IAS Baba

Aug 1, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 35]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 35] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about ‘BRICS PartNIR’ It is aimed at deepening BRICS cooperation in digitalization, industrialization, innovation, inclusiveness, investment and addressing the challenges arising from the 4th Industrial Revolution. It was established during the Xiamen Declaration at 9th BRICS Summit Select the correct statement 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF)’ It is under the aegis of Ministry of Finance The share for each infrastructure areas and projects from the CRIF shall be finalised by a Committee headed by Ministry of Finance Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) ‘PRASHAD Scheme’ is associated with Tourism Textiles Skill Development Solar Pumps and Irrigation Q.4) Dhangar Community is primarily found in which of the following regions? Marathwada Budelkhand Marwar Saurashtra Q.5) Consider the following statements about ‘Additional Surveillance Measures (ASM)’ It is a surveillance method by SEBI in which exchanges impose trading curbs on excessively volatile stocks. Once a stock is caught in the ASM net, it attracts a bunch of stricter exchange rules on intra-day price movements. 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

Jul 31, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV- Gender Equality vs Religious Practices

Gender Equality vs Religious Practices Archives TOPIC: General studies 1: Role of women and women’s organization, women related issues, Social empowerment General studies 2: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. In News: Supreme Court of India has observed that the right of a woman to pray is a constitutional right and does not depend on laws. Observations There is no concept of a private temple in a public place and therefore there could be no discrimination on the basis of gender and physiology. The age notification is arbitrary and conveniently leaves out the girl who is nine years old or the woman who is 51 years. Restricting women’s entry into religious spaces is not only against the principle of equality as enshrined in the Indian Constitution but also acts as a barrier to their socio-cultural development. The question of equal rights for women in religions seems to have ambushed us with the eruption of activism and debate around Shani Shingnapur and Sabarimala, temples where women are not allowed to enter, and the Haji Ali shrine, where women worshippers are not allowed into the saint’s mausoleum since 2011. The Supreme Court’s observation that the ban on entry of women aged between 10 and 50 into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala is “against the constitutional mandate’’ is a welcome assertion of equality between men and women. Women ‘polluting’ religious spaces: How the idea came about? Attitudes developed around patriarchal interpretations of religious belief have defined and shaped the social and cultural contexts of Indian women resulting in their disempowerment and second-class status. In India, where politics uses religion as a tool to manipulate the masses, women bear the brunt of the consequences of cultural attitudes and the impact of religion and politics in their particular milieu. Patriarchy: Premised upon the notion of women’s inferiority and impurity, which then becomes a justification for their subordination. Menstruation and pregnancy are most commonly cited as the factors causing ‘pollution’. One main notion is about menstruation, in which it is believed that women are unclean, filthy and possess negative energy during this time, so they should be in solace or must remain outside or far away from any worship place. Threat to the Religious structure: The other popular myth associated with the denial of entry is that women who are ‘sexually needy and mischievous’ are a threat to the religious structure and the men associated with it. A common way of controlling the sexuality of women was by referring to the innate “wicked nature of women” which if left uncontrolled could lead to chaos in society. A large number of texts of the period starting from the middle of the first millennium BC carry explicit references to the evil character of women. Internationally: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), of which India is a signatory, requires that it gives to its citizens freedom of religion, and the right against discrimination on the basis of gender. India is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966 (ICCPR). India is also a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women, 1979 (CEDAW), which requires India to eliminate discrimination against women and recognize that they should be treated at par with men in the eyes of the law. The Way Forward: There is a pressing need for the legislature to create a central law which outlines the rights and duties of administrators and worshipers, especially women. This law should elaborate upon the right to worship and the right against discrimination available to all Indians in the context of entry into places of worship of all religions. The judiciary should strike down all laws and customs which allow for such discrimination against women and declare them unconstitutional. Customary international law as well as the various treaties that India is a signatory to bind the nation to the mission of providing its citizens protection against discrimination and the right to worship and practice their religion. Note: Article 25 (1) which mandates freedom of conscience and right to practise religion. “All persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion…” Article 51A(e): Prohibition of women’s entry to the shrine solely on the basis of womanhood and the biological features associated with womanhood is derogatory to women

Jul 31, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 34]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 34] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about ‘National Register of Citizens (NRC)’ It is being updated to weed out illegal immigration from Bangladesh and neighbouring regions It is the list of Indian citizens of all the North Eastern States Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘International Seabed Authority’ It is an autonomous international organization established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea It has its headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) ‘e-participation index (EPI)’ is released by NITI Aayog United Nations World Economic Forum International Monetary Fund Q.4) ‘India Stack’ is concerned with Defence Manufacturing Industrial corridors National Waterways Application programming interface Q.5) Consider the following statements about ‘Madhuca longifolia’ It is used to produce local alcoholic drink It found largely in the central and north Indian plains and forests 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

Jul 31, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 31st July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 31st July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Private sector participation in defence equipment manufacturing Part of: GS Prelims and mains III – Defence and Security In news: Major step towards boosting private sector participation in domestic defence manufacturing: Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the implementation of Strategic Partnership guidelines. Strategic Partnership model aims to revitalise defence industrial ecosystem and progressively build indigenous capabilities in the private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex weapon system for future needs of armed forces. The SP model has four segments — submarines, single engine fighter aircraft, helicopters and armoured carriers/main battle tanks — which would be specifically opened up for the private sector. Under this policy one Indian private company would be selected in each segment which would tie-up with shortlisted global equipment manufacturers to manufacture the platforms in India under technology transfer. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/07/31/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/7613786d_2285133_101_mr.jpg Ban of Oxytocin Part of: GS Prelims and Mains – Health issue In news: Government had banned oxytocin. The move came into effect from July 1, 2018. It is intended to curb the hormone injection’s misuse in cattle but the impact is being felt by pregnant women, who require the medication the most. Often called the “love hormone”, oxytocin is released naturally in human bonding activities such as sex, childbirth and breastfeeding. However, oxytocin was misused in the livestock industry, where activists say it causes hormonal imbalances and shortens the lives of milch animals. National Register of Citizens (NRC) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Welfare and Social issue; Internal Security In news: In previous article, we read about NRC, Why is the NRC is being updated in Assam? (30 July 2018 DNA) Over 40 lakh out of 3.29 crore applicants were left out of draft NRC in Assam The five year exercise was completed at a cost of ₹1,220 crore. The draft NRC was released in Guwahati by Registrar General of India and NRC State Coordinator. The remaining 40,007,707 applicants, whose names didn't figure in the list will be given ample opportunity through a process of claims and objections till September 28, and their citizenship status will not be questioned till the final, error-free draft is prepared. Miscellaneous: International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is in the Philippines The Economic Survey 2017-18 recommended a number of steps to acknowledge the “feminisation” of Indian agriculture. Department of Biotechnology (DBT), a Science Ministry body plans to send women farmers to be trained in IRRI. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TOPIC:General Studies 2 India and its international relations Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. 10th BRICS Summit Johannesburg Declaration Introduction: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) have existed as a coherent economic group since 2009. BRICS has grown in influence, expanded the arc of its interests, and established new institutions and partnerships in its first decade. More importantly, it has created for its members the habits of working together. Intra-BRICS cooperation is on a rising trajectory. Yet, the fact remains that BRICS is still far from achieving its initial goals: reform of global financial governance, democratisation of the United Nations, and expansion of the Security Council — partially because two of its members (China and Russia) do not want the other three members (India, South Africa and Brazil) to obtain parity in the global pecking order. 10th BRICS Summit Highlights: The summit saw the BRICS leaders discuss various international and regional issues of common concern and adopted the 'Johannesburg Declaration' by consensus. The declaration reaffirms principles of democracy, inclusiveness and agrees to fight unilateralism and protectionism. 10th summit framed its deliberations against U.S. President Donald Trump’s unconventional approach on world affairs, particularly the looming trade wars. Stressed for rules-based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open and inclusive multilateral trading based on the World Trade Organisation. Broader commitment to cooperate for strengthening multilateralism, the rule of law and an equitable international order. To help nations to prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Articulated the need for a new strategy on employment, education and skill development as the digital revolution unfolds. BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR) to engage with the private sector and young innovators working at the cutting edge of technology today. BRICS Business Council to enhance trade and economic cooperation in diverse sectors ranging from manufacturing and energy to financial services and regional aviation. Commitment towards an inclusive and “people-centred approach” on development. Steady progress in interactions through sports, films, education, culture and tourism. Africa and BRICS Plus BRICS outreach to Africa began at the last summit hosted by South Africa, in 2013 and has picked up momentum now. African nations expect BRICS to play more crucial and broader role. African nations requested for big loans from the New Development Bank (NDB) for their infrastructure projects. So far, the NDB has dispersed loans totalling $5.1 billion — all to its members only. China introduced “BRICS Plus” format last year by inviting a few countries from different regions – Argentina, Jamaica, Turkey, Indonesia and Egypt. BRICS Plus has potential to evolve and an immediate benefit is the immense opportunities it provides for networking among leaders. Conclusion: BRICS will continue to be an influential voice as long as its convergences prevail over its divergences. Changing power equations within BRICS By lowering China’s dominance (esp. China-Russia proximity) Brazil played a low-profile role Sovereign equality of all members India is playing “a delicate geopolitical game with the U.S., China and Russia as their spheres of influence wax and wane” across regions. No decision was taken to set up the BRICS credit rating agency that India favours. The India-South Africa partnership helped to ensure that the Johannesburg Declaration was balanced and well-rounded in its orientation. The critical question is whether BRICS’s exertions will have appreciable impact on G-7 (the grouping of the developed countries), which is in disarray and especially on the US Administration. Connecting the dots: Why is BRICS and its Bank important for developing countries, especially India? Critically evaluate. The Johannesburg Declaration in the recently concluded BRICS summit is a diplomatic win for India and holds immense significance to obtain parity in the global pecking order. Do you agree? Comment. NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Social Justice; social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population and betterment of these vulnerable sections SC walking on tight rope between the narrow and the transformative approach Introduction Supreme Court is in the spotlight with cases dealing with – Aadhaar and relationship between the individual and the state challenge to Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code Sabarimala case constitutional challenge to adultery All the above cases have placed the court at the heart of the culture wars. While the Aadhaar challenge was argued on the relatively straightforward basis of when and to what extent the state can exercise its coercive power over individuals, the other 2 cases (section 377 and Sabarimala) have seen clashes between the invocation of personal rights and the claims of cultural and religious groups. This is set to continue with the forthcoming adultery hearings, where the state’s objection to the decriminalisation of adultery is premised on the argument that it would destroy the institution of marriage. Supreme Court dealing with complex task With cases dealing with constitutional rights of an individual against the state, the task of the court is clear: the Court can strike down laws or rules if it is breaching the constitutional rights. However, when the Court is called upon to settle a battle in the culture wars, the task is filled with greater complexity. This is because these conflicts often represent deep, long-standing and irreconcilable divisions in society, touching issues of personal belief and conviction. Any indecisive or ill-suited resolution by the apex court in matters involving personal belief will create anger and frustration (especially in alienated communities) and risks an erosion of faith in the neutrality and impartiality of state institutions. The framers of the Constitution consciously refrained from such complex situation by not addressing them directly. For instance, the framers deliberately placed the provision for a uniform civil code in the unenforceable “Directive Principles” chapter, thinking that it was too divisive to be made a fundamental right. Following a narrow approach In order to avoid the complexity and risk, there is a popular school of thought that asks the court to tread with particular caution when questions of culture are at stake. According to this school of thought, the court while dealing with such sensible matters should limit its reasoning to technical points of law, avoid constitutional questions, decide only the case before it consciously and refrain from expressing any opinion on the validity of any personal belief or conviction. The role of the court, in short, is to do everything it can to lower the stakes, and take a pragmatic, problem-solving approach to the conflict rather than an ideal-oriented, expansive one. Adopting the transformative approach There is, however, a rival philosophy of constitutional adjudication. This philosophy holds that the Constitution is a transformative document, whose goal is to erase and remedy long-standing legacies of injustice. A particular feature of these injustices is their deep-rooted, social and institutional character. In the Indian context, the most obvious example is that of caste. The pervasive and corrosive influence of caste-discrimination in our society not only prompted the inclusion of a specific article in the Constitution abolishing untouchability (Article 17), but over and above that, gave rise to a constitutional vision of equality that specifically included affirmative action. Conclusion: In both the 377 and Sabarimala hearings the transformative approach was articulated. Arguments presented by mental health professionals (that decades of social exclusion and ostracism of the LGBT community could not be remedied simply by “decriminalisation”) were accepted. The counsel declared that no institution — public or private — would henceforth be permitted to discriminate on grounds of sexual orientation, or deny any person their civil rights. By doing this, it would accomplish two crucial things: a small step towards removing the structural and institutional barriers that continued to stand between the LGBT community and equal moral membership in the community it would serve as a public acknowledgement of a wrong that society had been complicit in, and which society was not determined to remedy Similarly, in the Sabarimala case, counsel have urged the court to hold that religion cannot be invoked to shield a discriminatory practice from constitutional scrutiny; and that, at the end of the day, constitutional morality must prevail over precepts that are rooted in any particular religion. In these cases, therefore, the court is faced with a stark choice between the narrow and the transformative approaches to navigating the choppy waters of culture and the Constitution. Which direction it chooses to take depends upon what it believes the Constitution is for — and will have profound consequences in the years to come. Connecting the dots Judiciary should consciously refrain itself from complex cases that can instigate clashes between the invocation of personal rights and the claims of cultural and religious groups. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer with suitable examples. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) The hormone acts on the smooth muscles of our body and stimulates their contraction. In females, it stimulates a vigorous contraction of uterus at the time of child birth, and milk ejection from the mammary gland is Oxytocin Gonadotrophin Somatostatin Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone Q.2) To increase yield, the cows are injected with Oxytocin, a hormone banned in India under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and section 12 of Food and Drug Adulteration Prevention Act, 1960. Oxytocin is banned because: Milk produced from such cows is unfit/harmful for human consumption. Cows injected with Oxytocin have a greater incidence of abortions, mastitis and lower conception rates. Cattle feel immense pain as the uterus contracts due to injection of Oxytocin. Select the code from below: 1 only 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) A regional centre for International Rice Research Institute is being established in India to improve rice yields and quality. In which of the following cities is it being established? [IRRI South Asia Regional Center (ISARC)] Chandigarh Chennai Varanasi Kolkata Q.4) Given below are the statements regarding BRICS. Select the correct statements among them 10th BRICS summit 2018 was held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The theme of the summit was "Stronger partnership for a bright future" Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR) is related to BRICS. Select the code from following 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) IBSAMAR is a naval exercise between members of which of the following groupings? BRICS ASEAN BIMSTEC Andean Community (CAN) Q.6) Which of the following is/are NOT members of New Development Bank (NDB) India China South Africa Russia Singapore Select the correct code: 3, 4 and 5 2, 3 and 4 1 and 3 Only 5 MUST READ A good beginning: on draft data protection bill The Hindu A balancing Act The Hindu The case for increasing the retirement age of judges The Hindu Longevity science The Hindu The little done, the great un-done Indian Express Who is a citizen Indian Express Raja Mandala: Imran Khan’s Afghan call Indian Express A RERA for the shareholder Indian Express

Jul 31, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 30th July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 30th July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) ‘ISRO-like’ ocean mission planned Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Technology; Geography In news: Centre draws up a five-year, ₹8,000 crore plan to explore the deep recesses of the ocean. The Union Earth Sciences Ministry unveiled a blueprint of the ‘Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)’. The mission proposes to explore the deep ocean, similar to the space exploration started by ISRO about 35 years ago. Proposed key deliverables to achieve these goals – Establish an offshore desalination plant that will work with tidal energy Developing a submersible vehicle that can go to a depth of at least 6,000 metres The focus will be on technologies for deep-sea mining, underwater vehicles, underwater robotics and ocean climate change advisory services, among other aspects. Do you know? India has been allotted a site of 1,50,000 sq. km in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) by the UN International Sea Bed Authority for exploitation of polymetallic nodules (PMN). These are rocks scattered on the seabed containing iron, manganese, nickel and cobalt. It is envisaged that 10% of recovery of that large reserve can meet the energy requirement of India for the next 100 years. It has been estimated that 380 million metric tonnes of polymetallic nodules are available at the bottom of the seas in the Central Indian Ocean India’s Exclusive Economic Zone spreads over 2.2 million sq. km and in the deep sea, lies “unexplored and unutilised.” Important value addition: Article 297 – Things of value within territorial waters or continental shelf and resources of the exclusive economic zone to vest in the Union India was the first country in the world to have been given the Pioneer Area for exploration of deep-sea mineral viz. Polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin in 1987. India’s Exclusive Economic Zone Pic: https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-ff0cc396558c51551ba5f544383a2499-c Pic: https://image.slidesharecdn.com/exclusiveeconomiczonesofindiapps-160902114336/95/exclusive-economic-zones-of-india-6-638.jpg?cb=1472816817 National Register of Citizens Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Welfare and Social issue; Internal Security About NRC It is the register containing names of Indian Citizens. It was prepared first in 1951 after the conduct of the Census of 1951. It is used to identify who is a bona fide Indian citizen and those who fail to enlist in the register will be deemed illegal migrants. Why is the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated in Assam? The demands to update the NRC of 1951 were first raised by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and Assam Gana Parishad more than three decades ago. Since 1950s, there is lot of controversy regarding migration and citizenship issues. Original inhabitants of Assam always fear that migrants from Bangladesh would compete them with jobs, land and eventually hamper their culture. Therefore, in 1970s, All Assam Students’ Union spearheaded a massive drive, popularly known as the Assam Agitation calling for the detection, deletion and deportation of illegal Bangladeshi migrants. However, for a very long time, the provisions in the Assam accord were not implemented. In 2013, the Supreme Court finally ordered to complete the exercise by December 31, 2017, leading to the present updation of NRC in Assam. National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Defence and Security In news: India plans to procure missile shield from U.S. India is in talks with the U.S. to procure an advanced air defence system, called National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System-II (NASAMS-II) It will be used to defend the National Capital Region (NCR) from aerial attacks. Fast recap: NASAMS system will complement other systems such as the medium and long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems under procurement. India is also in an advanced stage of talks with Russia for the procurement of very long range S-400 air defence systems. Apart from these imports, India is also developing an indigenous Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 and 3 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Social issue Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. Challenges to internal security through communication networks. Death Penalty is no solution Introduction: Remember the Supreme Court’s recent order on mob lynching? On July 17, a Supreme Court bench termed incidents of mob-lynching in India as ‘horrendous acts of mobocracy’ It directed the Parliament to draft a new legislation to effectively deal with incidents of mob lynching. The apex court also directed the police to register an FIR under Section 153A of the IPC and do everything in their power to ensure that social order was maintained. The judgment endorses the belief that “it is the fear of law that prevents crimes”. However, effective policing of mob violence may not be the only cause for failure. Is Death penalty a solution? The political class has recently shown increasing liking or affinity for the death penalty. Earlier this month, Punjab Chief Minister suggested the death penalty for first-time drug offenders. In 2016, the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar introduced the death penalty for illicit liquor trade without any evidence to suggest its efficacy. This year, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy moved, and then withdrew, a private member’s Bill in the Rajya Sabha for death penalty for cow slaughter. More prominently, a Presidential ordinance was introduced by the Union government to impose the death penalty for the rape of girls under 12 years of age. In doing so, our political class has opted too often in the recent past to declare certain categories of criminals worth eliminating. Unfortunately, courts have often joined the chorus and actively sought and encouraged harsher punishments. Death penalty is not the answer In January, the Uttarakhand High Court recommended that the State introduce the death penalty for cases of child rape. The courts have in the recent past showcased language with helpless frustration. ‘Monstrous,’ ‘beastly,’ ‘diabolical’ and ‘unfathomable’ have been used to refer to offenders. Such language is then read and highlighted across media, feeding the public with an idea that - violence is the only means of justice. Judicially expressed disgust does not aid in understanding crime, or preventing its recurrence. Do you know? 2013 Justice Verma Committee restrained to recommend death penalty for rape. Law Commission recommended restricting the death penalty only to crimes against the state. It should not be forgotten that the death penalty has never been a deterrent against any sort of crime. There is little empirical evidence to show that those about to commit a capital offence would stop themselves merely out of the fear of being hanged. Further, there is a legitimate concern that the country’s judicial system has not been consistent in awarding the death penalty. Lengthy prison sentences, constituting both well-deserved consequences for grave crimes and a life-long opportunity for penitence, will adequately meet the ends of justice. The court must resist being the avenger for society in favour of nurturing a culture where justice and retribution are not the same. The way ahead: India’s growing violence culture can be best reversed by enhancing conviction rates through reforms in the police and judicial systems. Need of the hour: greater allocation of state resources towards the setting up of fast-track courts; more one-stop crisis centres; proper witness protection; more expansive compensation for rape survivors, and an overhaul of existing child protection services. There is no question that the country deserves much better legal protection, but the death penalty is not the answer. Connecting the dots With more than 150 countries abolishing death penalty, is there a stressing demand in India to abolish death penalty. Critically analyse. Violence can breed justice as well as injustice. Elucidate. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its international relations Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Keeping friends close: India Iran Relations In a recent interview, former Vice-President Hamid Ansari said – India’s relationship with Iran has been built carefully by all past governments as Iran for us is not just an energy supplier… For us, Iran is a land power on the other side of Pakistan that provides us with an alternative route to Afghanistan. India-Iran relations: For India, relations with Iran have a domestic political dimension. As the largest Shia country and home to some of the holiest shrines of the Shia community, Iran remains influential among India’s large Shia population. India and Iran have always shared deep social, cultural, economic and political connections and relations that have enriched both civilizations. The use of the Persian language at the Mughal courts is just one example of Iranian cultural influence in north India. A growing number of Iranian students are enrolled at universities in India, most notably in Pune and Bengaluru. It is noteworthy that Iran was one of the first countries with which India signed a Friendship Treaty in March 1950. Significance of India-Iran relations Energy and to decrease the dependence on Saudi for oil Chabahar port Role in Afghanistan and Iran-Afghan railway link connectivity Geopolitical and strategic position etc Recent developments: The US has told India and other countries to cut oil imports from Iran to “zero” by November 4 or face sanctions. U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley has threatened India to drastically reduce its energy imports from Iran by November 4 or else India would be subject to American sanctions. US threat is in direct conflict with India’s strategic interests in the region and an insult to Indian sovereignty. Recently, India-Iran relations have improved considerably because of growing energy and trade dependency and greater recognition on both sides of the conjunction of strategic interests. India should not allow relations with a potential regional ally to be disrupted by empty American threats. Connecting the dots What should be India’s approach to Iran keeping in mind the recalibrated stance of the US in the region? Discuss. (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) Deep Ocean Mission to spur research activities in ocean science and develop technology to harness ocean resources was launched by – Ministry of Earth Sciences Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources Ministry of Ocean Development and Resources Q.2) Consider the following statements with reference to International Seabed Authority (ISA) It has been established under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The authority is formed only for regulating all mineral-related activities in the international seabed. U.S.A. is the only major maritime power that is not its member. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following statements regarding different maritime boundaries under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS): The territorial boundary of a country exists up to 12 km from the edge of a continent. Up to 24 nautical mile from the coast the zone is called Contiguous Zone. From the edge of the coast to 200 nautical mile, the zone is called Special Economic Zone. Which of the above statements are NOT correct? 1 and 2 2 only 1 and 3 3 only Q.4) The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a nuclear agreement between India and USA China and Japan Iran and P5 +1 India and Australia Q.5) Caspian Sea is bordered by Iran Uzbekistan Armenia Georgia Select the correct code: Only 1 1 and 3 2, 3 and 4 2 and 4 MUST READ Layers of protection: on changes in anti-corruption law The Hindu God cannot be privatised The Hindu The dwindling minority Indian Express Sins of commission Indian Express Borders For Doctors Indian Express Courts of injustice Indian Express

Jul 30, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV- Climate Change: 60 Crore Indians at Risk

Climate Change: 60 Crore Indians at Risk Archives TOPIC: General Studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment In News: World Bank report titled 'South Asia's Hotspots: The Impact of Temperature and Precipitation Changes on Living Standards' mentions – Climate change could cost India 2.8 per cent of GDP, and depress living standards of nearly half of its population by 2050, as average annual temperatures are expected to rise by 1-2 per cent over three decades If no measures are taken, average temperatures in India are predicted to increase by 1.5-3 degrees Even if preventive measures are taken along the lines of those recommended by the Paris climate change agreement of 2015, India's average annual temperatures are expected to rise by 1-2 degrees celsius by 2050 About 600 million people in India today live in locations that could either become moderate or severe hotspots of climate change by 2050 under a business-as-usual scenario. India and Climate Change Extreme Heat: India is already experiencing a warming climate Unusual and unprecedented spells of hot weather are expected to occur far more frequently and cover much larger areas. Under 4°C warming, the west coast and southern India are projected to shift to new, high-temperature climatic regimes with significant impacts on agriculture. Changing Rainfall Patterns An abrupt change in the monsoon could precipitate a major crisis, triggering more frequent droughts as well as greater flooding in large parts of India. Dry years are expected to be drier and wet years wetter. Droughts Droughts are expected to be more frequent in some areas, especially in north-western India, Jharkhand, Orissa and Chhattisgarh. Crop yields are expected to fall significantly because of extreme heat by the 2040s. Groundwater: More than 60% of India’s agriculture is rain-fed, making the country highly dependent on groundwater. Even without climate change, 15% of India’s groundwater resources are overexploited. Sea level rise Sea-level rise and storm surges would lead to saltwater intrusion in the coastal areas, impacting agriculture, degrading groundwater quality, contaminating drinking water, and possibly causing a rise in diarrhoea cases and cholera outbreaks, as the cholera bacterium survives longer in saline water. Kolkata and Mumbai, both densely populated cities, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of sea-level rise, tropical cyclones, and riverine flooding. Agriculture and Food Security Even without climate change, world food prices are expected to increase due to growing populations and rising incomes, as well as a greater demand for biofuels. Seasonal water scarcity, rising temperatures, and intrusion of sea water would threaten crop yields, jeopardizing the country’s food security. Energy Security The increasing variability and long-term decreases in river flows can pose a major challenge to hydropower plants and increase the risk of physical damage from landslides, flash floods, glacial lake outbursts, and other climate-related natural disasters. Decreases in the availability of water and increases in temperature will pose major risk factors to thermal power generation. Water Security: An increase in variability of monsoon rainfall is expected to increase water shortages in some areas. Migration and conflict South Asia is a hotspot for the migration of people from disaster-affected or degraded areas to other national and international regions. The Indus and the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Basins are major trans boundary rivers, and increasing demand for water is already leading to tensions among countries over water sharing. Climate change impacts on agriculture and livelihoods can increase the number of climate refugees. The Way Forward: Improvements in hydro-meteorological systems for weather forecasting and the installation of flood warning systems can help people move out of harm’s way before a weather-related disaster strikes. Building codes will need to be enforced to ensure that homes and infrastructure are not at risk. With built-up urban areas rapidly becoming “heat-islands”, urban planners will need to adopt measures to counteract this effect. Investments in R&D; for the development of drought-resistant crops can help reduce some of the negative impacts. The efficient use of ground water resources will need to be incentivized. Major investments in water storage capacity would be needed to benefit from increased river flows in spring and compensate for lower flows later on. Building codes will need to be strictly enforced and urban planning will need to prepare for climate-related disasters. Coastal embankments will need to be built where necessary and Coastal Regulation Zone codes enforced strictly. Crop diversification, more efficient water use, and improved soil management practices, together with the development of drought-resistant crops can help reduce some of the negative impacts. Improvements in irrigation systems, water harvesting techniques, and more-efficient agricultural water management can offset some of these risks. 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.

Jul 30, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 33]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 33] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Lunar Eclipse’ During a lunar eclipse, the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon The moon appears to be red, because the light which makes its way around the earth is of higher wavelengths Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Robert Bruce Foote’ He is called as “Father of Indian Prehistory” Belum Caves, which is believed to be occupied by Jain and Buddhist monks’ centuries ago, were discovered by him in 1884 Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Minke Whale’ It is found only in North Atlantic Ocean It is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ by IUCN Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) ‘Eusociality’ is observed in Ants Bees Termites Wasps Select the correct statements 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 4 All of the above Q.5) The term, ‘CRISPR-Cas9’ is often in news. What is ‘Cas9’? Antibody Enzyme Gene Antigen To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba

Jul 30, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 28th July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 28th July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Justice B.N. Srikrishna committee on Data Protection Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Security issue; Cyber Security In news: Justice B.N. Srikrishna-headed expert panel on data protection Srikrishna panel submitted a draft personal data protection Bill, 2018 It recommended that critical personal data of Indian citizens be processed in centres located within the country. Government should notify categories of personal data that will be considered critical. The draft bill also provides for penalties for the data processor as well as compensation to the data principal to be imposed for violations of the data protection law. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/07/28/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_01/f6b31db9_2277907_101_mr.jpg Handle children’s data with care Justice Srikrishna committee on data privacy has made specific mention of the need for separate and more stringent norms for protecting the data of children It recommended that companies be barred from certain types of data processing such as behavioural monitoring, tracking, targeted advertising and any other type of processing which is not in the best interest of the child. AISHE - All India Survey on Higher Education report 2017-18 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Social and Welfare issue Highlights of AISHE report: The total number of teachers in higher educational institutions in India has come down by about 2.34-lakh in the last three years. Widespread concern over the continuing vacancies in universities The reason could be that professors who are retiring are not being replaced, and fresh vacancies at all levels are not being filled up. Critics argue that - 2017-18 figure may have gone down because only teachers who provided their Aadhar numbers were been shown as teachers from this year onward. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/07/28/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_05/89db20a5_2277921_101_mr.jpg Flash Flood Guidance System Part of: GS Mains III – Disaster management ; India and the world In news: India has been designated as a nodal centre for preparing flash-flood forecasts by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). That means India will have to develop a customised model that can issue advance warning of floods in Asian nations such as Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand. Do you know? Pakistan has refused to participate in the scheme. India currently has a warning system for tsunamis that also doubles up a warning system for several Asian countries. The Central Water Commission, which monitors India’s dams, warns of rising water levels in the reservoirs, which are usually taken to be signs of imminent floods. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 3: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Zero Budget Natural Farming: Reducing cost of crop production In news: NITI Aayog has advised States to adopt zero-budget natural farming under two existing schemes: the Paramparagat Krishi Yojana and the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. It has recently sought for State governments’ support in reducing cost of crop production. About ‘zero budget natural farming’ (ZBNF): Pioneered by Subhash Palekar, an innovative farmer from Maharashtra. The technique replaces fertilisers and pesticides with concoctions of cow dung, cow urine, jaggery and pulse flour, and ensure perfect soil conditions for plant growth. It does so by keeping the top soil covered with crop residues to increase water retention, coating of seeds with cow dung and urine, concoction made of dung, urine, jaggery and pulse flour to multiply soil microbes, concoction to protect plants from pests etc. Case study: The technique has been tested across Andhra Pradesh where over 163,000 farmers on some 150,000 acres of farmlands spread across six agro-climatic zones have successfully demonstrated that farming without chemicals is a profitable possibility. The zero-budget technique has resulted in an increase in the yields of crops like cotton by 11 per cent, paddy by 12 per cent, groundnut 23 per cent, and chilli 34 per cent at less than half the cost of cultivation. ZBNF has been in vogue on a small scale across several farms in the country for over a decade now, but the AP Government gave it the desired fillip. Way ahead: Policy and political traction will be needed to pull farmers out from the corporate-sponsored state-subsidised chemical abyss. While the core objective of scaling up investments in ZBNF is timely, the critical question regarding bringing natural farming on top of agriculture research and extension agenda remains. By diverting existing subsidies away from chemical fertilisers and other inputs to strengthen the existing Krishi Vigyan Kendra network, NITI Aayog can garner the desired institutional support for widespread dissemination of ZBNF. Challenge: The most challenging task for NITI Aayog would be to neutralize the political-economy of green revolution (fertiliser, pesticide and seed industry) in favor of an evergreen revolution. For the over 60 per cent of the country’s population engaged in agriculture, this is a challenge worth taking. Conclusion: NITI Aayog has taken a pragmatic view on reducing the cost of production instead. In the context of the government’s commitment to double farmers’ income by 2022, reducing cost of production through ‘zero budget natural farming’ (ZBNF) stands to enhance the profit margins for farmers. Connecting the dots: In the context of the government’s commitment to double farmers’ income by 2022, the recent proposal for reducing cost of production through ‘zero budget natural farming’ (ZBNF), stands to enhance the profit margins for farmers. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) The government-appointed committee released a white paper as part of its work to prepare a data protection framework. The committee is headed by BN Srikrishna Ratan Watal Rajiv Kumar Arvind Panagariya Q.2) Which of the following are the potential impacts of climate change on water situation in India? Increased summer flows in river streams. Frequent changes in river courses. Changes in rainfall pattern. Select the correct answer using code below 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1,2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following statements with reference to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) It is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It has established a Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) system to monitor trends in Earth’s Atmosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Which one among the below given bodies is not a statutory body? National Commission for SCs/STs National Commission for Women National Commission for Protection of Child Rights National Commission for Backward Classes MUST READ State and Capital Indian Express From the margins Indian Express But the winner is Mumbai Indian Express Fluid faith, medieval time Indian Express Fixing food markets Business Line Can data supersede judgement? Business Line

Jul 29, 2018 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Your Search – Inspirational Educative Articles

Your Search: The foundation of human life is search. There is no meaning to life if we are not searching. To understand the nature of our search is the whole purpose of our lives. The moment you understand what is it that you are actually searching for, it becomes easy to move towards it. Failure to understand this fundamental driving force of life is the root cause of all our problems. Every day, right from the moment we get up from bed, till we go back to sleep at night, we are constantly searching; this is the wakeful part of our searching. Our search continues even while we are asleep as a part of our dreams. In a way, there is not a single moment in our lives when we are not searching. Although searching and seeking adds meaning and purpose to our lives, it also brings in enormous amounts of pain and suffering. In a way, all our suffering is connected to our searching. There is no pain for the one who has stopped searching and the one who has stopped searching is either an awakened or a dead man. As for the rest, searching is living. There are different parts to our searching; physical, emotional, psychological, social, creative, and existential. Our life is a constant struggle to try and satisfy ourselves in all these different dimensions. This is why a human being cannot be fully satisfied with any one thing. He is seeking for a completion of various different dimensions of his life. Understanding this multidimensional need is very important in order to understand your life fully. Only when you acknowledge and accept this multidimensional need of yours, you can direct your life in any meaningful way. People who refuse to see this multidimensional need of their being are constantly tormented by their desires. This is why most people fail while only a few succeed. It is possible to succeed in certain departments of life through accident. But if you want make your life itself a success then you must understand this constant need of yours to search. When you start paying attention to all your desires and how they are constantly pulling you in a thousand different directions, you will be able to see the root cause of your distractions and disturbances. Observation of your desires is the first step towards a successful life. When you begin to clearly understand what is it that you are searching for, you will be able to organize your life accordingly. By observing your search, you will be able to prioritize your actions. You will also be able to understand how certain desires are impossible to simply push aside and continue to keep your mind focused on something. Understanding your daily search will help you to develop a balanced lifestyle which is a basic necessity to succeed at anything. “The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

Jul 28, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 27th July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 27th July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) West Bengal proposes to change its name as Bangla Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Indian Polity; Central State Relations In news: West Bengal Assembly has passed a resolution to change the name of the State as ‘Bangla’. The state government will forward the proposal to the Centre, which notifies new names of places including states. Important Value Addition What is the procedure of changing a name of state? Process for changing the name of a state can be initiated by state itself. However, by virtue of article 3, the parliament has power to change the name of a state even if such proposal does not come from the concerned state. What happens when name change is initiated by the state assembly? The state assembly would first pass a resolution for such change and this passed resolution would be sent to central government. Central Government will create a bill and this bill will be sent back to the state legislature to express its views in a stipulated time. The state legislature will need to give its views within this time as fixed by president. Once this time is expired, the president will recommend to introduce that bill in parliament. Once introduced, the bill will be passed, and president would give assent. Thus, the name of state would be changed. Do you know? Article 3 empowers the parliament make changes in area, boundaries, territory, name of states even if such proposal does not come from the concerned state. For this purpose, the central government can simply get a bill passed in the parliament. However, constitution mandates that whenever such things need to be done, states must be given an opportunity to express their views. Thus, first central government will create a bill, but this bill can be introduced in parliament only by recommendation of the president. Before making such recommendation, President would send this bill to concerned state legislature and give it a fixed time to express its view on that matter. However, state’s view has no actual impact for fate of such bill. Whether the state says yes or no, once the time given to it has passed, the President may recommend the bill to be introduced in any house of parliament. Once passed the name of state gets changed. History: Orissa became Odisha in 2011, but that was just a de-anglicisation of the state’s name. Madras was renamed Tamil Nadu in 1969 and Mysore as Karnataka in 1973, but those also involved re-organisation of territories. Person in news: Bharat Vatwani and Sonam Wangchuk gets 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Awards In News: Two Indians Bharat Vatwani and Sonam Wangchuk are among six who have been declared winners of 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Award, often referred to as Asian version of the Nobel Prize. Do you know? Sonam Wangchuk, a 51-year-old educational reformer from Ladakh, widely regarded as the inspiration for Aamir Khan’s character, Phunsuk Wangdu in the film ‘3 Idiots,’ is one of two Indians named for the 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Awards. The other is Bharat Vatwani, a psychiatrist who works for mentally ill street people in Mumbai. About the award: Pic: https://img.timesnownews.com/story/1532606316-magsaysay-twitter.jpg?d=600x450 It is Asia’s highest honour and is often regarded as the region’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize. It was established in 1957 by trustees of the New York City based Rockefeller Brothers Fund and Philippine government in the memory of Philippines’ third President Ramon Magsaysay who had died in air disaster in March 1957. It is awarded annually to individuals or organizations from Asia region for their altruistic and philanthropic service. It carries Medallion bearing the likeness of the late President Ramon Magsaysay, cash prize and a certificate. Clean Ganga Fund Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Government schemes and policies; Environment and Conservation In news: Nearly 90% of the Clean Ganga Fund is sourced from State and Central government public sector units (PSU), according to information from the Lok Sabha. Out of 220 crore donated to the CGF (as of Jan 2018), Private companies contributed around ₹20 crore and the public sector, Central public sector and Government Departments contributed about ₹177 crore. The rest were from individual donations. About the CGF The Clean Ganga Fund (CGF) was created in 2014 and envisioned as a source of funds from private companies, individuals and institutions. Clean Ganga Fund is for pooling money to be used for cleaning up Ganga river. Einstein was right: astronomers confirm key theory of relativity Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Technology In news: A consortium of astronomers confirmed the prediction of Einstein's key theory of relativity. Einstein had posited that large gravitational forces could stretch light, much like the compression and stretching of sound waves we perceive with the change of pitch of a passing train. Astronomers’ consortium said that black holes are so dense that their gravitational pull can trap even light. Einstein in his theory of general relativity predicted that a black hole can bend passing light. About the theory of general relativity: In 1915, Albert Einstein presented his theory of general relativity, which proposed that gravity itself was the result of a warping of space-time by massive objects like stars and planets. Einstein's theory of relativity indicates that all objects fall the same way regardless of mass or composition. Things predicted by General relativity include: As light gets closer to the sun, it bends towards the sun twice as much as classical physics (the system used before general relativity) predicts. The perihelion or the planet Mercury rotates along its orbit more than is expected under Newtonian physics. General relativity accounts for the difference between what is seen and what is expected without it. Redshift from gravity: When light moves away from an object with gravity (moving away from the center of the valley), it is stretched into longer wavelengths. This was confirmed by the Pound-Rebka experiment. The Shapiro delay: Light appears to slow down when it passes close to a massive object. This was first seen in the 1960s by space probes headed towards the planet Venus. Gravitational waves: They were first observed on 14 September 2015. Miscellaneous: One-country-one-convocation-attire formula In news: UGC is moving towards one-country-one-convocation-attire formula. UGC has invited designs for convocation dress which would depict Indian culture and tradition (MAINS FOCUS) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TOPIC:General Studies 3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. India: AI Superpower or Client Nation About: According to Google CEO, AI (artificial intelligence) is set to play a crucial role in human civilization. He equates its importance with that of fire or electricity. However, Stephan Hawking feared that AI could end humanity. Industrial revolution moved the centres of physical power from human and animal bodies to machines. On the same line, AI is set to transform our economic, social and political organisation. Impact of AI Intelligent systems typically tend to centralise and monopolise control. AI economy might radically concentrate income and wealth. Globally, just one or two concentrations of AI power may rule the world. Currently, these are in the U.S. and China. AI will add to the military might. Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that whoever rules AI will rule the world. (AI powered military will have advantage over non-AI military). Therefore, many global digital industry leaders have called for assured basic income for all. Where does India stand in the AI race? India is lagging behind in both data and the availability of skilled professionals capable of handling data. In China and US, tech giants such as Baidu and Google are leading AI innovation. In India, startups are the primary developers of AI. The absence of tech giants also makes it essential that the government lends its support to development of this sector. Nor India has such large domestically owned commercial data systems. Soon, Walmart and Amazon will own between them perhaps the most significant set of India’s consumer-behavioural and other economic data, over which they will develop various kinds of AI. In time, such AI will allow them to control practically everything, and every actor, along various economic value chains linked to consumer goods. Budget allocation to the Digital India programme which will finance India’s AI endeavours doubled this year to Rs 3,073 crore ($477.5 million). While this is welcome, it cannot match with China’s ambitions. China announced the construction of an AI technology park in Beijing worth $2.1 billion. This also exceeds US spending. Who will help India build its AI for military and other security/strategic purposes? The digital/AI industry works in huge ecosystems with global digital corporations at the centre (Amazon and Google, Alibaba and Baidu, Microsoft etc) and various start-ups and specific digital/AI applications at the peripheries. Start-ups everywhere, including in India, are mostly vying to find a place in such huge global ecosystems, anchored either in the U.S. or China, generally by being bought out. India currently lacks the expertise to do the research and apply it - and it also doesn't have the vast networks of data to enable AI. Lastly, there is little awareness about the technology and the risks it poses to privacy and security. Regulation of data - how it is collected and used - is still at a nascent stage, which makes powerful technologies like AI vulnerable to misuse. Conclusion: A big nation like India cannot derive satisfaction from rapidly becoming a client country for AI, whether as ready users of AI applications in different areas, or by offering outsourced R&D for global digital/AI corporations through start-ups existentially eager to be bought out. What really counts is whether India owns the centres of systemic AI that comes from controlling huge commercial data ecosystems. In this regard, India’s ambition to be an AI superpower is, frankly, sinking fast. Connecting the dots: Instead of becoming a client country for Artificial Intelligence (AI), India needs to build its own AI. Discuss. NATIONAL TOPIC:General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. Dilution of the Right to Information Act Introduction: India, the largest democracy in the world, became the 56th country to introduce the Right to Information Act (RTI Act) on October 12, 2005. This act is one of the most advanced right to information legislations in the world. It has been seen as the key to strengthening participatory democracy and ushering in people-centred governance. Thus, the RTI serves as the oxygen for democracy and development. Past attempt of dilution: Repeated attempts have been made to amend this Act to, perhaps, diminish its power and disarm citizens. Concerted efforts were made to remove 'file notings' from the purview of the RTI Act in 2006 and again in 2009 to stop 'vexatious' and 'frivolous' RTI queries. However, on both occasions, the proposed amendments were withdrawn in view of the widespread resistance. The RTI (Amendment) Bill 2018: It proposed to do away with the parity given to the information commissions with the election commissions. In the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill, it has been brought out that 'functions carried out by the EC and ICs are completely different. Hence, their status and service conditions need to be rationalised accordingly. According to the proposed amendment, the salaries, allowances and other terms and conditions of service of the CIC and ICs 'shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central government'. The tenure of information commissioners at the centre and the states is proposed to be amended from 'a term of five years' to 'terms as may be prescribed by the central government'. The RTI Act 2005 recognises the authority of states to select their SICs, but the proposed Amendment Bill does not allow states to decide their term, status and salary as it proposes the Centre will prescribe it from time to time. Such a measure will compromise the autonomy in functioning. Argument given by the government – The EC is a constitutional body established by Clause (1) of Article 324 of the Constitution, while the CIC and state information commissions are statutory bodies established under the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005. They both have differing mandates and hence their status and service conditions need to be rationalised accordingly. Concern: The information commission functions as an adjudicator as well as regulator. If the commissions are to fulfill the objectives of the Act to empower the common man, the rule of law must prevail. The public must perceive the information commissioner as a public-friendly judge with high integrity, utmost degree of credibility, public trust, professional excellence and capacity, leadership qualities and dynamism. In its role of regulator, every commission is required to monitor the implementation of the Act by the government and its agencies. The commissions are to report to the legislature on how the Act has been implemented. In this regard, every commission has to keep its ears close to the ground, and remain receptive to the view of the public, the media and non-government organisations, all of whom have an important stake in information freedom. Thus, an environment has to be created for the IC to function without any interference or pressure. Issue: The proposed amendments to the RTI Act will compromise the independence and autonomy of information commissions set up to adjudicate on appeals and complaints of people who have been denied their rights. The argument that the CIC cannot have the stature of the EC, which is a constitutional body, is flawed as it is the requirement of the job done at these commissions. Way ahead: The mechanism of access to information will depend on effectiveness of this system. It should therefore be ensured that the Commission and its functionaries perform their duties independently and with complete autonomy. For this, the status of information commission should be elevated to that of the Election Commission of India. Conclusion: In a democratic society, people are the most powerful element and the right to information empowers them to realise the fruits of democracy. Efforts, therefore, have to be made to have an open regime accountable to its people. Dilution of RTI in any form will be detrimental to openness. Connecting the dots: The RTI Act, 2005 is truly heralded as one of the most advanced right to information legislations in the world. However, recent amendments proposed by the government is a regressive step. Discuss. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) Which Article of the Constitution deals with the formation of new States and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing States? Article 4 Article 2 Article 3 Article 12 Q.2) Consider the following statements and select the correct answer: Process for changing the name of a state can be initiated by state only. Formation of new states, altering boundary and name is considered as Constitutional Amendment under Art 368. Parliament can redraw the political map of India according to its will. Consent of States is necessary before changing their boundary or area. Q.3) According to the Constitution of India, Article 3 authorises the Parliament to reorganise the States. With this authority, the Parliament can Alter the name of any state Diminish the area of any state Alter the boundaries of any state Increase the area of any state Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 3 and 4 1 and 3 2, 3 and 4 All the above Q.4) Consider the following statements with regard to Ramon Magsaysay Award Bharat Vatwani and Sonam Wangchuk are among six who have been declared winners of 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Award. The award was established in 1957 in the memory of British Prime Minister Raman Magsaysay, who started Communal Award during 1930s. Choose the correct answer: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Which of the following correctly defines ‘Gravitational Lensing’? The bending of light from a celestial body when it passes close to a massive object Observing massive celestial bodies Introducing a very large lens or series of lenses to view distant objects None of the above Q.6) GravityRAT was in news recently. What is it about? Einstein's theory of general relativity. A RAT that spies on computers. NASA’s latest Mars lander designed to perch on the surface of the red planet and listen for ‘Marsquakes’. The most advanced computer mouse which can work with or without a surface. MUST READ Tackling HIV The Hindu Dissent in its place Indian Express Can the multilateral trading system be saved? Livemint Patriarchal mindsets must go Business Line Data privacy: Which way are we heading? Business Line

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