the last five years. National Translation Mission (NTM) is a scheme launched in 2008 which is being implemented through the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore to establish translation as an industry in general and to facilitate higher education by making knowledge texts accessible to students and academics in Indian languages. Under the scheme, the books of knowledge texts mostly text books of various subjects prescribed in Universities and Colleges are being translated in all Languages of the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India.  Operation Thirst – An All India Drive to crack down selling of unauthorised Packaged Drinking Water “Silk Samagra” through Central Silk Board:  It focuses on improving quality and productivity of domestic silk thereby reducing the country’s dependence on imported silk.  Under the scheme, assistance is extended to sericulture stakeholders for the beneficiary oriented components like, raising of Kissan nursery, plantation with improved Mulberry varieties, Irrigation, chawki rearing centres with incubation facility, construction of rearing houses, rearing equipment, door to door service agents for disinfection and input supply, support for Improved reeling units like Automatic Reeling units, multi-end Reeling machines, Improved Twisting machines and support for post yarn facilities for quality silk and fabric production. Under North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS) implemented to promote Textile Industry in the North East Region by the Ministry of Textiles, 38 Sericulture projects have been implemented in the identified potential districts under three broad categories viz., Integrated Sericulture Development Project (ISDP) and Intensive BivoltineSericulture Development Project andAspirational Districts. Swadhar Greh Scheme for rehabilitation of women in difficult circumstances.  The scheme covers women who are deserted and without any social and economic support, women victims of domestic violence, family tension and natural disaster. Model Tenancy Act’, 2019  It envisages to balance the interest and rights of both the owner and tenant and to create an accountable and transparent ecosystem for renting the premises in disciplined and efficient manner.  It will enable creation of adequate rental housing stock for various income segments of society including migrants, formal and informal sector workers, professionals, students etc. and increase access to quality rented accommodation, enable gradual formalization of rental housing market.   It will help overhaul the legal framework vis-à-vis rental housing across the country.  It is also expected to give a fillip to private participation in rental housing for addressing the huge housing shortage across the country. As per Census 2011, nearly 1.1 crore houses were lying vacant in the country and making these houses available on rent will complement the vision of ‘Housing for All’ by 2022. Buddhist Circuit: One of the fifteen thematic circuits for development under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. All sites in the country related to Buddhism are covered under this Circuit. Menstrual Hygiene Scheme for Adolescent Girls (aged 10 – 19) Increasing awareness among adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene Improving access to and use of high quality sanitary napkins by adolescent girls residing primarily in rural areas Ensuring safe disposal of sanitary napkins in an environmentally friendly manner Provision of funds to ASHAs to hold monthly meetings with adolescents to discuss issues related to menstrual hygiene. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-lll (PMGSY-III)  It involves consolidation of Through Routes and Major Rural Links connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools and Hospitals. Under the PMGSY-III Scheme, it is proposed to consolidate 1,25,000 Km road length in the States.The Scheme will also include Through Routes and Major Rural Links that connect habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools and Hospitals. Impact This would facilitate easy and faster movement to and from Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools and Hospitals. Roads constructed under PMGSY would also be maintained properly. Witness Protection Scheme, 2018 provides for protection of witnesses based on the threat assessment and protection measures inter alia include protection/change of identity of witnesses, their relocation, installation of security devices at the residence of witnesses, usage of specially designed Court rooms, etc. The Scheme provides for three categories of witness as per threat perception: Category 'A': Where the threat extends to life of witness or his family members, during investigation/trial or thereafter. Category 'B': Where the threat extends to safety, reputation or property of the witness or his family members, during the investigation/trial or thereafter. Category 'C': Where   the   threat   is   moderate   and   extends   to harassment or intimidation of the witness or his family member's, reputation          or property, during the investigation/trial or thereafter. Creation of Gaganyaan National Advisory Council The Gaganyaan project is on track to be realized by the 75th Independence day or earlier. The design and configuration of major subsystems are finalised. The qualification tests pertaining to human rating of flight systems has commenced and Cryogenic Engine tests are in progress. The crew training plan is finalised and the crew selection process has commenced. Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) Bill Articles 15(6) and 16(6) have been inserted in the Constitution, vide the Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act, 2019.  This enables the State to provide the benefits of reservation on preferential basis to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) in civil posts and services in the Government of India and admission in Educational Institutions.  Accordingly, the provision for 10% reservation to the EWS was implemented by the Government in January 2019.   Instructions have been issued by the Ministry of HRD for increasing the total number of seats over a period of two years, to provide for 10% EWS reservation, without adversely affecting the proportionate seats of SCs, STs and OBCs.  An amount of Rs.4315.15 crores has been sanctioned for creation of additional 2,14,766 seats (1,18,983 additional seats during 2019-20 and 9,783 additional seats during 2020-21) in 158 Central Educational Institutions. 10% reservation under EWS category is applicable to those persons who are not covered under the existing scheme of reservations for the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes. Women in Agriculture As per Agriculture Census conducted at an interval of every five years by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, the percentage of female operational holdings in the country have increased from 12.78 percent during 2010-11 to 13.78 percent during 2015-16. Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP), which is a sub-component of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM): The primary objective of MKSP is to empower women by enhancing their participation in agriculture and to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for them. Funding support to the tune of up to 60% (90% for North Eastern States) for such projects is provided by the Government of India. The Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare is also promoting mainstreaming of Gender Concerns in agriculture by ensuring flow of funds and benefits to the tune of 30% for women farmers under its beneficiary oriented Schemes and Programmes.  Besides, Government is providing additional support and assistance to women farmers, over and above the male farmers under a few selected Schemes. LaQshya” (Labour room Quality improvement Initiative) to improve quality of care in labour room and maternity operation theatres in public health facilities. It’s a multipronged approach focused at Intrapartum and immediate postpartum period. Aim: To reduce preventable maternal and newborn mortality, morbidity and stillbirths associated with the care around delivery in Labour room and Maternity Operation Theatre and ensure respectful maternity care. Objectives: To reduce maternal and newborn mortality & morbidity due to hemorrhage, retained placenta, preterm, preeclampsia and eclampsia, obstructed labour, puerperal sepsis, newborn asphyxia, and newborn sepsis, etc. To improve Quality of care during the delivery and immediate post-partum care, stabilization of complications and ensure timely referrals, and enable an effective two-way follow-up system. To enhance satisfaction of beneficiaries visiting the health facilities and provide Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) to all pregnant women attending the public health facilities. Following types of healthcare facilities have been identified for implementation of LaQshya program Government medical college hospitals District Hospitals & equivalent health facilities Designated FRUs and high case load CHCs with over 100 deliveries/month ( 60 in hills and desert areas) Conservation of Mural Paintings A mural is any piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling or other large permanent surface. Murals are important in that they bring art into the public sphere. Since these projects used to be huge and time consuming, they were commissioned by local government or patrons. IGNCA, an autonomous organisation under this Ministry is actively involved in the Government's endeavor for conservation of Mural Paintings and ancient folk paintings which are on the verge of extinction.  'The Condition of Buddhist Wall Painting Sites in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh (Tribal and Backward Areas)’ aimed to develop a laboratory in Ladakh in collaboration with the partner institute especially for Himalayan material - thangkha and manuscript, with wall painting as a super specialty.  In the first phase of this project, conservations work of Maitreay Temple (Hunder- Nurba), Karsha Monastery – Nyingm/lakhangand Gonkhang- Thiksey monastery had been completed. Saboo and Diskit Monasteries have a sizeable collection of tangkha that are not in use for puja. IGNCA has signed MOU with Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (a Deemed University), Leh, Ladakh to explore, research, and for field work and capacity building programme in this domain.  In Jammu and Kashmir, the conservation work of Karsha Monastery- Nyingma Lakhang, Gonkhang- Thiksey monastery and in Himachal Pradesh, conservation work of Maitreay Temple (Hunder- Nurba), Saboo and Diskit monasteries has been done by IGNCA. Must Read: Later Mural Traditions Qn:  What information of about the contemporary society is provided by Ajanta Paintings? How are murals different from frescoes? National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 A National Mission document providing the vision and the roadmap for the faster adoption of electric vehicles and their manufacturing in the country. This plan has been designed to enhance national fuel security, to provide affordable and environmentally friendly transportation and to enable the Indian automotive industry to achieve global manufacturing leadership. As part of the NEMMP 2020, Department of Heavy Industry formulated a Scheme viz. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme in the year 2015 to promote manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicle technology and to ensure sustainable growth of the same. The 1st Phase of FAME India Scheme was implemented through four focus areas namely  (i) Demand Creation (ii) Technology Platform (iii) Pilot Project (iv) Charging Infrastructure Under the NEMMP 2020, there is an ambitious target to achieve 6-7 million sales of hybrid and electric vehicles by the year 2020. Based on the experience gained in the Phase-I of FAME India Scheme, it has been observed that sufficient number of charging infrastructure is required to achieve expected outcome of the plan, which is being addressed presently in Phase-II of FAME Scheme. Various initiatives have been taken by the Government to promote electric mobility in the country. Some of them are summarized here under: Under new GST regime, the rates of GST on Electric Vehicles has been kept in the lower bracket of 12% (with no Cess) as against the 28% GST rate with Cess up to 22% for conventional vehicles. Ministry of Power has allowed sale of electricity as ‘service’ for charging of electric vehicles. This would provide a huge incentive to attract investments into charging infrastructure. Ministry of Road Transport Highways issued notification regarding exemption of permit in case of battery operated vehicles. Issue of Expression of Interest (EoI) for deployment of 5000 electric buses by State Transport Departments/Undertakings etc. Quotes The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu On Indian Culture & Ancient Knowledge India needs a cultural renaissance, a large scale awareness and knowledge-sharing movement to bring the best in the Indian thought to the common man. Indians have been fortunate that spiritual leaders like Adi Shankaracharya and Swami Vivekananda have shaped our country’s ethical foundations. The pieces of wisdom initially written by Adi Shankaracharya in Prashnottara Ratnamalika have universal relevance irrespective of religion or community and they represent the ethical and moral perspectives underpinning the Indian world view. Schools and colleges across the country should take the lead along with non-governmental organisations like Vedanta Bharati to spread the universal message of tolerance, inclusion, harmony, peace, well-being, righteous conduct, excellence and empathy that recurs in the Indian spiritual tradition with resounding clarity. Personality in News Adi Shankaracharya – Hinduism’s Greatest Thinker Was an early 8th century Indian philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta He is credited with unifying and establishing the main currents of thought in Hinduism His works in Sanskrit discuss the unity of the ātman and Nirguna Brahman “brahman without attributes”. He also explained the key difference between Hinduism and Buddhism, stating that Hinduism asserts “Atman (Soul, Self) exists”, while Buddhism asserts that there is “no Soul, no Self”. He is reputed to have founded four mathas (“monasteries”), which helped in the historical development, revival and spread of Advaita Vedanta of which he is known as the greatest revivalist On Women: Adi Shankaracharya opens his beautiful hymn called “Saundarya Lahari” (The wave of beauty; a set of shlokas) with a clear statement on how Lord Shiva is totally powerless without his wife Shakthi. One complements the other. Qn: Assess the contribution of Adi Shankara in the development of Hindu philosophy. Swami Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda’s ideas of universal tolerance, compassion, and concern for the poor are as relevant today as they were during his lifetime.  Was born Narendra Nath Datta, on 12th January, 1863. He was the chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. He introduced Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the world stage during the late 19th century. Represented India in the first Parliament of Religion held in Chicago (U.S.) in 1893. Some of his quotes: Arise awake and stop not till the goal is reached — Swami Vivekananda (This quote can be used in Ethics/Essay answers dealing with Hope/Corruption/Faith) One ounce of practice is worth twenty thousand tons of big talk (Swami Vivekananda – This quote can be used to conclude almost every essay). “It is impossible to think about the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is impossible for a bird to fly on only one wing” – Swami Vivekananda. (On women empowerment) All nations have attained greatness by paying proper respect to women. That country and that nation which do not respect women have never become great, nor will ever be in future. “All the different religions are but applications of the one religion adapted to suite the requirements of different nations”. – Swami Vivekananda. (on Religion) “If in this hell of a world one can bring a little joy & peace even for a day into the heart of a single person, that much alone is true; this I have learnt after suffering all my life, all else is mere moonshine” – Swami Vivekananda (on serving Humanity) “We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded and by which one can stand on one’s own feet.” Two excerpts from Swami Vivekananda’s letters to Sister Nivedita, written in Sanskrit, translated to English reads – “Tougher than rocks; more tender than flowers”. It points to Swamiji’s ability to balance the idealism of his work with the practical aspects of everyday life. “A person who does good to others, never meets a bad end …” Karma Yoga and Niskama Karma – In this he emphasized the selflessness of an individual in all his endeavors.Today, when the world around us engulfed in acts of sheer selfishness, his teachings can show a new path. Love and compassion as the law of life – He emphasized on loving all living beings and to be compassionate and sensitive towards sufferings. He said that – “So long as millions live in poverty and hunger, I consider every person a traitor who, having been educated at their expense, pays not the least heed to them” He believed that every Indian must work hard to uplift the millions from the clutches of poverty and superstitions. Note: National Youth Festival is celebrated every year on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda – January 12 For supporting single girl child, a special scholarship is Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship for Research in Social Science. Belur Math in Kolkata is built by Swami Vivekananda. Vedanta It was based on Upanishads and their interpretation. Its aim was to enquire about ‘Brahman’ (ultimate reality) which was the central concept of Upanishads. It saw Veda as the ultimate source of information and whose authority could not be questioned. It emphasized on path of knowledge (jnana) as opposed to that of sacrifice (karma). Ultimate aim of knowledge was 'Moksha' i.e. liberation from 'sansara'. Qns:  What lessons have you learnt from the life and ideas of Swami Vivekanand? How do you apply them in your daily life? We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world. Comment. Do you find the ideas of Swami Vivekananda relevant today? Examine. “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of woman is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing.” Comment. Be the Servant of all, and do not try in the least to govern other. Nobody will come to help you if you will put yourself forward as a leader. Kill self first, if you want to lead. Discuss. Celebrating 550th birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji Born in 1469 in Nankana Sahib, Pakistan He advocated nirguna bhakti He firmly repudiated practices of religions around him like sacrifices, ritual baths, idol worship, austerities, and scriptures of both Hindus and Muslims. He took the god as formless which has no gender and proposed a simple way to connect to him by just remembering and repeating his name. He set up rules for congregational worship (sangat) involving collective recitation. He appointed Angad to succeed him as the Guru. He never wished to establish new religion, but after his death his followers consolidated his practices and distinguished from both Hindus and Muslims by calling themselves ‘Sikhs’. Fifth Guru Arjandev Ji compiled Guru Nanak, his successor, and other religious poets teaching in Adi Granth Sahib. Values & teaching of Guru Nanak and present social challenges — The time in which Guru Nanak lived and present time are not very different. Back then, caste system, idol worship, exploitation of poor and women, intolerance towards other religions, fraud godman, addiction of drugs and other problems were prevalent. Unfortunately, all of them are present today also. Some basic teachings of Guru Nanak were — Submission to the will of God (Waheguru) One God Goodwill for all Speaking truth Social Service Overcoming 5 evils — Ego, Anger, Greed, Attachment and Lust Adopting 5 virtues — Truth, Compassion, Contentment, Discipline and Contemplation No discrimination Stop following rituals/idol worship/superstitions Guru Nanak opined that moral principles have great value not just in thinking but also in practical orientation in society. Therefore, social philosophy of Guru Nanak was primarily based on moral philosophy with support of religious outlook. His teaching hold great value today in overcoming caste and religious discrimination, intolerance of other views, corruption, addiction of alcohol and drugs, clash of civilisations, terrorism and other social evils. Problem with today’s generation is we have limited Guru Nanak and his teaching just to Guru Granth Sahib and have not adopted it, i.e., moral philosophy is lacking. Therefore, there is a strong need to revive the values and teachings of Guru Nanak. Kartarpur corridor Founding stone for the four-lane “human corridor” i.e. Kartarpur corridor was laid, it is to be completed by November 23, 2019 A public rally was organised for the event in the border town of Dera Baba Nanak, just 2 km from the International Border with Pakistan. It is hoped that the corridor would pave the way for peace and greater progress of all people. The corridor will drastically cut down the journey pilgrims have to make from more than 200 km to just 6 km. The gurdwara in Kartarpur stands on the bank of the Ravi, about 120 km northeast of Lahore. It was here that Guru Nanak assembled a Sikh community and lived for 18 years until his death in 1539. The shrine is visible from the Indian side, Sikhs gather in large numbers for darshan from the Indian side, and binoculars are installed at Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak. Access to gurdwaras in Pakistan: Sikh jathas from India travel to Pakistan on four occasions every year — for Baisakhi, the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev. These Indian pilgrims are given access to all gurdwaras in Pakistan.

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Orientation Session for ANTHROPOLOGY OPTIONAL by VISHNU VARDHAN Sir will be held on 20th July, 2019 (Saturday)

Orientation Session for ANTHROPOLOGY OPTIONAL by VISHNU VARDHAN Sir will be held on 20th July, 2019 (Saturday) Timings:11 am - 1 pm   Anthropology subject is the unique discipline which deals about you and me(Human beings) In this optional we will be studying about ourselves historically, culturally and comparatively mainly regarding social aspects, cultural aspects and biological aspects. In anthropology we have 2 papers, one paper deals about General Anthropology and the 2nd paper about Indian anthropology. These 2 papers cover socio-cultural aspects of man in general and India in particular Anthropological thought and thinkers and their theories applications create interest while reading about man and his culture. In Physical anthropology everybody thinks that it is favorable to science students, but is 100% false notions. The answers of physical anthropology should not be in biology context but it should be written in cultural point of view. To Unbox the Anthropology syllabus and how to choose the optional and why to choose the anthropology as the optional, we at IASBABA are conducting an OPEN FOR ALL Orientation session on how to approach and plan for scoring high in Anthropology optional. The Session will be taken by Vishnu Vardhan Sir (a Topper himself in Anthropology in UPSC 2012, 2014, 2015) M.A (Anthropology) pursuing Ph.D. in Anthropology discipline. Did field work on Saora tribal community in Odisha. Associated with CSB Ias academy, Hyderabad, Fortune Ias Trivandrum, Unacademy Plus and now at IASBABA, Bangalore. VISHNU VARDHAN regularly submits articles to Anthropological Society of India as well.   KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE ORIENTATION: As many of you know the importance of optional in ensuring your success in the UPSC mains, Optional will be the deciding factor whether you will be selected or not into the Elite services of India. This orientation session will ensure Why to choose ANTHROPOLOGY as optional. How to tackle Anthropology answer writing. How Anthropology is helpful in ensuring high marks in Essay, GS-1 and Ethics. (only optional with guaranteed multidimensional application) Why ANTHROPOLOGY IS 80% static and 20% dynamic The Mantra to unveil the reason behind how people scored more than 300 easily. Anthropology is interesting, fun and highly scoring if preparation is done in the right way.   Feedback: https://www.quora.com/How-is-Vishnu-Vardhan-sir-classes-for-anthropology-at-CSB-IAS-Academy-Hyderabad   For Complete Details and Feedback of the of the Optional Classroom Programme - CLICK HERE   TIME and VENUE: The Orientation Session is OPEN FOR ALL!! 20th July, 2019 (Saturday) from 11 am - 1 pm Vijayanagar Centre: 1737/ 37, MRCR Layout, Vijayanagar Service Road, Vijaynagar, Bengaluru-560040   For any Queries: You can also reach us on Email id: support@iasbaba.com Mobile No.:   9035077800   Thank You IASbaba

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 26

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 26 Archives Q.1)  The term ‘HR 1044’ was in news recently. It associated with which of the following? European Union United States of America Great Britain China Q.2)  Which of the following States is the first to have a State Water Policy to ensure conservation of Water? Meghalaya Maharashtra Karnataka Tamil Nadu Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Merchant Discount Rate’ It is the sum total of all the charges and taxes that a digital payment entails. The cost of MDR is transferred and incurred by the customers Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) ‘Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001’ talks about which of the following rights? Breeders’ Rights Researchers’ Rights Farmers’ Rights Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Draft Model Tenancy Act (MTA)’ It provides for its applicability only in urban areas A landowner cannot cut power and water supply in case of a dispute with the tenant Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba