Aug 16, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 16th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Chief of Defence Staff Part of: GS Prelims  PM Narendra Modi announced that government has decided to establish the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDF) for the three services -- the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. CDS is a post that will act as the single-point advisor to the Government of India. CDS will be in a position to advise on matters related to all the three services -- Army, Navy and Air Force -- thus making India's armed forces integrated. CDS will be a 'first among equals', a fourth four-star officer who will be senior to the three other service chiefs The post is aimed at ensuring better coordination between the three services. The intention is to "reconcile possible differences" in service-specific opinions to enable the government to arrive at considered military decisions. The institution of a CDS will also foster inter-services jointness in terms of budgeting, equipment purchases, training, joint doctrines and planning of military operations- necessary for strategizing a robust and cost-efficient national defence policy. Do You know? The recommendation for creating the post of CDS was first made after the 1999 Kargil War. A group of ministers that was formed in 2001 to explore necessary reforms required to improve India's national security had also favoured creating the post of CDS In 2012, the Naresh Chandra Task Force recommended that post of a permanent chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC) should be created.  The CoSC comprises chiefs of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. The senior-most among them would act as the chairman. Tax Administration Part of: Mains GS-II - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. In News All notices and orders of Income Tax Department issued on or after the 1st of October, 2019 shall carry a computer-generated Document Identification Number (DIN) It was found that majority of IT notices/orders have been issued manually, without maintaining a proper audit trail of such communication The initiative of DIN is intended to maintain proper audit trail of all such communication from IT department Under exceptional cases where manual communication is required to be issued, the reason for issue of manual communication without DIN has to be specified alongwith the date of obtaining written approval of the Chief Commissioner / Director General of Income-Tax. This is step taken by CBDT will bring greater transparency in the functioning of the tax-administration and improvement in service delivery Competition Law Review Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS II - Governance In News The Government constituted a Competition Law Review Committee on 1st October, 2018 to review the existing Competition law framework and make recommendations to further strengthen the framework to inter alia meet new economy challenges. The Committee was chaired by Shri Injeti Srinivas  The committee has submitted its report and some of its key recommendation are: Introduction of a ‘Green Channel’ for combination notifications to enable fast-paced regulatory approvals for majority of mergers and acquisitions having not much adverse effects on competition. Introducing a dedicated bench in NCLAT for hearing appeals under the Competition Act Introduction of express provisions to identify ‘hub and spoke’ agreements as well as agreements that do not fit within typical horizontal or vertical anti-competitive structures to cover agreements related to business structures and models synonymous with new age markets. CCI to issue guidelines on imposition of penalty to ensure more transparency and faster decision making which will encourage compliance by businesses. Strengthening the governance structure of CCI with the introduction of a Governing Board to oversee advocacy and quasi-legislative functions, leaving adjudicatory functions to the Whole-time Members. Merging DG’s Office with CCI as an ‘Investigation Division’ as it aids CCI in discharging an inquisitorial rather than adversarial mandate. However, functional autonomy must be protected. Opening of CCI offices at regional level to carry out non-adjudicatory functions such as research, advocacy etc. and interaction with State Governments and State regulators. Do You know? Competition Act, 2002 provided for the establishment of a Commission to prevent practices having adverse effect on competition, to promote and sustain competition in markets, to protect the interests of consumers and to ensure freedom of trade carried on by other participants in markets, in India. The 2002 act replaces “The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969” Microplastics Part of: Mains GS III- Environmental Conservation In News Tiny pieces of plastic (shreds less than 5mm in length ) was found in Arctic snow and the Alps The research predicts that microplastic particles are transported tremendous distances through the atmosphere. These particles are later washed out of the air by precipitation, particularly snow. The team’s hypothesis for airborne transportation builds on past research conducted on pollen, where experts confirmed that pollen from near the equator ends up in the Arctic. Similarly, dust from the Sahara desert can cover thousands of kilometres and end up in northeast Euro. The study raises concern as to whether and how much plastic we’re inhaling. (MAINS FOCUS) DEFENCE/SECURITY 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: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate. Office of the Chief of Defence Staff  Context: In his Independence Day address Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff to provide “effective leadership at the top level” to the three wings of the armed forces, and to help improve coordination among them. What is the office of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)? The CDS is a high military office that oversees and coordinates the working of the three Services, and offers seamless tri-service views and single-point advice to the Executive (in India’s case, to the Prime Minister) on long-term defence planning and management, including manpower, equipment and strategy, and above all, “joints manship” in operations. In most democracies, the CDS is seen as being above inter-Service rivalries and the immediate operational preoccupations of the individual military chiefs. The role of the CDS becomes critical in times of conflict. Most countries with advanced militaries have such a post, albeit with varying degrees of power and authority. The United States Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), for example, is extremely powerful, with a legislated mandate and sharply delineated powers. He is the most senior military officer and military adviser to the President, and his remit extends to the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and the Defence Secretary. Why had India not appointed a CDS until now? India has had a feeble equivalent known as the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC); but this is a toothless office, given the manner in which it is structured.  The senior most among the three Service Chiefs is appointed to head the CoSC, an office that lapses with the incumbent’s retirement. The current Chairman CoSC is Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, who succeeded the former Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba on May 31.  When ACM Dhanoa retires at the end of September 2019, he would have served as Chairman CoSC for a mere four months. In 2015, then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had described the CoSC arrangement as “unsatisfactory”, and its Chairman as a “figurehead”. The post did not further tri-service integration, resulting in inefficiency and an expensive duplication of assets The CoSC system is a leftover from the colonial era, with only minor changes being carried out over the years. Apprehensions in the political class about a powerful military leader, along with inter-Services bickering, have long worked to dis incentivise the upgrade of the post. Background: The first proposal for a CDS came from the 2000 Kargil Review Committee (KRC), which called for a reorganisation of the “entire gamut of national security management and apex decision-making and structure and interface between the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces Headquarters”.  The Group of Ministers Task Force that studied the KRC Report and recommendations proposed to the Cabinet Committee on Security that a CDS, who would be five-star officer, be created. In preparation for the post, the government created the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) in late 2002, which was to eventually serve as the CDS’s Secretariat. However, over the past 17 years, this has remained yet another nebulous department within the military establishment. But what happened to the proposal? No consensus emerged among the Services, with the IAF especially opposed to such a move. The Congress, then in opposition, was against the idea of concentrating too much military power in the CDS’s post.  The Ministry of Defence (MoD) too, opposed it subtly for the same reasons, and because it could disrupt civil-military ties in the latter’s favour. The smaller Air Force and Navy fear that the CDS would be from the Army, by far the largest Service. The IAF has long argued that unlike the United States and other western militaries, the Indian Services are not an expeditionary force, for which a CDS is a necessity.  The appointment of a CDS would also lead to theatre commands, another aspect that the IAF opposes, fearing a diminution of its operational role. In 2011, more than a decade after the KRC Report, the UPA government, led by the Congress, which had opposed the CDS proposal when in opposition, set up the Naresh Chandra Committee on defence and security.  The 14-member Committee, comprising retired Service Chiefs and other defence experts, suggested a watered-down version of the CDS proposal, in which the Chairman CoSC in the rank of a four-star officer would have a fixed tenure of two years.  He would have significantly more authority and powers than the Chairman CoSC, and would be a CDS in all but name. What is the case for having a CDS? Although the KRC did not directly recommend a CDS — that came from the GoM — it underlined the need for more coordination among the three Services, which was poor in the initial weeks of the Kargil conflict. The KRC Report pointed out that India is the only major democracy where the Armed Forces Headquarters is outside the apex governmental structure. It observed that Service Chiefs devote most of their time to their operational roles, “often resulting in negative results”. Long-term defence planning suffers as day-to-day priorities dominate.  Also, the Prime Minister and Defence Minister do not have the benefit of the views and expertise of military commanders, in order to ensure that higher level defence management decisions are more consensual and broad based. The CDS is also seen as being vital to the creation of “theatre commands”, integrating tri-service assets and personnel like in the US military. India has 17 Service commands at different locations and duplicating assets. In 2016, China integrated its military and other police and paramilitaries into five theatres from the earlier seven area commands, each with its own inclusive headquarters, one of which has responsibility for the Indian border. In contrast, India’s border with China is split between the Eastern, Western, and Northern Commands. What are the arguments against? Theoretically, the appointment of a CDS is long overdue, but there appears to be no clear blueprint for the office to ensure its effectiveness. India’s political establishment is seen as being largely ignorant of, or at best indifferent towards, security matters, and hence incapable of ensuring that a CDS works. Militaries by nature tend to resist transformation. In the US, the 1986 Goldwater-Nichols Act elevated the Chairman from first among equals to the “principal military advisor” to the President and the Secretary of Defence. In the Indian context, critics fear, the absence of foresight and understanding might end up making the CDS just another case of “jobs for the boys”. Who at present advises India’s Prime Minister on military matters? In effect it is the National Security Adviser. This has been especially so after the Defence Planning Committee was created in 2018, with NSA Ajit Doval as its chairman, and the foreign, defence, and expenditure secretaries, and the three Service Chiefs as members. Connecting the dots: To what extent do you think India needs a chief of defence staff at the apex level to take the responsibility of decision making under critical and necessary conditions. Differentiate between defence forces, paramilitary forces and central armed police forces. Discuss the Pros and Cons for the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff? HEALTH TOPIC: General studies 2: Governance | Issues relating to development & management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources Measles Context: India ranked 4th and, according to WHO, has around 2.3 million children who remain unvaccinated for measles. Concern: Globally, 20 million children did not receive measles vaccination in 2018. India had the highest incidence rate—76.4 per million population—for measles amongst children under the age of one between July 2018-June 2019. However, the overall number of children having the disease fell to 24,076 (January-June 2019) from 69,391 in 2018. Spread of Measles and Rubella in India According to latest Global Measles and Rubella Update, India had 56,399 confirmed measles cases and 1,066 confirmed rubella cases in 2018. As per WHO, measles is a leading cause of death in children, with one-third (around 56,000 in 2011) of all measles deaths worldwide happening in India. Rubella causes birth defects, such as irreversible deafness and blindness in nearly 40 thousand children in India every year. At least 220 million children from 30 states and union territories have already been vaccinated under the nationwide campaign that started in 2017. Key notes: The disease is commonly known as German measles (or three-day measles) and is symptomatically similar to measles. It can have devastating consequences if a pregnant mother is infected with it and the foetus may be born with incurable congenital anomalies. Symptoms of the infection can include cataracts and deafness. It can also affect the heart and the brain. The congenital rubella infection is believed to affect approximately 25,000 children born in India every year. Measles vaccine is currently provided under Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). However, rubella vaccine will be a new addition to it. What is Measles? Measles is a deadly disease and one of the important causes of death in children. It is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing of an infected person. It can make a child vulnerable to life threatening complications such as diarrhoea, pneumonia and brain infection.  What is Rubella? Rubella is generally a mild infection, but has serious consequences if infection occurs in pregnant women, causing CRS, which is a cause of public health concern. CRS is characterized by congenital anomalies in the foetus and newborns affecting the eyes (cataract, glaucoma), ears (hearing loss), brain (mental retardation, microcephaly) and heart defects, causing a huge socio-economic burden on the families in particular and society in general.  Recent issues: Delhi High Court put on hold the govt plan for a measles rubella vaccination campaign in schools across the capital, saying the decision did not have the consent of parents. The court’s order introduced a dimension to vaccination — the question of consent — that had not been adequately dealt with earlier. Court’s order said that ‘measles vaccination cannot be administered “forcibly” and without the consent of parents,’ it introduced a dimension to vaccination — the question of consent — that had not been adequately dealt with earlier. Different views on consent Parents: It is settled principle that choice of an individual, even in cases of life-saving medical treatment, is an inextricable part of dignity which ought to be protected. Government: Consent in routine immunisation is implied because it is the parents or members of the family who bring the child to the hospital or healthcare centre. For public good and for a vaccine that is tried and tested, there is ample evidence on safety and efficacy and something which is already a part of the universal immunisation programme, written consent should not be essential. Schools were consciously chosen, rather than health centres or hospitals, because nowhere else can such large numbers of children in the relevant age group be targeted. Global practice: Parental consent should be obtained prior to vaccination. This is the standard practice around the world. Although, World Health Organization recognises oral, written, and implied consent for vaccination, but countries are encouraged to adopt procedures that ensure that parents have been informed and agreed to the vaccination Why India ranks 4th in terms of measles outbreak? Vaccination rates must rise at a large scale, especially, in conflict ridden and poor areas—the worst-hit by plummeting vaccination rates The migration from these regions to other countries, the problem of missing vaccination could truly become universal Poor healthcare infrastructure and awareness The ‘anti-vaxx’ propaganda is emerging as the biggest obstacle. Concrete steps to negate and curb the spread of such propaganda also need to be taken. Connecting the dots: The reported cases and deaths due to the measles are on the rise in comparison with previous years’ records. Discuss the reasons behind it. Also elaborate on what preventive steps should be taken by the government. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Competition Law Review Committee constituted in October 2018 The Committee was chaired by Bimal Jalan The committee proposes introducing a dedicated bench in NCLAT for hearing appeals under the Competition Act The committee also proposes opening of CCI offices in every state to carry out non-adjudicatory functions such as research, advocacy etc. and interaction with State Governments and State regulators. Which of the statement(s) given above is / are incorrect? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Document Identification Number It is an initiative of GST Council  It will bring greater transparency in the functioning of the tax-administration and improvement in service delivery Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements Tiny pieces of plastic (shreds less than 5mm in length) are found in Arctic snow The presence of microplastics in such places suggests that they are being carried around the planet in atmospheric winds, and that we’re breathing them in.  Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ: Micro plastics in Arctic snow point to widespread air contamination  The Hindu Lessons after the great deluge  The Hindu Why WTO needs an interim arbitration body Financial Express Lessons after the great deluge The Hindu

Aug 16, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 50

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 50 Archives Q.1) ‘Operation Golden Victory’ is associated with Yemen Djibouti Sudan Venezuela Q.2) Yemen borders which of the following countries? Saudi Arabia Oman United Arab Emirates Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) ‘Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha’ was established by Mahatma Gnadhi Sardar Vallabhai Patel Jawaharlal Nehru Lokmanya Tilak Q.4) ‘Nalbana Bird Sanctuary’ is located near Kolleru Lake Dal Lake Chilika Lake Nal Sarovar Q.5) ‘Lambahraun lava field’ was in news recently. Where is it located? Iceland Chile Japan New Zealand To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 15, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 15th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 15th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Swachh Survekshan Grameen Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. In News Government launched the 'Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2019', which will be three times bigger in scale than the previous edition of the rural sanitation survey. It's not just a survey but an opportunity to encourage behavioural change and take sanitation to the secondary level, beyond the concept of ODF villages In the first edition in 2018, the survey covered over 6,000 villages across the country. This year the survey aims to cover 18,000 sample villages — approximately 30 per rural district — and take feedback from over 2.5 crore villagers.  The effort is to look beyond toilets and to kick off the Open Defecation Free Plus (ODF+) phase — focussing on solid and liquid waste management The ODF-Plus programme has four verticals -- biodegradable waste management, plastic waste management, greywater (household waste water) management and faecal sludge management. For Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2019, Citizen feedback will account for 35% of the ranking of districts.  Another 30% weightage is being given to direct observations by surveyors from third party Ipsos, who will look at the prevalence of plastic litter and water-logging as well as the availability and usage of toilets.  The remaining 35% will be drawn from service-level progress measuring the final activities of the original Swachh Bharat mission. Do You know? Ever since the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched on Gandhi Jayanti in 2014, its main focus has been on eliminating open defecation by constructing toilets and promoting their usage through widespread behaviour change programmes.  With the October 2, 2019 deadline looming near, and the original goal is almost achieved and the mission is moving on to its next phase (ODF+) Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN). Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS III – Issues in Indian Federalism In News A joint committee of Naga civil society groups has warned the Nagaland government against changing the cut-off date for including people in the RIIN The Nagaland government had, through a notification on June 29, 2019, decided to undertake the exercise to update the RIIN with December 1, 1963, as the cut-off date for inclusion of people in the register. RIIN is a master list of all indigenous inhabitants of the State of Nagaland with the aim of preventing fake indigenous inhabitants’ certificates. Based on detailed survey, it will have records of indigenous residents from rural and urban areas The process will be done as part of the online system of Inner Line Permit (ILP), which is already in force in Nagaland. This provisional list will then be collated and published on the government websites by September 11, 2019 Unique Identity: All indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland would be issued a barcoded indigenous inhabitant certificate Do You know? Nagaland was carved out of Assam as a State on December 1, 1963.  The State government had in April 1977 issued a notification that laid down the criteria for issuing indigenous inhabitant certificates to the residents when the State was formed Inner Line Permit (ILP) is an official travel document required by Indian citizens residing outside certain “protected” states while entering them.  ILP’s origin dates back to the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations, 1873, which protected the British Crown’s interest in tea, oil and elephant trade. It prohibited “British subjects” or Indians from entering into these protected areas.  After Independence, in 1950, the word “British subjects” was replaced by Citizens of India and the focus of the ban on free movement was explained as a bid to protect tribal cultures in north-eastern India. India’s water scarcity challenge Part of: Mains GS III- Environmental Conservation In News India, the world’s largest groundwater user, is seeing levels declining across the country with farmers in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan facing the prospect of having no groundwater left for irrigation by 2025. More than 90% of the rice-wheat areas in north-west India are irrigated using groundwater. Groundwater, the source of 40% of India’s water needs, is depleting at an unsustainable rate, according to Niti Aayog, India accounts for 12% of global groundwater extraction, pumping some 230 billion cubic metres each year. At this rate, by 2030, nearly 60% of the aquifers will be in a critical state. Consecutive years of weak monsoons, massive deforestation, poor rainwater harvesting and pollution of rivers and lakes have led the country to depend on groundwater. https://www.graphicnews.com/en/pages/39416/ENVIRONMENT_India_groundwater_stress Paddy stubble burning Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III – Environment In News Burning of paddy crop residue, one of the major causes of air pollution, declined by 41% last year over 2016-level in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi-NCR with the help of a ₹1,151 crore central scheme. 23 million tonnes of rice residue were being burnt in rice-wheat cropping system (around 4.1 million ha) in this region to clear the field for conventional wheat sowing because of the narrow window (about 10-20 days) between rice harvesting and wheat sowing. Crop residue burning in north-west India contributes to air pollution, health hazards, disruption of transportation, school closures and soil degradation. To tackle this issue, government launched Central Sector Scheme - ‘Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue in the State of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi’ The scheme involved  Distribution of in-situ crop residue management machinery to the farmers on subsidy Establishment of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) of in-situ crop residue management machinery Undertaking Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities for creating awareness among farmer  ICAR is implementing the scheme through 60 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Punjab (22), Haryana (14), Delhi (1) and UP (23). More than 4500 villages in Punjab and Haryana were declared as Zero Stubble Burning Villages during 2018 as not a single crop burning incident was reported from these villages during the year. In addition to the above Scheme, separate funds are being allocated to the States for crop residue management under Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization by the Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) HEALTH TOPIC: General studies 2 and 3 Public Health issues Science and technology: medical research Notifiable disease  Context: A month after Union Health Minister Dr HarshVardhan asked the Delhi government to make malaria and dengue notifiable diseases, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has initiated the work to notify malaria in the capital. What is a Notifiable disease? A Notifiable disease is any disease that is required by law to be reported to government authorities. The collation of information allows the authorities to monitor the disease, and provides early warning of possible outbreaks. The World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations, 1969 require disease reporting to the WHO in order to help with its global surveillance and advisory role. Making a disease legally notifiable by doctors and health professionals allows for intervention to control the spread of highly infectious diseases.  Registered medical practitioners need to notify such diseases in a proper form within three days, or notify verbally via phone within 24 hours depending on the urgency of the situation. Advantages: This means every government hospital, private hospital, laboratories, and clinics will have to report cases of the disease to the government. The process helps the government keep track and formulate a plan for elimination and control. In less infectious conditions, it improves information about the burden and distribution of disease. The Centre has notified several diseases such as cholera, diphtheria, encephalitis, leprosy, meningitis, pertussis (whooping cough), plague, tuberculosis, AIDS, hepatitis, measles, yellow fever, malaria dengue, etc. The onus of notifying any disease and the implementation lies with the state government. Any failure to report a notifiable disease is a criminal offence and the state government can take necessary actions against defaulters. Key notes: According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report titled “India: Health of the Nation’s States”, contribution of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) to total death in the Country was 61.8% in 2016, as compared to 37.9% in 1990. Some examples of common NCDs, i.e. diabetes, hypertension and cancers (Oral, Breast and Cervical cancer) are on the rise in India. Risk factors for NCDs inter alia include ageing, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol and overweight Also In the States of Kerala, Goa and Tamil Nadu, due to epidemiological transition, fewer deaths are recorded for communicable, maternal, neonatal and nutritional diseases, thereby raising the share of NCDs in total deaths Epidemiologic Transition The epidemiologic transition is that process by which the pattern of mortality and disease is transformed from one of high mortality among infants and children to one of degenerative and man-made diseases (such as those attributed to smoking) affecting principally the elderly. Though public health is a State subject, Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Governments.  For example: National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) is being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) The objectives of the programme include health promotion activities and opportunistic screening for common Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including cancer Key components of population-based screening include community-based risk assessment, screening, referral, and follow up of all individuals of 30 years and above for common NCDs The initiative will help in early diagnosis and will generate awareness on risk factors of NCDs. Citing growing occurrence of cancer in India, the Union government sought to enhance the facilities for tertiary care of cancer. The Central Government is implementing Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer facilities scheme to support setting up of State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and Tertiary Care Centres (TCCC) in different parts of the country. Oncology in its various aspects has a focus in case of new AIIMS and many upgraded institutions under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Deendayal outlets have been opened at 159 Institutions/Hospitals with an objective to make available Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases drugs and implants at discounted prices to the patients. Jan Aushadhi stores are set up by the Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide generic medicines at affordable prices. Conclusion: There is a greater need to tailoring strategies not just State by State but in some cases district by district to end the disease. It is also high time that a collective demand for timely provision of amenities is made at the community level and a sense of shared responsibility by the citizenry to ensure that the gains from government’s efforts to reduce the incidence of vector-borne diseases bear fruit. Connecting the dots: Diseases like Dengue and Chikungunya claim many lives every year. The panic generated and the scales of response there on give these diseases the essential characteristics of a disaster. Discuss. Also examine the areas that require immediate attention to address such medical disasters. RIVER/POLLUTION TOPIC: General Studies 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Legal rights to water bodies Context: Giving legal rights to water bodies a great leap forward  There are many more than seven rivers in India.Since there is no proper definition of a river, it is impossible to answer this question. One way to list is in terms of river basins, so that the main river and its tributaries are both included. For Himalayan Rivers, one will then list Indus basin, Ganga basin, Brahmaputra basin, Barak basin and so on. Similarly, in the south, one will list basins of rivers flowing east (Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Mahanadi) and those flowing west (Narmada, Tapti). This still leaves some loose ends, minor rivers along the coast and rivers that don’t drain into oceans. Depending on what is included, there can be more than 100 river basins and more than 600 rivers in the listing. Rivers now have legal rights. Background: In a way, it started with some rivers in Victoria. Then, in 2017, we had the Whanganui river in New Zealand and Ganga and Yamuna.  Because of news reports, most people know what the Uttarakhand High Court said in March 2017, though there is now a stay because of an appeal before the Supreme Court.  All the Hindus have deep Astha in rivers Ganga and Yamuna, and they collectively connect with these rivers Accordingly, while exercising the parens patrie jurisdiction, the Rivers Ganga and Yamuna, all their tributaries, streams, every natural water flowing with flow continuously or intermittently of these rivers, are declared as juristic/legal persons/living entities having the status of a legal person with all corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of a living person in order to preserve and conserve river Ganga and Yamuna The Director NAMAMI Gange, the Chief Secretary of the State of Uttarakhand and the Advocate General of the State of Uttarakhand are hereby declared persons in loco parentis as the human face to protect, conserve and preserve Rivers Ganga and Yamuna and their tributaries.  These Officers are bound to uphold the status of Rivers Ganges and Yamuna and also to promote the health and well-being of these rivers.” Ganga and Yamuna obtained legal rights, but as minors. They needed guardians. Granting legal rights to rivers (and water bodies) opens up a new area of environmental jurisprudence. Why did Ganga and Yamuna need legal rights? The core issue is pollution.  Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) brings out reports on water quality in our rivers. Strictly speaking, these are measures of water quality along stretches of rivers. There is actually a hierarchy of pollution, based on levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). One can legitimately argue BOD is at best a partial indicator. T There are other measures of a river’s well-being. If BOD values exceed 8 milligrams per litre, the river will be regarded as severely polluted. Between Wazirabad and Okhla, Yamuna has a BOD level of 32, 55 and 70, at three different places. Between Kala Amb and Narayan Garh, Markanda river in Haryana has a BOD value of 590.  Similarly, there are also lists of most polluted rivers in India and these lists will typically include Ganga, Yamuna, Sabarmati, Oshiwara and Damodar. More often than not, these lists are based on CPCB findings and therefore mean stretches of rivers, not entire rivers.  Somewhat more rarely, there are also lists of cleanest rivers in the world and cleanest rivers in India. For instance, stretches of Chambal, Narmada, Brahmaputra, Umngot, Teesta and Tuipui are remarkably clean. What is the reason of Ill-being of rivers? Ill-being of rivers is primarily due to raw sewage and industrial waste. Neither problem is new. In Britain, a Royal Commission on Sewage Disposal was established in 1898. Between 1901 and 1915, this produced ten reports Kashi Ganga Prasadini Sabha, established by concerned citizens of Varanasi in 1886. The Sabha’s objective was to introduce drainage and clean up the river.  The Royal Commission and Namami Gange are primarily about what government does. (Namami Gange does have a public awareness component.) The Sabha was about what citizens did and in addition to the government bit, the citizen bit is also needed. Connecting the dots: Why haven’t the efforts to clean the polluted rivers in India succeeded so far? Examine by taking the case study of the river Ganga? Do you think according the status of ‘living entity’ to rivers would help in their rejuvenation? 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) Inner Line Permit is operational in which of the following states Mizoram Nagaland Manipur Arunachal Pradesh Tripura Select the correct answer from the codes given below 1,2 and 3 only 1,2,4 and 5 only 1,2 and 4 only 1,2,3,4 and 5 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) RIIN is a master list of all indigenous inhabitants of the State of Nagaland with the aim of preventing fake indigenous inhabitants’ certificates. The list was published when the state of Nagaland was carved out of Assam in 1963  Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements Groundwater is the source of 40% of India’s water needs  More than 90% of the rice-wheat areas in north-west India are irrigated using groundwater. Consecutive years of weak monsoons, massive deforestation, poor rainwater harvesting and pollution of rivers and lakes have led the country to depend on groundwater. Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Must Read: Whether we will survive ought to be our foremost concern Live Mint A reality check on India’s renewable energy capacity The Hindu How does negative rate policy work? Indian Express Let’s draw lines in water The Indian express

Aug 15, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 49

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 49 Archives Q.1) ‘Golden Butterfly’ which was in news recently is a variety of Tea Coffee Cotton Rice Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘AKRUTI’ It enables and empowers villages with eco-sustainable Science & Technology based work plan for Techno-economic growth. It is an initiative by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements  Operation Thunderbird is code-name of INTERPOL’s multinational and multi-species enforcement operation for wildlife protection Operation Save Kurma is a specific operation on Mangroves Select the correct statement 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Sigur Plateau’ was recently in news. Where is it located? South Karnataka Southern Slope of Vindhyas Vidarbha region of Maharashtra Nilgiris Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Raibenshe’  It is a genre of Indian folk martial dance performed by male only It is primarily performed in Arunachal Pradesh 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

Aug 14, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 14th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 14th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Perseids Meteor shower Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-I - Geography In News The Perseid meteors appears as streaks of light in the sky.  These start around every year around late July and will peak on August 12 night to August 13.  The meteor shower appears as the Earth passes through the cosmic dust left by the comet Swift-Tuttle. The Perseids are widely sought after by astronomers and stargazers because most years at its peak, one can see 60 to 100 meteors in an hour from a dark place.  They are visible in the Northern Hemisphere and can be viewed in skies all across.  As NASA explains, Meteor showers take their name from the location of the radiant. The Perseid radiant is in the constellation Perseus.  For example, the Geminid meteor shower, which is observed each December, is named for a radiant in the onstellation Gemini. Repo-linked deposit and lending rates Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS II- Indian Economy In News Public sectors banks(PSB) SBI, Syndicate Bank, Bank of India, Union Bank and Allahabad Bank have announced to link their deposits and loans to the repo rate. The RBI has been looking at various ways in which banks can be made to transmit repo rate cuts to depositors and borrowers. Given that banks source only about 1 per cent of their funds from RBI’s repo window and the bulk of deposits from the public, PSBs used to complain that they cannot slash their lending rates unless their deposit rates also reduced. Curbing inflation or stimulating growth by raising or lowering the repo rate is the key objective of monetary policy. However, hikes or reductions in the repo rate by India’s Monetary Policy Committee have had only a marginal impact on the economy because of the partial transmission of these cuts by banks. This action of PSBs linking savings account interest rates to the repo rate partly solves this problem of transmission of rate cuts by RBI Using an external benchmark like the repo rate makes the process more transparent to retail borrowers and depositors. On the flip side, both savings bank account and loan rates will swing with the repo rate making it volatile. Concern: SBI, for instance, applies it only to depositors who have a balance of over Rs 1 lakh in their savings accounts. This make up less than 10% of its deposit base and is bound to lead to partial transmission. Do You know? Repo Rate is the rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks Decrease in deposit rate will discourage people to deposit their savings in bank deposits and instead adopt informal channels like gold.  Decrease in lending rate will boost credit uptake and increase the investment & production activity in an economy. Regulatory sandbox Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS III- Economy In News The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the final framework for regulatory sandbox A regulatory sandbox usually refers to live testing of new products or services in a controlled/test regulatory environment for which regulators may permit certain regulatory relaxations for the limited purpose of the testing. The objective of the sandbox was to foster responsible innovation in financial services, promote efficiency and bring benefit to consumers. RBI will launch the sandbox for entities that meet the criteria of minimum net worth of ₹25 lakh as per their latest audited balance sheet The entity should either be a company incorporated and registered in the country or banks licensed to operate in India. While money transfer services, digital know-your customer, financial inclusion and cybersecurity products are included, crypto currency, credit registry and credit information have been left out. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III – Indian Economy In News Centre had recently amended the Company Law to make CSR spend mandatory for companies. It also stipulated that non-compliance could be treated as a criminal offence and attract penalties. A High-Level Committee CSR constituted in Sep 2018 under the chairmanship of Injeti Srinivas to review the existing framework on CSR has submitted its report Some of its recommendations include CSR spends should be eligible for tax deduction under the income tax law. Currently, income tax law does not allow CSR spends as tax deductible amount. Allowing the carry-forward of unspent balance for a period of 3-5 years Aligning Schedule 7 of the Companies Act (which outlines the kinds of activities that qualify as CSR) with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Companies having CSR-prescribed amount below ₹50 lakh may be exempted from constituting a CSR Committee Violation of CSR compliance may be made a civil offence and shifted to the penalty regime. Introducing impact assessment studies for CSR obligations of ₹5 crore Registration of implementation agencies on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal RENEWABLE ENERGY TOPIC: General Studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation Infrastructure: Energy Indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Solar energy-KUSUM scheme Concern: The World Bank predicts that around 60% of the aquifers in India will be in a critical state by 2032 if we do not change the current practice of overexploitation of groundwater for irrigation. Large-scale deployment of solar pumps, without a comprehensive plan to monitor and control water usage, is likely to make this prediction a reality Renewable energy: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) recently rolled out a massive solar-pump programme called the PM-KUSUM scheme. The scheme has a target to set up 25,750 megawatts (MW) solar capacity by 2022 to power irrigation pumps, with central financial support of Rs 34,422 crore. It includes installation of 1.75 million off-grid and 1 million on-grid solar pumps as well as 10,000 MW of solar capacity in rural areas through decentralised ground-mounted plants of 0.5 MW to 2 MW capacity. These plants will be used to solarise the rural grid. This rapid transition is possible because the scheme makes buying pumps extremely affordable for medium-sized and large farmers. With 30% subsidy from the central and state government each and provision to take bank loans for 30% of the cost, farmers have to sell out only 10% of the cost to buy solar pumps Positives of the scheme: It increases farmers’ income in the short term.  As solar power is cheaper than diesel, in states like Bihar, where farmers largely use diesel pumps, off-grid solar pumps will reduce the cost of irrigation significantly. This will allow farmers to grow more crops, even the water-intensive ones, at a lower cost of cultivation, thereby increasing income. In Punjab, where electric pumps dominate and the power subsidy to the agricultural sector is about `7000 crore annually, solarisation of agriculture feeders will reduce the subsidy burden significantly.  Farmers’ income will also be augmented by selling electricity from solar plants on to the discoms. The most important part of the solar pump is that the solar cycle matches the irrigation cycle. Farmers will get assured irrigation for at least six hours during day time, and they don’t have to remain awake at night to irrigate their farms (grid supply is more assured at night in most states). Negatives of the Scheme: Over exploitation of groundwater: a high possibility of overuse of these pumps, leading to groundwater depletion.  The KUSUM scheme fails to promote efficient irrigation and incorporate explicit and strict measures against groundwater exploitation.  The scheme only mentions exploring the possibility of its convergence with state-level schemes for promoting the micro-irrigation systems and energy-efficient pumps instead of mandating the same In the case of solarisation of agriculture feeders, the implications can be even more disastrous. Currently, states like Punjab and Haryana bear a huge burden of agriculture power subsidy.  With solar power predicted to be at least 30% cheaper, the subsidy burden is likely to reduce significantly. This means that the state governments have even less incentive to increase agriculture tariff to conserve water when the grid is solarised. Thus, the gross overexploitation of groundwater is likely to continue. Few points to consider improving the design of the scheme: One, the central government could push massive irrigation reforms in states through this scheme. For instance, KUSUM should only be extended to states willing to take strong measures to improve irrigation efficiency and control exploitation of groundwater. Two, it must mandate micro-irrigation for solar pump beneficiaries. Groundwater extraction must be closely monitored and strict mandates on pump size and bore-well depth must be set. Supporting low water-intensive crops in water-scare regions, too, is crucial. Three, deployment of off-grid solar pumps must be restricted to areas where the grid has not reached and groundwater is abundant. Even in groundwater-abundant areas, off-grid solar pumps must be used for rural electrification or developed into community-based water sale models to maximise utilisation and reduce water wastage. Four, solarisation of rural feeders should be the preferred solution, given that it is most economical and provides additional income to farmers. However, this should be accompanied by a gradual increase in electricity tariffs, which is crucial to control groundwater exploitation and reduce the burden of agricultural subsidy. Last, given the central role of discoms, electricity regulators need to ensure that solar pumps and decentralised plants are allowed to evacuate power to the grids easily and payments are made to the farmers regularly. Conclusion: Renewable energy is clean energy, but it doesn’t always lead to green solutions. For clean energy to become green, solutions must be comprehensively designed in an integrated manner. Connecting the dots: What is the essence of ‘energy conservation’ in today’s time period? Examine the role of energy in one’s life with respect to sustainability of that source Discuss the challenges in implementing KUSUM scheme and suggest the measures for the same. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) ECONOMY TOPIC: General studies 3 Economy and development; Intellectual Property Rights Context: Geographical indication can boost agriculture exports Concern:  The key concern is the value of agri-imports has surged by four percentage points, touching an all-time high of $25 billion in FY18, which can possibly surpass the value of agri-exports, thus making India a net agri-importer.  Geographical indication: An initiative India should take is branding agri-products through steps such as geographical indication (GI), especially for organically-produced commodities that would realise higher returns in global markets.  Establishing effective agricultural brands can help farmers gain a competitive advantage in ‘buyer-driven’ global markets.  Some globally recognised brands (California almonds, Chilean wines, Swiss chocolates) enjoy a high stature in their respective product groups. Branded items usually fetch better price and can lead to brand loyalty, and are seen as a move towards a strong customer base. Branding adds value by differentiating the product and also because of the consumer perception that such products are of superior quality than unbranded ones What is Geographical Indication? Geographical Indication is a genre of Intellectual Property. GI tag is an insignia on products having a unique geographical origin and evolution over centuries with regards to its special quality or reputation attributes. The status to the products marks its authenticity and ensures that registered authorised users are allowed to use the popular product name. These could be naturally grown crops like Assam Chilies or manufactured products like Jaipur Pottery. GI tags are given on the basis of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The registration of GI is valid for 10 years after which it needs to be renewed. Violation of GI tags is punishable offence under law.  What are the benefits of a GI Tag? Legal protection to the products Prevents unauthorised use of a GI tag products by others Helps consumers to get quality products of desired traits Promotes economic prosperity of producers of GI tag goods by enhancing their demand in national and international markets. The GI tag allows the producers of the objects to claim a premium for their products.Thus, it is financially beneficial to them. The GI tag can also pique interest of consumers and thus raise demand for a product again benefiting the producer.  What are the legalities related to GI Tag? It is covered as an element of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. At international level, GI is governed by World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. This Act is administered by Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, who is also Registrar of Geographical Indications and is based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. India and GI Tag: India has about 300 registered GIs, but few have been used for commercial value addition. Two of India’s well-known GIs are Darjeeling tea and Basmati rice, but both seem to be minuscule in terms of market impact when compared with, say, Chilean wine or Danish cheese.  While a programme to promote branding and commercialisation of GI products for exports has been initiated in the Directorate General of Foreign Trade policies during 2015-20, it is pertinent to take it to the next level. What lessons can also be learnt from other countries in promoting brands: Many countries have opted for clustering, which is at the root of branding agricultural commodities and adding value to products.  For example, France started this for wine, and soon after many other countries followed—Japan for Kobe beef, Colombia for Juan Valdez coffee and New Zealand for Manuka honey. A celebrated example is that of Malaysia for having implemented commodity branding programme called Malaysia’s Best. It is an umbrella brand for selected horticultural products that guarantee quality and safety in accordance with Malaysian standards and good agricultural practices. Aggressive branding of agri-products is that government support, if given, would be WTO-compliant as it is placed under the ‘green box’ instead of ‘amber box’.  Currently, India supports agri-exporters through duty drawback and under the Merchandise Export from India Scheme, which may carry the risk of being WTO non-compliant. It goes without saying that adequate budgetary allocations towards aggressive branding and packaging can encourage producers and exporters. Conclusion: An initiative India should take is branding agri-products through steps such as geographical indication. An increased thrust on agricultural exports is well documented in the Agriculture Export Policy 2018, and is also visible through alterations in the tariffs and non-tariffs measures. Connecting the dots: Discuss the benefits and problems of GI tag? How geographical indication can boost agriculture exports. Explain? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Perseids Meteor shower They occur every year during December  The meteor shower appears as the Earth passes through the cosmic dust left by the comet Swift-Tuttle. They are visible in the Northern Hemisphere and can be viewed in skies all across. Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 and 2only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following statements  Reverse repo Rate is the rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks Repo-linked deposit and lending rates will bring transparency in bank rates and leads to quick transmission of monetary policy rate cuts. Decrease in bank deposit rate will lead to increase in formalisation of economy Which of the statement(s) given above is / are incorrect? 1 and 2only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Regulatory sandbox It refers to live testing of new products or services in a controlled/test regulatory environment for which regulators may permit certain regulatory relaxations for the limited purpose of the testing RBI will launch the sandbox for entities involved in money transfer services, digital know-your customer, crypto currency, credit registry and credit information. Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Injeti Srinivas Committee appointed by Union Government deals with which of the following issues? Recapitalization of Public Sector banks Economic Capital Framework for RBI Cryptocurrency Reviewing of Corporate Social Responsibility MUST READ: The contours of the Kashmir move The Hindu Biodiversity in the time of deluge The Hindu India must recycle or reuse water and adopt conservation methods now Financial Express National Education Policy needs more extensive reforms to succeed Financial Express

Aug 14, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 48

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 48 Archives Q.1) Which of the following is/are correctly matched? Kobani – Syria Deir ez-Zor – Yemen Raqqa – Palestine Select the correct code: 1 Only 1 and 2 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) ‘Warsaw International Mechanism’ is associated with Climate Change Disaster Risk Reduction Proliferation of missile and unmanned aerial vehicle technology Chemical and biological weapons Q.3) Which of the following is/are correctly matched?          Water Bodies     Country Aral Sea – Turkey Lake Baikal – Hungary Markermeer Lake – Netherlands Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only 2 and 3  3 Only Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Criminal Tribes Act’ The term, ‘De-notified and Nomadic Tribes’, can be traced to this Act It was repealed in 1952 and the Habitual Offenders Act was enacted in its place. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Mekedatu dam project’ which is often seen is news is being built across which of the following rivers? Cauvery Mandovi Krishna Godavari To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 13, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 13th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 13th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Arctic wildfires Part of: Mains GS-II – Environmental Conservation In News Wildfires ravaging parts of the Arctic are threatening to accelerate the melting of ice and permafrost -- the permanently frozen ground layer -- releasing greenhouse gases stored for thousands of years. Although wildfires are frequent in the northern hemisphere between May and October, scientists estimate the magnitude of this season’s burn is higher than any other in the 16-year-record Fires are burning farther north, and scientists worry the forest fires are igniting peat fires.  Peat stores large amounts of carbon, which is burning and releasing record amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. As the planet warms, more and more frozen peat and permafrost has thawed, releasing large amounts of carbon.  Permafrost: Frozen soil, rock and plant material remaining below 0oC for atleast two years. As permafrost thaws, microbes decompose organic material releasing Carbon dioxide and methane into atmosphere. https://www.graphicnews.com/en/pages/39404/DISASTERS-Arctic-wildfires_infographic Tardigrades Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS III - Environment In News Tardigrades may have survived spacecraft crashing on moon The Israeli spacecraft called Beresheet was meant to be the first private lander to touch down on the moon.   However, mission controllers lost contact in April which led the spacecraft to crash onto moon. Now it's been revealed that the mission was carrying a cargo of dehydrated microscopic lifeforms known as tardigrades which may have survived the crash. Tardigrades are a phylum of water-dwelling eight-legged segmented micro-animals. They are colloquially known as water bears or moss piglets.  They are tiny animals that can withstand extreme temperatures, extreme dryness, and lack of food. They can withstand both the vacuum of space, and pressure as powerful as that at the deepest point in Earth’s ocean. They are also resistant to radiation Translocation of Buffaloes Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS II – Environmental Conservation In News Five female wild buffaloes will travel more than 1,500 km crossing five States from Manas National Park in Assam to the Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh This is being done to help revive the waning population of Chhattisgarh’s State animal and expand its territory across States. With just nine buffaloes, including three females, left in the Udanti Wildlife sanctuary, their revival across central India, a historical habitat, rests on hassle-free translocation, successful breeding and subsequent restocking of other habitats in the region The estimated population of the wild buffaloes (Bubalus arnee) in the Northeast is around 3,000-4,000, the largest in the country and accounting for 92% of the world population.  It is listed under Schedule 1 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and classified as endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species,  PM-JAY Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II - Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health  In News Cancer treatments will soon be covered under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) PM-JAY is the Central Government’s health insurance scheme that aims to give medical cover to over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families of approximately 50 crore beneficiaries. The scheme provides insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.  So far, 16,000 hospitals have been empanelled, nearly 34 lakh beneficiaries have been admitted, and 9 crore e-cards have been issued. Government figures note that the estimated number of people living with cancer stands at around 2.25 million, with over 11 lakh new cancer patients registered each year. In India, the risk of developing cancer before the age of 75 years for males stands at 9.81% and females at 9.42%. Total deaths due to cancer in 2018 was 7,84,821 (Men: 4,13,519; Women: 3,71,302). Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in India, followed by breast cancer and oral cancers. Government realised that cancer care costs were causing massive financial crisis among people and thus aims to bring cancer within the fold of PM-JAY (MAINS FOCUS) ETHICS Topic: general studies 4 Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption. Rooting AI in ethics Context: A technology should be evaluated both on the basis of its utility and the intention of its creator. We can intuitively recognise whether an action is ethical or not. Let us look at the theoretical basis of understanding ethics with an example. A cigarette company wants to decide on launching a new product, whose primary feature is reduced tar. It plans to tell customers that the lower tar content is a ‘healthier’ option. This is only half true. In reality, a smoker may have to inhale more frequently from a cigarette with lower tar to get the flavour of a regular cigarette. Let us analyse this from three dominant ethical perspectives: First, the egoistic perspective states that we take actions that result in the greatest good for oneself. The cigarette company is likely to sell more cigarettes, assuming that the new product wins over more new customers. From an egoistic perspective, hence, the company should launch the new cigarette. Second, the utilitarian perspective states that we take actions that result in the greatest good for all. Launching the new cigarette is good for the company. The new brand of cigarette also provides a ‘healthier’ choice for smokers. And more choice is good for customers. Hence, the company should launch the product. The egoistic and utilitarian perspectives together form the ‘teleological perspective’, where the focus is on the results that achieve the greatest good. Third, the ‘deontological perspective’, on the other hand, focuses more on the intention of the maker than the results. The company deceives the customer when it says that the new cigarette is ‘healthier’. Knowingly endangering the health of humans is not an ethical intention. So, the company should not launch this cigarette. The flawed facial recognition system: In the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI), most commercially available AI systems are optimised using the teleological perspectives and not the deontological perspective.  Let us analyse a facial recognition system, a showcase for AI’s success.  An AI system introduced in 2015 with much fanfare in the U.S. failed to recognise faces of African Americans with the same accuracy as those of Caucasian Americans.  Google, the creator of this AI system, quickly took remedial action. However, from a teleological perspective, this flawed AI system gets a go ahead.  According to the 2010 census, Caucasian Americans constitute 72.4% of the country’s population. So an AI system that identifies Caucasian American faces better is useful for a majority of Internet users in the U.S., and to Google. From a deontological perspective, the system should have been rejected as its intention probably was not to identify people from all races, which would have been the most ethical aim to have.  Social media is not the only context where AI facial recognition systems are used today. These systems are increasingly being used for law enforcement. Imagine the implications of being labelled a threat to public safety just because limited data based on one’s skin colour was used to train the AI system Ethical basis of AI The ethical basis of AI, for the most part, rests outside the algorithm The bias is in the data used to train the algorithm. It stems from our own flawed historical and cultural perspectives — sometimes unconscious — that contaminate the data.  It is also in the way we frame the social and economic problems that the AI algorithm tries to solve. An ethical basis resting on both teleological and deontological perspectives gives us more faith in a system. Sometimes, even an inclusive intention may need careful scrutiny.  For instance, Polaroid’s ID-2 camera, introduced in the 1960s, provided quality photographs of people with darker skin. However, later, reports emerged that the company developed this for use in dompas, an identification document black South Africans were forced to carry during apartheid. Conclusion: Understanding and discussing the ethical basis of AI is important for India. Reports suggest that the NITI Aayog is ready with a ₹7,500 crore plan to invest in building a national capability and infrastructure.  The transformative capability of AI in India is huge, and must be rooted in an egalitarian ethical basis.  Any institutional framework for AI should have a multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder approach, and have an explicit focus on the ethical basis. Connecting the dots: With great power comes great responsibility. Technology is in itself just a tool; what matters is how we use it.” Discuss in the context of AI. Can Artificial Intelligence become a potential threat to economy? Examine. Disputes arising from Artificial Intelligence (AI) use are governed by archaic laws, which do not address issues like data privacy, consumer protection and labour liability. Comment. Means are as important as ends in ethics. Do you agree? Elucidate. ECONOMY/INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TOPIC: General studies 2 & 3 Important International institutions, agencies and forums, their structure, mandate. Indian Growth & Economy Economic Developments. Global recession: Context: Researchers at Morgan Stanley have alerted that if US and China continue to heap increasing tariff and non-tariff barriers over the next four to six months, the world economy could enter a recession within the next three quarter. The last massive downward spiral in the global economy happened in the wake of the great financial crisis of 2008 and continued till 2010. What is a global recession? In an economy, a recession happens when output declines for two successive quarters (that is, six months). However, for a global recession, institutions such as the International Monetary Fund tend to look at more than just a weakness in the economic growth rate; instead, they look at a widespread impact in terms of the impact on employment or demand for oil etc.  The long-term global growth average is 3.5 per cent. The recession threshold is 2.5 per cent. What has triggered the alarm? On August 1, trade tensions between the two biggest economies of the world escalated further when the US announced that it would impose 10 per cent tariff on imports from China. These measures are to come in to effect on September 1. In retaliation, China threatened to take countermeasures. The US has also declared China a “currency manipulator”. In other words, the US accuses China of deliberately weakening the yuan to make Chinese exports to the US more attractive and undercut the effect of increased tariffs that the US is employing. The renewed trade tensions threaten to derail the already struggling global economy.  For instance, the global manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index and new orders sub-index have contracted for the second consecutive month in July; they are already at a seven-year low. Further, the global capital expenditure cycle has “ground to a halt”; since that start of 2018, there’s been a sharp fall-off in nominal capital goods imports growth. Central banks around the world are cutting interest rate in a bid to shore up global economic activity. To some extent, that cheap money policy is countering the adverse impacts of trade wars and all-round global uncertainty, thanks to Brexit and geopolitical tensions in West Asia, and between the US and North Korea. How do higher tariffs affect growth? According to Morgan Stanley, two-thirds of the goods being lined up for increased tariffs are consumer goods.  Higher tariffs are not only likely to douse demand but, most crucially, hit business confidence.  The apprehension is that the latest US tariffs and similar countermeasures by China could start a negative cycle wherein businesses do not feel confident to invest more, given the lower demand for consumer goods.  Reduced capital investment would reflect in fewer jobs, which, in turn, will show up in reduced wages and eventually lower aggregate demand in the world. Conclusion: What makes this scenario tricky is that fact that monetary policy is already loose. Ideally, the global economy should not risk reaching a recession at a time when the monetary levers may not have a lot to offer. In fact, at present, the trade tensions and uncertainty is negating the positives that a cheap money policy could provide to the world economy. Connecting the dots: Discuss the global recession and its impact on various sectors of Indian economy (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Permafrost It is frozen soil, rock and plant material remaining below 0oC for at least two decades.  As permafrost thaws, microbes decompose organic material releasing Carbon dioxide and methane into atmosphere Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Tardigrades Tardigrades are a phylum of water-dwelling eight-legged segmented micro-animals commonly known as water bears or moss piglets They are rapidly disappearing from earth due to global warming as they are sensitive to temperature changes Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which State of India? Orissa Madhya Pradesh Jharkhand Chhattisgarh Q.4) Consider the following statements about Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana under Ayushman Bharat Yojana The scheme provides insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation It is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% contribution from Centre Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ A bitter harvest that we could still prevent Live mint Why lower fiscal deficit isn’t always good news  The Indian Express An abrogation of democratic principles  The Hindu There is a fundamental problem of demand today.  The Indian Express

Aug 13, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 47

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 47 Archives Q.1) ‘Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) initiative’ is launched by the  Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) NITI Aayog Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas  World Health Organisation Q.2) ‘Total Polar Compounds (TPC)’ is primarily associated with monitoring of the quality of Seafood Oil Water Air Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Tardigrades’ They can survive extremes of temperature and pressure. It can survive the frigid vacuum of space. 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 ‘National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX)’ It is regulated by Securities and Exchange Board of India. It is a public limited company incorporated in 2003 under the Companies Act, 1956. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity? Bhitarkanika National Park Keibul Lamjao National Park Keoladeo Ghana National Park Sultanpur National Park To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 12, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 46

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 46 Archives Q.1) ‘Strangers to Justice' Report is published by International Court of Justice (ICJ) International Criminal Court (ICC) Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) The Justice Project Q.2) Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?            Dams              State Idukki - Kerala K.R.Sagar – Tami Nadu Srisailam – Andhra Pradesh Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Truthfully labelled seeds’ It refers to self-certified seeds by cultivators and private seed companies. It is banned in India under the Seed Act 1966 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? Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) under the ambit of the goods and services tax (GST) for big commercial jetliners is capped at 18%. GST for airlines that operate on routes chosen for the Udey Desh ka Aam Naagarik (UDAN) scheme is capped at 5%. 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 ‘Holding together federalism’ A country decides to divide its power between the constituent States and the national government is known as holding together federalism. United States of America is an example of ‘Holding together federalism’. 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

Aug 12, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 12th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 12th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Uber for tractors Part of: Mains GS-III - e-technology in the aid of farmers. In News Government to launch app to aid farmers where expensive agricultural equipment can be hired through the mobile application. Successful demo runs has been conducted in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab A laser-guided land leveller harnesses technology to accurately flatten a field in a fraction of the time used by a traditional oxen-powered scraper; Happy Seeder aims to prevent stubble burning that causes air pollution and Solar dryers can help farmers process and preserve their produce Farmers can save precious groundwater and increase productivity by 10 to 15% by using such farm equipment. The hurdle? Such hi-tech machines cost at least ₹3 lakh, way beyond the reach of the average small farmer. There are now more than 38,000 custom hiring centres (CHCs) across the country, which rent out 2.5 lakh pieces of farm equipment every year.  Ministry of Agriculture plans to launch a new mobile app to efficiently connect farmers with these CHCs, just like Uber connects you to cabs The Ministry’s app will also create an invaluable database for policy-makers, who can track the use and cost of equipment. Uranium mining Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS I – Resource distribution In News Joint Forum for People’s Democratic Rights, a civil society group, is protesting against Uranium mining in Nallamala ranges in Andhra Pradesh. Protestors say Uranium mining in the forests would inevitably damage the delicate ecology of the region, and claimed that Chenchu tribes of the region would be immediately affected. The waste is generally buried inside the earth. However, protestors allege government is doing a sub-par job at management and the waste is exposed to human beings and ecology The rains in Nallamala will inevitably end up in Krishna River. If any of the waste washes down into the river, it will pollute the river to a large extent Do You Know? Jaduguda in Singhbhum Thrust Belt (in the state of Jharkhand) is the first uranium deposit to be discovered in India in 1951. Only 3% of power in the country is provided by uranium. Largest viable deposits are found in Australia, Kazakhstan, and Canada. The Chu-Sarysu basin in central Kazakhstan; Olympic Dam and the Ranger mine in Southern Australia are some of important mines in world. High-grade deposits are only found in the Athabasca Basin region of Canada. http://www.ucil.gov.in/pdf/myth/Emerging%20trend%20in%20U%20mining.pdf Reusable Launch System Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS III- Science and technology In News Chinese start-up LinkSpace completed its third test of a reusable rocket RLV-T5 in five months, stepping up the pace in the race to develop a technology key to cheap space launches The reusable design of its next-generation rocket could lead to a predicted cost reduction of 70% (from $25 -30 million to $4.25 million) China envisions constellations of commercial satellites that can offer services ranging from high-speed Internet for aircraft and rural areas to tracking coal shipments and commuter traffic. LinkSpace’s test flight came on the heels of a historic delivery of a satellite into orbit last month by privately owned Chinese firm iSpace. SpaceX (US private firm) has already used recoverable rockets on a number of orbital missions since a historic launch early in 2017 Do you know? ISRO's Reusable Launch Vehicle - Technology Demonstration Program (RLV-TD) is a series of technology demonstration missions that have been considered as a first step towards realizing a Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO) fully re-usable vehicle. ISRO’s TSTO fully re-usable vehicle has different approach from SpaceX & Blue Origin. ISRO’s approach to a reusable launch vehicle is a winged body space plane. Whereas SpaceX and Blue Origin are recovering and reusing stages of their existing rockets, in order to reduce launch costs. Kajin Sara lake Part of: GS Prelims In News A newly-discovered lake in Nepal is likely to set a new record of being the world’s highest lake As per the measurement of the lake taken by the team, it is located at an altitude of 5,200 metres, which is yet to be officially verified. It is estimated to be 1,500-metre-long and 600-metre-wide.  Currently Tilicho Lake holds the title of the world’s highest lake. it is situated at an altitude of 4,919 metres in Nepal.  (MAINS FOCUS) ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General Studies 3: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Water Pollution, Wastewater management Water governance strategies Context: Individual States need to assume the responsibility for managing water resources in their territories Concerns: India’s cities are running out of water, coupled with Chennai’s drinking water woes, made the ‘crisis’ viral, raising questions about the quality of the discourse and choice of water governance strategies in India. Indian cities are running out of groundwater A delayed monsoon or a drought, combined with compelling images of parched lands and queues for water in urban areas raise an alarm in the minds of the public.  What does the statistics says? Niti Aayog report says that 21 major cities are expected to run out of groundwater as soon as 2020, affecting [nearly] 100 million people The report’s central goal was to propose a tool, an index, to monitor the States’ water resource management strategies and provide the necessary course-shift, beyond supply augmentation approaches. The report may have had a lofty goal of promoting ‘cooperative and competitive federalism’ but was, in reality, a desperate move to engage with the States, in the absence of any substantive leverage to influence their approaches to water resources management. For almost two decades, the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has been reporting on the increasing number of over-exploited blocks across India, the ‘dark’ category blocks. The recent annual book of CGWB has reported 1,034 units, out of the 6,584 units it monitors, as over-exploited. Similarly, a recent report by the Central Water Commission, prepared in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), asserted that India is not yet in “water scarcity condition”. But it is certainly in a “water-stressed condition”, with reducing per capita water availability. Certain steps need to be taken to ensure a more useful and productive discourse about water governance challenges India needs to reconsider the institutional processes for dissemination of knowledge about water resource management. There is a certain amount of danger inherent in the casual manner in which knowledge about water resources is legitimised and consumed, particularly in these days of ‘viral’ information We need to recognise the crisis is not as much of scarcity as of delivery. The challenge is to ensure an adequate access to quality water, more so in urban areas where inequities over space and time are acute.  We need to also realise that with the country’s rapid urbanisation, demand cannot be met by groundwater reserves alone.  The urban needs, which underpin much reporting on ‘water crises’, need to be met by robust long-term planning and preparation for droughts and other contingencies. Responsibility lies with States We need to reconsider our approaches to water governance.  We must recognise that the fulcrum of change and action is with the States. For long, water resource departments in States have continued to follow the conventional approaches of supply augmentation.  The challenge is that of reorienting themselves towards deploying strategies of demand management, conservation and regulation. The Centre has to work with States towards an institutional change for the necessary course-shift.  Key notes: ‘Composite Water Management Index’: This index is an attempt to budge States and UTs towards efficient and optimal utilization of water and recycling thereof with a sense of urgency. The Index and this associated report are expected to: Establish a clear baseline and benchmark for state-level performance on key water indicators Uncover and explain how states have progressed on water issues over time, including identifying high-performers and under-performers, thereby inculcating a culture of constructive competition among states Identify areas for deeper engagement and investment on the part of the states. Major Issue: Data and centre-state and inter-state cooperation are some of the key levers that can help address the crisis. Data systems related to water in the country are limited in their coverage, robustness, and efficiency. Limited coverage: Detailed data is not available for several critical sectors such as for domestic and industrial use, for which data is only available at the aggregate level and lacks the level of detail required to inform policies and allocations. Unreliable data: The data that is available can often be of inferior quality, inconsistent, and unreliable due to the use of outdated methodologies in data collection. For example, estimates on groundwater are mostly based on observation data from 55,000 wells, while there are 12 million wells in the country. Limited coordination and sharing: Data in the water sectors exists in silos, with very little inter-state or centre-state sharing, thereby reducing efficiencies. The Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) is a major step towards creating a culture of data based decision-making for water in India, which can encourage ‘competitive and cooperative federalism’ in the country’s water governance and management. Conclusion: The Finance Minister, in her budget, repeatedly stated that the government will work with States to address India’s national water security challenges. Let us hope that the government intends to strengthen federal governance of water resources towards long-term water security. Connecting the Dots: To solve the growing water crisis, the solution that is proposed and pushed by world bodies such as WTO and IMF through international agreements is privatisation of water. Do you think India should also privatise its water? Critically analyse. Many parts of the country are facing severe water crisis and drought conditions. There are many traditional water harvesting and conservation practices in various parts of India which can be employed locally to fight the ongoing crisis. Can you identify few such practices? Also mention the states where they are more prevalant. INTERNATIONAL/SECURITY: TOPIC: General studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests India and the World Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. General studies 3 Role of external state and non-state actors (extremists) in creating challenges to internal security. Security challenges and their management in border areas J&K and the world Context: India’s strategies for internal security, territorial defence and diplomacy will have to act in unison Concern As Pakistan mounts a political offensive against India’s decision to alter the status of Jammu and Kashmir, there will surely be international ripples. The Indian diplomatic objective is to get the rest of the world to live with the new reality in Kashmir, if not accept it. India’s diplomacy: This is not the first time that India has created new facts on the ground. India’s Pokhran tests of 1998 come readily to mind. It took about 10 years for the international system to move from a very harsh initial reaction to lifting by 2008 the four-decade-old nuclear blockade against India. India’s diplomatic response must be at multiple levels. One is the legal dimension. Realists might scoff at legal niceties. But legal arguments are important and Delhi must present a solid legal brief about its actions, since there is little international understanding of the complex historical evolution of Kashmir. Traditionally, Pakistan has been good at mobilising opinion in these quarters, especially in Britain and Europe. India has done quite well in the US over the years, where it has outsmarted separatist propaganda backed by Pakistan.  The question of “Internationalisation”: Pakistan loves the idea and India deeply resents it. Going to the UNSC has been the instinctive first reaction of Pakistan. But neither Pakistan’s faith in the UN nor India’s concerns stand up to close scrutiny. The UN’s ability to impose solutions on disputes between nations has rarely been impressive. But for India taking the Kashmir question to it, there was no way the UN would loom so large on Kashmir.  Pakistan’s proclaimed faith in mediation is touching because there is no evidence that third-party involvement in the Kashmir dispute has benefited Pakistan. Consider, for example, Islamabad’s efforts to mobilise the international community for mediation in the Kargil War two decades ago. It ended up in the US compelling Pakistan to accept the sanctity of the Line of Control. Bilateralism is the key to outcomes on the multilateral domain.  Consider the five permanent members of the UNSC. China is a party to the dispute on Kashmir twice over. The border between India and China in Ladakh is disputed; China also occupies a piece of Kashmir that Pakistan ceded to it in 1963. China is certainly part of India’s Kashmir problem. China, however, has problems of its own in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Beijing surely knows that those living in glass houses should not be throwing stone Russia, once upon a time, was India’s go-to veto-wielder at the UN on Kashmir. Delhi too has stood by Moscow when it is in some difficulty. In recent times, Russia has drawn closer to China and is often tempted to take “even-handed” positions between India and Pakistan. But dispelling all doubts, Moscow has come out last week in support of India’s Kashmir move. Over the last two decades, France has emerged as a reliable strategic partner — a sort of “new Russia” for India. In recent years, it has played a key role in the FATF as well as the UNSC on terror-related issues. Delhi can certainly bank on political support from Paris at the current juncture. When it comes to Kashmir and Pakistan, Britain is always suspect in Delhi’s eyes. There is speculation that London played a key role in facilitating the current US reset on Pakistan. As Britain defines its post-Brexit global strategy, Delhi must encourage London to take into account its long-term interests in India and end its persistent ambiguity on Kashmir. In the end, though, it’s really the US that has the most important role in shaping the international reaction to the developments in Kashmir. For nearly two years, it’s been the relentless pressure from Washington that has forced Pakistan to count the costs of its support for terrorism. And it is the US decision to quit Afghanistan that seems to have emboldened Pakistan to ramp up pressures on Kashmir. Connecting the dots: Discuss the UNSC members stand on recent developments in Kashmir? Discuss India’s strategies for internal security, territorial defence and diplomacy? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements  Farm equipment like laser-guided land leveller, happy seeder and solar driers can save precious groundwater and increase productivity by 10 to 15% Ministry of Rural development plans to launch app to aid farmers where expensive agricultural equipment can be hired through the mobile application Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Uranium deposits are located at which among the following places in India Mahadek Basin in Meghalaya Singhbhum belt in Jharkhand Bhima basin in Karnataka Aravallis in Rajasthan Select the correct answer from the codes given below. 1,2 and 3 only 2,3 and 4 only 1,2 and 3 only 1,2,3 and 4 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Reusable Launch System The system could reduce the cost of launching satellites by nearly 70% ISRO has already used recoverable rockets on a number of orbital missions like Mangalyaan and Mission Shakti Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Kajin Sara lake is located in which country? India Nepal Bhutan Pakistan Must Read: The imprint of a state juggernaut The Hindu A point to ponder over in the POCSO Bill  The Hindu July 2019, hottest ever month on record: what now? Indian Express India’s economic mobility and its impact on inequality Live Mint