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

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 29th June 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) President’s rule for 6 more months in J&K Part of: Prelims and Mains GS II Polity and Governance In news The Lok Sabha on 28 June 2019 approved the extension of President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir for another six months, beginning July 3. The democratic, free and fair Assembly elections will be held in the State by the year-end. Do you know? President's rule According to Article 356 of the constitution, President’s rule can be imposed in a state “if a situation has arisen in which the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the constitution." In other states, the Centre invokes Article 356 to impose President’s rule. Governor's Rule in J&K In Jammu and Kashmir the failure of governmental function results in Governor’s rule under Section 92 of the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. The Governor later obtains the consent of the President of India. It is only when the Governor’s rule is not revoked for six months that the President’s rule is imposed in the state under Article 356. In Governor’s rule, lawmaking power, financial power, budgetary sanction, all these powers are with the Governor. Once President’s rule is imposed, lawmaking power is transferred to the parliament; the Budget is also passed by Parliament. Meetings on the Sidelines of G20 Part of: Prelims and Mains GS II International Relations In news India-US Meet Leaders of both the countries acknowledged the breadth and depth of bilateral ties, including economic, trade, energy, defence and security, counterterrorism and space. They reiterated their commitment to provide strong leadership to address global challenges and build prosperity for their citizens in the decades to come. On Iran It is in India’s fundamental interest to maintain peace and stability in the region. India's intrests in the region: Indian diaspora in the region Energy requirements Economic interest in the region India's stand on 5G and data storage On technological issues such as data storage and 5G network, India ranged itself across the divide from Japan and the U.S., and alongside leaders of BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa). Data storage The need for framing rules on data within the WTO and not at the G-20, running counter to Japan’s initiative as the host of this year’s G-20 summit, to push for “Data Free Flow with Trust, (DFFT)”. Prime minister Modi refered data as a “new form of wealth”. 5G Technology On the issue of 5G technology, where the U.S. has demanded that countries ban Chinese telecom major Huawei’s 5G network because of its ability to spy on them, India had given no assurances to US. On BRICS informal meeting Terrorism as the biggest threat to humanity Describing terrorism as the biggest threat to humanity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the scourge not only kills innocents but also severely affects economic development and social stability. There is a need to stop all the mediums of support to terrorism and racism. Three major challenges First major challenge; Instability and downfall in the global economy. Unilateralism and competitiveness are overshadowing the rule-based mutilateral global trade systems. The second challenge is to make development sustainable and all-inclusive. Terrorism is the third major challenge. ‘SHE Team’ on the patrol in Odisha Part of: Prelims and Mains GS II Polity and Governance In news ‘SHE Team’, the innovative pilot project launched by Odisha’s Gajapati district police  to ensure safety and security of young girls and women. About SHE Team SHE stands for ‘Safety, Health and Environment’. This project is modelled on the lines of Hyderabad ‘SHE Team’. The ‘SHE Team’ is headed by a lady sub-inspector and includes mobile patrolling teams. Four female and three male police personnel will assist her. They will patrol schools, colleges, other local institutions and public places, where young girls and women are allegedly subjected to eve teasing, stalking and harassment. The website of ‘SHE Team’ has been launched and a mobile app is under construction. ‘SHE Team’ will also try to prevent harassment of working women at workplaces and public places where they move for their job. It will teach self-defence and cyber space safety to young girls and children. It will visit child care institutions and make children aware about sexual abuse. NASA to send a drone to Saturn’s largest moon Part of Prelims and Mains GS III Science and Tech In news For its next mission in our solar system, NASA plans to fly a drone copter to Saturn’s largest moon Titan in search of the building blocks of life. The Dragonfly mission The Dragonfly mission, which will launch in 2026 and land in 2034, will send a rotorcraft to fly to dozens of locations across the icy moon, which has a substantial atmosphere and is viewed by scientists as an equivalent of very early-era earth. It is the only celestial body besides our planet known to have liquid rivers, lakes and seas on its surface, though these contain hydrocarbons like methane and ethane, not water. NASA said the vehicle would have eight rotors and fly like a large drone. During its 2.7-year baseline mission, Dragonfly will explore diverse environments from organic dunes to the floor of an impact crater where liquid water and complex organic materials key to life once existed together for possibly tens of thousands of years. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections Redefining & Rethinking Poverty Introduction: According to the Tendulkar poverty line, poverty is today around 4.5 per cent of the population or less than 70 million. According to the World Bank poverty line poverty in India is estimated at 31 per cent down from 57 per cent in 2011/12.  There is a 26 ppt decline in poverty over six years. Rethinking poverty: We are not a poor country any more, not with just 4.5 per cent of the population classified as poor (the Tendulkar poverty line of Rs 44 per person per day in 2017-18 prices). We have always considered food consumption as the ultimate criterion of poverty. Hence, we have built up an elaborate (too elaborate) ecosystem of food production, consumption, and distribution. Time has come to dismantle this ecosystem — an ecosystem that is biased against the poor farmer, against climate change mitigation and also against efficient use of water and energy. Poverty is now not just about food but living standards — sanitation, housing, piped water, electricity, education, health, and jobs. And on each of these elements, the focus should shift to quality, not quantity. Defining poverty in relative, not absolute terms. Most European nations have a relative definition of poverty — that is, a fixed proportion of the median income. Contribution of the DBT system: A large part of this decline took place due to better targeting of government programmes — made possible by expanded (and extensive) use of direct benefit transfers (DBT). The direct benefit transfer mechanism has been able to resolve targeting problems for a bulk of the 430 government schemes and subsidies. The current PM-Kisan programme that provides income support to approximately 14 crore farmers is an example of how, through DBT, the government can provide direct income support as its focal policy towards poverty alleviation. Such a policy is likely to help in rationalising and consolidating poverty reduction programmes, thereby freeing up resources for other sectors in the economy. Going forward: Targeted basic income programme: The new approach towards poverty alleviation should involve targeted income transfers. The government can transfer the poverty gap (difference between per capita consumption of the household and the poverty line faced by the household) into the bank account of the poor. The cost of such a programme is likely to be between Rs 2.5 and 3 trillion and it will ensure nobody has a consumption below the poverty line. India’s current expense on poverty alleviation programmes is approximately Rs 3.4 trillion. A basic income programme is likely to cost substantially less that the current policies. Bringing more people under the tax net at the higher income brackets: To improve revenue realisation from direct taxes, the government should focus on improving compliance by reducing the highest slabs of the tax rate. The Indian economy requires adequate investments in critical areas such as road, railways and water. Therefore, the government needs to rationalise its expenditure and tax rates to ensure reallocation of resources. Conclusion: Our pace of poverty reduction has improved over the last five years. We can augment this through a targeted basic income policy and free up resources for other sectors of the economy. Times have changed and so should our policies towards poverty alleviation. Connecting the dots: While India has seen a great decline in poverty rates over last few years. It is time we rethink on the definition of poverty and on the policies intended to remove it. Comment. SOCIAL ISSUES TOPIC: General studies 2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Basic rights for all What are basic needs? Needs are different from wants. You may want a chocolate every morning but don’t need it. But basic needs are different: their non-fulfilment can cause great harm, even kill. The failure to get an antibiotic if you have a bacterial infection can hurt badly. Wants are subjective. Needs depend on the way human bodies are constituted. They are a solid necessity; one cannot get on without them. Nor can they be fulfilled by substitutes. For us, nothing can take the place of water, food and air. People suffer if basic needs are met inadequately or with delay. They are then denied a minimally decent life. Elementary justice requires that before anything else, the state does everything at its disposal to satisfy all basic needs of its citizens, particularly of those who cannot fend for themselves. What are Basic rights? A right is something that is owed to us; it is not a favour. Basic rights are claims on the state to provide us with goods and services that satisfy our basic needs. When something is identified as a basic right, it puts the state under a duty to enable its exercise. The state becomes its guarantor. When society and government reneges on its commitment to do so, we hold them accountable. Basic rights: The right to minimum economic security and subsistence, that includes clean air, uncontaminated water, nutritious food, clothing and shelter. Credible threats to these rights can be reduced by the government by establishing institutions and practices that assist the vulnerable; for example, by setting up hospitals with adequate number of doctors, nurses, beds, medical equipment, intensive care units, essential drugs and emergency treatments. Vulnerability, accountability- The right to free public expression of helplessness and frustration, if deprived of other basic rights. The right to make one’s vulnerability public, be informed about the acts of commission and omission of the government regarding anything that adversely affects the satisfaction of basic needs, to critically examine them and to hold state officials publicly accountable is a basic right on a par with right to physical security and subsistence and inseparably linked to them. What needs to be done: Like the constitutional principle of a basic structure, it is time to articulate an equally robust doctrine of basic rights. These basic rights must be viewed primarily as positive, rights not against interference from the state (negative rights) but to the provision of something by it. Just as individuals are punished for legal violations, the government of the day must also be punished for the violation of these basic rights. Defaulting governments must be held legally accountable. The systematic violation of basic rights must be treated on a par with the breakdown of constitutional machinery. Conclusion: The above basic rights can be summed up in a single phrase, the right to a minimally decent life. The point of having a threshold of minimal decency is that our life must not fall below a certain level of existence. Anything short of a minimally decent life is simply not acceptable. Governments must be made accountable when they undermine the exercise of these basic rights. Connecting the dots: What in your definition are basic needs? In order to fulfill these needs it is time to articulate an equally robust doctrine of basic rights. Critically analyse. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) The Dragonfly mission is related to - Saturn Mars Saturn’s Moon: Titan None of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements about SHE Team SHE stands for ‘Safety, Health and Environment’. ‘SHE Team’ will try to prevent harassment of working women at workplaces and public places only. Select the Correct statements Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements regarding state of Jammu and Kashmir, Governor’s Rule and President’s Rule are one and the same. Once President’s rule is imposed, lawmaking power is transferred to the parliament. Select the Correct statements Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Even central banks needs ‘capital’ infusion The Hindu Things to avoid another water crisis The Hindu

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All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - Salient Features of New National Education Policy

Salient features of New National Education Policy ARCHIVES Search 2nd June, 2019 Spotlight News Analysis here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education In News: The Government of India is bringing out a National Education Policy to meet the changing dynamics of the population’s requirement with regards to quality education, innovation and research.  The main thrust of the draft policy is on breaking the “rigid boundaries of disciplines” in higher education and moving towards broad-based, flexible learning. Institutions offering single streams (such as technical education) must be phased out, and all universities and colleges must aim to become multidisciplinary by 2030, the report proposes. Committee: By former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan. Why: The great demographic dividend of India can easily turn into a curse if over the next decade the education system is not overhauled completely to transform from input-based system to outcome driven education model that boosts critical thinking and not rote learning. What ails school education? Learning Outcomes The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) by the NGO, Pratham, and the NCERT’s National Achievement Survey have shown that — There is a decline in learning levels from lower to higher grades, even as the country has been inching closer to achieving the Right to Education Act’s objective of universal enrollment for six to 14-year olds. More than 25 per cent of the youth in the age group of 14 to 18 can’t even read a basic text fluently — though more than 90 per cent of them were in school. Issues related to Teachers As per a report by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), about 74 countries face grave shortage of teachers, with India being second on the list. ASSOCHAM found that the dearth of school teachers is a problem that is pervasive at all levels of government schools in India, with 50 per cent vacancies in schools across India beside 30,000 vacancies for teachers in Haryana alone where more than 800 schools are being run without principals. Among 36 States and Union Territories, Jharkhand has the most acute secondary school teacher shortage at 70 per cent. Half of all secondary school teacher posts in Uttar Pradesh are vacant, as are a third in Bihar and Gujarat. Unique features  The idea that lifelong education is based on four pillars — learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together and learning to be — has inspired the committee to cover every aspect of the education sector: school, higher, vocational and adult education. Early childhood education: In school education, the idea is to cover children of 3-18 years [instead of the present 6-14 years under the Right to Education (RTE) Act], three years under early childhood care and education (ECCE) and four years under secondary education. Restructuring the 10+2 education structure into a 5+3+3+4 structure so that the five years from age’s three to seven or till the end of Std 2 are seen as one “foundational stage”. The next two stages, of three years each, are “preparatory” and “upper primary”, first ensure the acquisition of foundational skills and then their development. These stages are not only consistent with the development of children, but they are also useful to meet the overall goal of ensuring basic learning outcomes stage-by-stage. Higher education: The aim is to double the Gross Enrolment Ratio from 25% to 50% by 2035 and make universities the hubs of research. Tier I universities/institutions devoted primarily to research and some teaching. Tier 2 universities devoted to teaching and some research,. Tier 3 institutions comprising mainly colleges that are to be converted gradually into degree-giving autonomous institutions. Achieve ‘universal foundational literacy and numeracy’ through initiatives like the National Tutors Programme and the Remedial Instructional Aides Programme. Introduction of school complexes, a system of modular Board Examinations to allow flexibility, setting up Special Education Zones in disadvantaged regions, recognising teachers at the heart of the system, moving teacher education into the university system, and stressing the importance of learning new languages are among the key recommendations. The policy recommends community and volunteer participation in collaboration with schools to overcome the current crisis. Schools generally work in isolation from the community they serve. The policy recognises the crucial importance of liberal arts(it recommends setting up five Indian Institutes of Liberal Arts offering four-year courses) and the study of modern and classical languages (it recommends setting up National Institutions for Pali, Prakrit and Persian). Reintroduction of the four-year undergraduate programme in Liberal Arts Science Education (LASE) with multiple exit options, and scrapping of the MPhil programme. The LASE curriculum will be designed to develop broadly “useful capacities” (critical thinking, communication skills, scientific temper, social responsibilities etc), while offering rigorous education in specialisations (called majors or dual majors) across disciplines. It proposes separate institutions for regulation, funding, standard setting and accreditation, a National Research Foundation, and a Rashtriya Shiksha Aayog/ National Education Commission. Vocational education, meant for 50% of the students, is sought to be integrated with school and higher education. Technology in Education Training of teachers in the use of educational technology, and use of educational technology for professional development of teachers Classroom tools and curriculum, such as “computational training”, online course software etc. Access for those disadvantaged students who cannot attend a physical school. Overall educational records management with a National Repository of Educational Data. Challenges in implementation: Doubling of public funding to 6% of the GDP and increasing overall public expenditure on education to 20% from the current 10%. This is desirable but does not appear to be feasible in the near future given that most of the additional funding has to come from the States. Though innovative financing schemes have been proposed, involving the private sector, how those schemes will shape up remains to be seen. Expanding coverage under the RTE Act is extremely important, but should be introduced gradually, keeping in mind the quality of infrastructure and teacher vacancies. The idea of regulation being brought under the National Higher Education Regulatory Authority, standard setting under the General Education Council and funding under the Higher Education Grants Council may require a revisit so that there is synchronisation with the current Bill for the Higher Education Commission of India. Language issues have to be handled sensitively in view of their emotional overtones, as witnessed recently. Conclusion There is an addendum to the policy called “Make it Happen”. It outlines the issue of financing in detail. In short, the projection is that the expenditure of the government on education, which is at 10 per cent of all public expenditure today, will need to be doubled. The “learning crisis” is very deep. The education system — public and private — has been deteriorating rapidly and has affected the quality of our human resources. If this trend is not reversed, the dysfunctional system will become more and more expensive but will not deliver the goods. It will require a huge commitment and conviction to make it happen. Mindmap: Right to Education Connecting the Dots: Low standards in education, lack of requisite skills and unemployment form a vicious cycle which is detrimental to India’s demographic dividend. Comment. Discuss unique features of the draft National Education Policy, 2019. Also comment on the challenges in implementation of suggested recommendations. Education is termed as the growth engine for any country in this century. Examine if India’s potential demographic divided is ready for the challenge Education and skills are complementary to each other. However, institutional set up is required to give them fillip and sustain their growth. Analyse.

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

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th June 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) National mission on natural language translation soon Part of Prelims and Mains GS III Science and Tech   In news The Ministry of Electronics and IT will soon place before the Union Cabinet a proposal for Natural Language Translation — one of the key missions identified by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC). The national mission on natural language translation The national mission on natural language translation aims to make science and technology accessible to all by facilitating access to teaching and researching material bilingually — in English and in one’s native Indian language. To achieve this, the government plans to leverage a combination of machine translation and human translation. The IT ministry is the lead agency for implementation of the mission along with Ministry of Human Resource Development and Department of Science and Technology. Significance Translation activities can also help generate employment for educated unemployed. The mission would help not just students who find it difficult to access knowledge because of language barrier, but also teachers, authors, publishers, translation software developers and general readers. PM-STIAC The PM- STIAC is an overarching body that identifies challenges in certain areas of science and technology. Police station in Satara tops SMART police survey Part of Prelims and Mains GS II Polity and governance    In news Recently the Quality council of India, executed a survey based on the SMART police concept. In the survey , the Kalu police station in Rajasthan’s Bikaner topped the survey followed by PS in Andaman  and West Bengal. The survey was commissioned by Union Home Ministry and was executed by the Quality council of India. Do you know? About SMART Police  Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014  called for making the police a ‘SMART’ force — Strict and Sensitive, Modern and Mobile, Alert and Accountable, Reliable and Responsive, Techno savvy and Trained. About QCI Quality Council of India (QCI) was set up in 1997 by Government of India jointly with Indian Industry as an autonomous body under the administrative control of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Indian industry is represented in QCI by three premier industry associations namely ASSOCHAM; CII; and FICCI. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 3 Government policies and interventions Economic Growth and Development UK Sinha Panel on MSMEs In news: The RBI-appointed U K Sinha panel on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) has made a slew of sensible recommendations. From a new code to rid the sector of inspector raj to improving credit access and tackling distress, the report covers a lot of ground.  MSMEs: Key engine of growth The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector in India is not only a key engine of growth, contributing more than 28% of the GDP and about 45% to manufacturing output. It is also a true reflection of economics where people really matter. Providing employment to about 111 million people, the sector’s health is crucial to the economy’s vitality and society’s well being. Multiple challenges faced by the sector includes the absence of formalisation, stilted access to credit, delayed payments and infrastructural bottlenecks. Recommendations: 13-year-old law, the MSME Development Act, 2006 — be changed to prioritise market facilitation and ease of doing business. Observing that many Indian start-ups that are at the forefront of innovation are drawn to look overseas, given the conducive business environment and the availability of infrastructure and exit policies, the committee suggest that a new law ought to address the sector’s biggest bottlenecks, including access to credit and risk capital.  Reimagining solutions to improve credit flow to MSMEs. Repurposing the Small Industries Development Bank of India. In its expanded role, it is envisaged that the SIDBI could not only deepen credit markets for MSMEs in under-served regions by being a provider of comfort to lenders including NBFCs and micro-finance institutions, but also become a market-maker for SME debt. The panel has made a case for greater adoption of technology-facilitated solutions to a plethora of problems encountered by the sector.  To address the issue of delayed payments, the mandatory uploading of invoices above a specified amount to an information utility has been recommended. The aim is to name and shame buyers of goods and services from MSMEs to expedite settlements to suppliers.  Expediting the integration of information on the Government e-Marketplace, or GeM, platform with the Trade Receivables Discounting System. The goal here  is to boost liquidity at MSMEs.  Banks should switch to cash flow-based lending, especially once account aggregators are operational and able to provide detailed data on borrowings. The report has suggested banks to base credit decisions on cash flow rather than collateral. Doubling collateral-free loans for MSMEs to Rs 20 lakh, raising the loan limit sanctioned under Mudra to Rs 20 lakh, creating a stressed asset fund of Rs 5,000 crore and a government-sponsored fund of funds of Rs 10,000 crore to support MSME equity. Conclusion: The RBI and the Centre should act on the above recommendations in order to help actualise the sector’s true economic potential. Connecting the dots: The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector in India is a key engine of growth. In this light discuss the recommendations of UK Sinha panel. DISASTER MANAGEMENT TOPIC: General studies 3: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Disaster and disaster management. Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Funding Disaster Management Background: Cyclone Fani wreaked havoc in Odisha in May last year. In the current year, more than 10 states have faced drought conditions. Natural disasters are increasingly affecting large parts of the country. The impact of these is asymmetric as the poor suffer more. Effective management of disasters is not only required for preserving growth, but equally for addressing poverty and reducing inequality. The sine qua non for effective disaster management is adequate funding. Three stages in disaster management: Disaster mitigation—taking long-term steps such as putting in place early warning systems and rainwater harvesting structures to reduce the impact of disasters.  Disaster relief—affected persons are provided assistance and essential services are restored.  Disaster reconstruction—damaged infrastructure is rebuilt.  The Disaster Management Act, 2005, requires that a disaster management plan and a mitigation plan be formulated at the district, state and national levels. Each is to be supported at every level by disaster relief and mitigation funds that must be set up. Thus, six plans and six funds are required to be created to manage disasters in India. Issue: Disaster management plans have been formulated. The National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Relief Funds (SDRF) have been set up. However, mitigation plans have not been prepared at any level. Also, the corresponding funds have not been set up. When disasters occur, states are driven to unorthodox sources of funding for following reasons.  The NDRF through which the centre assists states when they face severe calamities is available only for disaster relief and not for mitigation or restoration. A similar provision applies to the SDRF. States must meet outlays for disaster mitigation and restoration, which are as important as relief, on their own.  State governments underestimate the probability of adverse events occurring. They do not make adequate provision in their budgets for mitigation and reconstruction.  The borrowing capacity of states is constrained under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act. Unorthodox measures adopted by states: The Kerala government levies a cess of 1% on its SGST for up to two years after approval from GST council. Such a cess will not be eligible for input tax credit and militates against the very idea of GST. Further, other states may make similar requests. No longer will it be “one tax for one nation". This option is thus not sustainable. Kerala issued rupee-denominated bonds overseas (masala bonds). Such an instrument of debt infringes Article 293(1) of the Constitution, which prohibits state governments from borrowing outside the territory of India.  Way ahead: States facing calamities of rare severity should receive additional assistance. Such assistance should be drawn from a strengthened NDRF, which is financed by the National Calamity Contingency Duty (NCCD), the proceeds of which have fallen sharply after the introduction of GST. As its own resources are limited, the centre may consider expanding the tax base of the NCCD. This is a sustainable option to fund disaster management nationally. It will enable the creation of a national disaster mitigation fund as envisaged and required. In parallel, India’s states should set up state disaster mitigation funds on their own. Connecting the dots: When disasters occur, states are driven to unorthodox sources of funding. In this light highlight the importance of funding disaster management. (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) The national mission on natural language translation will be implemented by, Department of Science and Technology The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Ministry of Human Resource Development All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements  Recently the Quality council of India, executed a survey based on the SMART police concept. Quality Council of India (QCI) was set up by Government of India jointly with Indian Industry as an autonomous body. Select the Correct statements Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Will the idea of one nation one poll work in India The Hindu Prudent prescription The Hindu BIMSTEC, a viable option The Hindu

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UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 15

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 15 Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Proton Therapy’ It is a treatment that uses high-energy beams to treat tumors. There is less radiation dose outside of the tumor compared to x-ray radiation Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Which of the following statements is/are correct? Housing Finance Companies are regulated by National Housing Bank. Nidhi Companies are regulated by Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) It was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act It is mandated with the responsibility of export promotion and development of Guar Gum Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘CAFÉ’ Regulations It is aimed at improving fuel efficiency of vehicles by lowering carbon dioxide emissions. CAFE regulations in India came into force from 2017. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan’ It is a time-bound, mission mode, water conservation and irrigation efficiency campaign for water security in rural India It has a component of asset creation and communication campaigns 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

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All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - Significance of SCO Summit

Significance of SCO Summit ARCHIVES Search 12th June, 2019 Spotlight News Analysis here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood relations, International relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. In News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek to attend a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Launched by China and Russia nearly two decades ago, the SCO has also been billed by some as the “Alliance of the East” and as a continental counter to the US and more broadly, the maritime West. SCO: Formerly the Sanghai Five and formed in 1996, the SCO has eight members today including India and Pakistan, which became part of it in 2017. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the then security and economic architecture in the Eurasian region dissolved and new structures had to come up.  The original Shanghai Five were China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan.  The SCO was formed in 2001, with Uzbekistan included. It expanded in 2017 to include India and Pakistan. Since its formation, the SCO has focused on regional non-traditional security, with counter-terrorism as a priority: The fight against the “three evils” of terrorism, separatism and extremism has become its mantra. Today, areas of cooperation include themes such as economics and culture. India’s entry into SCO While Central Asian countries and China were not in favour of expansion initially, the main supporter — of India’s entry in particular — was Russia. A widely held view is that Russia’s growing unease about an increasingly powerful China prompted it to push for its expansion. From 2009 onwards, Russia officially supported India’s ambition to join the SCO. China then asked for its all-weather friend Pakistan’s entry. 2009 SCO: New Delhi expressed its serious interest to join the grouping in 2009. Months after the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008, Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Asif Ali Zardari had their first meeting in Ekaterinberg in Russia in June 2009. The occasion was the annual summit of the SCO, where both India and Pakistan were “observers”. It was the first time India had shown an interest in joining the SCO. Ten years of efforts, pushed by then Joint Secretary (Eurasia) Ajay Bisaria, who is currently India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, fructified in June 2017, when the SCO inducted both India and Pakistan in Astana in Kazakhstan. How does membership of the SCO help India? In a world riven by geopolitical contestations, SCO membership provides India a vital counter to some of the other groupings it is a part of, balancing out its stated policy of pursuing “multi-alignments”. It is a platform also for alignments on issues such as energy security, connectivity and trade. With India indicating that it sees little use for SAARC, the SCO provides the only multilateral platform for it to deal in close proximity with Pakistan and Afghanistan. For India, two important objectives are counter-terrorism and connectivity. These sit well with the SCO’s main objective of working cooperatively against the “three evils”.  India wants access to intelligence and information from SCO’s counter-terrorism body, the Tashkent-based Regional Anti-Terror Structure (RATS).  A stable Afghanistan too is in India’s interest, and RATS provides access to non-Pakistan-centred counter-terrorism information there. Connectivity is important for India’s Connect Central Asia policy.  Energy cooperation dominates its interest – and it’s in China’s neighbourhood. But India will also have to deal with an assertive China, which will push its Belt and Road Initiative during the summit. SCO membership also bolsters India’s status as a major pan-Asian player, which is boxed in the South Asian paradigm. How does global geopolitics play out for SCO and India? The US’ power struggle with China, exit from the Iran nuclear deal JCPOA (affects India’s oil imports from Iran), and adversarial attitude towards Russia (affects India’s defence purchase like S-400) have forced India to choose sides. While Washington’s stance against Islamabad after the Pulwama attack was evidence of its support to New Delhi, India has had a strained relationship with China after the Doklam stand-off, followed by attempts to reset relations in Wuhan. In the SCO, India’s sitting down with less-than-free regimes, Russia and China has always had the West worried. India, however, has always been tactful in not aligning with these countries on governance issues. What draws India to SCO is the “Shanghai spirit”, which emphasises harmony, non-interference in others’ internal affairs, and non-alignment. The bottomline is that it helps India keep all options open in terms of international partnerships. How does it play out in the India-Pakistan or India-China relationship? In the absence of the SAARC summit, the SCO summit gives an opportunity for Indian and Pakistani leaders to meet informally, on the sidelines. Both sides have the obligation not to bring in bilateral disputes, but can cooperate on issues of mutual interest and importance. Signing off on joint counter-terrorism exercises will be a new form of engagement between the two militaries. With China, it is yet another opening, like the BRICS summit last year, to bring down tensions and ahead of the next informal summit in October in India. Note: Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Essay: Strategic autonomy is not just a slogan or a desire but a necessity if we are to transform India. Must Read: Bishkek Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit (SCO)

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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th June 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th June 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) 54 nations back India for UNSC non-permanent seat Part of Prelims and Mains GS II International Relations   In news India has won the unanimous support of all countries in the 55-member Asia-Pacific Group at the United Nations in support of its bid for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term in 2021-22. The development is particularly significant given that Pakistan and China, both countries with which India has had diplomatic challenges at the UN, supported the move. India will need the vote of two-thirds of the 193 UN General Assembly members to win a non-permanent seat on the UNSC. India has been keen to hold the seat in 2021-22 to coincide with the 75th anniversary of Independence in 2022. It will be hosting the G-20 meeting in New Delhi in 2022. India and U.S. resolve to work through their trade differences Part of Prelims and Mains GS II International Relations   In news India and the U.S. resolved to “work through” their differences.  Issues discussed were including tariffs and counter-tariffs imposed by both the countries on each other in the past year, as well as the U.S.’s specific concerns with India’s proposed laws on e-commerce and data localisation, on price caps and market access. Both sides had come away with a “better understanding” of each other’s concerns on a wide variety of issues besides trade, including energy, defence, investment concerns and people-to-people contacts, as well as the growing conflict in the Gulf with Iran and the peace process in Afghanistan. India will take its decision on the purchase of the Russian S-400 Triumf anti-missile system in its own “national interest”.  India’s concerns over growing U.S.-Iran tensions and their impact on India’s energy security were also raised. India has zeroed out all oil imports from Iran since the U.S. sanctions deadline ran out on May 2, it has maintained a cordial and close relationship with the Iranian government. 75 student satellites may fly to space as India turns 75 Part of Prelims and Mains GS III Space research  In news  Up to 75 tiny satellites built by students of Indian universities could fly to the skies between late next year and 2022 in batches. Seventy-five by 75:  This is the dream project that the Indian Technology Congress Association (ITCA) has conceived to celebrate the nation’s 75th birthday. That is also to be the year of Gaganyaan, the first trip of Indian astronauts to space. Students of participating institutions would come from different disciplines and get to build nano satellites weighing between 3 and 12 kg. They may demonstrate a novel concept, science experiment, or technology in orbit.  The ITCA, a technology promotion body based in Bengaluru, has roped in around 40 engineering colleges to form a consortium. It is also in the midst of discussing launch contracts with the Indian Space Research Organisation and working out Israeli finance for its ‘75 Student Satellites Mission 2022'. Significance For the colleges, it can mean a branding exercise and a permanent ground infrastructure on their premises.  For the students, an out-of-the-world learning experience, exposure to an elite job market, and a chance to turn entrepreneurs who can attract space majors, with frugal satellite services. Space-based solutions reach people in remote areas where many other technologies do not reach or work.  Students can learn to design small satellites that can offer simple, meaningful, and low-cost solutions to soldiers, farmers, boatsmen, forest personnel, or students. ISRO wants to offload satellite assembly to the private sector. In the last three to five years, other countries launched about 3,500 student satellites that demonstrated innovative technologies; another 2,500 could be in the offing.  Indian universities have so far built and launched only nine satellites of fleeting lifespans. Centre set to roll out ‘Jal Shakti’ scheme for water-starved areas Part of Prelims and Mains GS III Space research In news The Centre is set to initiate the Jal Shakti Abhiyan to ramp up rainwater harvesting and conservation efforts in 255 water-stressed districts from July 1, 2019. Though water is a State issue, the campaign will be coordinated by 255 central IAS officers of Joint or Additional Secretary-rank, drawn from ministries as varied as Space, Petroleum and Defence, etc. About 'Jal Shakti' campaign The campaign seems to follow the model of last year’s Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, where central officials monitored the implementation of seven flagship development schemes in 117 aspirational districts across the country. The campaign will run from July 1 to September 15 in States receiving rainfall during the south-west monsoon, while States receiving rainfall in the retreating or north-east monsoon will be covered from October 1 to November 30. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan would aim to accelerate water harvesting, conservation and borewell recharge activities already being carried out under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme and the Integrated Watershed Management Programme of the Rural Development Ministry, along with existing water body restoration and afforestation schemes being undertaken by the Jal Shakti and Environment Ministries. Progress would be monitored in real time through mobile applications and an online dashboard at indiawater.gov.in A major communications campaign on TV, radio, print, local and social media will be carried out, with celebrities mobilised to generate awareness for the campaign. (MAINS FOCUS) 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: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Water Pollution, Wastewater management Tackling water-crisis being faced by India Background: Chennai has been in the news recently for its water crisis. Scuffles and suffering have been reported from different parts of the city.  Water crimes in Ranchi have also hit the headlines.  Cities in Madhya Pradesh have seen stabbings and killings over water, and the police has been called upon to guard water tankers and water sources.  Reports: The 2030 Water Resources Group on “Charting Our Water Futures” set up by the erstwhile Planning Commission in 2009 had projected that if the current demand pattern for water continues, by 2030, the available water will meet only about half of India’s demand for water.  The Niti Aayog has projected that the groundwater of 21 cities will run out by 2020 (that is, next year) and the cities include Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad. The BBC in February 2018 listed  11 cities most likely to run out of water. This list included Bengaluru. Insufficient usage of water: Water scarcity in India has come about not so much from insufficient supply as from the way in which we manage the water we have.  Agriculture uses 78 per cent of India’s water, and uses it very inefficiently. About two-thirds of water used for irrigation comes from groundwater. Huge electricity subsidies for farmers to pump groundwater and the fact that groundwater is largely unregulated have led to a steady explosion in groundwater use through tube-wells for irrigation over the past several decades.  Urban India’s inefficiency in water use arises from inadequate, old and dilapidated distribution networks, inefficient operations, inadequate metering, incomplete billing and collection, and a general state of poor governance.  Another source of inefficiency comes from not treating wastewater and using the recycled water for specialised uses such as horticulture, and also for flushing toilets. Under-pricing of urban water also contributes to wasteful use. If something is under-priced, users will use more of it. Tankers: Access to treated tap water is available to only 62 per cent of urban households (Census 2011). Those who are unconnected to the piped network have to rely on buying water from tankers at exorbitant rates. This leads to increasing but unaccounted use of groundwater by extensive digging of borewells to meet the demand deficit. Way ahead: Expanding pipeline coverage to the “unconnected” population. Expansion and renovation of the infrastructure of the distribution network.  Additional supplies of water, especially because the groundwater that is currently being used to supply this population is expected to dry up. Pricing water is important both for demand management and for economic viability of water delivery systems.  Even if the capital cost of the infrastructure is made available either through National Missions or public-private partnership, the operation and maintenance cost of running the system (and in the case of PPP, a large part of the capital cost) will have to be recovered through user charges.  Mobilising more supply of water from basic natural sources. Only then can greater connectivity result in piped water delivery to all in urban areas. The mobilisation of additional supplies poses a major challenge since the natural recharge zones are increasingly eroded because of unplanned urbanisation. Dealing with the supply constraints arising from the neglect of the rivers, lakes, ponds and other waterbodies in and around our cities that feed the reservoirs which are the bulk sources of water. These water bodies need to be protected from encroachment so that our catchment area for water storage and rainwater harvesting is not reduced. Strict vigilance on land-use planning and building permissions in our cities , warrant removal of existing encroachments will help.  An important role has to be played by the state governments concerned, including ensuring compliance with the environmental guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and the National Green Tribunal.  Above all, increased water-use efficiency in agriculture is critical to release water supply from agriculture for other uses. Issue of poor quality of water: The quality of water issue is also very significant because of its serious implications for public health.  Only about 30 per cent of the municipal waste water or sewage is treated and the rest is released untreated into the rivers and/or the ground.  Because of the density and concentration in urban areas, contamination from wastewater happens much faster.  Way ahead: Ensuring that untreated sewage is not dumped into open stormwater drains through which it is carried and discharged into water bodies.  Surveys of groundwater in recent years show higher and higher levels of microbiological contamination. It is essential to ensure that the wastewater is treated before it finds its way back into our basic source of water and contaminates it. Conclusion: Reshaping water governance will require state governments and local governments to take coordinated action in a federal system. What is needed is a political compact between the Centre and states to jointly address the challenges of saving India’s water, while actively involving local governments and engaging with the communities of water users.  Connecting the dots: The water crisis is here and it is taking its toll in rural as well as urban areas of India. Reshaping water governance is needed. Comment. NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 : Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions Issues and policies related to health Universal access to public healthcare Introduction: Government’s flagship health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat, officially called the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), has been widely lauded since it was launched last year. Various states are in the process of rolling it out. It aims to pick up the illness bills of 500 million of the country’s most vulnerable. The sorry picture presented by Bihar in dealing with a deadly encephalitis outbreak among children of poverty-stricken families, attention has been drawn back to the ramshackle state of public healthcare facilities. These remain abysmal in most parts of the country.  Issues: Severe shortage of medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, as well as a dearth of hospitals and hospital beds. This shortage is especially stark in rural areas.  In many places, primary health centres, community health centres, and sub-centres are located too far from people’s homes. Even in the big cities, patients often have to run from one hospital to another in search of a particular facility or a bed.  Private facilities are the preferred option for most, if only because of treatment is assured. The poor, however, typically find themselves shut out not just by steep prices—which Ayushman Bharat expects to overcome—but also invisible class barriers.  Way ahead: Free or nominally priced public services as a right Making public health services so easily accessible and of such reliable quality that only the well-off opt for the extra comfort of private sector facilities. Achieving this would be a long haul, no doubt, but several middle-income countries have done it. The government needs to upgrade healthcare infrastructure in the country at two levels.  Ensruing that the quality of public healthcare services can be trusted by everyone, regardless of socio-economic status. Quality signals are best sent out by celebrities and public representatives using these facilities themselves.  The authorities must ensure that enough healthcare centres or hospitals are operational across the country within reasonable reach of residential areas— urban and rural. Along with the number of hospitals, the number of beds also needs to rise sharply. The financial pooling of illness risks is all very well, but the wherewithal to deal with illness itself must come first. Conclusion: By budget figures of the last fiscal year, India spends just a shade over 1% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on healthcare. This includes central expenditure on the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The Interim Budget for this year upped the percentage, but only slightly. The government set a goal last year of 2.5% of GDP by 2025. For progress to be made towards that objective, however, this year’s budget need to pencil in a significant hike in the country’s health outlay. Healthcare needs to be fixed in mission mode. Every child’s life claimed by a treatable disease is one life too many. Connecting the dots: Healthcare needs to be fixed in mission mode. Ensuring universal access to public healthcare and upping the health budget is needed. (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) Project “Seventy-five by 75” is related to Health Defence  Space None of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements  In India, Water is a State subject. Jal Shakti Abhiyan will be coordinated by central IAS officers drawn from ministries as varied as Space, Petroleum and Defence, etc. Select the incorrect statements Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Scoring on health The Hindu Negotiating the forks in the road of diplomacy The Hindu RCEP next steps The Hindu The educations system needs change, not fine tuning The Hindu Greener pastures Indian Express Let’s politicise heatlh Indian Express

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UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 14

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 14 Archives Q.1) ‘Exercise Garuda’ is bilateral exercise between India and  Russia France Japan United States of America Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Impressed tortoise’ It is endemic to Western Ghats It is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) ‘Surjit Bhalla Committee’ has recommended issue of ‘Elephant Bonds'. Consider the following statements It is meant to declare ‘undisclosed income’ with a mandatory condition to invest 50% of it in the bond. It will be utilised only for infrastructure projects. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Which of the following statements is/are correct? The Portuguese colonised India in the 18th century Portuguese colonies in India were limited to Eastern Coast of India Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Which of the following statements is/are correct? UN General Assembly elects five non-permanent UNSC members out of a total of 10, for a two-year term. India has never been a non-permanent member of the Security Council. 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

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RSTV IAS UPSC – Draft National Education Policy - 3 Language Formula

Draft National Education Policy - 3 Language Formula Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education In News: Facing pressure from Tamil Nadu against the draft National Education Policy’s recommendation for teaching Hindi in all the States, the Union government has issued a modified draft leaving out a controversial clause.   In the modified draft uploaded by the Human Resource Development Ministry, a Section, titled ‘Flexibility in the choice of languages’ has been changed, omitting any reference to ‘which’ languages students may choose. There is no mention of Hindi in the clause.  The revised policy requires proficiency in any three languages. The earlier draft education policy triggered outrage in southern states, led by Tamil Nadu, which said they will not tolerate Hindi imposition in the state that doesn't speak the language.  In the previous version of the draft policy, English and Hindi were proposed as mandatory languages in non-Hindi speaking states while a third language was mandatory in Hindi-speaking states. The formula, the opposition The three-language formula, dating back to 1968, means students in Hindi-speaking states should learn a modern Indian language, apart from Hindi and English and, in non-Hindi-speaking states, Hindi along with the regional language and English.  What is the formula? It is commonly understood that the three languages referred to are Hindi, English and the regional language of the respective States. Though the teaching of Hindi across the country was part of a long-standing system, it was crystallised into a policy in an official document only in the National Policy on Education, 1968. This document said regional languages were already in use as the media of education in the primary and secondary stages. In addition, it said, “At the secondary stage, State governments should adopt and vigorously implement the three-language formula, which includes the study of a modern Indian language, preferably one of the southern languages, apart from Hindi and English in the Hindi-speaking States.” In the ‘non-Hindi speaking States’, Hindi should be studied along with the regional language and English. It added: “Suitable courses in Hindi and/or English should also be available in universities and colleges with a view to improving the proficiency of students in these languages up to the prescribed university standards.” What is the backdrop to the Hindi imposition row? The State has been traditionally opposed to any attempt to introduce Hindi as a compulsory language of learning or administration. The origin of the linguistic row, however, goes back to the debate on official language. In the Constituent Assembly, Hindi was voted as the official language by a single vote. However, it added that English would continue to be used as an associate official language for 15 years. The Official Languages Act came into effect on the expiry of this 15-year period in 1965. This was the background in which the anti-Hindi agitation took place. However, as early as in 1959, Jawaharlal Nehru had given an assurance in Parliament that English would continue to be in use as long as non-Hindi speaking people wanted it. The Liguistic Inequality we saw The three-language formula was a prudent way to resolve the vexed issue of English and the various modern Indian languages, or bhashas. It respected the primacy of the state/regional languages, while recognising the emerging utility of Hindi as a bridge among Indian languages and that of English as a bridge to the world outside India. Sadly, the formula was never practiced in its true spirit. The Hindi belt states found ways to circumvent it. Instead of getting Hindi-speaking children to learn, say Tamil or Marathi or Bengali, they started using perfunctory teaching of Sanskrit (or, in a few cases Urdu) to meet the formality of the third language. So, in reality, the three-language formula meant that non-Hindi-speakers learnt Hindi while Hindi speakers learnt no other modern Indian language. This inequality has naturally caused heartburn. DNPE – The Step that was most awaited, because … First, it recommends multilingualism as the foundation of education in a country like ours, thus moving away from a pointless debate about what should be the national language. It recognises children’s ability to learn several languages and the cognitive advantages of multilingual education.  Second, like the previous policy documents, it reiterates the well-known pedagogic wisdom, supported by cognitive psychology, that the child’s “home language” or “mother tongue” must be her medium of instruction. This is in sharp contrast to the cognitive barbarity of the spread of English as a medium of instruction in a setting where, more often than not, the child, the parents, as well as the teachers, are innocent of this language.  Third, it celebrates the strength of Indian languages as carriers of modern education and the country’s future. It makes a strong case for teaching of and knowledge creation in these languages. The government would do well to implement the detailed suggestions for helping the growth, preservation and vibrancy of Indian languages.  Fourth, and conversely, it attests to the fact that the dominance of English language is due less to its intrinsic value and more because it is the language of the dominant elite. I call the prevailing situation a system of linguistic apartheid. The DNPE makes bold to say something that needed to be said: dominance of English needs to end. Note:  Education falls under the Constitution’s concurrent list of subjects that can be legislated upon by both the Centre and states. National Education Policy Connecting the Dots: Is the DNPE a step forward in policy thinking on the issue of language and education? Examine.

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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 26th June 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 26th June 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) ‘Healthy States, Progressive India: Report Part of Prelims and Mains GS II Governance and public services   In news The report ‘Healthy States, Progressive India: Report on Rank of States and UTs’ has ranked states in three categories — larger States, smaller States and UTs “to ensure comparison among similar entities”. The Index ranks the States and Union Territories based on 23 health-related indicators, including neonatal mortality rate, under-five mortality rate, etc. https://epaper.thehindu.com/Home/ShareImage?Pictureid=GG462FRGM.1 Findings of the report In Union Territories Chandigarh topped the list this year with a score of 63.62, followed by Dadra and Nagar Haveli at number 2 position with a score of 56.31. Dadra and Nagar Haveli was the worst performer last time with a score of 38.64. Lakshadweep, which topped the list last time, slipped to the third position, followed by Puducherry, Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar, and Daman and Diu. Kerala continued to top the list for the best performing State in the health sector among the 21 large States, which got an overall score of 74.01, was followed by Andhra Pradesh (65.13), Maharashtra (63.99), Gujarat (63.52) and Punjab (63.01), Himachal Pradesh (62.41), Jammu and Kashmir 62.37, Karnataka (61.14) and Tamil Nadu (60.41). Uttar Pradesh continued to be at the bottom of the list with its score falling to 28.61. Other States at the bottom of the list were Bihar (32.11), Odisha (35.97) and Madhya Pradesh (38.39). The report stated that only about half the States and UTs showeds an improvement in the overall score between 2015-16 (base year) and 2017-18 (reference year). 31.4% of Indian children will be stunted by 2022: report Part of Prelims and Mains GS II Governance and public services   In news Almost one in three Indian children under five years will still be stunted by 2022 going by current trends, according to an analysis of the country’s food and nutrition security.  India must double its rate of progress to reach the target of 25% by 2022. The report, which is a baseline analysis of the country’s progress in achieving the second Sustainable Development Goal to end hunger, was prepared by the UN World Food Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Findings of the report: Country is self sufficient in food grain production but, unfortunately, the consumer’s access to rice, wheat and other cereals has not increased at the same rate, due to population growth, inequality, food wastage and losses, and exports. The average per capita consumption of energy among the poorest 30% of the population is 1811 kilo calories, much lower than the norm of 2155 kilo calories per day. In States like Bihar (48%) and Uttar Pradesh (46%), almost one in two children are stunted, while it is only one in five children in Kerala and Goa (20% each).  There are high rates of stunting among children in the poorest wealth quintile (51.4%), Scheduled Tribes (43.6%) and Scheduled Castes (42.5%), and children born to mothers with no education (51%). Cash in circulation fell post note ban: FM Part of Prelims and Mains GS III Economics   In news Demonetisation, coupled with increased digital transactions and the reduced cash usage in the informal economy, led to a reduction in currency in circulation by ₹3.4 lakh crore, according to Finance Ministry The level of currency in circulation as of May 31, 2019, was significantly lower than what it would have been if demonetisation had not happened. The Reserve Bank of India data shows that the number of counterfeit bank notes detected decreased from 762,072 pieces in 2016-17, to 522,783 in 2017-18 and 317,389 pieces in 2018-19 and hence “demonetisation resulted in curbing of the counterfeit currency”.  Growth of digital transactions in terms of value has increased to ₹188.07 lakh crore in September 2018 from ₹112.27 lakh crore in November 2016. Digital transactions in terms of volume have increased to 241.88 crore in September 2018 from 91.83 crore. The demonetisation led to a “significant positive impact on most theatres of violence” in the country since illegally held cash formed a major chunk of terror-funding. The note ban rendered the cash held with terrorists worthless. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability. State of Indian prisons In news: A data-driven report, the Prison Statistics India 2016, was published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recently. The report raises a number of red flags signalling the rot in India’s prison system.  Who are our prisoners? The report tells us that at the end of 2016, there were 4,33,033 people in prison; of them 68% were undertrials. These are people who have yet to be found guilty of the crimes they are accused of. India’s under-trial population remains among the highest in the world. There has been rise in the number of people held under administrative (or ‘prevention’) detention laws in Jammu and Kashmir (a 300% increase), with 431 detainees in 2016, compared to 90 in 2015. Administrative, or ‘preventive’, detention is used by authorities in J&K and other States to unfairly detain persons without charge or trial and circumvent regular criminal justice procedures. The 2016 report doesn’t include demographic details of religion and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe status of prisoners, which are crucial to understanding India’s prison population. The report of 2015, for instance, said that Muslims, Dalits and Adivasis accounted for 55% of the under-trial population even though they made up only 50% of the convict population and 38% of the total Indian population. Section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure: The report records the number of prisoners eligible to be released and actually released, under Section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure. In 2016, out of 1,557 undertrials found eligible for release under Section 436A, only 929 were released. Sec 436A allows undertrials to be released on a personal bond if they have undergone half of the maximum term of imprisonment they would have faced if convicted.  Spreading awareness- Research by Amnesty India has found that prison officials are frequently unaware of this section and unwilling to apply it. In 2017, the Law Commission of India had recommended that undertrials who have completed a third of their maximum sentence for offences attracting up to seven years of imprisonment be released on bail.  Mental health concerns: The number of “unnatural” deaths in prisons, which doubled between 2015 and 2016, from 115 to 231. The rate of suicide among prisoners also increased by 28%, from 77 suicides in 2015 to 102 in 2016. The report states that there was only one mental health professional for every 21,650 prisoners in 2016, with only six States and one Union Territory having psychologists/psychiatrists. It is an indicator of the magnitude of mental health concerns within prisons. Conclusion: The report has important information which can be used to facilitate a dialogue on improving prison policies. It is essential to uncover torture and other forms of ill-treatment, increase transparency and balance the power asymmetry in prisons.  Connecting the dots: The Prison Statistics India 2016 report published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) presents a sorry state of Indian prisons. Discuss. NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections Data Protection: Importance, Global debate, India’s stand Introduction: The IT Ministry’s Bill on data protection is scheduled to be introduced in Parliament during the current session. Worldwide, the data flow debate is playing out at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and G20. Why is data valuable? Data is any collection of information that is stored in a way so computers can easily read it. These days, most people refer to data to mean information about their messages, social media posts, online transactions, and browser searches. Big data refers to the immense amount of data that can now be collected, stored, and analysed to find patterns. This large collection of information about people’s online habits has become an important source of profits. Your online activity can expose a lot about who you are, and companies find it valuable to use the information to target advertisements to you.  Governments and political parties have also gained interest in these data sets for elections and policymaking. What exactly about data laws are countries debating? Data is stored in a physical space. Data is also transported across country borders physically, traveling through underwater cables. These aspects of data flows — where it is stored, where it is sent, where it is turned into something useful — determines who has access to the data, who profits off the data, who taxes the data, and who “owns” the data. With these questions in mind, individual governments are developing their own domestic rules and negotiating with each other on a global stage, raising values of national security, economic growth, and privacy. Where does India’s domestic policy on data stand? India’s recent drafts and statements have strong signals for data localisation, which means that data of Indians (even if collected by an American company) must be stored and processed in India. Along with a Reserve Bank of India directive to payment companies to localise financial data, the Ministry of Commerce’s draft e-commerce policy is currently in public consultation. The IT Ministry has drafted a data protection law that will be introduced in Parliament and has also framed draft intermediary rules. China has developed similar laws, which proponents say allow for a flourishing domestic economy of data centres and data processing by blocking foreign players out. This is why Indian companies, like Reliance and PayTM, usually support data localisation. Arguments for localisation: Localisation will help law enforcement access the data. Currently, India has to use “mutual legal assistance treaties” (MLAT) with the US to get the data of Indians that are controlled by American companies. By requiring a copy of the data to be stored in India (data mirroring), the government hopes to have more direct control over these companies, including the option to levy more taxes on them. The government also argues for data localisation on the ground of national security, to prevent foreign surveillance and attacks. Counter-arguments against data localisation: The US government and companies want cross-border flow of data. It would allow companies to store the data of Indians in the most efficient place in the world. Proponents of free flow of data worry that if all countries begin to protect their data, it may backfire on India’s own companies that seek global growth. Another caution is that these laws could bring increased state surveillance, like India’s draft intermediary rules that would require WhatsApp to change its design to proactively filter messages. The company says messages are currently encrypted, meaning neither the company nor any government can see them. What is happening at the global forums? Trade tensions worldwide are escalating, giving the data flow debate new relevance at the WTO and G20. WTO member countries are negotiating rules about e-commerce, which is the buying and selling of goods and services online. Digital trade contributes more to global GDP than physical trade. India is one of the fastest growing markets, with e-commerce expecting to reach $1.2 trillion by 2021. These laws raise questions about where companies can store, process, and transport data about transactions.  In their proposals, the US and the EU have called to prohibit customs duties on online transactions while China and Pakistan have called for allowing them.  The US has also recommended not having overly burdensome data standards nor localisation requirements, while the EU wants data localisation requirements. From the G20 meeting in Tsukuba, the Ministerial Statement on Trade and Digital Economy favored cross-border flow of data.  India’s stand: India submitted a November 2017 document opposing any WTO e-commerce negotiations. The digital divide within and across nations is a serious impediment for developing countries to benefit from Digital Trade. Capacity constraints in developing countries, can be overcome, with timely support of training, and creation of digital infrastructure. This is important, for facilitating a level playing field, in the digital economy, for all countries to take equitable advantage of data free flows. Developing countries need time and policy space to build deepest understanding of the subject and formulate their own legal and regulatory framework before meaningfully engaging in e-commerce negotiations. Connecting the dots: A global debate on data protection is ongoing. Why is data valuable? Discuss arguments and counter-arguments for data localisation. Also discuss India’s stand on the same. (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. 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