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IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 22nd August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 22nd August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) SC scraps NOTA option for RS polls Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Indian Polity; Role of Supreme Court; Electoral Reforms In news: Supreme Court scrapped the use of NOTA (none of the above) option for Rajya Sabha polls. What Supreme Court said? NOTA option is meant only for universal adult suffrage and direct elections and not elections held by the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote as done in the Rajya Sabha. The option of NOTA may serve as an elixir in direct elections but in the election to the Council of States, it would not only undermine the purity of democracy but also serve the Satan of defection and corruption. The court pointed out that in the voting in Rajya Sabha elections, there is a whip and the elector is bound to obey the command of the party. The party discipline... is of extreme significance, for that is the fulcrum of the existence of parties. The thought of cross-voting and corruption is obnoxious. In crux – the court held that NOTA in an indirect election would not only run counter to the discipline expected from an elector under the Tenth Schedule but also be “counterproductive to the basic grammar of the law of disqualification... on the ground of defection.” Election Commission cannot sanction the use of NOTA in Rajya Sabha elections by way of mere circulars, which have the effect of overriding the provisions of Article 80(4) — proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote, the provisions of Representation of People Act 1951 and the Conduct of Election Rules 1961. Pic courtesy: The Hindu Ban on Diwali Firecrackers Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III - Environment; Pollution In news: Centre rules out the idea of complete national ban on firecrackers. It suggested other steps to curb pollution – such as production of “green crackers”; community fireworks events etc. Centre called for working with institutions such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, National Environment Engineering Research Institute and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to reduce pollution. It suggested setting up of raw material characterisation facilities to check the presence of high content of unburned material, partially combusted material or poor quality of raw material in fire crackers. Reason behind ban: The bursting of firecrackers releases a heavy dose of carcinogens in the atmosphere, presenting a public health challenge for the entire nation. This is similar to smoking at public places—a regulated activity—but different from consumption of liquor, which harms the individual. A regulation is thus required as it is clear that bursting of firecrackers by one person presents a health challenge to another. Noise pollution: unprotected exposure to sound levels greater than 100 dB (a firecracker generates about 125 dB) should be limited. India-Pakistan: Reviving Ties? Part of: GS Mains II - India and its neighbours; International Relation In news: Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Imran Khan has said - dialogue with India a ‘must’ to resolve conflicts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for constructive engagement with Pakistan. The best way to alleviate poverty and uplift the people of the subcontinent is to resolve our differences through dialogue and start trading. International Labour Organization report on India’s Wages Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and related issues; Inclusive growth Highlights of the ILO report: Real average daily wages in India almost doubled in the first two decades after economic reforms. Low pay and wage inequality remains a serious challenge to inclusive growth Called for stronger implementation of minimum wage laws and strengthening of the frameworks for collective bargaining by workers. Called for actions aimed at bridging the wage gaps between rural and urban, male and female, and regular and casual workers. Daily wages in urban areas (₹384) also remain more than twice as high as those in rural areas (₹175), the report said. Regional disparities in average wages have actually increased over time, with wages rising more rapidly in high-wage States than in low-wage ones. The gender wage gap decreased from 48% in 1993-94 to 34% in 2011-12, but still remains high by international standards. About ILO The International Labour Organization (ILO) was founded in 1919, its Constitution forming part of the Treaty of Versailles. The ILO became the first specialised agency of the UN in 1946. ILO deals with labour problems, particularly international labour standards, social protection, and work opportunities for all. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 and 3 Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. Indian Economy – Financial Inclusion and Inclusive Growth Redefining India Post Introduction: In a world where communication has assumed different forms with the written word being transmitted on mobile phones and the proliferation of private courier services for printed matter or documents, the role of India Post needs to be redefined. The starting of the India Post Payment Bank is pragmatic. Postal services have become less relevant while financial services continue to be important given their under penetration in rural areas. Concerns: Given the reach of the Postal Department, it is not possible for private services to reach the rural areas and even in case they do, there are time issues of delivery. The Postal Department delivers the best. Notwithstanding the advantages, the fact that technology and private services are catching up in a big way the threat of loss of business to Whatsapp and courier services is real. Need of revamping India Post: The number of post offices has come down. The employees on the rolls appears to be in line with the declining volume of business, which has come down by around 7 per cent. The handling of the savings pie has increased. It consists of small savings that is contributed more by the middle- and lower-income groups with a strong rural bias. However, here too the compound growth rate of around 6.8 per cent is much lower than bank deposits which have grown at almost double the rate. The losses of the department have increased by over nine times. The department has been run as an essential service which is primarily used by the weaker sections especially in the rural areas. As a result it becomes very difficult for the government to increase the postage rate given that it is uniform across the country. The losses have been mounting as several costs like administration, maintenance, salary, etc. move with inflation while transportation costs keep moving up more than proportionately. Therefore, with the volume of each business coming down, these fixed costs increase the cost per unit of business. Way forward: The creation of the India Post Payments Bank is a good step and though the progress of these banks has been slow, there is scope for this venture to succeed given its reach. But there are reforms which can be implemented for the other services. The pricing structure has to be revamped as heavy losses cannot be sustained. Differential pricing based on location can be considered with the rural areas getting a subsidy. The other centres would have to be made to pay the full cost. Hence an inland letter can be priced at Rs. 4 if sent from a rural post office and Rs. 10 from others. Post office spaces should be leveraged to earn rent. As financial inclusion includes also non-banking products, these can be sold in post offices by the mutual funds or their agents. The existing staff can be trained to sell financial products like insurance and mutual funds in rural areas and a commission earned by the department. The post offices can be integrated with the eNAM initiative where terminals can be kept in these offices for use by farmers. Further, dak sewaks can be used to also form a link with the agricultural markets (eNAM) as they have direct interface with farmers and can be given the responsibility of spreading awareness as well as be the link with the market prices. There is considerable scope to leverage the present strengths of India Post to not just make it financially sustainable but also maximise the utilisation of the infrastructure to link it with other goals of the government to create a virtuous cycle. Connecting the dots: The role of India Post needs to be redefined. The strengths of India Post must be leveraged to make it financially viable. Analyze. NATIONAL/SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TOPIC: General Studies 2 and 3 Important aspects of governance, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. Role of Science and Technology in our daily lives and betterment of society. Role of Science and Technology in human development Introduction: On our 72nd Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced some important initiatives – Passage of the Bill to create an OBC Commission 100th anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh massacre India's space mission – In 2022 (on the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day), India to unfurl the tri-colour in the space. Subramania Bharati vision of India - Subramania Bharati (great Tamil poet) had said India will not only rise as a great nation, but will also inspire the others. India will show the way to the entire world to unshackle the bonds. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan - to be launched on 25th September 2018 (birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay) India's farming sector - 'Beej Se Bazar Tak' approach ; double farmer incomes by 2022 On women empowerment - Practice of Triple Talaq to be ended; Women officers commissioned in short service will get opportunity for permanent commission. On government schemes and policies - Thirteen crore 'mudra loans'; Ujjwala and Saubhagya Yojana; GST; Swachh Bharat mission Among the above, one important announcement was the vision of Tricolour to be unfurled in space by 2022. Concerns: However, on the other hand the following had made headlines – The country facing flooding, partly due to water released from dams following exceptional rain. News articles on lynching, mostly over a wide swathe of north India from Uttar Pradesh to Jharkhand but not entirely absent in the south. Mobocracy - Mobs had attacked persons either on their own or in small groups, with the victims in every case having been unarmed and acting without any provocation and who usually belong to Dalits and Muslims (marginalised sections of the country) These incidents don’t augur well in a democratic nation. Emphasising a space programme as an objective while failing to highlight the multiple failings of public policy in India makes a mockery of the democratic project. (According to the author) Therefore, the primary focus or objective should be to create enabling conditions for a valuable life, by – protecting natural capital, building public goods in the form of physical infrastructure, providing a public education and health service, and creating institutions that support individual aspirations. Need for an effective science and technology policy The pursuit of high science by the Government of India had started quite early after 1947 when it embarked on a programme of harnessing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The Atomic Energy Commission was formed and treated with reverence. However, it is not clear how much difference this has made to the power situation in the country. Independent experts at the Indian Statistical Institute point out that nuclear power is costly. Key alternative to burning coal (fossil fuel) or nuclear power is the need to rely on non-renewable energy such as sunlight and wind power which is abundant in India. With the cost of generating solar power is reducing rapidly due to advances in storage technology, it would be wise to have a science policy that is focussed enough to monitor and exploit these trends and a government machinery that is both motivated and adept at facilitating a mass transition to cleaner fuel. India’s science and technology policy should now be re-oriented to improve the lives of Indians. Role of Science and Technology An example of such a role for science was the launching of the Green Revolution in the mid-1960s. In a matter of less than a decade a precarious economy the size of a subcontinent was transformed into one self-sufficient in food. The Green Revolution was achieved through a rare combination of scientific leadership in the agricultural sector, administrative ability and political acumen, but above all by the genius of India’s farmers. We have not seen national will on a similar scale since. This when we urgently need an agricultural initiative comparable in its transformative capacity today. Indian agriculture has performed more erratically than usual in the past decade. Given the scale of the public science and technology apparatus in India, especially of agricultural research institutions, there is a visible lack of response to this situation, if not crisis. Development economists recognise that the ‘food problem’ does not cease once a country is able to produce food in sufficient quantity. It is necessary to produce food at a cost that is affordable to the mass of the population. It may be emphasised that this is fully compatible with a prosperous farming population. What is needed is an increase in the productivity of land. Despite the Prime Minister’s claims in his speech of his government having delivered on farm price support, a rise in farm productivity requires more than the price mechanism; technology and extension services would matter. Today we are paying the price for a policy that generally neglected the majority of the rural Indians who more than anything else needed public services. Equipped with capability — through good health and awareness — the once marginalised would be vulnerable no more. Promising the moon by courting high science while ignoring human development leaves some Indians at the mercy of the mob and India’s democracy diminished in our own estimation. Connecting the dots: India’s science and technology policy should be re-oriented to improve the lives of Indians. Do you agree? Discuss. Also with suitable examples examine how Science and Technology has played huge role in human development. (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 within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.   Q.1) With reference to the 'None of The Above' (NOTA) option, consider the following statements: It gives the citizens to exercise their right to reject. NOTA are counted, but are considered 'invalid votes' Select the correct statements Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Supreme Court has banned fireworks manufacturers from using five substances that stoke air and noise pollution. Which of the following are those substances? Lithium Antimony Mercury Arsenic Lead Select the correct code: 3, 4 and 5 Only 1, 3, 4 and 5 1, 3, 4 and 5 All of the above Q.3)  Consider the following statements about Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO). The PESO tests samples of crackers for adherence to the sound limit of 125 decibels at a distance of four meters. It functions under Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 None   Q.4) World Employment and Social Outlook report is released by International Monetary Fund (IMF) International Labour Organisation (ILO) World Trade Organisation (WTO) Amnesty International Q.5) Which of the following are UN specialized agencies? Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) International Telecommunication Union (ITU) International Labour Organization (ILO) Select the correct code: 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 4 All of the above MUST READ  Strengthening the federal link The Hindu Beyond words: On Indo-Pak ties The Hindu  ‘It’s time for India to talk about the instant runoff voting method’ The Hindu  Who defends the defenders? Indian Express

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 21st August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 21st August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Community Radio Station: Sangham Radio Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Role of Technology; Self Help Groups; Innovation In news: Sangham Radio, India’s first community radio station, is struggling to stay alive. It is owned and run by 5,000 poor, mostly Dalit women in one of India’s most underdeveloped areas. The radio station, an initiative of the Deccan Development Society (DDS), a local grassroots organisation, was started in 1998 in Machanoor village in Telangana’s Sangareddy district. It caters to the Sanghams (self-help groups) of underprivileged, rural women. It got its licence to broadcast in 2008, and has been in operation for 10 years. The programme content is generated entirely by the 5,000-odd women, largely agricultural workers. The radio station’s financial crisis stems in large part from the upaid dues from the government for advertisements aired on the station. Kerala floods: Rescue and Relief operations Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Disaster management In news: National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) chaired by Cabinet secretary P.K. Sinha is reviewing the rescue and relief operations in Kerala. Central assistance of ₹600 crore was released to the Kerala government. Centre has also approved 89, 540 tonnes of additional grains for Kerala (apart from 1.18 lakh tonnes of foodgrains what Kerala receives under the National Food Security Act) Do you know? Under the National food security Act, 52.3% of the rural population and 39.5% of the urban population receive subsidised foodgrains — wheat is sold at ₹2 per kg and rice at ₹3 per kg. Centre has granted tax exemption on relief items from abroad. UAE has offered ₹700 crore to Kerala. It contrasted to the ₹600 crore given by the Indian government so far for relief and rehabilitation process. India had declined the aid offer of the U.S. after the tsunami hit the southern coasts in 2004. The then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India was capable of managing the domestic crisis as well as help other tsunami-hit countries. Maldives and Saudi Arabia have also pledged to help. Ministry of External Affairs yet to respond whether India accepts the relief fund from other countries. What are the classifications of disasters, and how does this affect funding? According to the National Disaster Management Policy, the State governments have to provide disaster relief from their respective State Disaster Response Funds (SDRFs), and only for a “calamity of severe nature”, will additional assistance be provided from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). There is, however, no provision in the law or rules for the government to designate a disaster as a “national calamity”. How are the NDRF and the SDRFs funded? The NDRF is funded through a National Calamity Contingent Duty levied on pan masala, chewing tobacco and cigarettes, and with budgetary provisions as and when needed. A provision exists to encourage any person or institution to make a contribution to the NDRF. However, this source of funding has not been tapped so far, according to the government. The 14th Finance Commission recommended changes to this structure once the cess was discontinued or subsumed within the Goods and Services Tax. However, the government, instead, decided to continue with the National Calamity Contingent Duty even in the GST regime. The SDRF corpus is contributed by the Union government and the respective State governments in a 75:25 ratio for general category States and 90:10 for Special Category States. The allocation of the SDRF for each State is done by the Finance Commission, and the Centre contributes its specified share each financial year. The Central share of SDRF is released in two equal instalments, in June and then in December. What has been the trend in budgetary allocations to the NDRF and SDRFs? The Union government has maintained a steady flow of funds to the NDRF each year, ranging from ₹5,690 crore in 2015-16 to a budgeted amount of ₹2,500 crore for the current financial year. In addition, the Centre has also been contributing to the SDRFs every year, amounting to ₹8,374.95 crore in 2016-17 and ₹7,281.76 crore in 2017-18. How have NDRF funds been allocated to States in the recent past? In 2017-18, up to December 27, 2017, the Union government released NDRF funds to nine States — Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana — over and above its contributions to their respective SDRFs. The recipient of the highest amount was Karnataka, which got ₹913 crore that year. Over the four years till December 27, 2017, the Centre has released the most cumulative funds to Maharashtra (₹5,244.69 crore), Karnataka (₹5,122.45 crore), Uttar Pradesh (₹4,949.04 crore), Tamil Nadu (₹3,115.31 crore), and Madhya Pradesh (₹1,958.93 crore). For specific calamities, the Centre released ₹1,365.67 crore for the Chennai floods of 2015 and ₹218.76 crore after Cyclone Vardah in 2016. Andhra Pradesh received ₹400 crore and ₹230 crore after Hudud ravaged Visakhapatnam. BIMSTEC Summit Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and its neighbours; International Relations In news: BIMSTEC - Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation PM Modi to join a summit of leaders from BIMSTEC countries in Kathmandu on August 30-31 and hold bilateral talks. Main focus - speedy conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement within the group BIMSTEC countries are yet to finalise and conclude the FTA which was negotiated in 2004. BIMSTEC FTA is expected to boost intra-regional trade. The visibility of BIMSTEC needs to be enhanced in a region where already a few other regional cooperation groups like ASEAN, SAARC, SASEC are in place. About BIMSTEC: BIMSTEC is the sub-regional group of seven countries in South Asia and South East Asia lying in littoral and adjacent areas of Bay of Bengal constituting contiguous regional unity. BIMSTC group is comprising of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand. It was established on 6 June 1997 through Bangkok Declaration. It is headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Objectives of BIMSTEC: Technological and economical cooperation among south Asian and south East Asian countries along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is sector-driven cooperative organization, starting with six sector including trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism and fisheries. In 2008 it was expanded to embrace eight more sectors including agriculture, public health, poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism, environment, culture, people to people contact and climate change. India and BIMSTEC India is an active participant of BIMSTEC and is considered an extension of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Look-East Policy. (MAINS FOCUS) ENVIRONMENT/ECOLOGY TOPIC: General Studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Educating people about climate change Introduction: Climate change has the potential to disrupt and reshape lives. There are several alarming predictions about its impact. Vulnerable populations should be made aware of the potential risks and how to cope with them. Global findings and India The UN Sustainable Goals Report, 2018 notes that climate change is among the key factors in rising hunger and human displacement. The World Health Organisation estimates that climate change will cause an additional 250,000 deaths per year between 2030 and 2050, due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress. Much of this loss will be accounted for by low-income groups in developing nations, including India. The World Bank projects that climate change could cost India 2.8% of its GDP, and diminish living standards for nearly half the population, in the next 30-odd years. Need of awareness Do vulnerable groups know the manifestations of climate change, and are they aware that it could potentially affect the health, livelihoods and lives of their families and communities, of present and future generations? Is there sufficient awareness about its causes, especially about anthropogenic contributions? Various initiatives: to create awareness about climate change; how to mitigate and adapt In 1991, the Supreme Court directed the Central government and all State governments to provide compulsory environmental education to all students in schools and colleges. This directive was reiterated in 2003 (M.C Mehta v. Union of India). Corporate organisations, research and education institutes, NGOs and foundations have committed themselves to educating people about climate change and providing the know-how for mitigation, adaptation and resilience building. These initiatives target urban and rural populations including school going children. Their thrust ranges from inculcating the concept of environmental sustainability to driving home the impact of climate change on food, water, nutrition and health. Effectiveness of initiatives Climate change seems to find low weight in everyday lives and conversations. Most of the country’s plans for vulnerable populations are directed towards poverty alleviation, improving living standards, enhancing access to education, sanitation, healthcare and ensuring human rights. Climate change finds little mention. It must receive greater prominence because the lives of a large number of the population are at risk. It is important that they know how to address and minimise the risks they face. So, what more can be done? (The way forward) At present, climate change does not find specific mention in Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013. If it were to be articulated and specified as an activity for corporate social responsibility (CSR), schedule VII (of Companies Act 2013) would then need to be amended to include climate change as an area for investment. Rather than be implied in the umbrella term of environmental sustainability, organisations may be encouraged to view it with increased importance and clarity and lend more weight to creating awareness, mitigation and resilience-building. Scaling up current initiatives of the corporate and social sectors to regional or national levels would be an early, albeit challenging, solution. The National CSR Data Portal reports corporate spends on environment, animal welfare and conservation of resources to be Rs. 801 crore in 2014-15 and Rs. 912 crore in 2015-16. It shows that the business organisations are willing to invest in issues related to the environment. Similarly, the film industry could consider ways to incorporate key aspects of climate change in films, writers could introduce climate change in adult and children’s literature, and gaming companies could develop games on this theme. Conclusion: Given the startling forecasts about the impact of climate change, it is the need of the hour to educate and equip both rural and urban communities to build resilience against natural disasters, adapt to environmental changes, and manage potential risk. Connecting the dots: India’s efforts at addressing climate change and the wider issues of environmental governance, has been far from convincing. Critically examine. INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and India RCEP in the News Negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), among 16 Asian and Pacific Ocean countries, have entered a decisive phase. And it would like to see a “substantive agreement” on the trade deal by the end of this year. Most potential member-countries of the grouping comprises the 10 ASEAN members and their Free Trade Agreement partners, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and Republic of Korea. At a meeting in Singapore, countries which still have issues with the outline of the agreements reached so far may be told politely to step aside and allow a smaller group to go ahead with finalising the RCEP, with the option to join it at a later date. India is among the countries that will have to take a call at this point considering the seriousness of the situation. Concerns with respect to India and RCEP India is the one country that doesn’t have an FTA with China. The greater access Chinese goods will have to the Indian market, a problem given India’s massive trade deficit. To circumvent this, the government has proposed a “differential market access” strategy for China, which others are inclined to accept. After the Wuhan summit, India and China have made progress on addressing the trade deficit, with China increasing access for Indian goods such as pharma and agricultural products. There are demands by other RCEP countries for lower customs duties on a number of products and greater access to the market than India has been willing to provide. The more developed RCEP countries such as Australia and Singapore have been unwilling to accommodate India’s demands to liberalise their services regime and allow freer mobility of Indian workers. Some of the RCEP countries, including India, are headed for elections next year, a point where governments traditionally turn protectionist. Way forward Despite all the concerns, the government must take into account that either slowing down India’s RCEP engagement or walking out of the talks at this stage would cut India out of the rules-making process for the RCEP and give China further space in the regional trade and security architecture. At a time when the U.S. has broken from the global consensus on multilateral trade agreements, an Indian walkout would endanger the united message that RCEP countries, which represent 40% of the global GDP, would wish to send out. It would also be a sharp departure from India’s “Act East” slogan and its extended outreach to ASEAN. Conclusion: RCEP is an opportunity for India to play a greater role in Asia-Pacific, the fastest growing and developing region the globe. India must not take the easiest way out on the trade deal and walk out of talks, rather it should move forward and fill the vacuum being created by the protectionism of US. Connecting the dots: India with RCEP, critically examine the challenges and opportunities ahead. Note: To read more about RCEP, read on: http://asean.org/?static_post=rcep-regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership (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 within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements with regard to National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Funds (SDRFs): NDRF is funded through a National Calamity Contingent Duty levied on all basic consumption goods and with budgetary provisions. National Calamity Contingent Duty is continued even in the GST regime. The allocation of the SDRF for each State is done by the Finance Commission Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation’ (BIMSTEC) includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Pakistanl, Sri Lanka and Thailand Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand Q.3) Consider the following statements regarding National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 NFSA marks a shift from rights based approach to welfare based approach. The act legally entitles up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of urban population to receive subsidized food grain under TPDS. NFSA is established as per the explicit provision of right to food under the Constitution of India Which of the given statement/s is/are correct? Only 2 1 and 2 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3  Q.4) Consider the following statements about Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) It is associated with ASEAN All the members of RCEP are members of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Cambodia is the only land-locked country among RCEP members Select the INCORRECT statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 Only 2 Q.5) Which of the following countries is/are NOT a part of RCEP? India Russia China Japan Select the appropriate option using the code below 2 only 1 and 4 only 2 and 3 only 2 and 4 only MUST READ  An enduring threat The Hindu A brief history of the rupee The Hindu What Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ignores The Hindu  Aadhaar In The Dock Indian Express GDP Report – misreading the facts Indian Express

PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 12th Aug to 19th Aug, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 12th to 19th August, 2018 ARCHIVES (This week’s PIB is prelims focussed. Hence, enlisting only the important matter to be remembered) Road Safety Brand Ambassador: Shri Akshay Kumar India’s ‘ease of doing business’ ranking: 100th position 2022: India has resolved to send manned spacecraft to the space by 2022 (will be the fourth country to do this) Won Gold in 65 kg freestyle wrestling at Asian Games 2018: Bajrang Punia SHE-Box: The Ministry of Women and Child Development has provided a facility to all working women to file complaints under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 with it. Swadesh Darshan Scheme: One of the flagship scheme of Ministry of tourism for development of thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritised manner. International team of scientists including 18 Indian scientists decode complex wheat genome: The information generated will help to identify genes controlling complex agronomic traits such as yield, grain quality, resistance to diseases and pests, as well as tolerance to drought, heat, water logging and salinity. Will go a long way in developing climate-resilient wheat and help tide over possible impact of climate change on farm output – feeding the ever-increasing world population and helping address global food security Ease of Living Index Launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs To empower citizens in aspiring for a better quality of life from their city authorities Index based on an open and participatory assessment of cities along with physical audit of urban metrics in a transparent manner Ministry of AYUSH: Has introduced new Central Sector scheme for promoting pharmacovigilance of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy (ASU&H;) Drugs. To develop the culture of documenting adverse effects and undertake safety monitoring of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs and surveillance of misleading advertisements appearing in the print and electronic media. NAVIC: India’s own GPS is all set to be launched and will place it in the club of select countries which have their own indigenous navigation systems. The GPS has been named NavIC—Navigation with Indian Constellation. The other countries that have their own indigenous system are Russia: GLONASS—Global Navigation Satellite System European Union: Galileo Positioning System Japan: Quasi-Zenith Satellite System—QZSS China: Beidou Navigation Satellite System—BDS The NavIC will be useful in terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation. Along with that, tracking, managing disaster and gathering geodetic data will be a few of the other uses of the system. Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 A flagship program of MHRD, GOI Higher Education Institutions of Human Resource Development Ministry under its flagship program – Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) 2.0 participated in Gram Sabhas, on the occasion of Independence Day. 688 institutions are selected on a Challenge Mode (426 technical and 262 non- technical) which are reputed Higher Educational Institutes (both public and private) of the country, which have adopted total no. of 3555 villages for their development through UBA. Vision: Inspired by the vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to help build the architecture of an Inclusive India. Mission: Enable higher educational institutions to work with the people of rural India in identifying development challenges and evolving appropriate solutions for accelerating sustainable growth. Aims to create a virtuous cycle between society and an inclusive academic system by providing knowledge and practices for emerging professions and to upgrade the capabilities of both the public and the private sectors in responding to the development needs of rural India.  Goals To build an understanding of the development agenda within institutes of Higher Education and an institutional capacity and training relevant to national needs, especially those of rural India. To re-emphasize the need for field work, stake-holder interactions and design for societal objectives as the basis of higher education. To stress on rigorous reporting and useful outputs as central to developing new professions. To provide rural India and regional agencies with access to the professional resources of the institutes of higher education, especially those that have acquired academic excellence in the field of science, engineering and technology, and management. To improve development outcomes as a consequence of this research. To develop new professions and new processes to sustain and absorb the outcomes of research. To foster a new dialogue within the larger community on science, society and the environment and to develop a sense of dignity and collective destiny. Revolutionizing the treatment of Strokes: A new Clot buster, PEGylated Streptokinase has been developed at CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH), Chandigarh, and is all set to revolutionize the treatment of ischemic strokes Ischemic stroke is a condition caused by a dysfunction in the supply of blood to the brain due to emboli, thrombus or atherosclerosis occurring in cerebral arteries. According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), brain strokes are the second leading cause of death in the world with a staggering 15 million people effected causing 11 million people either die or become permanently disabled. Surprisingly, the prevalence of stroke is much higher in India than the West and about 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes. India’s only lab for conservation of endangered species: Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) – a dedicated facility of CSIR’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad that uses modern biotechnologies for conservation of endangered wildlife. Has developed methods for collection and cryopreservation of semen and oocytes from wildlife and successfully reproducing endangered blackbuck, spotted deer and Nicobar pigeons. Through this work, it has established Genetic Resource Bank for Indian wildlife. So far, genetic resources from 23 species of Indian wild animals have been collected and preserved. This facility would increase the collection of genetic resources from wildlife through collaboration with zoos in India. It would also facilitate exchange of genetic material between the Indian zoos for maintaining genetic diversity and conservation management made accessible to scientists and wildlife managers for implementing conservation programs. World Elephant Day: To focus attention of various stakeholders to support various conservation policies to help elephants, including Improving enforcement policies to prevent the illegal poaching and trade of ivory Conserving elephant habitats Providing better treatment for captive elephants Reintroducing some captive elephants into sanctuaries Current population estimates for Asian elephants in the country, as per 2017 Census, are about 30,000.  Asian elephants are confined to South Asia and South East Asia and about 60 per cent of global population of Asian elephants is found in India.   As an acknowledgement of the important role played by the elephants in the social, religious and cultural life of people in India, elephants were declared as a National Heritage Animal in the year 2010. Project Elephant In order to conserve the Asian Elephants the Project Elephant started in 1992, with the objectives of – Conservation and protection of viable population of wild elephants in their natural habitats in the country Restoration of natural habitats and traditional corridors/migratory routes or movement paths used by the elephants, wherever necessary, through eco-restoration, acquisition etc.; Ensuring safeguards against poaching and other threats Mitigation and control of human elephant conflicts Welfare and management of captive elephants Creating a viable mechanism to ensure inter-state and regional and national level coordination in protecting and conserving the elephant and its ranges Exercise Pitch Black 2018: A biennial multi-national large force employment warfare exercise hosted by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) To foster closer relationship between the participating friendly forces and to promote interoperability through exchange of knowledge and experience. The aim for participating crew and specialist observers was to expose them to op environment in international scenarios. Successful Flight Tests of Smart Anti Airfield Weapon: Indigenously developed - capable of destroying variety of ground targets using precision navigation. Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’: Guided by an Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIR) operating in the Lock on Before Launch mode. It is one of the most advanced Anti-Tank Weapons in the world. Person in News V.S. Naipaul: Won the 2001 Nobel Prize for Literature Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee: During his tenure as prime minister, India carried out five underground nuclear tests in the Pokhran desert in Rajasthan, 24 years after its first nuclear test (Smiling Buddha) in 1974. Vajpayee's birthday, 25 December, would be marked as Good Governance Day. In February 1999, Vajpayee initiated a new peace process aimed towards permanently resolving the Kashmir dispute and other conflicts with Pakistan. The resultant Lahore Declaration espoused a commitment to dialogue, expanded trade relations and mutual friendship and envisaged a goal of denuclearised South Asia Operation Vijay: Kargil war (took place during his tenure as Prime Minister) Quotes Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu Road connectivity is key to national development and added the connectivity has the potential to bring a positive change in lives of people living in remote corners of rural India. Infrastructure development is not only a condition of development of the country, but the criteria for development. It ensures social capacity and security Connectivity is an essential and important component in bridging the urban rural divide National Highways symbolize social, economic and business unity of the country

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 49]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 49] Archives Q.1) 'Kasturirangan Committee Report' and ‘Gadgil Committee Report' are concerned with Labour Reforms Interlinking Rivers Protection of Western Ghats Ganga Action Plan Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘International Nitrogen Initiative’ It is an international program, set up in 2003 under sponsorship of the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) and from the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP). It is aimed at optimizing nitrogen’s beneficial role in sustainable food production, and minimizing nitrogen’s negative effects on human health and the environment resulting from food and energy production. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) 'Panini Language Laboratory' was recently opened in Maldives Mauritius Fiji Japan Q.4) Teesta River flows through which of the following states? West Bengal Sikkim Assam Tripura Select the correct code: 1 and 2 1, 3 and 4 1, 2 and 4 All of the above Q.5) Cyprus is located in Southwestern Pacific Ocean Melanesia Mediterranean Sea Bismarck Sea To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 20th August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 20th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Forest Rights Act Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II - Government schemes and policies; Social issue; Vulnerable section Why in news? Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (commonly known as Forest Rights Act or ROFR Act) is in news. Supreme Court had issued directive asking states to detail about actions taken against the forest rights claimants whose claims have been rejected. Forest department has highlighted that there was no provision to act on ‘illegal’ occupants of forest land or penalise such claimants. Important Value Additions: About ROFR Act/FRA ROFR Act is also known as Forest Rights Act, the Tribal Rights Act, the Tribal Bill, and the Tribal Land Act. The law deals with the rights of forest-dwelling communities to land and other resources, denied to them over decades as a result of the continuance of colonial forest laws in India. Do you know? India's forests are governed by two main laws, the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The former empowers the government to declare any area to be a reserved forest, protected forest or village forest. The latter allows any area to be constituted as a "protected area", namely a national park, wildlife sanctuary, tiger reserve or community conservation area. Under these laws, the rights of people living in or depending on the area to be declared as a forest or protected area are to be "settled" by a "forest settlement officer." This basically requires that officer to enquire into the claims of people to land, minor forest produce, etc., and, in the case of claims found to be valid, to allow them to continue or to extinguish them by paying compensation. Studies have shown that in many areas this process either did not take place at all or took place in a highly faulty manner. Therefore the Forest Rights Act was intended to correct the "historical injustice" done to forest dwellers by the failure to recognise their rights Eligibility to get rights under the Act Eligibility is confined to those who "primarily reside in forests" and who depend on forests and forest land for a livelihood. Further, either the claimant must be a member of the Scheduled Tribes scheduled in that area or must have been residing in the forest for 75 years. Misunderstanding the Act as a land distribution scheme A great deal of the debate is fuelled by misunderstandings of the purpose of the Act. The most common is that the purpose of the law is to distribute forest land to forest dwellers or tribals, often claimed to be at the rate of 4 hectares per family. The Act is intended to recognise lands that are already under cultivation as on 13 December 2005, not to grant title to any new lands. Rythu Bima group life insurance scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II - Government schemes and policies; Social issue; Farmers issue In news: Rythu Bima life insurance scheme, introduced by the Telangana government, is being touted as the most unique of life insurance schemes wherein the death of farmers on any reason is compensated within a maximum period of seven days. United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN–Habitat) and World Urban Campaign Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International fora and conventions About: UN–Habitat is the UN agency for human settlements and sustainable urban development. Its mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all. The mandate of UN-Habitat derives from the Habitat Agenda, adopted by the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1996. It runs two major worldwide campaigns – the Global Campaign on Urban Governance, and the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure. Through these campaigns and by other means the agency focuses on a range of issues and special projects which it helps implement. The twin goals of the Habitat Agenda are adequate shelter for all and the development of sustainable human settlements in an urbanizing world. Do you know? Most of UN-Habitat’s funding comes from voluntary contributions from governmental and intergovernmental donors, while the UN General Assembly provides part of the regular budget. World Urban Campaign It is a global coalition of public, private and civil society partners seeking to raise the urban agenda. It is coordinated by UN-Habitat. NABARD All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey 2016-17 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and Agriculture Highlights: More than half the agricultural households in the country have outstanding debt. Their average outstanding debt is almost as high as the average annual income of all agricultural households. NABARD found that 52.5% of the agricultural households had an outstanding loan. For non-agricultural households in rural India, that figure was 10 percentage points lower, at only 42.8%. The average debt of an indebted agricultural household stood at ₹1,04,602 in comparison to ₹76,731 for indebted non-agricultural households. According to the survey, the average annual income of an agricultural household is ₹1.07 lakh. Only 10.5% of agricultural households were found to have a valid Kisan Credit Card. Households who had the card utilised 66% of the sanctioned credit limit. What happens when the rupee falls? Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and issues related to it Fast recap: We already read about Rupee Depreciation, Appreciation, Devaluation and Revaluation. (Read here - Why is the rupee falling continuously?) Now let us see what happens when the rupee falls? Country’s imports become more expensive and exports cheaper. It takes more rupees to pay for the same quantum of imports and fewer dollars for a buyer to pay for the same quantity of exports. More expensive imports are likely to drive inflation upward, especially in India where input products constitute a large part of our imports. It impacts the oil import bill since it costs more rupees per barrel of oil, which plays its own part in pushing inflation up. GDP growth - On the one hand, costlier inputs and the subsequent increase in the prices of finished goods should have a positive impact on GDP. But the consequent decrease in demand due to higher prices could nullify this. ‘Household consumption of goods and services’ plays a big role here. Domestic tourism could grow as more tourists visit India since their currency now buys more here. In the medium term, export-oriented industries may also create more jobs. Miscellaneous ‘Operation Karuna’  - Code name of rescue operations in Kerala United Arab Emirates has formed an emergency committee under the leadership of the Emirates Red Crescent to help victims of the floods in Kerala. Similar initiatives are being taken by Saudi Arabia, Oman and private individuals in the Gulf region. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s next indigenous fighter, is expected to make its first flight by 2032. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 International Relations Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests India and the World Sovereignty and sensitivity: India-Bhutan Relations Issues in the news: The Border Roads Organisation, which helps build Bhutanese roads under Project Dantak, decided in July to make reflective stickers on the road sides and railings, in shades of the Indian tricolour, it raised red flags among the Bhutanese on social media. Citizens were worried that this was an attempt by India to impose its flag on their countryside. Eventually, the stickers were changed to blue and white. In April last year, the Department of Roads had to remove a board which read “Dantak welcomes you to Bhutan” at the Paro international airport. On an arterial highway, another board that credited the “Government of India” had to be painted over. Other Concerns: Such incidences are a blip in India-Bhutan relations, but it is a clear indicator of heightened sensitivities in the Himalayan kingdom as it heads to its third general election. Previous Indian government’s decision to cut cooking gas subsidy just before the 2013 elections in Bhutan has often been shown as proof of Indian interference. Since then, the present Indian government’s actions, indicating a preference for one party (Bangladesh) or antipathy for another (Sri Lanka), have been noted closely in Bhutan. Sovereignty and self-sufficiency The present Bhutanese government achieved the 8% GDP growth, along with a construction and tourist boom in Bhutan. They were successful in stabilising the rupee-ngultrum crises as well as for economic reforms. But Bhutan failed to curb the national debt, owed mostly to India for hydropower loans. Competing parties in the forthcoming elections are giving top priorities to “sovereignty, security and self-sufficiency” of Bhutan. This election comes days after India-China stand-off in 2017 in the Bhutan-claimed area of Doklam. Therefore the election candidates advocate a Bhutanese foreign policy that is less dependent on India. Another party has a similarly worded campaign manifesto title: “For a self-reliant Bhutan: our concern, our responsibility”. It can be concluded that, the concerns over India’s or any other country’s presence in Bhutan’s domestic and foreign policy are not being dismissed. What India should do? India must step lightly and thoughtfully around the upcoming Bhutan's national election. The government should keep high-profile visits at an arm’s length from the election process; especially given that there will be several such visits after the National Assembly is chosen. Revisiting policies and issues; The preceding months may also be a useful gape to revise India’s Bhutan policy and address several issues that have come up in the past few years — for example, the hydropower projects where delays in constructing and commissioning in Bhutan by Indian companies have led to the country’s burgeoning national debt. India’s power-surplus status and the advent of other renewable energies like wind and solar power will make it more difficult for Bhutan to ensure that its hydropower sector becomes profitable. Unless India finds ways to help, it will be accused of the same sort of “debt-trapping” that China is accused of today. India also needs to focus on policing cross-border trade The goods and services tax still hurts Bhutanese exporters, and demonetisation has left lasting scars on the banking system. The China question Doklam, which has long been discussed as part of a possible “package solution” to the Bhutan-China border dispute, could become a point of India-China land dispute, with Bhutan becoming a hapless spectator in the middle. Experts point out that China’s actions since last June, to build a permanent military presence above the stand-off point, mean that Bhutan has a much reduced advantage in any forthcoming negotiations on the issue. Conclusion: Given concerns over Indian influence, New Delhi must exercise caution in the run-up to Bhutan’s elections. Empirically, India has advocated and supported sovereignty and right of self-determination of nations across the world. Considering this legacy of Independent democratic India, she should refrain from interfering in sovereign matters of Bhutan. Connecting the dots: Critically comment on the nature of India – Bhutan relationship. NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Constitution: Elections Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure. Simultaneous elections: Not Soon Introduction: Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat’s view that it is not possible to hold simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies soon. It is a humongous task ahead of the Election Commission. Arguments in favour of simultaneous elections: The country is perpetually in election mode, resulting in a lack of adequate focus on governance. The second contention is that scattered polling results in extra expenditure. Reasons compelling postponement of simultaneous elections: Along with a legal framework under which the extension or curtailment of the term of any Assembly is constitutionally permissible, simultaneous elections would demand a massive increase in the number of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) units. Ensuring the availability of VVPATs everywhere poses a logistical challenge. According to CEC altering the term of an Assembly needs an amendment to the Constitution. Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan assemblies are going to end their term between December and January. A new batch of VVPAT units is expected only by the end of November. It takes a month for first-level checking, rendering the possibility of using them in the next round of elections remote. Simultaneous elections will require the use of 24 lakh EVMs, needing the procurement of 12 lakh EVMs and an equal number of VVPAT units, according to its estimate. These figures ought to give pause to the plan to hold simultaneous Assembly elections with the next Lok Sabha polls. Other issues: A wide political consensus, as well as legislative cooperation from various parties at the Centre and in the States, is required for holding simultaneous elections. It is natural that parties that control legislatures constituted in recent months or years would resist any curtailment of their tenures, while those in the Opposition may prefer simultaneous polls if it means Assembly elections being advanced. Conclusion: Simultaneous polls pose too big a legal and logistical challenge to be implemented now. Given the procedural and logistical challenges that holding of simultaneous elections pose, it would be far more productive for political parties to focus on basic electoral reforms and find ways to curb excessive election expenditure. Connecting the dots: Simultaneous elections in India are still a distant dream. Critically analyse. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal groups (PVTG) They are centrally recognized special category from among the Scheduled Tribes Forest Rights Act, 2006 provided scope for the recognition of the PVTGs' forest and habitat rights for the first time.  Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006’ It grants legal recognition to the rights of traditional forest dwelling communities, partially correcting the injustice caused by the forest laws It gives the community the right to protect and manage the forest It provides for rights to use and/or collect the following ‘Minor forest produce’ Select the correct statements 1 Only 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 2 and 3 Q.3) With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct? UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 2 and 3 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1 only Q.4) Consider the following statements regarding UN-Habitat It is the United Nations agency for human settlements and sustainable urban development It was established in 1978 as an outcome of the First UN Conference on Human Settlements and Sustainable Urban Development It is headquartered at Athens, Greece Which of the given statements is/are correct? 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 MUST READ A chronicle of collaboration The Hindu Why context matters The Hindu  For better slum policies The Hindu What is a ‘national disaster’? Indian Express Decriminalise The Margins  Indian Express From Plate to Plough: Lean year as a foundation Indian Express

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 48]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 48] Archives 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) Consider the following statements about ‘Gol Gumbaz’ It is the mausoleum of Muhammad Adil Shah Its architecture style suggests Timurid and Persian styles Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) ‘Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located in which of the following states? Mizoram Meghalaya Manipur Nagaland Q.4) ‘Parkinson's disease’ is a Condition wherein the blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the proximal descending aorta fails to close after birth Birth defect where there is incomplete closing of the backbone and membranes around the spinal cord Birth defect in which the individual has more than the usual number of limbs None of the above Q.5) TROPEX is a defence exercise between India and Nepal Nepal and Bhutan India and Sri Lanka None of the above To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – You are not your mind – Inspirational Educative Articles

You are not your mind: Let us without any doubt come to an understanding that we are not our minds. The moment we separate ourselves from our mind, we are giving ourselves an opportunity to learn and understand the mind. It is impossible to be objective and learn about our minds if we simply assume that we are our minds. When we separate ourselves from our thoughts, it becomes easy to see the flaws and shortcomings of our thinking process. This gives us an opportunity to clearly see what is wrong with our thinking patterns and change them. We can alter and remake a bad cup of coffee into a better one the way we like it because we are not the cup of coffee. We can alter and change our minds only because we are not our minds. The way to separate ourselves from our mind is to keenly observe our thinking process moment to moment. The moment we stop assuming that our thought process is there to support our desires and goals, we can become critical of our thinking process and observe what is happening moment to moment. When we begin to observe our thoughts moment to moment we stop assuming that our thinking is always right. This makes it extremely easy to identify negative and irrelevant thought patterns to eventually change them into positive and useful thought patterns. After all, the secret to our success is hidden in our thought processes. What we think, we become. We are nothing but an end result of a continuous thinking process. If we are not able to identify the mistakes in our thinking process, we will eventually become its victims. It is no point blaming ourselves for our ineffective thinking patterns. It is better to watch our thoughts regularly to make the necessary changes to point them in the right direction. Dealing with our thoughts is like dealing with a mob. It is extremely difficult to control it and direct it for a certain purpose. You need to have a strong sense of understanding of what you want before directing this collective mob of your thought process. If you yourself are not sure about what you want then it is impossible to have control over your thoughts. This is where practices like mindfulness and meditation make a huge difference in one’s success and failure. When you spend some time every day to sit quiet and watch your thought patterns, you will be giving yourself an opportunity to understand how they function. How can you solve a problem if you don’t even know how to identify it? Observing your thoughts throughout the day will firstly help you to identify what is the problem. The secret to your success and failure is hidden in your thought patterns. The more you are able to understand your thoughts, the easier it is to bring them under your control. When you can say with absolute certainty that your mind is fully in your control, then it is not that difficult to accomplish something you want. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 18th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Cultural Diplomacy Part of: GS Mains II – International Relations; India and the World In news: We earlier read about article dealing with cultural diplomacy – Britain Police returning 12th century bronze Buddha statue to India, which was stolen from Nalanda museum. ‘Durga Puja diplomacy’ - Chinese artists to put up cultural performances in Kolkata, West Bengal Durga Puja. It is significant because it will draw the attention of the Chinese people and promote cultural ties between eastern India and China. During the celebrations, a structure representing a Chinese bottle gourd will be built. In Chinese, the gourd is called ‘Hulu,’ which signifies happiness and prosperity and is very popular in China, especially in the Yunnan province. Chinese artists to perform Chinese songs, lion dance, acrobatics and martial arts. 18th Asian Games: Indonesia Part of: GS Prelims – Sport Personalities In news: Indonesia is hosting the Games for the second time. Neeraj Chopra – 20 year old Javelin thrower Manu Bhaker – 16 yr old 10m air pistol (shooter) City-level GDP data soon Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy; Urbanization In news: Centre hopes to bring out city-level GDP data Urban India is responsible for an increasingly large share of the national GDP This could help both cities and investors make wise decisions It helps municipal bodies raise funds for their own infrastructure needs Do you know? By 1951 – urban sector only accounted for 29% of the national GDP. By 1981, it was 45%, and by 2011, it had crossed the 60% mark. The urban sector is likely to account for three-fourths or 75% of India’s GDP by 2020. Definition of GDP Gross domestic product is the best way to measure a country's economy. GDP is the total value of everything produced by all the people and companies in the country. It doesn't matter if they are citizens or foreign-owned companies. If they are located within the country's boundaries, the government counts their production as GDP.   Impact of proposed water aerodrome on Chilika’s biodiversity Part of : GS Mains III – Environment and Biodiversity In news: The Airports Authority of India’s move to set up a water aerodrome in Odisha’s Chilika Lake has stirred a controversy. Green activists and fishermen in Chilika have all opposed the proposal to set up an aerodrome in one of Asia’s largest brackish water lagoons, asserting that it would impact the lake’s biodiversity. Prafulla Samantara, winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize, has accused the Centre and the State governments of tinkering with the biodiversity of the lagoon, which is designated a Ramsar site – wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The endangered Irrawaddy dolphins found in Chilika are sensitive to sound pollution. Migratory birds in Chilika lake may also be affected. Status of MSME sector in India Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and issues related to it. About: The flow of bank credit to MSME sector which took a hit in the aftermath of demonetization has now picked up. GST implementation also adversely impacted MSME exports. The sector faces operational problems due to its size and nature of business, and is, therefore, relatively more susceptible to various shocks to the economy. MSMEs largely operate in the informal sector and comprise a large number of micro enterprises and daily wage earners. Significance of MSME sector: The MSME sector comprises more than 63 million units and employs about 111 million people. The share of MSMEs in GDP is about 30%, with the sector accounting for about 45% of manufacturing output and about 40% of India’s total exports. NPCI launches UPI 2.0 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy; Cyber Security issues In news: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched Unified Payments Interface (UPI) 2.0 with overdraft facility. UPI 2.0 will allow linking of overdraft accounts; blocking payment through one time mandate; and sending invoices with payments. The expected feature would help the credit industry to pull amounts due and made payments more seamless. (Just for information) Over draft account UPI 1.0 allowed users to link only saving accounts. The upgrade will allow the users (i.e., the merchants) to link their overdraft (OD) accounts to UPI, enabling them to continue withdrawing money even if the account doesn't have sufficient funds. This will allow merchants to take credit through these OD accounts. One-time mandate    A new addition to UPI is the one-time mandate essentially allowing users to block a certain amount in the customer’s account balance. The transaction will go through after the goods and services are delivered. Invoice in inbox The new UPI mandate will allow individuals or merchants to send an invoice along with a payment request in the Inbox. This helps create transparency. This helps customers to check the invoice sent by merchant prior to making payment. Signed intent and QR Apart from a pre-payment invoice, users can now also verify the merchants through the QR codes. Do you know? NPCI is an umbrella organization for all retail payments in India. It was set up with the guidance and support of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks Association (IBA). (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources Issues relating to poverty and hunger General Studies 3 Inclusive growth and issues arising from it Public Distribution System and Food security Health and Nutrition: No child left behind Introduction: The urgency to address poor nutrition in India, especially among children, adolescent girls and women is compelling, and re-confirmed in virtually every survey, from NFHS-4 in 2015-16 to the Global Nutrition Report 2016 and the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2017. Some Facts: GHI ranks India at 100 out of 119 countries, with a low overall score of 31.4. Among children less than 5 years, wasting (low weight for height), continues to be 21% in the 2017 index, it was 20% in 1992. There has been a reduction in stunting (height for age) – from 61.9% in 1992 to 38.4% in 2017, reported in the GHI 2017. Mortality among children less than 5 years old has declined to around 5% from 11% during the same period, according to both the GHI and the NFHS. 25% of India’s children less than 5 years old are still malnourished. 190.7 million People in India sleep hungry every night. Over half of adolescent girls and women are anaemic. Despite a 7% compound annual growth rate over the last decade and the various programmes to improve nutrition, levels of under-nutrition are unacceptably high. Governments' steps toward health and nutrition: Grim reality has rightly lead to a renewed emphasis to address the various forms of poor nutrition – stunted, wasted, anaemic and underweight children; anaemic girls and women, especially in the 15-49 age groups. The special attention to nutrition was highlighted in 2008 when the Prime Minister’s National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges was constituted. A detailed report, “Addressing India’s Nutrition Challenges”, was submitted in 2010 by the Planning Commission, for the convergence of an extensive and multi-sector consultation. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) with its network of 1.4 million Anganwadi Centres, reaching almost 100 million beneficiaries who include pregnant and nursing mothers and children up to 6 years Mid-day meals (MDM) that reach almost 120 million children in schools; Public Distribution System (PDS) that reaches over 800 million people under the National Food Security Act. The recently announced flagship program of the Ministry of Women and Child Development will be anchored through the National Nutrition Mission (NNM), or Poshan Abhiyaan, with its own specific budget of Rs. 9,046 crore and a proposed World Bank loan of $200 million, to ensure convergence among the various programmes of the government. NITI Aayog has worked on a National Nutrition Strategy (NNS), isolated the 100 most backward districts for stunting and prioritised those for interventions. The National Nutrition Strategy (NNS) has set very ambitious targets for 2022 and the Poshan Abhiyaan has also specified three-year targets to reduce stunting, under-nutrition and low birth weight by 2% each year, and to reduce anaemia by 3% each year. Some irritants: The National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB), established in 1972, was dissolved in 2015. Both the NNS and the NNM have recognised the criticality of working collaboratively across Ministries; yet both are silent on the constructive role that the private sector, development agencies and civil society can and must play in realising these ambitious goals. What more can be done? Exploring new models to address the structural and systemic issues on a priority basis, learning from what has worked or not, and single-minded focus on implementation will be critical to delivering better nutritional outcomes and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, to which India is a signatory. Initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, will contribute positively to nutrition outcomes, and well-structured public-private partnerships could be the catalyst. For purposeful action, it is imperative to have common goals and metrics for improving nutrition, which can then be disaggregated by year, State, district, etc., into a nutrition dashboard, with metrics that are clear and measurable and a real-time tracking mechanism, much like we track economic data. Altering the fundamentals of poor nutrition requires multiple and sustained interventions over a period of time. The approach, commitment and resources therefore have to be inter-generational, multi-sector, multi-dimensional and multi-year. Success in this domain will be driven by coordinated action on multiple fronts, but there are at least three urgent priorities. Three priorities One, to adequately re-engineer and overhaul the capacity and capability in the ICDS, MDM and PDS for greater effectiveness. This is an ideal initiative for public-private partnerships as the strength of good private sector companies is in creating and designing frameworks, structures, processes and metrics for action, implementation and tracking. For example, involving the best nutritionists to work with local communities on calorie and nutrition dense supplementary foods, using easily available local ingredients that are within the ICDS and MDM budget guidelines, and produced by self-help groups, could easily be anchored by the relevant private sector and development agencies, working with State governments, and considered a corporate social responsibility initiative. The key advantages of this disaggregated supply model are that it engages local communities, generates employment and ensures minimal leakage as it works with and inside the community. This will also ensure that space and other constraints of lack of hygiene at Anganwadi Centres do not become impediments in the supply of nutritious food. Two, to mandate and scale staple food fortification comprising edible oil, wheat, rice and dairy products, in addition to salt. There is persuasive evidence from several countries of the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of large-scale staple food fortification to address “hidden hunger” or micro-nutrient deficiencies. The effectiveness of iodised salt in significantly reducing iodine deficiency is well-established in India empirically. Fortified rice and wheat should be made available through the PDS; it has been piloted in several States for edible oil and wheat flour and can easily be replicated. Example; the mandate to use fortified oil, salt and wheat flour in the ICDS and MDM. In the absence of coordination with industry to create an effective supply chain, this proposed intervention will be another missed opportunity. In this way, these universally consumed staple foods become the carriers of vitamins and minerals that people need but do not get in sufficient quantity from the food they consume. Three, awareness and education; Multiple campaigns designed to inform, communicate and educate on nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive behaviours like breast feeding, diet diversity, hand-washing, de-worming, safe drinking water, hygiene and sanitation. Nutrition has to be “marketed” and made interesting, engaging, simple and personally relevant — this is an expertise where the private sector can meaningfully contribute. Way forward: Nutrition is complex, and therefore its delivery must be simplified through greater awareness and actions. The delivery models must be collaborative across domains, enabled by technology and a significant investment in strengthening people competencies. Unless economic growth improves social and human development, it cannot be sustained. Equally, economic growth itself is impeded by low levels of productivity in an under-nourished and malnourished population. Connecting the dots: Since a diversified diet that meets all nutritional requirements is difficult to provide, fortification of food is relied upon by many countries to prevent malnutrition. Elucidate and give suggestions to solve the problem of malnutrition in India. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 3 Disaster and Disaster management Kerala’s Trauma: A test for India’s Disaster management Introduction The unprecedented severe floods in Kerala unleashed by heavy rain, overflowing rivers, brimming dams and massive landslips has overwhelmed the State government and rescue agencies, as they struggle to make a complete assessment of the devastation. Disaster and response to it More than 160 people have died and several are missing. A large number of people moved to relief camps. The State government faces the challenging task of rescuing people who are trapped in far-flung houses in several districts and providing them food and water until the teams gets to them. Tourism has been badly affected. In Munnar, the blooming of the Neelakurinji flower, which occurs every 12 years, was expected to draw in the crowds. The town remains cut off now, with the spill from the Madupetty dam destroying livelihoods. Relief efforts are going on using a combination of boats and aircraft from the Air Force, the Navy and the Coast Guard and legions of rescue personnel, to get all the stranded people to safety. The State government has acted quickly to make online contributions to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund possible through a dedicated portal. Support groups from neighbouring States such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have begun sending relief material, although the disruption to road connectivity has left a lot of it stranded at the inter-State borders. What more can be done? Volunteer efforts can be better targeted if the district authorities in Kerala put out advisories on the nature of relief needed, and the locations and the modalities of transfer. Many control rooms have been opened, but integrating the mechanism by merging the various phone numbers into three or four, at one per region, and allocating sufficient phone lines, will help citizens use them more easily. Disaster management units in other States too should assist those working on the ground to deal with Kerala’s catastrophic floods; apart from helping, they will gain valuable experience as well. The task of reconstruction will have to be addressed, covering public buildings, residential homes, roads and other infrastructure. A subsidised housing programme may be needed in the worst-hit areas, with tax breaks offered to residents. Need for a long-term plan There is a dire need for a long-term comprehensive plan. A disaster management plan for dam failure should be in place. The Western Ghats, an eco-sensitive mountain range, is prone to degradation. Landslide-prone zones, mostly those receiving over 20 cm rainfall and at a 30-degree gradient, can be easily identified and people relocated. In the wake of the tragedy, there have been calls to implement the Madhav Gadgil Committee report on the Western Ghats. The 2011 report had recommended the zoning off of ecologically fragile areas, with no developmental activity allowed in areas classified as falling under zone 1. It was vigorously opposed in Kerala, with critics saying that it was impractical to do so in a densely populated State. In the Periyar basin, the committee against river pollution asserts that the unfolding disaster has been long due because of unchecked encroachments even on the floodplains of the river. There have been demands for the removal of toxic waste stockpiled in the industrial units, which were allowed to be set up along the Periyar’s banks in violation of environmental norms. The time has come to carry out floodplain zoning on a war-footing. There is a proposal of a comprehensive insurance policy — at zero premiums or for a nominal fee, for poor families living in vulnerable areas. Had the proposal been implemented, it would have eased the burden on victims during this flooding. The recent amendment to the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act which has eased the norms for the conversion of wetland for other land uses would also prove disastrous, as paddy fields, even when left barren, would cushion the impact of flooding. Equally important is a policy to preserve the remaining hills and wetlands, as they serve as water storing systems. Conclusion: Kerala flood is a lesson worth of learning for India’s disaster management system. India, having more than 7500 km of coastline, should have a strong disaster early warning and management system. Cooperation between the states can create an expert and integrated national structure, to manage any kind of natural disaster. Connecting the dots: Flooding has been a regular phenomenon in coastal as well as Himalayan river basin states. What are the various types of floods? Give some suggestions to improve the efficiency of disaster management at state and national levels. (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 within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Which is called as umbrella organisation for all retail payments in India? Unified Payment Interface (UPI) Aadhaar Payments Bridge System (APBS) National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) National Financial Switch (NFS) Q.2) Which of the following services is not offered by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)? Unified Payment Interface (UPI) Cheque Truncation System (CTS) Aadhar Payment Bridge System (APBS) National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) Q.3) Google TEZ is associated with Digital Payments Rural internet connectivity 3D Mapping Self-driving car project Q.4) Which of the following statements are ‘NOT’ correct about ‘Gross Domestic Product’ (GDP)? It is the total value of final goods produced and services provided in a country during specific time. It depicts the inequalities present in the economy of a country. GDP is a measure of economic development of a country. Select the code from following: 1 and 2 2 only 2 and 3 All of the above Q.5) With reference to Wetlands International, consider the below statements: It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies. Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.6) The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Ramsar is located in India Combodia Pakistan Iran MUST READ No child left behind The Hindu Trial by water: How Kerala is coping with an extraordinary natural disaster The Hindu The human factor Indian Express

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RSTV- Personal Data & RTI

Personal Data & RTI Archives In News: The draft for the personal data protection law proposes exemption of personal information from disclosure under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which can cause harm to the person concerned. The data protection law is designed to limit the processing of personal data to legitimate reasons where the flow of information is beneficial and respects autonomy of the data principal. The report has proposed amendments to the Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act which mentions exemptions from the disclosures under the Act. The report noted that nothing contained in the data protection bill will apply to the disclosure under Section 8(1)(j) section. This is to prevent privacy from becoming a stonewalling tactic to hinder transparency. The committee has also recommended two broad sets of amendments to the Aadhaar Act that aim to bolster the right to privacy of individuals and to ensure the autonomy of the UIDAI. Under the proposed law, a Data Protection Authority (DPA) is envisaged as an independent regulatory body that will be responsible for the enforcement and effective implementation of the law. Monitoring and enforcement Legal affairs, policy and standard setting Research and awareness Inquiry, grievance handling and adjudication Points to Note: Both the right to information and the right to privacy are cherished fundamental rights and any intrusion into the privacy of individuals which is unwarranted must not happen. But in the context of a country like India where information is key to holding government accountable, we need to be very careful while balancing these two rights – Right to Information and Right to Privacy. Protection of individual data is absolutely sacrosanct - there is no doubt about it. But on behalf of the RTI regime which we seek to protect with the Commission, there is already a robust regime in the RTI to protect private data and Section 8(1)(j) that information will not be given out unless Public Interest outweighs personal interests. The Committee did not recommend repealing or limiting Aadhaar despite it representing a major privacy concern for the citizens. The Committee has recommended that consent will be the basis on which data processing can take place – Adoption of a modified consent framework – privacy policies in the nature of contracts will be treated as objects and not a series of terms Where consent is sought, it should be free and informed, and at the same time, capable of being revoked. In the case of sensitive personal data, the consent required must be explicit. Conclusion Government needs to take care of the criticism that if amended, the Section would “expand scope of denial of information with several ambiguous and very wide expressions.” Any proposal to amend provisions of the RTI Act shall not be taken up without wide-ranging consultation with public in general and ICs in particular. The Bill contains no definitions for “common good”, “promotion”, “transparency”, or even “privacy” – such a Bill should have clear terms and definitions specified when introduced in the public domain. A technical document published only in English, alienates ordinary Indians from engaging with a subject of real significance to each of us.

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance: Book Review – The golden age of zen – John Wu

The Golden Age of Zen : John Wu This is a classic work that will help you to understand the development of one of the most popular branches of Buddhism – Zen. Zen is not a religion; it is an art of cultivating silence and stillness in your life. Zen is probably the most practical and easy to follow methods of meditation. John explores the development of this stream of knowledge in this beautiful book. Lots of books have been written about the art of cultivating Zen, this book is special in a way that it will take you to roots of the development of this branch. When you begin to understand the origins of Zen and how it evolved, you will be able to better understand its impact. The central theme of this book about the essence of all insights will guide you to experience and explore the path of Zen. Although some of the ideas and concepts might seem a little alien to the daily experience of life, quickly you will be able to understand the underlying purpose of Zen. Life is an absolutely chaotic mess of stress and anxiety if we do not develop the ability to be in the present moment. Zen is all about learning how to be here and now. Explore this wonderful work by John Wu to begin your search for silence and stillness.

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