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

Aug 7, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 7th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 7th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Abortion Part of: Mains GS- I – Society – Women issues  In News Government has initiated the process for an inter-ministerial consultation on raising the gestation period for terminating a pregnancy to 24 weeks, from 20 at present, in case of health risk to the mother or foetus. The Supreme Court, in 2017, had declined to amend the Medical Termination Pregnancy (MTP)Act which prohibits termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks, saying that the issue fell within the legislative realm. The amendment in the MTP act aims to provide equal reproductive rights and also a provision for unmarried females and widows to undergo legal abortion. Presently, woman must seek legal recourse if the pregnancy has gone over 20 weeks to terminate the pregnancy.  Due to slow judicial process a pregnant woman is unable to get the abortion done thus pushing her to depend on illegal service providers for termination of unwanted pregnancies Do you know? A research paper recently published in The Lancet Global Health said a total of 15.6 million abortions were carried out in India in 2015. Of these, 11.5 million took place outside health facilities.  The Parliamentary committee on Woman’s health noted that awareness about abortion is very low and about 80% of women do not know that abortion is legal in India According to the ministry of health and family welfare, abortion deaths constitute 8% of all maternal deaths per year in India. Consumer Protection Bill Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS II- Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies. In News The Consumer Protection Bill 2019, already passed by Lok Sabha, was approved in the Upper House and will replace the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Aim: To protect the interests of consumers by establishing authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers’ dispute. New Bill- Benefit to Consumers Presently Consumer only have a single point of access to justice, which is time consuming. Additional swift executive remedies are proposed in the bill through Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) CCPA will be empowered to investigate, recall, refund and impose penalties. It will regulate matters related to violation of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and misleading advertisements. Provision for class action law suit for ensuring that rights of consumers are not infringed upon Deterrent punishment to check misleading advertisements and adulteration of products Product liability provision to deter manufacturers and service providers from delivering defective products or deficient services Ease of approaching Consumer Commission and Simplification of Adjudication process (Filing from place of residence, E-filing, Videoconferencing for hearing) Scope for early disposal of cases through mediation (ADR mechanism, Mediation cells to be attached to Consumer Forum) Provision for rules for new age consumer issues: e-commerce & direct selling Coal Plants and green norms Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS III- Environmental Conservation In News Current rules say that coal-fired power plants have to ensure that they curtail sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions by implementing appropriate technology by 2022 A report prepared by International Institute of Sustainable Development and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water has shown that implementing clean technology in coal-fired power plants can cost at least ₹73,000 crore This could mean a minimum of 10% hike in electricity bills for consumers Though cost of retrofitting plants may be high, not doing so would mean around 300,000 to 320,000 premature deaths and 5.1 crore hospital admission cases due to respiratory disorders between 2019 and 2030. Do you know? India’s installed power capacity as of March 2019 is 194,000 MW. According to the Central Electricity Authority, 166 GW of capacity requires retrofitting with flue gas desulphurisation (to meet sulphur oxide emission norms) and 66 GW with modifications or enhancements to reduce particulate matter emissions ECONOMY TOPIC: General studies 2 & 3 Important International institutions, agencies and forums, their structure, mandate. Indian Growth & Economy Economic Developments US says China manipulates Yuan Context: The US Treasury Department declared that China is a currency manipulator. The move came after the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), the central bank of China, allowed the yuan to suddenly depreciate (or lose value) relative to the dollar by 1.9 per cent — one of the biggest single-day falls. Concern: The on going trade war between the world’s two biggest economies was now turning into a currency war as well. What is a currency’s exchange rate? An exchange rate regime is how a nation manages its currency in the foreign exchange market. An exchange rate regime is closely related to that country's monetary policy. Example: In many ways, the exchange rate of your currency is the fundamental price in the economy. If an Indian car is worth Rs 10 lakh, then that is all the information we need to conduct that transaction; we do not have to wonder “what is the price of a rupee?”. However, if we’re trying to buy a car that was produced in, say the US, we would need more information than just its price (say, $15,000 in the US). This is because buying the imported car involves two transactions: one, using your rupees to buy 15,000 dollars; two, using these dollars to buy the car. It often determines the affordability of buying or selling internationally. So, if the rupee is at 70 to a dollar, the car may be affordable, but not so at 100 to a dollar. There is a flip side to this picture. While a stronger rupee (that is 70/$, instead of 100/$) is better for you as a consumer, it is worse for you if you were an Indian car manufacturer hoping to sell your car in the US. That’s because the rupee’s strength makes your car that much less affordable to US consumers. How are exchange rates determined? In an ideal world, the exchange rate for any currency would be determined by the interplay of its demand and supply.  For example: If more Indians want to buy US goods, there would be a higher demand for the dollar relative to the rupee. This, in turn, would mean the dollar would be “stronger” than the rupee — and gain in strength as the demand increases. If demand falls, the dollar would depreciate relative to the rupee (or the rupee would appreciate relative to the dollar). What is currency manipulation? The real world is far from ideal. Most governments and central banks are bothered about generating more growth and employment at home.  A weaker domestic currency comes in very handy when governments are trying to attract foreign demand and boost exports.  China’s economic growth has been essentially fuelled by exporting to the world. Currency manipulation happens when governments try to artificially tweak the exchange rate to gain an “unfair” advantage in trade.  In other words, if China’s central bank buys dollars in the forex market, it can artificially weaken the yuan — and Chinese goods will then become more affordable (and competitive) in the international market. Some amount of such “intervention” by central banks is allowed to reduce wild fluctuations in the exchange rate. But excessive and undisclosed interventions are not considered fair. How did the US conclude that China was manipulating the yuan? In the so-called “FX report” released by the US Treasury Department in May, it found that the yuan’s depreciation against the dollar was far more than its depreciation against a trade-weighted basket of 24 currencies . It also found that the yuan depreciated more than what it should have, if the fall were due only to the known interventions by the Chinese central bank. The US accused the People’s Bank of China of using China’s state-owned enterprises to do its dirty work.  The US has also found that Chinese authorities intervene more assiduously when the yuan starts appreciating against the dollar, but look the other way when the yuan starts weakening. Connecting the dots: How is the currency exchange rate determined? Who determines it ? Explain the Exchange rate interms of Purchasing power parity (PPP). What is Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER), Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER)? POLITY Topic: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Consumer protection bill 2019 Context The Rajya Sabha passed the Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 that provides for the establishment of authorities for the timely and effective administration and settlement of consumer disputes. The Bill seeks to replace the three-decade-old Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Back ground: The CPA, 1986 was enacted considering the large number of consumers in India who are illiterate and are susceptible to exploitation by unscrupulous businesses. Hence, a major objective of this Act was to make consumers aware of the various quality-control measures (e.g. Hallmark, BIS-mark etc.) being employed for the products and the rights available to them to seek Redressal against unfair practices. Although, the impacts have been largely positive as is visible in the increased consumer awareness and adherence of businesses to the quality-control standards, there have been certain issues as well. The movement has left many rural regions untouched. Also, the slow progress of addressing the cases has resulted in large-scale pendency.  Key features of the Bill include: Definition of consumer:  A consumer is defined as a person who buys any good or avails a service for a consideration.  It does not include a person who obtains a good for resale or a good or service for commercial purpose.  It covers transactions through all modes including offline, and online through electronic means, teleshopping, multi-level marketing or direct selling. Rights of consumers:  Six consumer rights have been defined in the Bill, including the right to:  be protected against marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property;  be informed of the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods or services; be assured of access to a variety of goods or services at competitive prices; and  seek redressal against unfair or restrictive trade practices. Central Consumer Protection Authority:  The central government will set up a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers.   It will regulate matters related to violation of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and misleading advertisements.  The CCPA will have an investigation wing, headed by a Director-General, which may conduct inquiry or investigation into such violations. CCPA will carry out the following functions, including:  Inquiring into violations of consumer rights, investigating and launching prosecution at the appropriate forum;  Passing orders to recall goods or withdraw services that are hazardous, reimbursement of the price paid, and discontinuation of the unfair trade practices, as defined in the Bill;  Issuing directions to the concerned trader/ manufacturer/ endorser/ advertiser/ publisher to either discontinue a false or misleading advertisement, or modify it;  Imposing penalties, and;  Issuing safety notices to consumers against unsafe goods and services. Penalties for misleading advertisement:  The CCPA may impose a penalty on a manufacturer or an endorser of up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment for up to two years for a false or misleading advertisement.  In case of a subsequent offence, the fine may extend to Rs 50 lakh and imprisonment of up to five years. CCPA can also prohibit the endorser of a misleading advertisement from endorsing that particular product or service for a period of up to one year. For every subsequent offence, the period of prohibition may extend to three years.  However, there are certain exceptions when an endorser will not be held liable for such a penalty.  Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission:  Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (CDRCs) will be set up at the district, state, and national levels.   A consumer can file a complaint with CDRCs in relation to:  Unfair or restrictive trade practices;  Defective goods or services;  Overcharging or deceptive charging; and  The offering of goods or services for sale which may be hazardous to life and safety.  Complaints against an unfair contract can be filed with only the State and National   Appeals from a District CDRC will be heard by the State CDRC.  Appeals from the State CDRC will be heard by the National CDRC.  Final appeal will lie before the Supreme Court. Jurisdiction of CDRCs: The District CDRC will entertain complaints where value of goods and services does not exceed Rs one crore.  The State CDRC will entertain complaints when the value is more than Rs one crore but does not exceed Rs 10 crore.  Complaints with value of goods and services over Rs 10 crore will be entertained by the National CDRC. Product liability:  Product liability means the liability of a product manufacturer, service provider or seller to compensate a consumer for any harm or injury caused by a defective good or deficient service.  To claim compensation, a consumer has to prove any one of the conditions for defect or deficiency, as given in the Bill.  New Bill- Benefit to Consumers Presently Consumer only have a single point of access to justice, which is time consuming. Additional swift executive remedies are proposed in the bill through Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) Deterrent punishment to check misleading advertisements and adulteration of products Product liability provision to deter manufacturers and service providers from delivering defective products or deficient services Ease of approaching Consumer Commission and Simplification of Adjudication process Scope for early disposal of cases through mediation Provision for rules for new age consumer issues: e-commerce & direct selling Conclusion: However, certain issues such as the appointment of mediators to settle disputes are contentious as this would lead to arm-twisting of the weaker parties and may encourage corruption. Also, the setting up of a Consumer Authority and absence of provisions to streamline the conducting of cases in courts may only lead to greater regulations and complexities. Addressing these issues is necessary to ensure that the new amendments bring about definitive improvements in the CPA. Connecting the dots: Discuss the salient features of consumer protection bill 2019?  (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 Abortion is illegal in India Abortion deaths constitute 8% of all maternal deaths per year in India. Presently, woman must seek legal recourse if the pregnancy has gone over 20 weeks to terminate the pregnancy  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) Consider the following statements about Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) proposed under the bill can initiate class action, including enforcing recall, refund and return of products. However, the bill falls short as it does not have provision for Mediation and e-filing of 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 Coal-fired power plants in India have to ensure that they curtail sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions by 2022 through adoption of clean technologies  India’s installed power capacity as of March 2019 is 100,000 MW. Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Afghanistan shadow over India’s move The Hindu Bankruptcy cases must account for the time value of money Live Mint The hard realities of India’s fast-track courts The Hindu The battle continues Indian express

Aug 7, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 43

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 43 Archives Q.1) The ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’ wraps which of the following countries? Canada New Zealand Japan Chile Select the correct code: 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 4 All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements about National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Environment Protection Act provides for creating the National Tiger Conservation Authority It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Project Tiger is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Jhum Cultivation’ It is the process of growing crops by first clearing the land of trees and vegetation and burning them thereafter. It is a primitive practice of cultivation in States of Southern India Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? AGMARK – Agriculture RERA – Real Estate NPPA – Medicines Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Which of the following can be considered as an import duty? Countervailing Duty  Safeguard Duty Anti-Dumping Duty Select the correct code: 1 and 3 2 and 3 3 Only 1, 2 and 3 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 7, 2019 RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Shimla Pact and Lahore Agreement

Shimla Pact and Lahore Agreement Archives In news: Hours after US President Donald Trump claimed India had sought his help solve the Kashmir dispute, leader after leader, across the Indian political divide, cited the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999 to stress that Kashmir is a bilateral issue. But what are these treaties? SIMLA AGREEMENT, 1972 Signed by: Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on July 2, 1972, in the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The agreement was a peace treaty signed by the two nations after the end of the 1971 Bangladesh war. Bangladesh had been a part of Pakistan since the 1947 Partition. In 1971, it waged a war of independence against Pakistan. India entered the war as an ally of Bangladesh which transformed the war into an Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The agreement was ratified by the parliaments of both the nations in the same year. The Simla Agreement sought to reverse the consequences of the 1971 war i.e. to bring about withdrawals of troops and an exchange of prisoners of war (PoWs). The agreement resolved that the two countries put an end to the conflict and confrontation that have marred their relations and work for the promotion of a friendly and harmonious relationship. Established a mutual commitment to the peaceful resolution of all issues through direct bilateral approaches. Said that both sides shall always respect each other's national unity, territorial integrity, political independence and sovereign equality. It converted the cease-fire line of 17 December 1971 into the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan and it was agreed that "neither side shall seek to alter it unilaterally, irrespective of mutual differences and legal interpretations". Most importantly, the Simla Agreement established that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. India has, many times, cited the Simla Agreement to deny any third-party intervention in the Kashmir dispute, including that of the United Nations. LAHORE DECLARATION, 1999 The Lahore Declaration was a bilateral agreement and governance treaty between India and Pakistan. The treaty was signed on 21 February 1999, at the conclusion of a historic summit in Lahore, and ratified by the parliaments of both countries the same year. The declaration was signed by Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif. The accord was vital to Indo-Pak relations at it came at a time when both countries had established themselves as atomic powers through publicly performed nuclear tests in 1998. Under the terms of the treaty, a mutual understanding was reached towards the development of atomic arsenals and to avoid accidental and unauthorised operational use of nuclear weapons. It signalled a major breakthrough in overcoming the historically strained bilateral relations between the two nations. It recognized that the nuclear dimension of the security environment of the two countries adds to their responsibility for avoidance of conflict between them. Committed both to the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, and the universally accepted principles of peaceful co-existence. Committed both countries to the objectives of universal nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Reiterated the determination of both countries to implementing the Shimla Agreement in letter and spirit. Was meant to intensify India and Pakistan's composite and integrated dialogue process for an early and positive outcome of the agreed bilateral agenda. The treaty stressed on India and Pakistan's resolve to combat terrorism and mutual non-interference in internal affairs. Connecting the Dots: What were the key features of the Shimla Agreement signed by India and Pakistan post 1971 war? Critics say that the agreement was a lost opportunity for India. What do you think? Critically Comment.

Aug 6, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 6th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 6th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Surrogacy (regulation) bill, 2019 Part of: Mains GS- I – Society – Women issues  In News Lok Sabha has passed the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 that prohibits commercial surrogacy, but allows altruistic surrogacy. Surrogacy: Surrogacy is a practice where a woman gives birth to a child for an intending couple with the intention to hand over the child after the birth to the intending couple. Commercial Surrogacy: It refers to any surrogacy arrangement in which the surrogate mother is compensated for her services beyond reimbursement of medical expenses. Altruistic Surrogacy: In this a woman volunteers to carry a pregnancy for intended parents without receiving any monetary compensation in return. Most altruistic surrogacies are between family members or close friends.  The bill provides for constituting a National Surrogacy Board, State Surrogacy Boards, and the appointment of appropriate authorities for the regulation of the practice and process of surrogacy. The offences under the Bill include undertaking or advertising commercial surrogacy, exploiting the surrogate mother and abandoning, exploiting or disowning a surrogate child. Do you know? India has emerged as a hub for surrogacy in recent years with 2000 to 3000 surrogacy clinics running illegally in the country.  Commercial surrogacy is banned and considered illegal in many countries including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, China, South Africa, Spain, and Switzerland. Draft national resource efficiency policy Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS III – Environment Conservation In News The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has proposed a draft National Resource Efficiency Policy 2019 which aims to streamline the efficient use of these resources with minimum negative impact on environment. The draft policy comes in the backdrop of India increasing its material consumption to six times from 1.8 billion ton in 1970 to 7 billion ton in 2015. Aim: to minimize this inherent cost of economic growth on the natural environment by transforming country’s waste management sector into a secondary resource recovery sector. National Resource Efficiency Authority (NREA) will be set up whose mandate will be developing and implementing resource efficient strategies for material recycling, reuse and land-filling targets for various sectors and set standards for reuse of secondary raw materials NERA would be supported by an Inter-Ministerial National Resource Efficiency Board to guide on the aspects critical to its implementation. Other measures include tax benefits on recycled materials, green loans to small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) and soft loans to construct waste disposal facilities, apart from setting up Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) Do you know? India’s resource extraction of 1580 tonnes/acre is much higher than the world average of 450 tonnes/acre, while material productivity remains low. The country’s recycling rate is just about 20-25% compared with 70% in developing countries in Europe. Resource Assistance for Colleges with Excellence (RACE) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS II- Issue relating to Education In News Rajasthan government has launched a new higher education model titled Resource Assistance for Colleges with Excellence. This model is utilized for distribution of faculties and movable assets among the government colleges at the district level to rationalise the availability of resources.  The model will create a pool for sharing of facilities which will benefit the colleges lacking infrastructure. The colleges in need will submit their requirement to the nodal college in the district, which will send the teachers on deputation, if needed, and provide the facilities such as projectors, digital libraries, equipment and technicians. RACE will give autonomy to small colleges and help them find solutions to their problems at the local level. (MAINS FOCUS) JAMMU AND KASHMIR/ARTICLE 370 TOPIC: General Studies 2 Social Justice Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Article 370 Context  Jammu and Kashmir has lost its special status, and reduced to two Union Territories Special status was withdrawn by invoking the same Article 370 which had been seen as firewalling the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir.  What is the significance of Article 370? The most important feature of federalism in the United States was the “compact” between the 13 erstwhile British colonies that constituted themselves first into a confederation and then into a federal polity under the country’s 1791 constitution.  India’s Supreme Court in State of West Bengal v. Union of India (1962) attached the highest importance to an “agreement or compact between states” as an essential characteristic of federalism.  In SBI (2016), the apex court accepted the presence of this compact for Kashmir.  Article 370 was an essential facet of India’s federalism because, like the compact in the United States, it governed the relationship of the Union with Jammu and Kashmir.  The Supreme Court has held federalism to be part of the basic structure of India’s Constitution The original draft of Article 370 was drawn up by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. A modified version of the draft was passed in the Constituent Assembly of India on May 27, 1949. Moving the motion, N Gopalaswami Ayyangar said that if the accession was not ratified by a plebiscite, “we shall not stand in the way of Kashmir separating herself away from India”. On October 17, 1949, Article 370 was included in India’s Constitution by the Constituent Assembly. Some critics of Article 370 have argued earlier that Kashmir joined India in 1947 without any conditions, and Article 370 unnecessarily gave it special status.  However, the drafting of the Constitution ended on November 26, 1949 — Article 370 had been included before the Constitution was adopted. What did the Instrument of Accession say? The Indian Independence Act, 1947, divided British India, i.e., the territories under the direct administration of the British, into India and Pakistan.  The 580-odd princely states that had signed subsidiary alliances with the British had their sovereignty restored to them, and were given the options of remaining independent, joining the Dominion of India, or joining the Dominion of Pakistan.  Section 6(a) of the Act said joining either India or Pakistan would have to be through an Instrument of Accession.  States could specify the terms on which they were joining one of the new dominions. Technically, therefore, the Instrument of Accession was like a treaty between two sovereign countries that had decided to work together.  The maxim of pacta sunt servanda in international law, which governs contracts or treaties between states, asks that promises must be honoured.  Monday’s Presidential Order under Article 370 is a negation of the constitutional pact that India signed with Maharaja Hari Singh. The Maharaja, the Hindu king of a Muslim-majority state, had initially wanted to stay independent. He signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947, after Afridi tribesmen and Pakistan Army regulars invaded the state, and India agreed to help only after he acceded.  The Schedule appended to the Instrument of Accession gave the Indian Parliament power to legislate for Jammu and Kashmir on only defence, external affairs and communications. Article 370 was a constitutional recognition of the conditions mentioned in the Instrument of Accession, and reflected the contractual rights and obligations of the two parties. But wasn’t Article 370 just a temporary provision? Article 370 is the second Article of Part XXI of India’s Constitution, which is titled “Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions”. Article 370 was temporary in the sense that the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir was given the right to modify/delete/retain it. The Constituent Assembly of Kashmir decided in its wisdom to retain it. The other view was that it was “temporary” until a plebiscite had been held to ascertain the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In a written reply to Parliament last year, the government had said there was no proposal to remove Article 370. In Kumari Vijayalakshmi Jha vs Union Of India (2017), Delhi High Court rejected a petition that argued that Article 370 was temporary, and that its continuation was a fraud on the Constitution. In April 2018, the Supreme Court said that the word “temporary” in the headnote notwithstanding, Article 370 was not temporary. In Santosh Kumar (2017), the apex court said that due to historical reasons, Jammu and Kashmir had a special status. The Supreme Court in SBI v Zaffar Ullah Nehru (2016) observed that the federal structure of the Constitution is reflected in Part XXI. The court also said that J&K; has a special status, and that Article 370 was not temporary. The court referred to Article 369 of Part XXI that specifically mentions the period of five years; no time limit is mentioned in Article 370. The court observed that Article 370 cannot be repealed without the concurrence of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. In Prem Nath Kaul (1959), a five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court observed that Article 370(2) shows that the continuance of the exercise of powers conferred on Parliament and the President by the relevant temporary provisions of Article 370(1) is made conditional on the final approval of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. In Sampat Prakash (1968), the apex court decided that Article 370 could be invoked even after the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. “Article 370 has never ceased to be operative,” the five-judge Bench said. Has Article 370 been scrapped? The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019, issued by President Ram Nath Kovind “in exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 370 of the Constitution”, has not abrogated Article 370.  While this provision remains in the statute book, it has been used to withdraw the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.  The Presidential Order has extended all provisions of the Indian Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir. It has also ordered that references to the Sadr-i-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir shall be construed as references to the Governor of the state, and “references to the Government of the said State shall be construed as including references to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir acting on the advice of his Council of Ministers”.  This is the first time that Article 370 has been used to amend Article 367 (which deals with Interpretation) in respect of Jammu and Kashmir, and this amendment has then been used to amend Article 370 itself. What is the status of Article 35A now? Article 35A stems from Article 370, and was introduced through a Presidential Order in 1954. Article 35A does not appear in the main body of the Constitution — Article 35 is followed by Article 36 — but appears in Appendix I. Article 35A empowers the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define the permanent residents of the state, and their special rights and privileges. Presidential Order has extended all provisions of the Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir, including the chapter on Fundamental Rights.  Therefore, the discriminatory provisions under Article 35A are now unconstitutional. The President may also withdraw Article 35A.  What has changed in Jammu and Kashmir? The state of Jammu and Kashmir will now cease to exist; it will be replaced by two new Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. UTs have become states earlier; this is the first time that a state has been converted into a UT. The UT of Jammu and Kashmir will have an Assembly, like in Delhi and Puducherry. Not only has Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status, it has been given a status lower than that of other states. Instead of 29, India will now have 28 states. Kashmir will no longer have a Governor, rather a Lieutenant Governor like in Delhi or Puducherry. Can the Presidential Order be challenged in the Supreme Court? On what grounds? It will most likely be challenged. However, the Supreme Court will consider that Article 370 does, indeed, give sweeping powers to the President. It might also take two to three years for a Constitution Bench of the court to decide such a challenge. The possible grounds of challenge could include the argument that the conversion of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory is in violation of Article 3, as the Bill was not referred by the President to the state Assembly. Also, can the Constituent Assembly mean Legislative Assembly? Are the Governor and the state government one and same? The constitutional relevance of Instrument of Accession will also be examined by the court. Whether Article 370 was part of the basic structure will likely be considered. The use of Article 367 in amending Article 370 will also be examined. How would the status of J&K; as a Union Territory (and Ladakh too as a non-legislature UT) affect the governance of these States? There are two models – Puducherry and the National Capital Territory of Delhi - which can guide the proposed Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir on becoming a Union Territory.  While the former seems to be having no restriction with regard to framing laws on police, public order and land, the latter is specifically barred from making laws on the three subjects.  It was through an enabling provision – 239 A - that the Puducherry legislature was formed, whereas, in the case of Delhi, the provision – 239AA – spells out the contours of powers of the legislature and council of ministers. In respect of Ladakh, where there is no Legislative Assembly, the role of the Administrator or Lt. Governor will be greater than that of Jammu & Kashmir. His source of authority is the President. Conclusion: Article 370 is the bedrock of the constitutional relationship between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. It has been described as a tunnel through which the Constitution is applied to J&K.; India has used Article 370 at least 45 times to extend provisions of the Indian Constitution to J&K.; This is the only way through which, by mere Presidential Orders, India has almost nullified the effect of J&K;’s special status Thus, the move is bound to have a significant impact on the demography, culture, and politics of J&K.; Connecting the dots: Discuss the history of Article 370? Violence, terrorism, and killings are never the answer – be it on any side. What do you think? Discuss government’s strategy towards handling the Kashmir issue.  WOMEN/ HEALTH Topic: General studies paper 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 CONTEXT: The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 was introduced by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, The Bill defines surrogacy as a practice where a woman gives birth to a child for an intending couple with the intention to hand over the child after the birth to the intending couple. Regulation of surrogacy:  The Bill prohibits commercial surrogacy, but allows altruistic surrogacy.   Altruistic surrogacy involves no monetary compensation to the surrogate mother other than the medical expenses and insurance coverage during the pregnancy. Commercial surrogacy includes surrogacy or its related procedures undertaken for a monetary benefit or reward (in cash or kind) exceeding the basic medical expenses and insurance coverage. Purposes for which surrogacy is permitted:  Surrogacy is permitted when it is:  For intending couples who suffer from proven infertility Altruistic Not for commercial purposes Not for producing children for sale, prostitution or other forms of exploitation; and  For any condition or disease specified through regulations. Eligibility criteria for intending couple:  The intending couple should have a ‘certificate of essentiality’ and a ‘certificate of eligibility’ issued by the appropriate authority.  A certificate of essentiality will be issued upon fulfilment of the following conditions:  A certificate of proven infertility of one or both members of the intending couple from a District Medical Board An order of parentage and custody of the surrogate child passed by a Magistrate’s court; and  Insurance coverage for a period of 16 months covering postpartum delivery complications for the surrogate. The certificate of eligibility to the intending couple is issued upon fulfilment of the following conditions:  The couple being Indian citizens and married for at least five years Between 23 to 50 years old (wife) and 26 to 55 years old (husband);  They do not have any surviving child (biological, adopted or surrogate); this would not include a child who is mentally or physically challenged or suffers from life threatening disorder or fatal illness; and  Other conditions that may be specified by regulations Eligibility criteria for surrogate mother:  To obtain a certificate of eligibility from the appropriate authority, the surrogate mother has to be:  A close relative of the intending couple;  A married woman having a child of her own;  25 to 35 years old;  A surrogate only once in her lifetime; and  Possess a certificate of medical and psychological fitness for surrogacy.  Further, the surrogate mother cannot provide her own gametes for surrogacy. Appropriate authority:  The central and state governments shall appoint one or more appropriate authorities within 90 days of the Bill becoming an Act.   The functions of the appropriate authority include;  Granting, suspending or cancelling registration of surrogacy clinics;  Enforcing standards for surrogacy clinics;  Investigating and taking action against breach of the provisions of the Bill;  Recommending modifications to the rules and regulations Registration of surrogacy clinics:  Surrogacy clinics cannot undertake surrogacy related procedures unless they are registered by the appropriate authority.  Clinics must apply for registration within a period of 60 days from the date of appointment of the appropriate authority.  National and State Surrogacy Boards:  The central and the state governments shall constitute the National Surrogacy Board (NSB) and the State Surrogacy Boards (SSB), respectively.  Functions of the NSB include,  Advising the central government on policy matters relating to surrogacy;  Laying down the code of conduct of surrogacy clinics; and  Supervising the functioning of SSBs. Parentage and abortion of surrogate child:  A child born out of a surrogacy procedure will be deemed to be the biological child of the intending couple.  An abortion of the surrogate child requires the written consent of the surrogate mother and the authorisation of the appropriate authority.  This authorisation must be compliant with the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.  Further, the surrogate mother will have an option to withdraw from surrogacy before the embryo is implanted in her womb. Offences and penalties: The offences under the Bill include:  Undertaking or advertising commercial surrogacy;  Exploiting the surrogate mother;  Abandoning, exploiting or disowning a surrogate child; and  Selling or importing human embryo or gametes for surrogacy.   The penalty for such offences is imprisonment up to 10 years and a fine up to 10 lakh rupees.  The Bill specifies a range of offences and penalties for other contraventions of the provisions of the Bill.  Laws Governing Surrogacy in Different Countries While countries like Britain, America, Australia, the Netherlands and Denmark are among those where altruistic surrogacy is legal, countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Bulgaria prohibit all forms of surrogacy. Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine allow both altruistic and commercial surrogacy. Kenya, Malaysia and Nigeria do not prohibit surrogacy but have no formal law to regulate the practice. The Czech Republic, Colombia, Chile and Hungary are among countries with unregulated surrogacy. In Britain Commercial Surrogacy is not legal in the United Kingdom. The surrogate is the child’s legal parent at birth. Legal parenthood can be transferred by parental order or adoption only once the child is born. In USA The surrogacy laws vary from state to state. Surrogacy friendly states allow both commercial and altruistic surrogacy. Arkansas, California, New Hampshire are some such surrogacy-friendly states. New York does not allow commercial surrogacy and Michigan forbids absolutely all surrogacy agreements. In Canada Canada’s Assisted Human Reproduction Act permits only altruistic surrogacy. Surrogate mothers may be reimbursed only for approved expenses. However, all surrogacy arrangements are illegal in Quebec in Canada. Conclusion: The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2019 cements the ban on commercial surrogacy, but it fails to effectively tackle the larger social, physical, psychological, emotional and economic issues that continue to challenge the welfare and safety of both the surrogate mother and the child. Just the removal of the commercial aspects in the current surrogacy arrangements does not remove the chances of exploitation. So the rights of surrogate mother and child born must comprehensively be formulated, along with that ART must be regulated thoroughly. Connecting the dots: Discuss the provisions and challenges of surrogacy regulation bill 2019. (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 Surrogacy Surrogacy is a process of fertilisation where an egg is combined with sperm outside the body, in laboratory conditions Recently a bill has been passed in Lok Sabha which provides for blanket ban on Surrogacy in India Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements India’s resource extraction of 1580 tonnes/acre is much higher than the world average of 450 tonnes/acre, while material productivity remains low. The country’s recycling rate is just about 20-25% compared with 70% in developing countries in Europe. Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Which state has launched Resource Assistance for Colleges with Excellence (RACE) for distribution of faculties and movable assets among the government colleges ? Delhi Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Kerala Must Read: Possibilities in the Northwest Indian Express Code Red for labour The Hindu Clouds of uncertainty over Afghanistan The Hindu What is Section 144 of CrPC? Indian Express

Aug 6, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 42

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 42 Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Mechi River’ It is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River It is a trans-boundary river flowing through China and India Select the correct statements 1 Only  2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) English Channel is between England and  France Spain Ireland Wales Q.3) Which of the following are member countries of ‘Mekong–Ganga Cooperation’? Thailand Malaysia Cambodia India Select the correct code: 1, 2 and 3 1, 3 and 4 2, 3 and 4 1, 2 and 4 Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Global Coalition of the Willing on Pollinators’ It was formed in 2016 to follow up on the findings of IPBES assessment on Pollinators, Pollination and Food Production India is a founder member of the Coalition 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 ‘Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)’ It is the nodal agency for implementing Bilateral Social Security Agreements with other countries on a reciprocal basis. It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour and Employment 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 5, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 5th August 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 5th August 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) One Nation-one Ration Card scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS- III – Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping In News Centre launched the One Nation-One Ration Card scheme on a pilot basis in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat Families who have food security cards can buy subsidized rice and wheat from any ration shop in these states.  Their ration cards should be linked with Aadhar Number to avail this service.  The Centre is intended to extend the programme to all states by August next year so that the portability of the food security card implemented.   The national portability of ration cards will ensure all beneficiaries especially the migrants in getting access to PDS across the nation from any PDS shop of their own choice Quick reaction surface-to-air missiles (QRSAM) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS III – Security issues In News DRDO successfully flight-tested its state-of-the-art QRSAM against live aerial targets from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur. The all-weather and all-terrain missile, can be mounted on a truck and stored in a canister, is equipped with electronic counter measures against jamming by aircraft radars  The systems are equipped with indigenously-developed Phased array radar, Inertial Navigation System, Data Link & RF seeker. The system is being developed for Indian Army with search and track on move capability with very short reaction time QRSAM uses solid-fuel propellant and has a range of 25-30 km Genome India initiative Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS III – Science & Technology In News The Department of Biotechology (DBT) plans to scan nearly 20,000 Indian genomes over the next five years, in a two-phase exercise, and develop diagnostic tests that can be used to test for cancer. The programme is expected to formally launch in October, with an estimated budget of ₹250-350 crore for the Phase-1. The first phase involves sequencing the complete genomes of nearly 10,000 Indians from all corners of the country and capture the biological diversity of India In the next phase, about 10,000 “diseased individuals” would have their genomes sequenced.  This vast data would be compared using machine learning techniques to identify genes that can predict cancer risk and other diseases that could be influenced by genetic anomalies. Agencies involved: 22 institutions, including those from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the DBT However, the data generated would be accessible to researchers anywhere for analysis.  This would be through a proposed National Biological Data Centre envisaged in a policy called the ‘Biological Data Storage, Access and Sharing Policy’, which is still in early stages of discussion. (MAINS FOCUS) AGRICULTURE/SOLAR ENERGY TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3 Infrastructure: Energy From Plate to Plough Context : Helping farmers produce solar energy can help realise the government’s target of doubling farmers’ incomes. In July, two interesting things happened that can help Indian farmers to a large extent in augmenting their incomes The First one,  the Union Finance Minister (FM) in her maiden budget speech asked why the annadata (farmer) cannot become the urjadata (producer of solar power) The second one, in Parliament, the agriculture minister for state, responding to a question on the prime minister’s promise of doubling farmers’ income (DFI) by 2022, admitted that the existing set of policies cannot double farmers’ real incomes by 2022. Concern: Existing set of policies cannot double farmers’ real incomes by 2022. Doubling the Farmer’s income Committee headed by Ashok Dalwai in April 2016 was setup. The Committee clarified real incomes will need to be doubled over seven years (over a base income of 2015-16), which requires a growth rate of 10.4 per cent per year.  The Committee submitted its final report in September 2018. It comprises of 14 volumes (almost 3,000 pages) and 619 recommendations. The FM’s statement on the annadata becoming the urjadata, the policy has the potential to double farmers incomes within a year or two.  In the Past: The PM has also set a target of producing 100 GW of solar power by 2022. He wants the country to be one of the frontrunners in the International Solar Alliance for clean energy.  So far, the model that has been adopted to develop solar power is inviting bids from large business players. And big players did enter, ranging from Mahindra and Mahindra to the Adanis and so on.  Some of them, who entered early into power purchase agreements (PPA) with state governments, had to burn their hands when the costs came down and state governments forced them to revise the costs of PPA downwards, upsetting their economic calculations.  But this model of generating solar power was not very inclusive. The land is locked for solar panels for almost 25 years, and the benefits go only to a few investors. What can be done? The alternative model is to help farmers produce solar power on their lands, making annadata an urjadata.  This model will be much more inclusive and can help augment their incomes significantly.  There are two variants of this:  One, replace all pump-sets, especially diesel ones, with solar pumps and the excess power generated through solar panels can be purchased by state governments at a price that gives the farmer a good margin over his cost of producing solar power.  Second, encourage farmers to grow “solar trees” on their lands at a height of about 10-12 feet in a manner that enough sunlight keeps coming to plants below. Under this variant, the farmer can keep growing two irrigated crops as he has been doing, but the solar tree generates a lot of excess power that can be purchased by the state government.  The power generated under the second variant is multiple times more than under the first variant, and therefore the income augmentation can also be several times more than under the first variant. Challenges to adopt this model The problem is of mobilising enough capital to instal these solar trees. In one acre you can have 500 solar trees in such a manner that even tractors can move through those and farmers can keep growing their normal two crops. It does not impact their productivity as there is ample sunlight coming from the sides for photosynthesis. The second pre-condition is that the state should be ready to do the power purchase agreement. Key notes: The Delhi government actually announced a policy to that effect. As per their calculations, 500 trees can be put on an acre of farmer’s land; the investment in solar panels (trees) will be done by other business people. The only thing that the farmer has to assure is that for 25 years he will not convert his land to other uses The economic calculations suggest that farmers can be given Rs one lakh/acre per annum as net income, with a six per cent increase every year for the next 25 years. This can easily double their income. About Solar energy in India: India facing problems in fulfilling its energy demand, solar energy can play an important role in providing energy security. With its pollution free nature, virtually inexhaustible supply and global distribution, solar energy is very attractive energy resource. India's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC’s) commitment include 100 GW of solar power out of 175 GW renewable energy by 2022 Advantages Solar Energy is available throughout the day which is the peak load demand time. Solar energy conversion equipments have longer life and need lesser maintenance and hence provide higher energy infrastructure security. Low running costs & grid tie-up capital returns (Net Metering). Unlike conventional thermal power generation from coal, they do not cause pollution and generate clean power. Abundance of free solar energy in almost all parts of country. No overhead wires- no transmission loss Challenges in adoption India’s solar story is largely built over imported products. India’s domestic content requirement clause ia facing legal challenge at WTO. India is facing challenge to balance Prioritising domestic goals and WTO commitments. The dumping of products is leading to profit erosion of local manufacturers. Indian domestic manufacturers aren’t technically and economically strong to compete with Chinese companies. China’s strong manufacturing base is giving stiff challenge to domestic manufacturer. Land availability in India for solar plant is less due to high population density. India's solar waste is estimated to be around 1.8 million by 2050 also needs to be tackled. Government initiatives Ministry of new and renewable energy is the nodal agency to tackle India's renewable energy issues. National Solar Mission is a major initiative of the Government of India and State Governments to promote ecologically sustainable growth while addressing India's energy security challenge. The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) is a Non-Banking Financial Institution under the administrative control of this Ministry for providing term loans for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. National institute of solar energy is created as autonomous institution under MoNRE is apex body for R&D. Establishment of solar parks and ultra major solar power project and enhancing grid connectivity infrastructure. Promotion of canal bank and canal tank solar infrastructure. Sustainable rooftop implementation of Solar transfiguration of India (SRISTI) scheme to promote rooftop solar power projects in india. Suryamitra programme to prepare qualified workforce. Renewable purchase obligation for large energy consumer customers. National green energy programme and green energy corridor. Conclusion Strong financial measures are required to finance the solar projects, innovative steps like green bonds, institutional loans and clean energy fund can play a crucial role. Promotion of research and development in renewable energy sector, especially in storage technology. Proper mechanism should be provided to tackle China's dumping of solar equipments. Framework to avoid unnecessary delays in policy decision making and implementation. Connecting the dots: To conserve energy is to assure for a sustainable future’. Critically analyse. Discuss the challenges and solution in harnessing solar energy in India? INTERNAL SECURITY TOPIC: General studies 3 Challenges to internal security Role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges Security challenges and their management Mob lynching Context: Rajasthan’s effort to criminalise mob lynching is a good start The Rajasthan government has introduced the Rajasthan Protection From Lynching Bill, 2019. If it gets passed, Rajasthan will be the second State after Manipur to have a dedicated law criminalising mob lynching as a special offence, in addition to other offences under the Indian Penal Code. What is lynching? Lynching is defined as an act or series of acts of violence or aiding, abetting or attempting an act of violence, whether spontaneous or planned, by a mob (two or more persons) on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth, language, dietary practices, sexual orientation, political affiliation and ethnicity. Lynching is an egregious manifestation of prejudice, intolerance, and contempt towards the rule of law.  There have been many incidences of Mob Lynching for issues with respect to cow, children kidnappers , etc  and not only common people but also the police personnel became victims of it. Some of the cases of mob lynching:  ‘Go to Pakistan’: 20–25 men barge into Gurgaon home, assault family Assam: Mob thrashes man in Biswanath Chariali for allegedly carrying Beef; forced to eat Pork Jharkhand: Old ox dies, mob kills a man, three injured are booked for bovine slaughter Amnesty International India documented 721 such incidents between 2015 and 2018.  Last year alone, it tracked 218 hate crimes, 142 of which were against Dalits, 50 against Muslims, 40 against women, and eight each against Christians, Adivasis, and transgenders.  Causes of mob lynching Prejudices in Indian society are age old and deep rooted. These prejudices are based on various identities like race, gender, caste, class, religion, etc.  Social media or technological advances help in the process of ‘confirmation  bias’ – it is the confirmation of a prejudice or a bias The strategic silence of the State and the ineffective law and order machinery has further given legitimacy to mob lynching. Lack of digital literacy among common people. Political mobilization of fringe groups and Politicization of lynching and strategic silence. The Supreme Court condemned mob lynching incidents across the country and urged Parliament to enact a law to deal with the crime that threatens rule of law and the country’s social fabric. Supreme Court in the case of Tehseen Poonawala v Union of India, has provided a 11-point prescription for preventive, remedial and punitive measures and has asked Parliament to legislate a separate offence for lynching and provide adequate punishment for the same. The state governments shall designate a senior police officer in each district for taking measures to prevent incidents of mob violence and lynching. The state governments shall immediately identify districts, sub-divisions and villages where instances of lynching and mob violence have been reported in the recent past. The nodal officers shall bring to the notice of the DGP any inter-district co-ordination issues for devising a strategy to tackle lynching and mob violence related issues. It shall be the duty of every police officer to cause a mob to disperse, which, in his opinion, has a tendency to cause violence in the disguise of vigilantism or otherwise Central and the state governments should broadcast on radio and television and other media platforms including the official websites that lynching and mob violence shall invite serious consequence . Curb and stop dissemination of irresponsible and explosive messages, videos and other material on various social media platforms. Register FIR under relevant provisions of law against persons who disseminate such messages. Ensure that there is no further harassment of the family members of the victims. State governments shall prepare a lynching/mob violence victim compensation scheme. Cases of lynching and mob violence shall be specifically tried by designated court/fast track courts earmarked for that purpose in each district. The trial shall preferably be concluded within six months. To set a stern example in cases of mob violence and lynching, the trial court must ordinarily award maximum sentence upon conviction of the accused person. If it is found that a police officer or an officer of the district administration has failed to fulfill his duty, it will be considered as an act of deliberate negligence. Rajasthan Protection From Lynching Bill, 2019: The Bill follows the Supreme Court’s recommendations in authorising the setting up of special courts, appointment of a dedicated nodal officer, and stipulating enhanced punishments.  its scope is more comprehensive as it not only criminalises acts of lynching, dissemination of ‘offensive material’ and fostering of a ‘hostile environment’, but also provides for relief, legal aid, compensation and rehabilitation. some of the Bill’s provisions might attract legal scrutiny. Section 8(c) of the Bill says that whoever commits an act of lynching, where the act leads to the death of the victim, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for life and a fine not be less than Rs. 1,00,000 and which may extend to Rs. 5,00,000 Section 9 of the Rajasthan Bill stipulates, inter alia , the same punishment for lynching and “attempting” an act of lynching.  Conclusion Lynching is an egregious manifestation of prejudice, intolerance, and contempt towards the rule of law.  With all its limitations, the Rajasthan Bill is evidence of political will by the State government. It is expected that deliberations help in the enactment of a more constitutionally robust Bill.  However, legislation cannot act as a panacea; what is required is political commitment. It is high time that the other States and the Centre show some urgency so that creeping threats are prevented from metastasising into an out-of-control monster Connecting the dots: For a demographically diverse country such as India, hate crimes are a disaster. Discuss. India is becoming a destination of mob lynching. Is it true? Discuss the causes and what could be the possible solution to stop mob lynching. (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) One Nation One ration card scheme is being implemented by which Union Ministry? Ministry of electronics and information technology Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Ministry of Food Processing Industries Ministry of Rural Development Q.2) Consider the following statements about Quick reaction surface-to-air missiles (QRSAM) It is being jointly developed by India and Israel The system is being developed for Indian Army with search and track on move capability with very short reaction time QRSAM uses solid-fuel propellant and has a range of 250-300 km Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Genome India Initiative 22 institutions, including those from CSIR and Department of Biotechnology is involved in this initiative  The data generated from this initiative would be accessible to researchers anywhere for analysis through National Biological Data Centre   Which of the statement(s) given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ: Bigger and better The Hindu Telling Numbers: The extent of groundwater over-exploitation, state by state Indian Express Why has Punjab restricted use of 9 pesticides for Basmati  Indian Express The case against mandatory corporate social responsibility Live Mint

Aug 5, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 41

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 41 Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘tarballs’ They are formed by weathering of crude oil in marine environments  The presence of several tarballs might indicate an oil spill Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) ‘Time Release Study (TRS)’ is associated with World Bank World Customs Organisation World Trade Organisation World Economic Forum Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Meghdoot App’ It provides information on market prices, seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and agricultural machinery. It has been developed by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) ‘Sardine run’ primarily occurs near which of the following countries? Japan South Africa Croatia Norway Q.5) Which of the following is/are correctly matched?            Ports        Country Gwadar - Pakistan Hambantota - Maldives Kyaukpyu – Myanmar Select the correct code: 1 and 2 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 1 Only To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba