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

Aug 12, 2019 RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Jobs: Locals First Policy

Jobs: Locals First Policy Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors In News: Fulfilling one of its biggest election promises, the Jagan Mohan Reddy government passed a bill in the Assembly which reserves 75 per cent jobs factories for Andhra Pradesh youths, making it the first state in the country to introduce such a provision in the private sector.  The Andhra Pradesh Employment of Local Candidates in Industries/Factories Act, 2019 was approved by the Assembly  The Bill states that if an industrial unit fails to find enough skilled local workers, then it will have to train them in association with the state government. The company is also required to act in accordance with the new law and submit a quarterly compliance report.  The government had announced 1.33 lakh village volunteer jobs for unemployed youth in the state and the chief minister had said he wanted to implement the quota over the next three years and was confident of convincing industries. Besides the industries/factories, the Act also makes the '75 per cent' provision mandatory for ' joint ventures and projects taken up under PPP mode', potentially covering construction and irrigation projects like Amaravati capital city and Polavaram irrigation project, where most of the contract workers deployed here were brought from Bihar and other places. Similar demands have come up in different states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The Congress party government led by Chief Minister Kamal Nath in Madhya Pradesh has vowed 70 percent reservation for native candidates.  The Locals First Policy The Why With the growth in industries, the demand for land for industrial use has been increasing. Since most of the requirement is met by acquiring private agricultural lands, the owners are being displaced and deprived of their livelihood. Therefore, there is a demand from land losers, apart from the local population, to provide employment. Though there were promises by the industrial managements to meet these demands at the initial phases of setting up of their industries, more often than not, the objectives are not met. In some instances, even though the local people are employed as per the initial commitments, they are generally employed as gardeners, house-keeping personnel and other low income jobs. This is causing dissatisfaction in the local community and leading to industrial unrest Define ‘local’ If the company doesn’t find suitable persons in the immediate vicinity, they need to try to look for candidates in the neighbouring villages. The scope will then expand to the district and finally to the entire state, where they will be able to find a suitable candidate for any job profile. There is therefore a need to collaborate on training the locals with skills required for the jobs they provide. Criticisms While the legislation only generally talked about 75 per cent jobs to be filled by locals and makes no mention about the cadres within these jobs in a factory, it has, however, left the issue open for a future debate by pointing out that only low-paying jobs were being given to locals in certain instances. Under the law, if skilled personnel are not available for the jobs at hand, these industrial units cannot ‘import’ labourers from elsewhere; the burden of imparting the requisite skills to, and of employing, locals will fall on the units. It will almost certainly push up the cost of doing business in such geographical entities that embrace this policy, and make a mockery of the concept of the ‘Indian Common Market’, which rests on the foundational premise of unfettered labour mobility. Significantly, a reservation for local populations is also a violation of the constitutionally guaranteed right of every citizen to work, live and move freely within the country. Conclusion Providing vocational training and education — responsibilities of the State — could have been a long-term solution. But with the mandatory reservation of 75 per cent of all jobs for local people, the state government has shifted this responsibility onto the industrial sector. Further, mobility of labour is necessary to give industries the opportunity to select the best talent and remain competitive. A reservation such as the one in Andhra Pradesh will thus hamper the ease of doing business, discouraging industrial investment in the state and causing unemployment to shoot up further. Affirmative action was once a tool to bring the most economically and educationally backward sections on a par with the rest of the population. At the hands of populist governments, it has been turned into an assurance — albeit a false one — of a shortcut to success. The reservation for Marathas — an economically and socially dominant segment — in Maharashtra is a case in point. The underlying causes for demands for reservation are, among other factors, agricultural and economic crisis, the lack of social security nets, unemployment and iniquitous access to education. Connecting the Dots: Will Andhra’s 75% jobs-for-locals quota set off a wave of parochial politics? Discuss. Essay topic: One India, please!

Aug 12, 2019 PIB

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 30th July to 3rd August – 2019

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 30th July to 3rd Aug – 2019 ARCHIVES GS-2 Passage of Triple Talaq Bill (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes) The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, better known as the Triple Talaq Bill, was passed in the Rajya Sabha. ‘Triple Talaq’ or ‘Oral talaq’ is a procedure of divorce mentioned under the Sharia Law which is a body of the Islamic law. Under this, a husband can divorce his wife by pronouncing ‘Talaq’ thrice. What is instant triple talaq? In the practice of talaq-e-biddat, when a man pronounces talaq thrice in a sitting, or through phone, or writes in a talaq-nama or a text message, the divorce is considered immediate and irrevocable, even if the man later wishes to re-conciliate. However, Women cannot pronounce triple talaq and are required to move a court for getting the divorce under the Sharia Act, 1937. There are three forms of talaq (divorce) in Islam: Ahsan, Hasan, and Talaq-e-Biddat (triple or instant talaq). Ahsan and Hasan are revocable but talaq-e-Biddat is irrevocable. Thus, since Shariat Act had recognised triple talaq, it was no longer a personal law to remain free of the fetters of the fundamental rights rigour but a statutory law which comes under the ambit of Article 13(1) of the Constitution Background: In the Shah Bano case in 1985, the SC granted Shah Bano, a 62-year old woman the right to alimony from her husband. But in 1986, the government passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act which diluted the positive impact created by the Shah Bano case. In 2001, in the Danial Latifi & Anr versus Union of India case, the SC upheld the validity of the Shah Bano judgement. In August 2017, a five-judge bench of the SC declared the triple talaq as unconstitutional in a majority 3:2 judgement. This was the culmination of a petition filed by Shayara Bano, whose husband of 15 years had divorced her through a letter where he pronounced talaq three times, to declare the divorce as void. Triple Talaq bill During the proceedings of the case, the centre had told the bench that it will come out with a legislation to regulate the marriage and divorce among Muslims. As reported by various the newspapers, the centre is all set to table the bill in the Lok Sabha. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 seeks to criminalise instant triple talaq. The bill will make instant triple talaq a cognizable and non-bailable offence The bill seeks to impose a prison term of up to three years and fine for any Muslim man who divorces his wife through instant triple talaq It also makes a provision for alimony i.e. subsistence allowance for the Muslim women and also grants her the custody of minor children The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019  This was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of Law and Justice, Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad on June 21, 2019. It replaces an Ordinance promulgated on February 21, 2019. The Bill makes all declaration of talaq, including in written or electronic form, to be void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal. Key Features The Bill makes declaration of talaq a cognizable offence, attracting up to three years’ imprisonment with a fine. (A cognizable offence is one for which a police officer may arrest an accused person without warrant.) The offence will be cognizable only if information relating to the offence is given by: the married woman (against whom talaq has been declared), or  any person related to her by blood or marriage. The Bill provides that the Magistrate may grant bail to the accused. The bail may be granted only after hearing the woman (against whom talaq has been pronounced), and if the Magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for granting bail. The offence may be compounded by the Magistrate upon the request of the woman (against whom talaq has been declared). Compounding refers to the procedure where the two sides agree to stop legal proceedings, and settle the dispute. The terms and conditions of the compounding of the offence will be determined by the Magistrate. A Muslim woman against whom talaq has been declared is entitled to seek subsistence allowance from her husband for herself and for her dependent children. The amount of the allowance will be determined by the Magistrate. A Muslim woman against whom such talaq has been declared, is entitled to seek custody of her minor children. The manner of custody will be determined by the Magistrate. Connecting the Dots: In what ways did the Shah Bano case change the politics in India? Analyse. Triple talaq verdict has been hailed as a progressive judgement. Analyse your opinion regarding the same. Lok Sabha Passes the Code on Wages Bill, 2019  (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Aim: To transform the old and obsolete labour laws into more accountable and transparent ones which is need of the hour. As many as 17 present labour laws are more than 50 years old and some of them even belong to pre-independence era. Among the four Acts being subsumed in The Code on Wages Bill, The Payment of Wages Act, 1936 belongs to pre-independence era and The Minimum Wages Act 1948 is also 71 years old. The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 and The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 are also being subsumed in the Code. The Code ensures minimum wages along with timely payment of wages to all the employees and workers. Many unorganized sector workers like agricultural workers, painters, persons working in restaurants and dhabas, chowkidars etc. who were out of the ambit of minimum wages will get legislative protection of minimum wages after the bill becomes an Act. It has been ensured in the bill that employees getting monthly salary shall get the salary by 7th of next month, those working on weekly basis shall get the salary on last day of the week and daily wagers should get it on the same day ("Right to Sustenance") There are 12 definitions of wages in the different Labour Laws leading to litigation besides difficulty in its implementation. The definition has been simplified and is expected to reduce litigation and will entail at lesser cost of compliance for an employer. Through Code on Wages, the methodology to fix the minimum wages has been simplified and rationalised by doing away with type of employment as one of the criteria for fixation of minimum wage. Rajya Sabha passes Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2019 (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Aim: To improve road safety, facilitate citizens in their dealings with transport departments, strengthen rural transport, public transport and last mile connectivity through automation, computerization and online services. The Bill will provide an efficient, safe and corruption free transport system in the country. Based on the recommendations of the Group of Transport Ministers (GoM) of States constituted by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (headed by Shri. Yoonus Khan) Road Safety: In the area of road safety, the Bill proposes to increase penalties to act as deterrent against traffic violations.  Stricter provisions are being proposed in respect of offences like juvenile driving, drunken driving, driving without licence, dangerous driving, over-speeding, overloading etc.  Stricter provisions for helmets have been introduced along with provisions for electronic detection of violations. Vehicle Fitness: The Bill mandates automated fitness testing for vehicles.  This would reduce corruption in the transport department while improving the road worthiness of the vehicle. Road Safety Board: The Bill provides for a National Road Safety Board, to be created by the central government through a notification. The Board will advise the central and state governments on all aspects of road safety and traffic management including standards of motor vehicles, registration and licensing of vehicles, standards for road safety, and promotion of new vehicle technology. Protection of Good Samaritan: To help road accident victims, Good Samaritan guidelines have been incorporated in the Bill. The Bill defines a Good Samaritan as a person who renders emergency medical or non-medical assistance to a victim at the scene of an accident, and provides rules to prevent harassment of such a person. Cashless Treatment during Golden Hour: The Bill provides for a scheme for cashless treatment of road accident victims during golden hour. Third Party Insurance: The Bill has included the driver’s attendant in 3rd Party insurance. re will be no cap on liability of insurers. There will be a 10 time increase in insurance compensation, from Rs 50, 000 to Rs 5 lakh. Claim process has been simplified. Insurance firms have to pay claims within a month, if the victim’s family agree to accept Rs 5 lakh compensation. The Bill also increases the minimum compensation for hit and run cases from Rs 25,000 to two lakh rupees in case of death, and from Rs 12,500 to Rs 50,000 in case of grievous injury. Motor Vehicle Accident Fund: The Bill requires the central government to constitute a Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, to provide compulsory insurance cover to all road users in India. It will be utilised for:  treatment of persons injured in road accidents as per the golden hour scheme, compensation to representatives of a person who died in a hit and run accident, compensation to a person grievously hurt in a hit and run accident, and compensation to any other persons as prescribed by the central government. This Fund will be credited through: payment of a nature notified by the central government,  a grant or loan made by the central government, balance of the Solatium Fund (existing fund under the Act to provide compensation for hit and run accidents),or any other source as prescribed the central government. Improving Services using e-Governance: Improving delivery of services to the stakeholders using e-Governance is one of the major focuses of this Bill.  This includes Provision for online driving licenses: The Bill provides for online Learners Licence with mandatory online identity verification Driving test will be computerized to avoid fake D.L.  The Bill will bring transparency in RTO offices. Commercial licenses will be valid upto five instead of three years. Application for renewal can be made one year prior to or after licence lapses. Driver Training Schools will be opened so that more efficient drivers may be available. Process of Vehicle Registration: To improve the registration process for new vehicles, registration at the end of the dealer is being enabled and restrictions have been imposed on temporary registration. To bring harmony of the registration and licensing process, it is proposed to create National Register for Driving Licence and National Register for Vehicle registration through “Vahan” & “Sarathi” platforms. This will facilitate uniformity of the process across the country. Taxi aggregators: The Bill defines aggregators as digital intermediaries or market places which can be used by passengers to connect with a driver for transportation purposes (taxi services). The Bill provides guidelines for Aggregators.  Parliament passes the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation)  The Bill amends the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.  The Act provides special procedures to deal with terrorist activities, among other things. Terrorist acts are committed not by organizations but by individuals: Declaring an organization as a terrorist organization will not stop the individuals behind it. Not designating individuals as terrorists, would give them an opportunity to circumvent the law and they would simply gather under a different name and keep up their terror activities. Only those individuals who participate in terrorist activities, aid those indulging in such activities, propagate the ideology of terrorism and members of known terrorist organizations will be declared as terrorists after this amendment is passed. Who may commit terrorism: Under the Act, the central government may designate an organisation as a terrorist organisation if it: (i) commits or participates in acts of terrorism, (ii) prepares for terrorism, (iii) promotes terrorism, or (iv) is otherwise involved in terrorism.  The Bill additionally empowers the government to designate individuals as terrorists on the same grounds.   Approval for seizure of property by NIA: Under the Act, an investigating officer is required to obtain the prior approval of the Director General of Police to seize properties that may be connected with terrorism.  The Bill adds that if the investigation is conducted by an officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the approval of the Director General of NIA would be required for seizure of such property.   Investigation by NIA: Under the Act, investigation of cases may be conducted by officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner of Police or above.  The Bill additionally empowers the officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases. Insertion to schedule of treaties: The Act defines terrorist acts to include acts committed within the scope of any of the treaties listed in a schedule to the Act.  The Schedule lists nine treaties, including the Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (1997), and the Convention against Taking of Hostages (1979).  The Bill adds another treaty to the list. This is the International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005).      Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) launches Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC) Program  (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) The programme aims at spurring community Innovation in underserved and unserved areas of the country. Through innovation, India can become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024-25. ACIC can serve as the bridge between the knowledge base existing in communities and the advanced technical ecosystem prevalent in the market base, addressing the needs of society. The ACIC program should be connected to every Panchayati Raj Institutions to help innovators at grassroots level become part of the policy framework and leverage their creativity to translate their products/ services into innovation led commercial utilization for society. Cabinet approves  Extension of term of the commission constituted under Article 340 of the constitution to examine the issue of Sub-categorization within other Backward Classes in the Central List: The proposed extension of tenure shall enable the “Commission” to submit a comprehensive report on the issue of sub-categorization of OBCs, after consultation with various stake holders. Memorandum of Understanding between Indian Space Research Organisation and the Bolivian Space Agency on Cooperation in the Exploration and Uses of Outer Space for peaceful purposes: The signed MoU will provide impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and planetary exploration. ISRO Technical Liaison Unit at Moscow:  ISRO will be able to collaborate with Space agencies/industries in Russia and neighbouring countries for mutually synergetic outcomes. ISRO’s Gaganyaan programme requires development of some of the key technologies and establishment of specialized facilities, which are essential to support life in space. Keeping in view the 15th August, 2022 timeline for realization of the Gaganyaan human space programme, it is prudent to avail technical cooperation from International space agencies, who have already demonstrated their technical capabilities in specific areas.  Russia, being one of the space faring nations, it is envisaged to collaborate with Russia extensively in various fields of relevance. Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bahrain on Cooperation in the Exploration and Uses of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes: The signed MoU will provide impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and exploration of outer space. Signing of the UN Convention on International Settlement Agreements resulting from mediation by India: Signing of the Convention will boost the confidence of the investors and shall provide a positive signal to foreign investors about India's commitment to adhere to international practice on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). GS-3 ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ – Release of the Tiger Census Report 2018 (Topic: Environment and Ecology; Biodiversity; Animal Conservation; Protected Areas) Nine long years ago, it was decided in Saint Petersburg, that the target of doubling the tiger population would be 2022. India completed this target four years early. The speed and dedication with which various stake-holders worked to achieve this is remarkable. This is one of the finest examples of 'Sankalp se Siddhi' i.e. achievement through resolve. The report of the tiger census released on Monday showcases a significant achievement for the country’s conservation efforts. India is now home to 2,967 tigers. The last tiger audit in 2014 had counted 2,226 tigers. Even more remarkable is the fact that the latest census shows that the tiger population has increased by more than 100 per cent from 2006, when the numbers of the big cat had hit an all-time low of 1,411 — the animal had been completely wiped out from some reserves such as Sariska in Rajasthan. India is one of the world's largest and most secure habitats with about 3000 tigers. Around three-fourths of the world's population of tiger is found in our country. The number of tigers in Gir Forest there has increased by 27 per cent. Why is a tiger census needed? The tiger sits at the peak of the food chain, and its conservation is important to ensure the well-being of the forest ecosystem. The tiger estimation exercise includes habitat assessment and prey estimation. The numbers reflect the success or failure of conservation efforts. This is an especially important indicator in a fast-growing economy like India where the pressures of development often run counter to the demands of conservation. The Global Tiger Forum, an international collaboration of tiger-bearing countries, has set a goal of doubling the count of wild tigers by 2022. More than 80% of the world’s wild tigers are in India, and it’s crucial to keep track of their numbers. Why should we conserve our tigers? The tiger is at the top of the food chain in several ecosystems and its conservation is important to ensure the health of these habitats. A steep fall in the tiger population could lead to a rise in the herbivore population, which could destroy forests by feeding on trees and plants. The number of tiger reserves has gone up from 28 in 2006 to 50 in 2018. Healthy increases in the population of tigers in these reserves have led to migration outside these protected areas. Several studies have shown that 25 to 30 per cent of the country’s tigers now live outside the core area of national parks. But, isn’t there a flip side to the increase in the tiger population? Yes – as the animals spill out of protected areas, their proximity to human habitats increases. And, when humans and tigers come face to face, the big cats often pose serious threats to humans and their livestock. There have been several reports of human-tiger conflict in the past five years. Where has the tiger population increased the most? The biggest increase has been in Madhya Pradesh — a massive 218 individuals (71%) from 308 in 2014 to 526. In Maharashtra, the number has gone up from 190 to 312 (64%), and in Karnataka, from 406 to 524 (118, or 29%). Uttarakhand has gained over 100 tigers (340 to 442; 30%) However, since tigers keep moving between states, conservationists prefer to talk about tiger numbers in terms of landscapes. India’s five tiger landscapes are:  Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains Central Indian Landscape and Eastern Ghats Western Ghats North-East Hills and Brahmaputra Plains The Sundarbans Other countries: The National Tiger Conservation Authority has entered into an agreement with five countries including China and Russia and soon the agreement with other countries will also be finalized. Guatemala is also seeking technical help from us for the Jaguar Conservation there. It will highly impact tourism and means of employment. Therefore, with the protection of tigers, we are also focusing on the creation of environmentally sustainable eco-tourism infrastructure. Any other reasons why the number has gone up:  Increased vigilance  Organised poaching rackets have been all but crushed The increased protection has encouraged the tiger to breed The rehabilitation of villages outside core areas in many parts of the country has led to the availability of more inviolate space for tigers. Also, because estimation exercises have become increasingly more accurate over the years, it is possible that many tigers that eluded enumerators in earlier exercises were counted this time. The Way Forward Only one of the 20 tiger-bearing states has seen a fall in numbers — Chhattisgarh, where the census counted 19 tigers, significantly fewer than the 46 of 2014. The report has cited law and order as the reason — large parts of the state are hit by the Maoist insurgency. Greater conservation efforts are needed in the “critically vulnerable” Northeast hills and Odisha. Urgent need of 24×7 monitoring using technology, management of corridors, building up the frontline capacity, creating village teams for reporting wild animal presence, and, an intersectoral portfolio at the landscape level akin to the “master plan” envisaged for an eco-sensitive zone. Human-tiger interface management demands proactive measures. One cannot allow a big cat to get habituated and then brutally eliminate it. It is a tragic end for our national animal, and a complete travesty of the responsibility reposed on foresters and wildlife experts. Reduction in man-wildlife conflict: Last week, about 250-km from Lucknow, villagers beat to death a mature tigress who had strayed from the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. The animal had reportedly attacked people, who were working in fields. And, last year, the forest department in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district gunned down a tigress that had killed at least six people.  These incidents point to a new conservation challenge: Devising wildlife protection models that work outside the tiger reserves.  Today, several corridors that link tiger reserves are sites of infrastructure projects. In fact, on Monday, the Supreme Court quashed the Uttarakhand government’s proposal for a road on a corridor between the Rajaji Tiger Reserve and the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Sustaining the country’s tiger population will, therefore, require a deft balancing of the imperative of conservation with the needs of local people and the demands of infrastructure development. Better Synergy between Ministries: The need of the hour is better synergy with all ministries who are stakeholders in the process. This includes the ministries of Jal Shakti, agriculture, mines, power, road transport and highways, railways, health, home as well as MEA. For instance most reserves and tiger ranges are surrounded by agricultural areas, so it is important for the agriculture ministry to be involved. Apart from the various ministries, involvement of tiger and wildlife conservation experts, NGOs and local communities is important without whom tiger conservation is simply not possible Note:  Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is in Uttar Pradesh Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in M.P. Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha (first-ever inter-State tiger translocation project) Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in Kerala Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala International Tiger Day is celebrated on 29 July annually to raise awareness about Tiger conservation Project Tiger:  Is a tiger conservation programme launched in April 1973 Reduce factors that lead to the depletion of tiger habitats and to mitigate them by suitable management. The damages done to the habitat were to be rectified so as to facilitate the recovery of the ecosystem to the maximum possible extent. Ensure a viable tiger population for economic, scientific, cultural, aesthetic and ecological values. Please Note: Gambia: A country in West Africa that is almost entirely surrounded by Senegal with the exception of its western coastline along the Atlantic Ocean It is the smallest country within mainland Africa. Situated on both sides of the lower reaches of the Gambia River, the nation's namesake, which flows through the centre of The Gambia and empties into the Atlantic Ocean Bye-elections By-elections are elections conducted to fill elected offices that have become vacant between general elections. This may happen due to Resignation Death or dismissal of the person holding the office until then World Breastfeeding Week The Food and Nutrition Board, Ministry of Women and Child Development, is organizing a number of activities on the theme “Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding” during the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) being observed from 1st to 7th August 2019.  This important nutrition intervention will help in breaking the vicious cycle of malnutrition and aid the Government to achieve National Nutrition Goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030. According to WHO, increasing breastfeeding to near-international levels will help in saving more than 800 000 lives every year, the majority being children under 6 months. The focus this year is on protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding. The objectives of World Breastfeeding Week are: To create awareness among the parents about breastfeeding Encourage parents to adopt breastfeeding Creating awareness about the importance of initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, and adequate and appropriate complementary feeding Providing advocacy material about the importance of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is important because: It promotes better health for mothers and children alike. It prevents infections like diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections in early infancy and thus reduce infant mortality It decreases the risk of mothers developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease and It protects infants from obesity-related illnesses, diabetes and increases the IQ. The correct norms of infant and young child feeding are: Initiation of Breastfeeding within an hour of birth Exclusive breastfeeding for first six months of life i.e. only breast Milk ‘NO’ other milk, food, drink or water Appropriate and adequate complementary feeding from six months of age while continuing breastfeeding Continued breastfeeding up to the age of two years or beyond Pashmina Products Receive BIS Certification Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published an Indian Standard for identification, marking and labelling of Pashmina products to certify its purity. The certification will help curb the adulteration of Pashmina and also protect the interests of local artisans and nomads who are the producers of Pashmina raw material. It will also assure the purity of Pashmina for customers. BIS certification of Pashmina will go a long way in discouraging counterfeit or substandard products presently mislabeled and sold as genuine Pashmina in the market. It is a step in the right direction and will ensure better prices for the goat herding community in Ladakh as well as for the local handloom artisans producing genuine Pashmina products, currently a disadvantaged lot due to rampant marketing malpractices. The nomadic Pashmina herders live in the hostile and tough terrain of Changthang and are solely dependent on Pashmina for their livelihood. At present, there are 2400 families rearing 2.5 lakh goats. This initiative of hallmarking Pashmina will protect the interests of these families, motivate the younger generation to continue in this profession as well as encourage more families to take up this occupation. The Changthangi or Pashmina goat, is a special breed of goat indigenous to the high altitude regions of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. They are raised for ultra-fine cashmere wool, known as Pashmina once woven. The Textiles are handspun and were first woven in Kashmir. The Changthangi goat grows a thick, warn undercoat which is the source of Kashmir Pashmina wool – the world’s finest cashmere measuring between 12-15 microns in fiber thickness. These goats are generally domesticated and reared by nomadic communities called the Changpa in the Changthang region of Greater Ladakh. The Changthangi goats have revitalized the economy of Changthang, Leh and Ladakh region. Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) Scheme SANKALP is an outcome-oriented centrally sponsored programme of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) with a special focus on decentralised planning and quality improvement. It focuses on the overall skilling ecosystem covering both Central & State agencies.  SANKALP aims to implement the mandate of the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM).Under SANKALP four key result areas have been identified viz:  (i) Institutional Strengthening (at National, State & District level) (ii) Quality Assurance Quality Assurance of skill development programs (iii) Inclusion of marginalised population in skill development (iv) Expanding Skills through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) What have we done so far? 95.47 crores released as 1st year grant to 9 States under Skill India’s Sankalp scheme 11.7 crores cumulatively released to 117 Aspirational Districts (10 lakh each district) A robust IT system namely “Skill India Portal” has also been developed under SANKALP to capture and converge skill data. District Skill Committee (DSC) should play a pivotal role in counselling youth in their districts. Ministry has launched an award to promote skill planning at the district level, namely “District Skill Development Plan (DSDP) Awards”.

Aug 11, 2019 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Most important life lessons – Patience – Inspirational Educative Articles

Most important life lessons – Patience: One of the hardest things to understand is the absence of something. Even harder than that is knowing the importance of the absence of something. We can very easily attach meaning to something we can see, touch, smell, taste and experience. It is a lot harder to attach meaning to something that we cannot directly experience. Patience is one such thing. Patience is simply the absence of activity. When there is nothing happening and you can be perfectly alright with that void and empty space of life, you will know what patience is. Patience is not waiting for something. When someone says I am patiently waiting, you can know for sure that the very thing that is missing there is patience. Again, let me repeat it. Patience is not waiting for something. True patience is the ability to experience nothingness. Why is nothingness important – it is important because life is exciting only in bits and pieces. Rest of the time, life is simply a grind – we all know that. How we experience moments of non-excitement is the secret to our patience. When we are fully contented with the experience of being in the present moment, patience will find us. Let us see why patience is important. Patience is important because life is long; it is very long. Just pause for a moment and reflect on all those moments when you lost patience. Reflect on all those moments when you felt your life is absolutely destroyed. Reflect on all those moment when you felt helpless and vulnerable. Reflect on all those moments when you felt there is absolutely no hope for your future.  Just imagine if you had a little more patience to handle all those moments. Just imagine if you could have said that this too shall pass. Patience is the single biggest decider of our happiness and peace of mind. Really, it is that simple. A person who has no patience will land himself in trouble more often than not, simply because he cannot wait – simply because he cannot pause. The difference between happiness and misery is patience. It does not matter where you are, it does not matter what your life situation is – just knowing that life is long can make a world of difference. It is so easy to get caught up in the ebb and flow of the present momentary emotions & desires and forget that life is a continuous flowing stream that is branching in all directions without your permission. There is no way to control the flow of this stream. The best thing that we can do is hang tight and enjoy the ride and remember that the journey is long – there is so much more to experience and enjoy. Next time you feel like you have hit a dead end, if you feel like you have lost it, if you feel like there is no way forward, just remember that life is long and this too shall pass. Just remember that patience is everything. If only we can learn how to hold our breath and let a difficult situation pass us by, if only we can learn to be a little more patient…Life would be so much easier. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”

Aug 10, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 10th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 10th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) National Crisis Management Committee Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III Disaster Management In News Recently Cabinet Secretary chairs NCMC meeting to review flood situation in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Gujarat. At the national level, Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) are the key committees involved in the top-level decision-making wrt Disaster Management (DM).  NDMC is a temporary committee set up in the wake of a natural calamity. Its key function includes Effective coordination and implementation of relief measures and operations. Overseeing the command, control and coordination of the disaster response. Composition of NDMC:  Cabinet Secretary (Chairperson).  Secretaries of Ministries / Departments and agencies with specific Disaster management responsibilities Sex-ratio at birth Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS I - Society In News The sex ratio at birth (SRB) in the country, defined as the number of female births per 1,000 male births SRB improved from 914 to 919 between the third and fourth National Family Health Surveys (NFHS), carried out in 2005-06 and 2015-16 respectively The highest improvement was in Punjab at 126 points to reach SRB of 860 Second highest improvement in SRB was in Kerala, by 122 points from 925 in 2005-06 to 1,047 in 2015-16 (the highest SRB among all states) The sharpest decline was in Sikkim, where the SRB dropped 175 points to reach 809, (the lowest SRB among all states) SRB has been falling in states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Assam Projects such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act, Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act  https://images.indianexpress.com/2019/08/sds.jpg Article 371F Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS II – Indian Federalism In News Sikkim CM assures people of state that Centre will not interfere with Article 371F and also rejected any possibility of merger of Sikkim and Darjeeling hills,  Article 371F of the Constitution, is the result of the agreement in 1975 between the Union of India, the king of Sikkim and the State’s political parties Article 371F (36th Amendment Act, 1975): To protect the rights and interests of various sections of the population of Sikkim, Parliament may provide for the number of seats in the Assembly to be filled only by candidates from those sections Do You know? Articles 369 through 392 (including some that have been removed) appear in Part XXI of the Constitution, titled ‘Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions’. Article 370 dealt with ‘Temporary Provisions with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir’ which was read down recently by Presidential order. Article 371, Maharashtra and Gujarat: Governor has “special responsibility” to establish “separate development boards” for “Vidarbha, Marathwada, and the rest of Maharashtra”, and Saurashtra and Kutch in Gujarat. Articles 371A through 371J were incorporated subsequently. Article 371A (13th Amendment Act, 1962), Nagaland Article 371B (22nd Amendment Act, 1969), Assam Article 371C (27th Amendment Act, 1971), Manipur Article 371D (32nd Amendment Act, 1973, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Article 371E: it allows for the establishment of a university in Andhra Pradesh by a law of Parliament. But this is not a “special provision” in the sense of the others in this part. Article 371G (53rd Amendment Act, 1986), Mizoram Article 371H (55th Amendment Act, 1986), Arunachal Pradesh Article 371J (98th Amendment Act, 2012), Karnataka Article 371I deals with Goa, but it does not include any provision that can be deemed ‘special’. Prevention of money laundering act (PMLA) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS II – Public administration In News The Centre has issued a notification on certain changes in PMLA An explanation added to Section 45 clarifies that all PMLA offences will be cognisable and non-bailable.  Therefore, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers are empowered to arrest an accused without warrant, subject to certain conditions. New change does away with the pre-requisite of an FIR or chargesheet by other agencies that are authorised to probe the offences listed in the PMLA schedule. Now, under Section 44, the Special Court, while dealing with the offence under this Act shall not be dependent upon any orders passed in respect of the scheduled offence, and the trial of both sets of offences by the same court shall not be construed as joint trial. The scope of “proceeds of crime”, under Section 2, has been expanded to empower the agency to act against even those properties which “may directly or indirectly be derived or obtained as a result of any criminal activity relatable to the scheduled offence”. Virasat-e-Khalsa Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS II – Public administration In News The Virasat-e-Khalsa museum is set to find a place in Asia Book of Records for becoming the most visited museum in the Asian sub-continent on a single day. Virasat-e-Khalsa was built to commemorate the rich history and culture of Punjab and Sikhism. It was inaugurated in 2011 and located in Anandpur Sahib town in Punjab This would be the third entry for the museum in record books. Earlier, Virasat-e-Khalsa made it to Limca Book of Records in the February 2019 edition and India Book of Records. (MAINS FOCUS) HEALTH TOPIC: General studies 2 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes General studies 3 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health Every child to get Rotavirus vaccine Context: Health Minister plans to provide it across all States and UTs by this September Concerns: In India, every year, 37 out of every 1,000 children born are unable to celebrate their 5th birthday, and one of the major reasons for this is diarrhoeal deaths. Out of all the causes of diarrhoea, Rotavirus is a leading cause of diarrhoea in children less than 5 years of age Rotavirus Diarrhoea was one of the biggest killers in children and Rotavirus was one of the most common causes of severe diarrhoea in children less than 2 years of age. It is estimated that Rotavirus cause 8,72,000 hospitalisations; 32,70,000 outpatient visits and estimated 78,000 deaths annually in India. Rotavirus diarrhoea can be prevented through vaccination What is Rotavirus? Rotavirus can cause diarrohea, which can lead to dehydration (not having enough water in the body). Rotavirus is a contagious disease that spreads easily from child to child. Rotavirus spreads when a person comes in contact with the feces of someone who has rotavirus and then touches their own mouth. For example, rotavirus can spread when a child with rotavirus doesn’t wash their hands properly after going to the bathroom and then touches food or other objects. Symptoms Severe diarrohea Throwing up Dehydration Fever Stomach pain World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that the first dose of rotavirus vaccine be administered as soon as possible after 6 weeks of age, along with DTP vaccination (diptheria, tetanus and pertussis). WHO has recommended the inclusion of rotavirus vaccine in the National Schedules of the countries where under five mortality due to diarrhoeal diseases is more than 10%. Currently, two vaccines are available against rotavirus: Rotarix (GlaxoSmithKline): is a monovalent vaccine recommended to be orally administered in two doses at 6-12 weeks. Rota Teq (Merck) is a pentavalent vaccine recommended to be orally administered in three doses starting at 6-12 weeks of age. Monovalent vaccine and Pentavalent vaccine Monovalent vaccines are designed to immunize against a single antigen or single microorganism. Pentavalent vaccine provides protection to a child from five life-threatening diseases – Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib).  Initiatives to be taken by the government: The Health Ministry has drawn an ambitious plan under the 100 days agenda of the newly elected government, wherein it has been decided to provide Rotavirus vaccine to every child across all States and Union Territories by September, 2019  Rotavirus vaccine along with proper sanitation, hand washing practices, ORS and zinc supplementation will go a long way in reducing the mortality and morbidity due to diarrhoea in children. The government was also committed to increasing the full immunisation coverage and ensuring that the benefit of the life-saving vaccines was provided to every child. Diarrhoea can be prevented through general measures like good hygiene, frequent hand washing, safe water and safe food consumption, exclusive breastfeeding and vitamin A supplementation. Rotavirus vaccine was introduced in 2016 in a phased manner, beginning with 4 States initially and later expanded to 7 more States. The Rotavac has been introduced in India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) including Inactivated Polio Vaccine(IPV), Measles, Rubella (MR) vaccine, Adult Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine, Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Pneumonia and Meningitis due to Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib). Connecting the dots: Discuss the measures taken by Government to control the communicable diseases? (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 National Crisis Management Committee It is a statutory body established under Disaster Management Act, 2005 Its function includes overseeing the command, control and coordination of the disaster response. It is headed by Prime Minister Which of the statement(s) given above is / are incorrect? 1 only 3 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only Q.2) Consider the following statements about Prevention of Money Laundering Act The Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers are empowered to arrest an accused without warrant, subject to certain conditions. There is pre-requisite of an FIR or chargesheet by other authorized agencies, for ED officers to begin investigation into any money laundering cases 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 about Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) It is defined as the number of female births per 1 lakh male births Sikkim has the lowest SRB as per National Family Health Survey –IV, 2015-16 The highest improvement of SRB (between 2005-06 and 2015-16) was in Punjab Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.4) Consider the following statements about Article 371F It is a special provision to protect the rights and interests of various sections of the population of Nagaland It is introduced by 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985 Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2  

Aug 10, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 45

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 45 Archives Q.1) ‘Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas’ is released by the  World Economic Forum World Resources Institute UN Environment IUCN Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Pashu Aadhaar’ It is being developed by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). It is aimed at enhancing traceability of our livestock and their products, such as milk or meat. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) ‘Dzükou Valley’ is a valley located at the border of Punjab and Pakistan Nepal and China Nagaland and Manipur Arunachal Pradesh and China Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)’ It is chaired by the Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) are members of the FSDC Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) National Waterway 1 passes through which of the following states? West Bengal Jharkhand Bihar  Uttar Pradesh Select the correct code: 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 4 All of the above To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 10, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 9th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 9th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Bharat Ratna Part of: GS Prelims  In News The President of India presented Bharat Ratna Awards to Nanaji Deshmukh (posthumously), Bhupendra Kumar Hazarika (posthumously) and Pranab Mukherjee The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India. Bharat Ratna recipients rank seventh in the Indian order of precedence The award was instituted in 1954 The first recipients of the Bharat Ratna were C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and C. V. Raman, who were honoured in 1954. The award is conferred in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in "any field of human endeavour".  The award was originally limited to achievements in the arts, literature, science, and public services, but this was changed in 2011. Though usually conferred on India-born citizens, the Bharat Ratna has been awarded to one naturalised citizen, Mother Teresa, and to two non-Indians,Pakistan national Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and former South African President Nelson Mandela. There is no formal nomination process. The recommendations for the award can only be made by the Prime Minister to the President. A maximum of three nominees can be awarded per year. Recipients receive a certificate signed by the President and a medal. There is no monetary grant associated with the award. Dixon Plan of 1950 Part of: Mains GS III- Internal Security In News Parliament adopted bill to make Jammu and Kashmir into two UT with carving out of Ladakh from the rest of State The idea of dividing J&K into two or more parts traces its origin to the Dixon Plan of 1950 Owen Dixon, an Australian Jurist chosen by the United Nations to mediate between India and Pakistan on the J&K issue, in his report of September 1950 suggested a package which did not find acceptance from India The plan had assigned Ladakh to India and norther areas and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to Pakistan, besides splitting Jammu into two. It has proposed a plebiscite in the Kashmir Valley However, B.R.Ambedkar,after quitting as law minster from the Nehru Ministry, had suggested the formation of three zones: the area held by Pakistan, the Valley and Jammu-Ladakh Ambedkar had also favoured a plebiscite only in the valley. Measles Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS- III- Health. In News Sri Lanka has become the fourth country in the Asian region –after Bhutan, Maldives and Timor-Leste – to eliminate measles Measles is a highly contagious viral disease It is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons Initial symptoms include high fever, running nose and bloodshot eyes. Several days later, a rash develops on the face and upper neck slowly spreading downwards It can cause life threatening complication including encephalitis (an infection that leads to swelling of brain), severe diarrhea, and dehydration, pneumonia, ear infections and permanent vision loss The disease is preventable though two doses of safe and effective vaccine Measles is considered to be eliminated when a country interrupts transmission of an indigenous virus for three years Waste Recycling Part of: Mains GS- III– Environmental Conservation In News IIT Madras student designs system to recycle Urine,  The project titled Water Chakra won the Indian Innovation Growth Programme 2.0 in July The concentrated urine is stored for three days to allow for the urea to get converted into ammonia By a process of steam distillation, the ammonia is segregated and this commercial grade liquid can be used to make cleaning products such as detergents or in rubber manufacturing Through electrochemical process 90% of the water content is recovered and can be used for gardening purposes and flushing The technology can be used in community toilets to generate funds for its own maintenance  Drug resistant TB Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS III- Science and Technology In News The test developed by MedGenome Labs can provide a detailed analysis of every single mutation present in any TB Bacteria causing drug resistance directly from the sputum This Whole-Genome Sequencing- based Test-SPIT SEQ enables doctors to quickly and accurantely prescribe the most effective drug to a TB patient The existing sputum smear microscopy, Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CB-NAAT) and culture tests are not only time-consuming but do not provide a detailed analysis of resistance developed by the patient to every single mutation in the bacteria. With India having the largest number of multidrug resistant (MDR-TB) TB cases, SPIT SEQ can help to achieve India’s SDG goal of eliminating TB by 2025. (MAINS FOCUS) ENVIRONMENT/CLIMATE CHANGE TOPIC: General Studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Report by IPCC Context: A new report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released Thursday presents the most recent evidence on how the different uses of land — forests, agriculture, urbanisation — are affecting and getting affected by climate change. What is IPCC? This is an intergovernmental body under the UN.It is a scientific body Formed in 1988 by WMO (World Meteorological Organisation) and UNEP It produces report based on scientific developments across the world. The IPCC does not carry out its own original research, nor does it do the work of monitoring climate or related phenomena itself. The IPCC bases its assessment on the published literature IPCC has so far produced five assessment reports, the latest one was published in2014. It said that India’s high vulnerability and exposure to climate change will slow its economic growth, impact health and development, make poverty reduction more difficult and erode food security It was awarded the Nobel peace prize in 2007 IPCC functions under UNFCC The aims of the IPCC are to assess scientific information relevant to : Human-induced climate change, The impacts of human-induced climate change, Options for adaptation and mitigation What the new IPCC report says on land and climate change This is the first time that the IPCC, whose job it is to assess already-published scientific literature to update our knowledge of climate change science, has focused its attention solely on the land sector. A new report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released Thursday presents the most recent evidence on how the different uses of land — forests, agriculture, urbanisation — are affecting and getting affected by climate change. The Geneva-based IPCC is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. It was created “to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments on climate change, its implications and potential future risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation options”. The land-climate link Land use, and changes in land use, have always been an integral part of the conversation on climate change. That is because land acts as both the source as well as a sink of carbon. Activities like agriculture and cattle rearing, for example, are a major source of methane and nitrous oxide, both of which are hundreds of times more dangerous than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. At the same time, soil, trees, plantations, and forests absorb carbon dioxide for the natural process of photosynthesis, thus reducing the overall carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere. This is the reason why larges cale land use changes, like deforestation or urbanisation, or even a change in cropping pattern, have a direct impact on the overall emissions of greenhouse gases. The IPCC’s reports This is the first time that the IPCC, whose job it is to assess already-published scientific literature to update our knowledge of climate change science, has focused its attention solely on the land sector.  It is part of a series of special reports that IPCC is doing in the run-up to the sixth edition of its main report, blandly called the Assessment Reports, that is due around 2022. Last year, the IPCC had produced a special report on the feasibility of restricting global rise in temperature to within 1.5 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial times. These reports were sought by governments to get a clearer picture of specific aspects of climate change. Previous report The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) approved a Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C on October 6, 2018 at Incheon, South Korea. The report focusses on keeping warming to under 1.5°C as compared to pre-industrial times. Preventing an extra single degree of heat could make a life-or-death difference in the next few decades. So it calls for the world’s leaders to limit future human-caused warming to just 0.5°Celsius from now. This is, notably, well below the earlier globally agreed-upon goal of 1° C from now. The report details how Earth’s weather, health and ecosystems could be made better. It will be a key scientific input into the Katowice Climate Change Conference in Poland in the coming December. The governments will review the Paris Agreement to tackle climate change in this upcoming conference What present report says The current report talks about the contribution of land-related activities to global warming — how the different uses of land, like agriculture, industry, forestry, cattle-rearing, and urbanisation, was affecting emissions of greenhouse gases.  An important part of the report talks about the manner in which even existential activities like food production contributes to global warming and is also affected by it. The report says that if pre-production activities like cattle rearing and post-production activities like transport, energy and food processing, is taken into account, then food production could contribute as much as 37 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions every year. It points out that nearly 25 per cent of all food produced is either lost or wasted. And even the decomposition of the waste releases emissions. Land, oceans, forests Land and ocean together absorb nearly 50 per cent of greenhouse gases emitted every year through natural processes in the carbon cycle. The importance of land, or ocean, as a carbon sink, thus cannot be overstated in the global fight against climate change. That is why afforestation, and reduction in deforestation, are vital approaches in a global strategy to combat climate change. Conclusion India’s action plan on climate change too, has a very important component on forests. India has promised that it would create an additional carbon sink of about 2.5 billion to 3 billion tonnes by the year 2032 by increasing its forest cover, and planting more trees. Connecting the dots: Discuss the factors responsible for long term climate change. What evidences do we have that support current global warming. Explain. The fight against climate change is more effective at the household level than macro level policy formulations. Do you agree? Substantiate. Critically evaluate the emerging trends in global climate change negotiations. Is the world heading in the right direction in its fight against climate change? Critically examine. ECONOMY TOPIC: General studies 2 & 3 Important International institutions, agencies and forums, their structure, mandate. Indian Growth & Economy Economic Developments Economic milestone and a poignant anniversary CONTEXT: Bank nationalisation eased rural credit and aided financial inclusion. Any move to reverse it would be self-defeating Nationalisation of Banks: The nationalisation of banks in 1969 was a watershed moment in the history of Indian banking. From July 19 that year, 14 private banks were nationalised; another six private banks were nationalised in 1980.  It is certain that one cannot locate a similar transformational moment in the banking policy of any country at any point of time in history. Banking system at the time of independence: India’s rural financial system was marked by the domination of landlords, traders and moneylenders. In 1951, if a rural household had an outstanding debt of Rs. 100, about Rs. 93 came from non-institutional sources.  From the 1950s, there were sporadic efforts to expand the reach of the institutional sector, particularly in the rural areas.  Despite these measures, the predominantly private banking system failed to meet the credit needs of the rural areas. India’s banking policy after 1969  As a part of a new branch licensing policy, banks were told that for every branch they opened in a metropolitan or port area, four new branches had to be opened in unbanked rural areas. As a result, the number of rural bank branches increased from 1,833 (in 1969) to 35,206 (in 1991) The concept of priority-sector lending was introduced. All banks had to compulsorily set aside 40% of their net bank credit for agriculture, micro and small enterprises, housing, education and “weaker” sections. A differential interest rate scheme was introduced in 1974. Here, loans were provided at a low interest rate to the weakest among the weakest sections of the society. The Lead Bank scheme was introduced in 1969. Each district was assigned to one bank, where they acted as “pace-setters” in providing integrated banking facilities The Regional Rural Banks (RRB) were established in 1975 to enlarge the supply of institutional credit to the rural areas The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was constituted in 1982 to regulate and supervise the functions of cooperative banks and RRBs. The share of institutional sources in the outstanding debt of rural households increased from just 16.9% in 1962 to 64% in 1992. Growth spurring India’s nationalisation experience is an answer to mainstream economists who argue that administered interest rates cause “financial repression”.  According to this view, if the government administers interest rates, the savings rate would decline, leading to a rationing of investment funds.  On the contrary, India’s nationalisation led to an impressive growth of financial intermediation.  The share of bank deposits to GDP rose from 13% in 1969 to 38% in 1991.  The gross savings rate rose from 12.8% in 1969 to 21.7% in 1990. The share of advances to GDP rose from 10% in 1969 to 25% in 1991. The gross investment rate rose from 13.9% in 1969 to 24.1% in 1990. Nationalisation also demonstrated the utility of monetary policy in furthering redistributionist goals India’s nationalisation shows that monetary policy, banks and interest rates can be effectively used to take banks to rural areas, backward regions and under-served sectors, furthering redistributionist goals in an economy. Arguments in favour of financial liberalisation The Narasimham Committee of 1991 recommended that monetary policy should be divorced from redistributionist goals. Instead, banks should be free to practise commercial modes of operation, with profitability as the primary goal The Reserve Bank of India allowed banks to open and close branches as they desired.  Priority sector guidelines were diluted; banks were allowed to lend to activities that were remotely connected with agriculture or to big corporates in agri-business, yet classify them as agricultural loans. Interest rate regulations on priority sector advances were removed. The outcomes: More than 900 rural bank branches closed down across the country. The rate of growth of agricultural credit fell sharply from around 7% per annum in the 1980s to about 2% per annum in the 1990s.  This retreat of public banks wreaked havoc on the rural financial market.  Between 1991 and 2002, the share of institutional sources in the total outstanding debt of rural households fell from 64% to 57.1%. A to and fro The government and the RBI probably saw the danger coming in banking policy Following measures were taken: In 2004, a policy to double the flow of agricultural credit within three years was announced. Only public banks could make this happen.  In 2005, the RBI quietly brought in a new branch authorisation policy. Permission for new branches began to be given only if the RBI was satisfied that the banks concerned had a plan to adequately serve underbanked areas and ensure actual credit flow to agriculture.  In 2011, the RBI further tightened this procedure. It was mandated that at least 25% of new branches were to be compulsorily located in unbanked centres. Outcome of these initiatives: The number of rural bank branches rose from 30,646 in 2005, to 33,967 in 2011 and 48,536 in 2015.  The annual growth rate of real agricultural credit rose from about 2% in the 1990s to about 18% between 2001 and 2015.  Much of this new provision of agricultural credit did not go to farmers; it largely went to big agri-business firms and corporate houses located in urban and metropolitan centres — but recorded in the bank books as “agricultural credit public banks also played a central role in furthering the financial inclusion agendas of successive governments.  Data show that more than 90% of the new no-frills accounts were opened in public banks Conclusion: The macroeconomic policy framework of successive governments has hardly been supportive of a banking structure dominated by public banks.  In times of slow growth, the excess liquidity in banks was seen as a substitute for counter-cyclical fiscal policy.  Successive governments, scared of higher fiscal deficits, encouraged public banks to lend more for retail and personal loans, high-risk infrastructural sectors and vehicle loans.  Consequently, banks are in crisis with rising non-performing assets.  The same fear of fiscal deficits is also scaring the government away from recapitalising banks.  The solution put forward is a perverse one: privatisation. The goose that lays golden eggs is being killed. Connecting the dots: Indian banks need to resolve their NPA issues at the earliest to boost the economy for further development. What are the measures taken by concerned stakeholders to address the issue? Discuss the impact of Nationalisation of banks (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 Bharat Ratna awards were instituted in 1954 and the first recipients were Dr B.R.Ambedkar, Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru Recipients receive a certificate signed by the President, a medal and monetary grant of 25 Lakh rupees. Which of the statement(s) given above is / are incorrect? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Dixon Plan of 1950 was associated with which of the following ? Israel-Palestine conflict USA’s plan to reconstruct Europe through provision of aid North Korea and South Korea conflict Kashmir conflict Q.3) Which of the following countries have eliminated Measles Sri Lanka Bhutan Nepal India Timor-leste Select the correct answer from the codes given below? 1,2 and 3 only 1,2,4 and 5only 1,2 and 4 only 1,2 and 5 only Q.4) Consider the following statements about Tuberculosis (TB) It is caused by plasmodium parasite India has the largest number of multidrug resistant TB cases Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Must Read Government bonds in foreign currencies: bad idea, bad debt Live mint Why Gujarat and MP are arguing over Narmada water and hydro power Indian express At CITES, India to seek boost to protection status of 5 species The hindu A leaf out of the Chinese playbook The Hindu

Aug 8, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 8th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 8th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Coastal zone management Part of: Mains GS III- Environmental Conservation In News The Environment Ministry has unveiled a draft Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) ESMF which is a part of World Bank funded project will dictate how prospective infrastructure projects situated along the coast ought to be assessed before they can apply for clearance. The document was prepared by the Society for Integrated Coastal Management, an Environment Ministry-affiliated body. The document seeks to assist the Government of India in enhancing coastal resource efficiency and resilience, by building collective capacity (including communities and decentralised governance) for adopting and implementing integrated coastal management approaches, So far three coastal States, namely Gujarat, Odisha and West Bengal, have prepared Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Plans with support from the World Bank. Such plans would be prepared for the selected coastal stretches in other States/UT. River inter-linking 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 Tamil Nadu has been allotted 83 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water under the proposed Godavari-Cauvery link, according to a draft detailed project report  The report was prepared by National Water Development Agency (NWDA), a Central government organisation entrusted with the task of preparing proposals for linking rivers. As per the current NWDA proposal, a total of 247 tmcft is sought to be diverted from the Godavari, through the Krishna river, to the Pennar basin.  As much as 163 tmcft will be set apart for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and the balance will be given to Tamil Nadu. The report, which has been circulated to the States concerned for views, has not provided comfort to Tamil Nadu which has been demanding 200 tmcft of water,  Giant parrots Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS- III– Biodiversity  In News The remains of a super-sized parrot that stood more than 3 feet tall (half the height of average human) and roamed the Earth 19 million years ago have been discovered in New Zealand. The parrot has been named Heracles inexpectatus to reflect its Herculean size and strength — and the unexpected nature of the discovery The bird was approximately the size of the giant “dodo” pigeon and twice the size of the critically endangered flightless New Zealand kakapo, previously the largest known parrot. Last year, scientists found the remains of a giant burrowing bat that lived millions of years ago in the same region. New Zealand, home to the now-extinct flightless bird moa which was up to 3.6 metres tall with neck outstretched, is well known for its giant birds. Biodegradable Plastics Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS III- Environmental Conservation. In News Researchers from the University of Valle de Atemajac in Zapopan, Mexico have created a biodegradable plastic from the juice of the prickly pear cactus (which is emblazoned on the country’s flag) The pulp of the prickly pear is mixed with non-toxic additives to produce sheets that can be used for packaging (replacing single use plastics). The new material begins to break down after sitting in the soil for a month and when left in water, it breaks down in a matter of days.  Also, it doesn’t require crude oil like traditional plastics. Researchers are still conducting tests, but hopes to patent their product and look for partners in early 2020, with an eye towards large scale production. Do you know? It's estimated that between 1.15 million to 2.41 million tonnes of plastic are entering the ocean each year from rivers. Biodegradable plastic is plastic that decomposes naturally in the environment. This is achieved when microorganisms in the environment metabolize and break down the structure of biodegradable plastic.  Biodegradable plastics are made from all-natural plant materials. These can include corn oil, orange peels, starch, and plants.  In March, UN member states committed to “significantly reduce” single-use plastics over the next decade.  Subsequently many Indian states like Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu have banned such plastics (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) ECONOMY TOPIC: General studies 2 & 3 Important International institutions, agencies and forums, their structure, mandate. Indian Growth & Economy Economic Developments RBI’s monetary policy  Context In its monetary policy review , the Monetary Policy Committee of the RBI decided to cut the repo rate by 35 basis points (bps) The RBI’s repo rate has now fallen 110 basis points since February. The RBI also announced some measures to boost economic activity. What is monetary policy? Monetary policy refers to the policy of the central bank i.e., Reserve Bank of India, in matters of interest rates, money supply and availability of credit. It is through the monetary policy, RBI controls inflation in the country. Monetary policy refers to the use of monetary instruments under the control of the central bank to regulate magnitudes such as interest rates, money supply and availability of credit with a view to achieving the ultimate objective of economic policy. RBI uses various monetary instruments like REPO rate, Reverse RERO rate, SLR, CRR etc to achieve its purpose. Objectives or Goals of Monetary Policy: The following are the principal objectives of monetary policy: Full Employment: Full employment has been ranked among the foremost objectives of monetary policy. It is an important goal not only because unemployment leads to wastage of potential output, but also because of the loss of social standing and self-respect. Price Stability: One of the policy objectives of monetary policy is to stabilise the price level. Both economists and laymen favour this policy because fluctuations in prices bring uncertainty and instability to the economy. Economic Growth: One of the most important objectives of monetary policy in recent years has been the rapid economic growth of an economy. Economic growth is defined as “the process whereby the real per capita income of a country increases over a long period of time.” Balance of Payments: Another objective of monetary policy since the 1950s has been to maintain equilibrium in the balance of payments. Restriction of Inventories: Overfilling of stocks and products becoming outdated due to excess of stock often results is sickness of the unit. To avoid this problem the central monetary authority carries out this essential function of restricting the inventories. The main objective of this policy is to avoid over-stocking and idle money in the organization Promotion of Exports and Food Procurement Operations: Monetary policy pays special attention in order to boost exports and facilitate the trade. It is an independent objective of monetary policy. Reducing the Rigidity:  RBI tries to bring about the flexibilities in the operations which provide a considerable autonomy. It encourages more competitive environment and diversification. It maintains its control over financial system whenever and wherever necessary to maintain the discipline and prudence in operations of the financial system. Instruments of Monetary Policy: The instruments of monetary policy are of two types: first, quantitative, general or indirect(CRR, SLR, Open market operations, bank rate, repo rate, reverse repo rate); and second, qualitative, selective or direct. (change in the margin money, direct action, moral suasion) They affect the level of aggregate demand through the supply of money, cost of money and availability of credit.  Of the two types of instruments, the first category includes bank rate variations, open market operations and changing reserve requirements.  They are meant to regulate the overall level of credit in the economy through commercial banks. Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Now in India, the policy interest rate required to achieve the inflation target is decided by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). MPC is a six-member committee constituted by the Central Government (Section 45ZB of the amended RBI Act, 1934). The MPC is required to meet at least four times in a year. The quorum for the meeting of the MPC is four members. Each member of the MPC has one vote, and in the event of an equality of votes, the Governor has a second or casting vote. The resolution adopted by the MPC is published after the conclusion of every meeting of the MPC. Once in every six months, the Reserve Bank is required to publish a document called the Monetary Policy Report to explain:  (1) The sources of inflation and (2) The forecast of inflation for 6-18 months ahead. The 6 member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) constituted by the Central Government as per the Section 45ZB of the amended RBI Act, 1934. The first meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) was held on in Mumbai on October 3, 2016. The composition of the MPC as on April 2019 is as follows; Governor of the Reserve Bank of India – Chairperson, ex officio;  Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, in charge of Monetary Policy. One officer of the Reserve Bank of India to be nominated by the Central Board  Dr. Ravindra H. Dholakia, Professor, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad – Member Professor Pami Dua, Director, Delhi School of Economics – Member Shri Chetan Ghate, Professor, Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) – Member Why does monetary policy matter? In any economy, economic activity, which is measured by gross domestic product or GDP, happens by one of four ways.  One, private individuals and households spend money on consumption.  Two, the government spends on its agenda.  Three, private sector businesses “invest” in their productive capacity.  Four, the net exports — which is the difference between what all of them spend on imports as against what they earn from exports. Monetary policy essentially answers that question. In every country, the central bank is mandated to decide the cost of money, which is more commonly known as the “interest rate” in the economy.  While various factors make it difficult for a central bank to exactly dictate interest rates, as a thumb rule, RBI’s decision on the repo rate sets the markers for the rest of the economy. What is the repo rate? Repo and Reverse repo are short for repurchase agreements between the RBI and the commercial banks in the economy. In essence, the repo rate is the interest rate that the RBI charges a commercial bank when it borrows money from the RBI. As such, if the repo falls, all interest rates in the economy should fall. But the interest rate for consumer loans has not reduced by 110 bps since February. Why? In the real world, the “transmission” of an interest rate cut (or increase) is not a hundred per cent. And that is why, even though when the RBI cut by 35 bps on Wednesday, lay consumers may only receive a much lower reduction in the interest rate on their borrowings. This is due to a lot of factors — but primarily, it has to do with the health of the concerned commercial bank. Over the past few years, almost all banks, especially the ones in the public sector, have seen their profits plummet because many of their past loans have turned out to be non-performing assets (in other words, they are not getting repaid). To cover for these losses, the banks have to use their existing funds, which would have otherwise gone to common consumers for fresh loans. There is another key element that affects the banks’ decision.  The reduced repo rate applies only to new borrowings of banks.  The banks’ cost of existing funds is higher. Of course, funding costs would eventually come down — but this process would take time. This “lag” in monetary policy is a key variable in determining the efficacy of any rate cut by the RBI.  It could take anywhere between 9 and 18 months for the full effect of an RBI decision to reflect in interest rates across the economy. So, how does RBI decide the interest rate? Any central bank has a few main concerns: The first is to ensure price stability in the economy.  The interest rate anchors the prices in an economy. The RBI continuously maps prices, inflation (which is the rate of increase in prices), and expectations of inflation (of households) to decide if it should increase or decrease interest rates. The other related concern for a central bank is to take care of economic growth For instance, economic growth is anaemic at present and partly as a consequence, the inflation rate has been below 4% for several months now. The RBI is, therefore, cutting interest rates to incentivise people to consume more and businesses to invest more. Will the rate cut bring investments? Investments depend essentially on the “real” interest rate. The real interest rate is the difference between the repo rate and retail inflation.  When making an investment decision, it is this interest rate that matters. As a variable, it allows an investor to compare the attractiveness of different economies.  Conclusion: So it can be conclude that the implementation of the monetary policy plays a very prominent role in the development of a country. It’s a kind of double edge sword, if money is not available in the market as the requirement of the economy, the investors will suffer (investment will decline in the economy) and on the other hand if the money is supplied more than its requirement then the poor section of the country will suffer because the prices of essential commodities will start rising. Connecting the dots: What is the purpose of setting up a Monetary policy committee (MPC)? What are its objectives? What is its present composition? Discuss. The ongoing slowdown is cyclical and not structural in nature. Elucidate ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General studies paper 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Disaster and disaster management. Centre unveils plan for coastal zone management Context: The Environment Ministry has unveiled a draft plan that will dictate how prospective infrastructure projects situated along the coast ought to be assessed before they can apply for clearance. Coastal Zones: The Coastal zones are defined by the extent of territorial waters up to the high water mark. They are long, narrow features of mainland, islands and seas, generally forming the outer boundary of the coastal domain.  The Coastal Zone Management (CZM) is a process of governance that consists of the legal and institutional framework necessary to ensure that development and management plans for coastal zones are integrated with environmental and social goals, and are developed with the participation of those affected. Coastal zone management involves managing coastal areas to balance environmental, economic, human health, and humanactivities. Purpose of Coastal Zone Management The goals of the Coastal Management (CZM) are to “preserve, protect, develop, enhance, and restore where possible, the coastal resources.” The purposes of Coastal Zone Management are given below: To maximize the benefits provided by the coastal zone To minimize conflicts and harmful effects of activities upon each other, resources and the environment To promote linkages between sectoral activities To guide coastal area development in an ecologically sustainable fashion Coastal Regulation Zones Coastal stretches of seas, bays, estuaries, creeks, rivers, and backwaters were declared as CRZs under coastal zone regulation notification in 1991. CRZs have been classified into 4 zones for the purpose of regulation: CRZ-I: includes ecologically sensitive areas, where no construction is allowed except activities for atomic power plants, defense. CRZ-II: includes designated urban areas that are substantially built up. Construction activities are allowed on the landward side only. CRZ-III: includes relatively undisturbed areas, mainly rural areas. No new construction of buildings allowed in this zone except repairing of the existing ones. However, constructions of dwelling units in the plot area lying between 200-500m of the high tide line is allowed. CRZ-IV: includes the water area covered between Low Tide Line and 12 nautical miles seaward. Except for fishing and related activities, all actions impugning on the sea and tidal water will be regulated in this zone. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Enacted in 1986, it is one of the most comprehensive legislations with an intent to protect and improve the environment. Article 48A under the Constitution of India specifies that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. The objectives of this Act are as follows:- To protect and improve the environment qualities To cover all the problems of environment To create an authority with the purpose of environmental protection To provide a deterrent punishment to those who endanger human environment, safety and health The Union Cabinet has approved the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2018 which were last reviewed and issued in 2011. CRZ Notification 2018 is based on the recommendations of Shailesh Nayak committee. New Rules under CRZ regulations The government notified new CRZ Rules with the stated objectives of promoting sustainable development and conserving coastal environments. For the so-called CRZ-III (Rural) areas, two separate categories have been stipulated. In the densely populated rural areas (CRZ-IIIA) with a population density of 2,161 per sq km as per the 2011 Census, the no-development zone is now 50 m from the high-tide level, as against the 200 m stipulated earlier. In the CRZ-IIIB category (rural areas with population density below 2,161 per sq km) continue to have a no-development zone extending up to 200 m from the high-tide line. The new Rules have a no-development zone of 20 m for all islands close to the mainland coast, and for all backwater islands in the mainland. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM): ICZM aims to improve livelihood of coastal communities and conserve the coastal ecosystem. The ICZM plan involves identification of infrastructure requirementsand livelihood improvement means in coastal districts. Conservation of mangroves is among the components. The national component of the project includes mapping of the country’s coastline and demarcation of the hazard line. It is a World Bank assisted project. It is being implemented by the Department of Forests and Environment with assistance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai, will provide scientific and technical inputs In news: The Environment Ministry has unveiled a draft plan that will dictate how prospective infrastructure projects situated along the coast ought to be assessed before they can apply for clearance. The draft Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) is part of a World Bank-funded project. The document lays down guidelines for coastal States to adopt when they approve and regulate projects in coastal zones. The project seeks to assist the Government of India in enhancing coastal resource efficiency and resilience, by building collective capacity (including communities and decentralised governance) for adopting and implementing integrated coastal management approaches. The document was prepared by the Society for Integrated Coastal Management, a Ministry-affiliated body. So far three coastal States, namely Gujarat, Odisha and West Bengal, have prepared Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans with support from the World Bank. Proposed activities The key activities proposed for coastal zone development that consist of investments by States include: mangrove afforestation/shelter beds,  habitat conservation activities such as restoration of sea-grass meadows, eco-restoration of sacred groves, development of hatcheries, rearing/rescue centres for turtles and other marine animals creation of infrastructure for tourism,  restoration and recharge of water bodies, beach cleaning and development,  other small infrastructure facilities. Conclusion: A well-informed science-based coastal zone management strategy embedded in an adequate social, institutional and legal framework, can prevent many future coastal problems. Connecting the dots Discuss India’s efforts for marine environment conservation and various initiatives related to it (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 Researchers from Mexico have created a biodegradable plastic from the juice of the prickly pear cactus  The new material begins to break down after sitting in the soil for a month and when left in water, it breaks down in a matter of days The new biodegradable plastic uses only 30% crude oil inputs unlike traditional plastics which are made from 100% crude oil  Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.2) The remains of a super-sized parrot named Heracles inexpectatus has been recovered in which country? Australia Central African Republic Madagascar New Zealand Q.3) Consider the following statements about National Water Development Agency It is a statutory body set up under the River Boards Act, 1956  Recently it has released report which proposes to divert water from the Godavari, through the Krishna river, to the Pennar basin.  Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements about Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) The framework will dictate how prospective infrastructure projects situated along the coast ought to be assessed before they can apply for clearance. It was prepared by the Society for Integrated Coastal Management, an Environment Ministry-affiliated body. Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Must Read: The fragility of India’s federalism  The Hindu  Pakistan expels Indian envoy, suspends bilateral trade  The Hindu How forces are tackling Maoists in Chhattisgarh, Indian express The big picture on tigers The Hindu

Aug 8, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 44

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 44 Archives Q.1) ‘Antiretroviral therapy (ART)’ is concerned with Human Immunodeficiency Virus  Tuberculosis Parkinson’s’ Disease Leprosy Q.2) ‘United Nations Security Council Resolution 47’ is associated with  Kashmir Sudan Palestine  Korean Peninsula Q.3) The ‘Pearl River Delta’ includes which of the following regions? Guangdong Hog Kong Macau Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.4) Which of the following statements about ‘Glyphosate’ is/are correct? It is used to regulate plant growth and  It is used to ripen fruit Both (a) and (b) Neither (a) nor (b) Q.5) Resource Assistance for Colleges with Excellence or RAC is a higher education model launched for distribution of faculties and movable assets among government colleges at district level so as to rationalise availability of resources. It is launched by which state? Maharashtra Rajasthan Gujarat Karnataka To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba