IAS Baba

Jul 3, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 14]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 14] Archives Q.1) Project Sashakt' is associated with Non-performing assets (NPAs) Horticulture Anti-retroviral therapy Tuberculosis Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Ramanujacharya’ His philosophical foundation was theistic dualism He accepted that the Vedas are a reliable source of knowledge Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘SVEEP’ It is a programme of multi interventions to educate citizens, electors and voters about the electoral process in order to increase their awareness and participation in the electoral processes It is designed according to the socio-economic, cultural and demographic profile of the state Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Recently Interpol has issued a Red Notice against an Indian Diamond trader. Red Notice is concerned with which of the following statements? To seek the location and arrest of wanted persons with a view to extradition or similar lawful action To provide warnings and intelligence about persons who have committed criminal offences and are likely to repeat these crimes in other countries To collect additional information about a person’s identity, location or activities in relation to a crime To seek or provide information on modus operandi, objects, devices and concealment methods used by criminals Q.5) ‘Aichi Targets’ is associated with Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora International Solar Alliance Convention on Biological Diversity To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba

Jul 2, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 2nd July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 2nd July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) GST: 1 year assessment Part of: GS Mains III – Indian Economy; Government policy/schemes Fast Recap: From previous article (30 June 2018 - 1 Year of GST: Assessment), we came to know the following – GST was launched with the intention to achieve: Higher and efficient tax collection; lead to ease of doing business; eliminate cascading effect; make markets efficient; lead to lower prices. The indirect tax regime (GST) was presented as a win-win situation for everyone. Performance of GST after 1 year: Businesses have not yet experienced ‘ease of doing business’ IT functioning of the GST Network (GSTN) – unsatisfactory and delays in access Complexity of the tax filing system even though 17 taxes were replaced by one tax, simplification did not follow has led to reverse charge mechanism (RCM) Both big and small businesses facing severe difficulties Frequent problems and changes made by GST Council – leading to confusions Separate taxing system - Composition Scheme and anti-profiteering clause – was brought in Failure and postponement of e-waybill system Prices have not fallen, rather GST has contributed to inflation Complex tax structure cascading effect continues In news: What government says? Government expects GST monthly revenue to exceed ₹1.1 lakh cr State-wise GST collection is show below https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/07/02/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_01/533ba2df_2215224_101_mr.jpg Bhakti saint Ramanuja Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I – Indian Culture and Heritage In news: Bhakti saint Ramanuja statue is set to become the world’s second tallest statue of a seated figure, at 216 feet. The figure has been assembled from 1,500 pieces and is located near Shamshabad Airport. The year 2017 marksed 1000th birth anniversary (millennium) [caption id="attachment_42132" align="aligncenter" width="556"] HYDERABAD, TELANGANA, 29/06/2018: The 216-feet statue of Bhakti saint Ramanujacharya being readied on the outskirts of Hyderabad near Shamshabad Airport.Photo: K.V.S. Giri[/caption] Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/07/02/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_01/533ba2df_2215225_1_mr.jpg Important value additions About Sri Ramanuja Acharya Birth place Sriperumbudur, TN He was the greatest Vaishnava acharya. (Vaishnava Theologist) Born in 1017 CE, Ramanujacharya was a Hindu theologian, philosopher, and one of the most important exponents of the Sri Vaishnavism tradition within Hinduism. His guru - Yādava Prakāsa (part of Advaita Vedānta monastic tradition) Ramanuja followed the footsteps of Indian Alvārs tradition, the scholars Nāthamuni and Yamunāchārya. Famus works – wrote bhāsya on the Brahma Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita, all in Sanskrit. He is famous as the chief proponent of Vishishtadvaita (sub-school of Vedānta). According to him God is Sagunabrahman. He also advocated prabattimarga or path of self-surrender to God. To attain salvation - through intense devotion to Vishnu. Rāmānuja‘s philosophical foundation was qualified monism, and is called Vishishtadvaita in the Hindu tradition. The Visishtadvaita is so called because it inculcates the Advaita (or oneness of God) with Visesha (or attributes). It is, therefore, qualified monism. His ideas are one of three subschools in Vedānta, the other two are known as Ādi Shankara’s Advaita (absolute monism) and Madhvāchārya’s Dvaita (dualism). INS Sahyadri and RIMPAC Part of: GS Prelims – International; Defence; Security About: RIMPAC - world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise 26 Countries including India to participate in RIMPAC The exercise will be held from June 27 to August 2, 2018 in and around Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The theme for this year’s RIMPAC exercise is “Capable, Adaptive, Partners.” Four countries Brazil, Israel, Sri Lanka and Vietnamare are participating for first time. US had withdrawn invitation of Chinese navy in response to China’s continued illegal militarisation of islands in disputed South China Sea. It is held once in two years. India is a member. Do you know? Indigenously built stealth frigate, INS Sahyadri to participate in RIMPAC. 2018 RIMPAC is the 26th edition of RIMPAC, hosted by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) INS Sahyadri wins praise for integrating yoga into regime Person in news: Commander Abhilash Tomy Part of: GS Prelims Commander Abhilash Tomy of the Indian Navy, a well-known sailor, is participating in the historic Golden Globe Race (GGR) Tomy is the only invitee from Asia to the GGR There are 18 participants, including one woman sailor, in the race. Race on traditional means: The participants are required to sail around the world, single-handed and non-stop. The uniqueness of the race is that boat designs and technology newer than 1968 is not permitted, so the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS), satellite communication or modern navigational aids is forbidden. Participants will rely on traditional means of navigation, such as physical maps and observing stars, as they sail through the high seas in a 30,000-mile journey. The sailors are provided with a satellite phone for medical emergencies. Do you know? The GGR is being conducted by U.K.-based sailing pioneer Sir Robin Knox Johnston to commemorate 50 years since the world’s first solo non-stop circumnavigation by him on-board the Indian-built boat Suhaili, in 1968. Commander Tomy is the only Indian to complete solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in 2012-13, on-board the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Mhadei, and has covered 53,000 nautical miles under sail. He is representing India in the indigenously built sailing vessel Thuriya, a replica of Suhaili. The race is expected to end at Les Sables d’Olonne in April 2019. Fast recap: INSV Tarini We had read about INSV Tarini, the naval sail ship with an all-women crew circumnavigating the globe. The expedition is named as ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama’ Mhadei river of Goa (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL/POLITY TOPIC:General Studies 2: Indian Polity Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Bhima-Koregaon and the fault in UAPA Introduction: The below article highlights how the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) has been misused and calls for the changes/amendment, thereby to safeguard and protect personal liberty or civil rights of individual/s. Background: During Constituent Assembly meeting, some of the members warned and objected to the wide range of restrictions that had been imposed upon fundamental rights in the draft Constitution. Multiple “Public Safety Acts” and “Defence of India Acts” drew attention of the Assembly, whether such laws (which were favourite weapons of the colonial regime) are needed for India? The arrest of five activists in the Bhima Koregaon case and the charges filed against them under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act - throws the fears expressed in the CA into sharp relief. Do we need such “exceptional” laws? It may not be in sync with best democratic practices, but almost all contemporary liberal democratic regimes have an assemblage of such “exceptional” laws. Often referred to as “extraordinary” laws, such laws are designed to, and legitimised by, the persistence of extraordinary situations. Internal strife of a violent, destabilising nature, civil war, threats to national security and terror activities formed some of the reasons for the enactment of extraordinary laws globally. Concern: Based on the first impression, it seems like a fair proposition to have such laws but if we dig deep, these laws may be monstrous in their implications, they may violate civil liberties, but are still needed to deal with exceptional situations. How UAPA fails?: Problem with UAPA The UAPA authorises the government to ban “unlawful organisations” and “terrorist organisations” (subject to judicial review), and penalises membership of such organisations. The problems begin with the definitional clause itself. Under vague and nebulous definitions of terror and unlawful activity, they often encompass a wide range of nonviolent political activity and suppress contrarian, dissenting ideological or political perspectives. They allow for detentions without a chargesheet, create strong presumptions against bail, admit in-custody confessions and tacitly sanction torture. Over the years, their victims have been many innocents, whose stories ought to bear upon the collective conscience of this nation. “Membership” of unlawful and terrorist organisations is a criminal offence, and in the latter case, it can be punished with life imprisonment. But the Act fails entirely to define what “membership” entails. It can consider anyone as a “member” if he/she possesses literature or books about a banned organisation; if he/she express sympathy with its aims; if he/she met other, “active” members; if he/she is present at any meetings. The latest victim of one of our most enduring, exceptional laws – the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) – are the arrests made in the context of caste-based violence in the Bhima Koregaon town of Maharashtra. Conclusion: In 2011, the Supreme Court attempted to narrow the scope of above mentioned provisions, holding that “membership” was limited to cases where an individual engaged in active incitement to violence. Anything broader than that, it ruled, would violate the constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech and of association. There are more than one occasion in recent years, where terror accused have been acquitted after spending more than a decade in jail. This is something for which there can be no compensation or restitution; and it is only made possible because the law places an unbreakable shackle upon personal liberty. This too was something that the framers of the Constitution foresaw, and wished to avoid. However, as the CA debates reveal, the provision was meant to be used in rare and exceptional cases. The framers did not intend — and the Constitution does not contemplate — the kind of perfect storm that exists when broad and vague provisions of public security laws are combined with statutory bars upon the grant of bail, and a legal system that takes years to complete a criminal trial. The purpose of a Constitution and a bill of rights, however, is to establish a “culture of justification” where the state cannot abuse its power. Civil and political rights are based upon the understanding that at no point should so much power, and so much discretion, be vested in the state that it utterly overwhelms the individual. The power to keep citizens incarcerated for long periods of time, on vague charges, and without affording them an opportunity to answer their accusers in a swift and fair trial, is an anathema to democracy and the rule of law. The UAPA’s stringent provisions need amendments. The Bhima-Koregaon arrests provide us with yet another opportunity to rethink a legal regime that has obliterated the distinction between the normal and the abnormal. Connecting the dots: Do you think the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act should have no place in democratic India? Substantiate your view. Rather than a tool to moderate political antagonism, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act serves to strengthen the repressive arm of the state. Do you agree? Critically examine. DEFENCE TOPIC: General Studies 3: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. Security challenges and their management in border areas Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Gearing up for space wars U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced about the creation of a “space force” or a sixth branch of the American armed forces. The announcement has taken many by surprise within and outside the U.S. America had aspirations to build space weapons right from the Cold War times. (An example being the Strategic Defense Initiative of the Reagan Administration) The important shift expects to deny the Russians and the Chinese advantages in space. In other words, the intention of the U.S. is to see that it establishes and maintains dominance in space. Concerns: Project space corps is easy to be said and tough to be implemented. It could undercut ongoing missions. It could very well increase budgetary allocations in the future. Physical environment of space is not conducive to the conduct of military operations without incurring serious losses in the form of spacecraft and debris. Energy requirements and technical demands of defending assets in space are enormous. China and Russia’s responses China opposes the weaponisation of space, it knows that it is the prime target of this incipient force. With a range of terrestrial interests in direct conflict with the Americans, Beijing will be in no mood to allow U.S. space dominance. China’s space military programme has been dedicated to building “Assassin Mace” technologies (an array of kinetic and non-kinetic means of attack) — capabilities that are geared to help win wars rapidly. Russia has said that it will vigorously take on the U.S.. However, given its lack of the resources for competition, it will in all probability, for tactical reasons, align itself with China. Implications for India American military goals, which are still undefined in space, could still have consequences for India. While India is officially committed to PAROS, or the prevention of an arms race in outer space, it is yet to formulate a credible official response to the Trump plan. India has yet to establish a credible space command of its own. And, its inter-services rivalries will have to be resolved about the command and control. Apart from US, India also has to be concerned about China’s space military programmes. China does possess a formidable space military programme that far exceeds current Indian capabilities. Connecting the dots: Can space weapons play big role in India’s grand strategy? Will India come out with an official white paper on space weapons? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) Consider the following statements about Ramanuja He is the main proponent of Vishishtadvaita philosophy His ideas are one of three sub schools in Vedānta Select the correct statements Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Match the following Advaita a. Ramanuja Dvaita b. Madhava Visishtadvaita c. Shankara Select the correct answer using code below 1-a, 2-c, 3-b 1-c, 2-b, 3-a 1-b, 2-a, 3-c 1-c, 2-a, 3-b Q.3) Consider the following Statements: Sankaracharya started a Hindu rivavalist movement and introduced the doctrine of Advaitavada or monoism. Ramanuja from Kannada region preached Dvaitavaad or dualism of Jivatma and Parmatma. Madhavacharya born near modern Chennai, preached Vishitadvaitvaad. Which of the above statements are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 3 only All of the above Q.4) Consider the following statements Sankaracharya gave doctrine of Advaita Ramanuja considered God as Nirgunabrahma Madhav considered God as Sagunabrahma Select the correct code Only 1 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to RIMPAC RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise jointly hosted by USA and China. It is held once in two years. India is a member of RIMPAC Select the correct one 1 and 2 only 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2, and 3 Q.6) ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama’ which was in news is associated with – the first ever attempt to circumnavigate the globe by an Indian crew. the first time an indigenous ship is being used to circumnavigate the globe. Indian Navy Commander Abhilash Tomy to complete solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe. the first-ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all-women crew. MUST READ The dream of being an AI powerhouse The Hindu Seychelles template The Hindu Still thriving: why the West remains robust The Hindu India’s Iran test Indian Express In the grey zone Indian Express Over The Barrel: Networked and vulnerable Indian Express

Jul 2, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 13]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 13] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about ‘Western Disturbances’ They originate in the Mediterranean Sea as extra-tropical cyclones Their effect is maximum during the monsoon months in India They are the principle rain producing systems along the western coast of India Select the correct statements 1 Only 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Financial Action Task Force (FATF) It is a policy-making body which works to generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms for combating money laundering It was established especially to combat terror financing Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) It is controlled by the Ministry of Commerce It provides Overseas Investment Insurance to Indian companies investing in joint ventures abroad in the form of equity or loan and advances It contributes in the international stage as a member of management committee of Berne Union Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.4) Consider the following statements about ‘Victorian and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai’ It inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list It is a collection of 19th century ‘Gothic Revival’ buildings Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Croatia is not bordered by Italy Slovenia Hungary Serbia To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba

Jul 2, 2018 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana – Quality Medicines at Affordable Prices for All

Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana – Quality Medicines at Affordable Prices for All ARCHIVES Search 7th June, 2018 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health Rationale: It is a well-known fact that branded medicines are sold at significantly higher prices in India. Given the widespread poverty across the country, making available reasonably priced quality medicines in the market would benefit everyone, especially the poor and the disadvantaged. By: Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers Implementation agency: Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI); the State Governments are required to provide space in Government Hospital premises or any other suitable locations for the running of the Jan Aushadhi Stores (JAS) Objective: Making quality medicines available at affordable prices for all, particularly the poor and disadvantaged, through exclusive outlets “Jan Aushadhi Medical Store”, so as to reduce out of pocket expenses in healthcare. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra (PMBJK) have been set up to provide generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs. Mission Create awareness among the public regarding generic medicines. Create demand for generic medicines through medical practitioners Create awareness through education and awareness program that high price need not be synonymous with high quality Provide all the commonly used generic medicines covering all the therapeutic groups Provide all the related health care products too under the scheme What exactly is the difference between a generic drug and brand- name drug? When a company develops a new drug — often after years of research — it applies for a patent, which prohibits anyone else from making the drug for a fixed period. To recover the cost of research and development, companies usually price their brand- name drugs on the higher side. Once the patent expires, other manufacturers duplicate and market their own versions of the drug. Since the manufacture of these generic drugs do not involve a repeat of the extensive clinical trials to prove their safety and efficacy, it costs less to develop them. Generic drugs are, therefore, cheaper. However, because the compounds in the generic versions have the same molecular structure as the brand-name version, their quality is essentially the same. The generic drug has the same “active ingredient” as the brand-name drug. This ingredient is the one that cures the patient; and other, “inert ingredients”, which give the drug its colour, shape or taste, vary from the brand-name drug to the generics. The prices of generic medicines are much cheaper than their branded equivalent. The generic drug does not have to undergo a complete clinical trial to be proved equivalent, the bioequivalence test is much cheaper than clinical trials making generic drugs cheaper. The government’s move assumes significance as medicines account for 70-75% of a household’s out of pocket expenditure on health The move will result into affordable access to quality medicines which is a part of free universal access to healthcare services. India being a world leader in generics, the dependency on imports of patent drugs will reduce improving our trade of balance. The Way Forward: Support of the State Government: The scheme is riding on the co-operation of the state governments. The central government is responsible for the supply of quality medicines, while the state governments or government-appointed NGOs were to run the shops on a not-for-profit basis. Strong Regulation: A strong regulatory structure should be put in place to both certify and monitor drug testing and enforce the compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). There is also a need to bring a legal framework to ensure “quality” in generic drug testing. Proper Legal Mechanism: If the government wants to make the prescription of generics compulsory, it needs to put in place a legal mechanism to guarantee that all generics are bioequivalent to the innovator product by making bioequivalence testing compulsory (Bioequivalent generic drugs are therapeutically equal to the innovator drug. Once bioequivalence is established, a generic drug is legally certified to be of the same quality to replace the innovator product and can therefore be interchanged for the innovator product). Responsibility is also on the Pharmacist: A patient with a prescription detailing the composition of the medicine could still be dependent on a pharmacist to make the most suitable drug choice. As generic medicines have low margins they are unlikely to be stocked by the retail pharmacist. Therefore the pharmacists should also be brought under its ambit. Database of drug Relators: Need to use IT tools to network all 36 drug regulators into one integrated national database which can then be accessed by every citizen over a smartphone. Proper Tagging: All products should be tagged with a unique RFID, barcode or such similar identification to ensure traceability from manufacture to consumption. Generics should be labelled and sold as such in order to prevent a brand to brand substitution rather than a brand to generic substitution at the retail level. Cap the Price: Capping the maximum sale price of the generic taking into account the cost of making the drug and distribution and retail margins as branded generics can be as costly as patent drugs.

Jul 2, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV- Lateral Entry in Bureaucracy

Lateral Entry in Bureaucracy Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. In News: The government of India, in a pilot project, has allow lateral entry into empaneled bureaucracy and has advertised openings for 10 joint secretary posts on a contractual basis – three years, extendable up to five depending on performance. According to the advertisement, the proposal of lateral entry is “aimed at bringing in fresh ideas and new approaches to governance and also to augment manpower”. The candidates should be above 40 years of age and hold at least a Ph.D. The positions are to be filled up by a committee headed by the cabinet secretary in another two months. 2nd ARC: The government has taken a leaf out of the second Administrative Reforms Commission in 2005, which recommended lateral entry of officers at both the Central and state levels through a transparent, institutionalized process. Reasons that have propelled the government to explore possibilities of recruitment outside the laid-down procedures: The shortage of officers in large states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar Lack of specialisation in the civil services Inadequate recruitment in the early 1990s Concerns: UPSC System Bypassed: Over the fact that the government has allowed lateral entry by bypassing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which conducts the three-tier civil services examination annually, and has, instead, instructed the cabinet secretary-headed committee to recruit professionals. It is highly doubtful if the domain expertise and aptitude of the candidates can be assessed properly through a ‘personal interaction’ lasting a few minutes. The proposed mode of evaluation doesn’t inspire confidence about its fairness and transparency and is open to serious abuse, more so since the recruitments will not be done by UPSC but by DOPT or the departments concerned. Increasing influence of the private sector: Business houses may use the opportunity to push in their own men and control the key government decisions. While excellence in service is highly desirable, government should ensure guard against business houses taking over government policy making. Lack of skills is a problem concerning the Government: IAS officers do need specialisation, and the government should ask all officers to specialise in one domain after 10 years of their service. Right now, most lack that skill. Short term vs. long term: The advantage with the current civil service is that policy makers have long-term interests in government. They also have a tradition of fairness and stake in the government. Private sector individuals brought on contract of three or five years may serve someone else’s interest as they would have no long-term stake in the government. Questions on the Reservation Policy: Lateral entry system will not take into account the reservation policy for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and that the government would be violating the Constitution. Note: Since the advertisement has been issued by the DOPT and not by the UPSC, it means that the selections will be done by the DOPT or the departments concerned, and not by the UPSC. The Way Forward: The government should ensure that the recruits remain independent of “fissiparous tendencies”. While there needs to be a stress on a transparent process of recruitment, sanctity of the selection procedure should remain for the services to stay insulated from the government of the day. The government should elaborate on what expertise the candidate needs, as the openings are for highly specialised positions. Therefore, the recruitment has to be done after wide consultation and using constitutional methods. There is a need to fill the major skill gap –civil servant’s skills to be upgraded. We need to bring in better specialisation in the last 15 years of service post JS-level jobs. Standards of professionalism and subject matter knowledge need to be improved in the services. A lateral recruit should be allowed to function in a congenial and collaborative environment. That will remain a challenge. The person should be allowed to function with independence that a typical IAS officer enjoys. Lateral induction at the level of Joint Secretary — as presently proposed — would be evaluated on the touchstone of legality, fairness, transparency, objectivity and bona fides. It is important to note that ‘government underperformance’ is a complex problem that calls for wide-ranging political, administrative and judicial reforms; only time will tell if solutions like ‘lateral entry from the private sector’ will work or not, or would end up doing more harm than good. Connecting the Dots: What is lateral entry in civil services? Critically examine its effect on functioning of bureaucracy and overall governance of the country. Lateral entry into the civil services is a step in the right direction. However the rigid bureaucratic superstructure of India needs overhauling before such entry is allowed. Comment.

Jul 1, 2018 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Know your limitations – Inspirational & Educative Articles

Know your limitations: It is very easy to cover up your limitations by blind belief and faith. It is extremely easy to ignore the reality of your limitations and continue to live in a world of your imagination. It is absolutely imperative that you pay enough attention to your weaknesses as much as you would pay attention your strengths. Limitation is not just one of the qualities of the mind and body; it is rather the very foundation of the functioning mechanism of life. Every step of the way of life you have to face the limitations of your understanding of life to eventually move beyond those limitations. If you are not even willing to acknowledge and accept that you have a limitation, then you are simply ignoring the harsh reality of life. There is a small difference between overthinking about your limitations to allow it to hamper your progress and using the understanding of limitations to your advantage. Let us take a few examples of real limitations that one ignores on the path while moving towards a goal. Attention span of the mind is one of the least understood aspects of life. When you make a serious attempt to understand how the mind functions, you will see how short the attention span of the mind is. If you pick up an activity and continue to do it for one hour, the mind is actively involved in that activity for not more than 15 to 20 minutes. Attention span is one of the serious limitations of the functioning mechanism of the mind. When you begin to pay attention to this limitation, you will be able to notice the patterns that help you to overcome it. If you are able to improve your attention span, you are quite literally learning how to stretch time. Similarly there are many other limitations of constant distraction, need for rest due to mental and physical fatigue, boredom, need for constant mental stimulation. These are severe limitations one has to consider before blindly believing that anything is possible. One has to pursue a dream that they are passionate about, but at the same time one has to pay very close attention to their inner limitations. Only when you pay attention to your limitations, you can give yourself an opportunity to learn more about them and eventually learn how to go beyond them. Limitation is not a negative aspect of life; limitation can be extremely useful if you know how to deal with it. Everybody possesses these limitations, only slightly different in quality and form from one another. This gives an opportunity for you to differentiate yourself by working on your limitations. While most people are simply ignoring the limitations of their minds and bodies, if you can understand your limitations and try to go beyond them, you will certainly be able to differentiate yourself from the crowd. It is infinitely better to be realistic about your dreams by observing your limitations, than to turn a blind eye to reality and regret it later. “The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

Jun 30, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 30th June 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains – Environment and Ecology; Disaster Management In news: Odisha government entered into a collaboration with the RIMES Important Value Additions About RIMES It is an intergovernmental body registered under United Nations. It is a body of 48 members and collaborating countries in Asia Pacific and Africa Region, aimed at automating risk management, advisory generation and dissemination. RIMES evolved from the efforts of countries in Africa and Asia, in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, to establish a regional early warning system within a multi-hazard framework for the generation and communication of early warning information, and capacity building for preparedness and response to trans-boundary hazards. RIMES was established on 30 April 2009, and was registered with the United Nations on 1 July 2009. RIMES operates from its regional early warning center located at the campus of the Asian Institute of Technology in Pathumthani, Thailand. Do you know? RIMES is already working with the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority. Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains – Environment and Ecology; Pollution In news: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB) to close down industrial units that haven’t installed Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS). It is mandatory for a new industrial unit to install an OCEM to commence operations. The CPCB has since 2015 made it mandatory for industries to install OCEMS. Industries, particularly so-called Grossly Polluting Industries, are mandated to report their emissions to pollution control boards. The industries that require OCEMS include distilleries (including fermentation industry), sugar, fertiliser, pulp & paper (paper manufacturing with or without pulping), pharmaceuticals, dyes and dye-intermediates, pesticides, tanneries, thermal power plants, iron and steel, zinc, copper and aluminium smelters. Increased MSP to Farmers Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Government policies and schemes; Social Reforms; Farmer issue About: Yesterday we read that farmers’ groups have started agitating on the lack of announcement on MSP rates. Government had decided to offer a minimum support price (MSP) of at least 1.5 times the expenses borne by farmers for all crops. Niti Aayog, in consultation with Central and State Governments, had to put in place a fool-proof mechanism so that farmers will get adequate price for their produce. Three options which NITI Aayog proposed The first proposal would make States responsible for procurement, storage and disposal of crops with partial financial support from the Centre; the second would pay farmers the price difference between market rates and MSP without any crop procurement, and the third would involve procurement by private agencies and traders at MSP rates. It is alleged that the above NITI Aayog proposals could shift some of the burden of enforcing MSPs to the States and even private agencies. FATF has laid out a 10-point action plan to Pakistan Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International issue; Security In news: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) that monitors countries on action taken against terror-financing and money-laundering has decided to place Pakistan back on its watch list, or “greylist”. The decision is both appropriate and overdue, given Pakistan’s blatant violation of its obligations to crack down on groups banned by the Security Council 1267 sanctions committee. Their leaders like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar continue to hold public rallies and freely garner support and donations. Under the 1267 sanctions ruling, banned entities can get no funds, yet Lakhvi received the bail amount, and the authorities have since lost track of him. Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has laid out a 10-point action plan to Pakistan for compliance with its guidelines. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/06/30/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_09/e3bb40ab_2210182_101_mr.jpg Important Value Additions: About FATF It is an inter‐governmental policy making body It aims to establish international standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. It was established in 1989 during the G7 Summit in Paris (France) to combat the growing problem of money laundering. It comprises over 39 countries. India is a member FATF Secretariat is housed at the headquarters of the OECD in Paris. Initially it was only dealing with developing policies to combat money laundering. But in 2001 its purpose was expanded to act against terrorism financing. (MAINS FOCUS) GOVERNMENT POLICY/ECONOMY 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: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. 1 Year of GST: Assessment Introduction: Today marks one year of the launch of the goods and services tax (GST) So what has the GST achieved? According to the article - it is important not to expect instant results as there will be many short comings when a complex reform is rolled out. However, it is important to assess - Whether the economy is heading in the right direction? Arguments in favour of the GST We have read from many articles that – GST would lead to ease of doing business make markets efficient; eliminate cascading effect; yield higher tax collections; and lead to lower prices. With higher tax collection, the government would be able to deliver better services. Thus, the GST was presented as a win-win situation for everyone. Performance so far: Businesses have not yet experienced ‘ease of doing business’ though some have adjusted to it. Industry could not fix GST prices well in time and difficulties grew right from day one. The IT functioning of the Goods and Service Tax Network (GSTN) has been unsatisfactory due to problems or inordinate delays in access because of the volume of traffic. Complexity of the tax filing system. Even though it was computerised, accounting was difficult. So, even though 17 taxes were replaced by one tax made up of many parts, simplification did not follow. The small businesses operating under the Composition Scheme (turnover between ₹20 lakh and ₹75 lakh; later the limit was raised to ₹1.5 crore) could not give input tax credit (ITC) and if anyone bought from them, then the buyer had to pay the tax that the small business should have paid. This was the reverse charge mechanism (RCM). Both big and small businesses faced severe difficulties. Small businesses were not permitted to make inter-State sales so their market became limited in case they were at the border of the State. GST Council comes for rescue Taking cognisance of these, the government made rapid changes during the year through the GST Council (the body set up to govern GST). But this only added to the confusion. Some components of the GST which were considered essential to its design were suspended or altered permanently. For example, the e-way bill (to track goods being transported) was postponed to April 2018. The RCM was suspended and may resume now. The tax rate for businesses under the Composition Scheme was brought down. Restaurants were brought under the Composition Scheme with a 5% tax rate but no ITC. Crux: For a year now, there have been reports every day of new problems cropping up and clarifications being sought from the authorities. In some cases, court cases are being filed. Prices have not fallen. GST has contributed to inflation because services are now taxed higher — the rate has risen to 18% from 15%. Restaurants misused the ITC and it was replaced by a different scheme. It also prompted government to legislate the anti-profiteering clause. But it is proving hard to implement; industry is resisting it. Even though essential goods are exempt under the GST, as basic goods and services prices rise, all prices increase. For instance, if diesel or truck prices rise, transport costs increase. All prices rise even if they are exempt under the GST, examples being the cost of cereals and vegetables. The tax rate structure (0%, 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%) is also so complex. There are different rates for gold and jewellery. Some petro-goods and alcohol (human consumption) are not a part of the GST. Electricity and real estate are also out of the GST. Aspirants also faced problems in this year Prelims paper – Egg boiled (but with shell) is not under GST, Boiled egg without shell is under GST :D (Babaji is still confused who serves or sells boiled eggs with shell) The multiplicity of tax rates and exemptions means that the cascading effect continues. Conclusion: India does not have a full GST which is applicable from raw material to the final good/service. The chain is broken in many places. Partial GST may not meet the objectives effectively. The GST is not bigger than the policy changes introduced in 1991 and hence not the biggest reform. It is not yielding more revenue to enable governments to spend more on services for the poor. Further, by damaging the unorganised sectors, it has set back output and employment in the economy rather than leading to a higher growth rate. These problems emanate from introducing a very complex tax in a complex economy. In brief, while there are a few gains, the economy is not headed in the right direction because of the faulty design of the GST. GOVERNMENT POLICY/SCHEME TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Draft law on revamping higher education governance: UGC to HECI Introduction From previous articles, we know that – Government has planned to replace UGC with HECI (HECI Bill 2018 seeks to repeal UGC Act,1951) We learnt about HECI and how it is different from old UGC (details provided below) In today’s article we shall assess whether India’s higher education sector is in desperate need of reform. Are the proposed provisions and regulator good? Why India’s higher education sector needs desperate reforms? consistently poor performance of Indian universities at the World University Rankings Inspite of boasting of rich demographic dividend, rarely do 1 or 2 IITs figure in the top 100 institutes of the world. institutional shortcomings like the lack of quality research, less room for cross specialization, very less or non existent industry exposure and so on. But clearly the genesis of all such issues can be somehow linked to our existing policy set up. All these testify to the fact that the country’s higher education regulator, the University Grants Commission (UGC), has not lived up to its mandate of “maintaining standards of teaching, examination and research in universities”. Hence, government has proposed a new draft law, the Higher Education Commission of India Bill, to revamp the governance of higher education in India. About Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) HECI to focus on improving academic standards and the quality of Higher Education. Unlike UGC, HECI will not have grant functions and would focus only on academic matters. HECI will also be backed with penal powers to order closure of institutes that violate set norms, imposition of fines where necessary and provisions for imprisonment up to three years where necessary. How HECI is different from UGC? Pic link: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/06/29/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_13/02a39acb_ec29b1bc_101_mr.jpg The transformation of the regulatory set up is guided by the following principles: Less Government and more Governance: Downsizing the scope of the Regulator. No more interference in the management issues of the educational institutions. Separation of grant functions: The grant functions would be carried out by the HRD Ministry, and the HECI would focus only on academic matters. End of Inspection Raj: Regulation is done through transparent public disclosures, merit-based decision making on matters regarding standards and quality in higher education. Focus on academic quality: HECI is tasked with the mandate of improving academic standards with specific focus on learning outcomes, evaluation of academic performance by institutions, mentoring of institutions, training of teachers, promote use of educational technology etc. It will develop norms for setting standards for opening and closure of institutions, provide for greater flexibility and autonomy to institutions, lay standards for appointments to critical leadership positions at the institutional level irrespective of University started under any Law (including State Law). Powers to enforce : The Regulator will have powers to enforce compliance to the academic quality standards and will have the power to order closure of sub-standard and bogus institutions. Non-compliance could result in fines or jail sentence. Highlights of the Higher Education Commission of India (Repeal of University Grants Commission Act) Bill 2018 The focus of the Commission will be on improving academic standards and quality of higher education, specifying norms for learning outcomes, lay down standards of teaching/research etc. It will provide a roadmap for mentoring of institutions found failing in maintaining the required academic standards. It shall have the power to enforce its decisions through legal provisions in the Act, The Commission shall have the power to grant authorization for starting of academic operations on the basis of their compliance with norms of academic quality. It will also have the powers to revoke authorization granting to a higher education institution where there is a case of wilful or continuous default in compliance with the norms / regulations. It will also have the power to recommend closure of institutions which fail to adhere to minimum standards without affecting students’ interest. The Commission will encourage higher education institutions to formulate a Code of Good Practices covering promotion of research, teaching and learning. The constitution of the Commission is strengthened by the cooption of Chairpersons of regulatory bodies in higher education, namely the AICTE and the NCTE. Moreover the Chairpersons/Vice-Chairpersons and members will be scholars of eminence and standing in the field of academics and research, possessing leadership qualities, proven capacities for institution building and deep understanding of issues of higher education policy and practice. The Bill also provides for the penal provisions, which albeit graded in nature, will cover withdrawal of power to grant degrees/ diplomas or direction to cease academic operations and in cases of wilful non-compliance, may result in prosecution sanction as per the Criminal Procedure Code with a punishment of imprisonment for a term which may extend up to 3 years. There will be an Advisory Council to render advice to the Commission on matters concerning coordination and determination of standards in the country. This will be represented by the Chairpersons / Vice-Chairpersons of State Councils for Higher Education and chaired by the Union Minister for HRD. The Commission will also specify norms and processes for fixing of fee chargeable by higher education institutions and advice the Central Government or the State Governments, as the case may be, regarding steps to be taken for making education affordable to all. The Commission will monitor, through a national data base, all matters covering the development of emerging fields of knowledge and balanced growth of higher education institutions in all spheres and specially in promotion of academic quality in higher education. In crux: HECI will not have grant functions and would focus only on academic matters. The ministry will deal with the grant functions. The separation between the regulator and the funder is in tune with the first principles of regulatory governance. The professed goal of the draft law is “autonomy for universities.” However, making the HRD ministry the fund dispersal agency strikes against this objective. It is true that academic institutions in the country have never been completely free from government interference. But with the HRD ministry controlling university funding directly, the dangers of political interference in the running of these institutions increase manifold. The proposed law also empowers the Centre to remove the HECI’s chairman and vice-chairman for reasons that include “moral turpitude” — the UGC act did not have such a provision — will raise questions about the government’s sincerity on giving autonomy to universities. Connecting the dots: Higher education in India is faced with challenges that range from lack of institutional autonomy to heavy bureaucratization of policy making. In light of the given statement and the recent ‘Occupy UGC’ protest, examine the need of having a new regulator Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) replacing UGC. With only few institutes of excellence amidst an ecosystem of mediocrity, the higher education system in India is in dire need of reforms. Do you agree. Comment. Why doesn’t India have globally competitive institutions of education? Examine. What would it take to transform higher education in India? Analyse. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) Which of the following statements are correct regarding Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) It is an intergovernmental body registered under United Nations. RIMES evolved from the efforts of countries in Asia and Pacific. It was established aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Select the code from following: 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Which of the following industries require Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS)? pulp & paper sugar fertilizer copper and aluminium smelters dyes Select correct answer: 1, 2, 3 and 4 only 2, 3, 4 and 5 only 3, 4 and 5 only 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Q.3) Given below are the statements regarding Financial Action Task Force (FATF), select the INCORRECT statements among them. It is a body governed by UN which is involved in setting standards for anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism. India is a member party to FATF. Select the code from following: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 None of the above Q.4) Consider the following statements about Financial Action Task Force (FATF): It is a Parisbased multidisciplinary and intergovernmental body whose purpose is the development and promotion of national and international policies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. It was founded at the 1989 OECD Economic Summit. Select the correct code: Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Reform 101: On higher education The Hindu In the city of refugees: Rohingya camps in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar The Hindu From 1975 to 44 Indian Express In the grey zone Indian Express India is middle income now: Raise the poverty line Indian Express In 2018, the 1992 test Indian Express

Jun 29, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 29th June 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 29th June 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Remembering Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I – Indian History; Modern History Key pointers: 180th birth anniversary He penned India’s national song “Vande Mataram” Kapalkundala (1866) is Chattopadhyay's first major publication. His first novel 'Durgesh Nandini’ proved that writing novel had reached an excellence under Bankim. Another of his great works ‘Anandamath’ had a great impact on the mind of the Bengalis as well as on Indians as it inspired the people with nationalism. Activists during the Indian Independence Movement World Bank on impact of Climate Change Part of: GS Mains III – Environment and Ecology; Climate Change In news: If the current temperature rise continues, 600mn Indians could be affected by 2050 (according to WB) Indians could see a dip in living standards because of temperature rise Key facts: India’s average annual temperatures are expected to rise by 1°C to 2°C by 2050 (considering preventive measures are taken on lines of Paris climate change agreement, 2015). If no measures are taken, average temperatures in India are predicted to increase by 1.5°C to 3°C. Seven of the 10 severest or most vulnerable ‘hotspots’ in India would be located in Maharashtra The rest would be in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. States in the central, northern and northwestern parts of India emerge as the most vulnerable. India could see a 1.5% decline in its GDP by 2030. Tiger reserves in news Satkosia Tiger Reserve and Sunabeda Tiger Reserve – Odisha Sariska Tiger Reserve – Rajastan Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh Other tiger reserves in Madya Pradesh Pench Panna Satpura Sanjay-Dubri Ratnapani Do you know? Kamlang Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, is India's 50th Tiger Reserve Bhoramdev Sanctuary (of Chattisgarh) has been proposed to be India's 51st Tiger Reserve UGC to be replaced with HECI Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Government policies and schemes; Education Reforms Fast recap: From previous article (28th June 2018), we know that – Government is set to replace UGC with HECI (HECI Bill 2018 seeks to repeal UGC Act,1951) Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) to focus on improving academic standards and the quality of Higher Education. Unlike UGC, HECI will not have grant functions and would focus only on academic matters. The ministry will deal with the grant functions. HECI will also be backed with penal powers to order closure of institutes that violate set norms, imposition of fines where necessary and provisions for imprisonment up to three years where necessary. In today’s article more differences have been highlighted – Pic link: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/06/29/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_13/02a39acb_ec29b1bc_101_mr.jpg Increased MSP to Farmers Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Government policies and schemes; Social Reforms; Farmer issue About: During Budget 2018 - Government had decided to offer a minimum support price (MSP) of at least 1.5 times the expenses borne by farmers for all crops. Important step towards doubling the income of our Farmers by 2022 when India celebrates its 75th year of independence. Niti Aayog, in consultation with Central and State Governments, had to put in place a fool-proof mechanism so that farmers will get adequate price for their produce. In news: Issue: Farmers are still waiting for the announcement of the minimum support prices (MSP) for major crops. However, now the government is considering hree NITI Aayog proposals which could shift some of the burden of enforcing MSPs to the States and even private agencies. Do you know? The MSP is announced by the Government of India for 25 crops currently at the beginning of each season viz. Rabi and Kharif. However, NITI Aayog member Professor Ramesh Chand has said that Centre implementing MSP for 23 major crops. Following are the 25 crops covered by MSP: Kharif Crops Rabi Crops Other Crops Paddy 15. Wheat 22. Copra 2. Jowar 16. Barley 23. De-husked coconut 3. Bajra 17. Gram 24. Raw Jute 4. Maize 18. Masur (Lentil) 25. Sugar Cane (Fair and remunerative price) 5. Ragi 19. Rapeseed/Mustard 6. Arhar (Tur) 20. Safflower 7. Moong 21. Toria 8. Urad 9. Cotton 10. Groundnut in shell 11. Sunflower seed 12. Soyabeen 13. Sesamum 14. Nigerseed Indian money in Swiss banks surges Part of: GS Mains III – Indian Economy; Corruption and Black Money In news: Money parked by Indians in Swiss banks rose more than 50% to 1.01 billion Swiss francs (₹7,000 crore) in 2017, reversing a three-year downward trend amid India’s clampdown on suspected black money stashed there. Animal in news: Orange crocodiles In news: Orange crocodiles found in West African state of Gabon The reptile may have changed colour due to proximity to orange bats, according to scientists Orange crocodiles live in caves and in the total darkness, the animals survive on a diet of bats and crickets, unlike above-ground crocodiles of the same species which feed on fish and crustaceans. A comparison of cave-dwelling and above-ground crocodiles confirms that they have not become separate species. However, the subterranean creatures — whether orange or normal colour — have developed a specific “genetic signature.” [caption id="attachment_42068" align="aligncenter" width="550"] In this photograph taken on August 12, 2010, a researcher holds a cave crocodile captured in caves in Abanda in the Ogooue-Maritime, in the south-west of Gabon.Scientists have discovered orange crocodiles living in Gabon's caves. / AFP PHOTO / Olivier TESTA / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / OLIVIER TESTA" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS --- NO ARCHIVE AFTER MAY 26, 2019[/caption] Pic link: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/06/29/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_18/f3663548_2207555_1_mr.jpg Blockchain technology Part of: GS Prelims and Mains – Indian Economy; Science and Technology; Innovation In news: Centre has proposed to set up a Centre of Excellence for blockchain technology in Hyderabad to drive innovation. About Blockchain technology Blockchain can be thought of as a public account ledger, an immutable, transparent and permanent one. Each transaction is recorded and stored in the ledger that is out on a public bulletin board. Every transaction adds a block to the chain of transactions and each one is evaluated by every user based on algorithms they’ve agreed upon. Rather than being kept in single location, a copy of the blockchain is stored on every user’s server so that a user cannot alter it without other users finding out. Even though blockchain was conceived for financial transactions, its characteristics make it an apt solution that can support voting systems. Due to its unique attributes of trust, transparency and immutability, such a system is expected to mitigate issues like vote manipulation in political processes. Blockchain is the backbone technology on which bitcoins run. Simply put, it is a digital public ledger that records every transaction. Once a transaction is entered in the blockchain, it cannot be erased or modified. Blockchain removes the need for using a trusted third party such as a bank to make a transaction by directly connecting the customers and suppliers. Each transaction is recorded to the ledger after verification by the network participants, mainly a chain of computers, called nodes. While the origin of the technology is not clear, it is widely believed that a person or group of people by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, who invented bitcoins, released the technology to support cryptocurrency. Bitcoin is just one of the applications for the technology, whose use is being tested across industries. It is witnessing a lot of traction within India, in sectors such as banking and insurance. In most of these industries, players are coming together to form a consortium to realise the benefits of blockchain at an industry level. For example, in India, there is a consortium ‘BankChain’ which has about 27 banks from India (including State Bank of India or SBI and ICICI) and the Middle East as its members. The consortium is exploring using usage of Blockchain technology to make business safer, faster and cheaper. The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT), an arm of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is developing a model platform for blockchain technology. Blockchain is expected to improve the efficiency of a transaction by eliminating the middlemen, while also reducing the cost of all transactions. It is also likely to increase transparency and bring down fraud as every transaction would be recorded and distributed on a public ledger. (MAINS FOCUS) GOVERNMENT POLICY/SCHEME TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Reforming education system Introduction The recent statistics on higher education in India are sobering. The government spends a third of its budget on education, and a further third of that on higher education. (Poor GDP expenditure on Education) Concerns with the present education system Primary and secondary educationare yet to be expanded for the common women. The children of the poorest of the poor, the ones most discriminated against on the basis of caste or religion, did not receive basic quality education, so they could not proceed to higher education. The ones who went did not receive quality education in the poor staffed government schools and therefore were not able to compete with the rich kids when it came to college. Do you know? India is one of the countries in the world where the average good quality high school education costs more than five times the average good quality college education. In most civilised economies, the ratio is the opposite. Government schools account for 55 per cent of all students; government colleges for approximately 45 per cent of students. A private unaided higher secondary school in urban areas [NSSO survey 71st round, 2014; non-government figures inflated by 15 per cent to yield 2018 values] charges Rs 23,000.But when a person enters college he/she has to pay comparatively lesser amount as the fee. Proposed solution Each student should pay for his/her college education the same he/she paid for high school education so that the government will also gain, at a minimum, Rs 13,000 crore a year, or nearly half the annual expenditure of the central government. Extra money should allow the government to redo the Indian education system from the primary level onwards. For example by transferring student vouchers to each child from the age of 6. This voucher allows each primary and secondary school student to go to a school of her choice. Government schools will be forced to perform — or perish. There will be a chain reaction to the existing defunct, feudal, and corrupt system of education in India Arguments by the critics for the above concerns Why does the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act 2009 not guarantee equal “quality” education to all? Why does it allow private schools to put a price tag on quality education? Why does it allow only restricted access to quality government schools like the Kendriya Vidyalayas? In most civilised economies the cost of high school education is less than the college education because in these countries, the state takes responsibility for school education. In Sweden, Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway and Canada, the enrolment in state-funded schools is as high as 80 per cent to 95 per cent. A voucher system legitimises and reinforces the idea that, instead of being a “public good”, school education is a commodity for sale. Government schools cannot be given the option to “perform or perish”. They must be supported to perform. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds face greater challenges in clearing IIT JEE and NEET because of the inability of our school curricula to meet the demands of these entrance examinations, and hence the reliance on extremely expensive coaching institutes. If the government schools continue to be of poor quality, the non-elite will always find it difficult to reach higher education. Instead, public-funded higher education institutions, already being pushed to generate their own income, will be encouraged to prefer those who can pay. Way ahead It is important to remember that students from socially and economically disadvantaged sections continue to face disadvantages in higher education. The increase in suicides among students coming from these sections is alarming. Poor quality government schools make higher education out of reach for non-elite. That’s the real problem, not public-funded universities The educational spaces that remain equal and socially just should be kept away from the forces of evil market Connecting the dots: Why doesn’t India have globally competitive institutions of education? Examine. What would it take to transform higher education in India? Analyse. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) Consider the following statements about ‘Anandamath’ It is written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay It was set in the background of the Santhal rebellion Vande Mataram, was first published in this novel Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) In which of the following Mass movement ‘Vande Mataram’ became a call of agitation for Indians? Swadeshi movement 1905 Non Cooperation Movement 1920 Civil Disobedience Movement 1930 Quit India Movement 1942 Q.3) With the boom of the bitcoin – a variety of cryptocurrency – the blockchain technology has come into prominence. What does this technology promise to do, even though it is still in its infancy? Help facilitate secure, online transactions in a decentralized way Keep out malware Connect servers with common reasons for existence, remotely All of the above Q.4) Which of the following tiger reserves are located in the state of Odisha? Satkosia Tiger reserve Simlipal Tiger reserve Kawal Tiger reserve Pilibhit Tiger reserve Choose the correct options 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 only 1,2 and 4 only Q.5) Consider the following Arecanut Barley Coffee Finger millet Groundnut Sesamum Turmeric The cabinet committee on economic affairs has announced Minimum Support Price for which of the above? 1, 2, 3 and 7 only 2, 4, 5 and 6 only 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only MUST READ The deepening disconnect The Hindu Target incomes, not prices The Hindu Can Indian football make it to the top league? The Hindu Listening in The Hindu Cost of Climate Change in India Indian Express Bound together by GST Indian Express An over-regulator Indian Express

Jun 29, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 12]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 12] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about Nehru-Liaquat Pact It ensured complete and equal right of citizenship and security of life and properties to minorities of India and Pakistan after partition. It facilitated visits by nationals of India and Pakistan to mutually agreed list of religious shrines in each other’s country. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) It is administered by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) India is an original state party to the Chemical Weapons Convention Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Oxytocin’ It is a nootropic It is used as a medication to facilitate childbirth Estrogen increases the secretion of oxytocin Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 Only 2 and 3 All of the above Q.4) Belgium is bordered by France Germany Netherlands Switzerland Select the correct code: 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 4 1, 2 and 4 Q.5) ‘Ryugu’, which was recently in news, is a Asteroid with qualities of both a C-type and G-type asteroid Unmanned Aerial Vehicle developed by DRDO Indigenously developed Nuclear Submarine Shivalik class Frigate To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba

Jun 29, 2018 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance: Book Review – The Great Transformation – Karen Armstrong

The Great Transformation: Karen Armstrong One of the greatest scholars of religion and history, Karen Armstrong’s ‘The Great Transformation’ is a treat for those who are interested in learning about the history of world religions. Her lucid writing style bridges thousands of years of gap to bring the history of religions right to our own back yard. Her objective investigative analysis of religion and its founders take one back in time to re-look at the origins and development of religion. Religions hold the key to understanding our past and eventually our future. This book will certainly take you on an unforgettable journey. She brings the lives and times of Buddha, Muhammad, Confucius, Lao-Tzu and other revolutionary teachers for us to understand the true history and heritage of world religions. You have to read this book to be able to understand the story of religions. Karen Armstrong has a style of narrating the history of world religions that is both engaging and entertaining. This will be one of those rare history books that you would not only find informative but also extremely engaging. You can also explore her other marvelously well written books. “This Book Review is a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

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