Jul 24, 2019 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - CHANDRAYAAN-2: India's Historic Feat at Moon

CHANDRAYAAN-2: India's Historic Feat at Moon ARCHIVES Search 22nd July, 2019 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx       TOPIC: General Studies III Science and Technology Space Missions Achievements of India In News: India has successfully launched the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Chandrayaan 2 is an Indian lunar mission that will boldly go where no country has ever gone before — the Moon’s South Polar Region. Through this effort, the aim is to improve our understanding of the Moon — discoveries that will benefit India and humanity as a whole. These insights and experiences aim at a paradigm shift in how lunar expeditions are approached for years to come — propelling further voyages into the farthest frontiers. Key Facts: 1st space mission to conduct a soft landing on the Moon's south polar region 1st Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface with home-grown technology It is India’s first interplanetary mission to be steered by two women: project director M Vanitha and mission director Ritu Karidhal. 1st Indian mission to explore the lunar terrain with home-grown technology 4th country ever to soft land on the lunar surface Why are we going to the Moon? The Moon is the closest cosmic body at which space discovery can be attempted and documented. It is also a promising test bed to demonstrate technologies required for deep-space missions. Chandrayaan 2 attempts to foster a new age of discovery, increase our understanding of space, stimulate the advancement of technology, promote global alliances, and inspire a future generation of explorers and scientists. What are the scientific objectives of Chandrayaan 2? Why explore the lunar South Pole? The Moon provides us the best linkage to Earth’s early history and an undisturbed record of the nascent Solar System environment. While a few mature models do exist, the Moon's origin still needs further explanations. Extensive mapping of the lunar surface will aid us in studying variations in its composition — an essential piece of information in tracing the Moon's origin and evolution. Evidence of water molecules — discovered by Chandrayaan 1 — and the extent of its distribution on the lunar surface and sub-surface also require further studies. This area is of special interest because it receives very little sunlight. Some parts remain permanently in the shade, due to the tilt of the moon’s axis. There are giant craters down there creating what are called cold traps: regions cold enough to freeze not just water but also a range of volatile compounds. The temperature of the lunar cold traps can go as low as minus 200 degrees Celsius – so cold that most gases freeze. The compounds in those cold traps have been possibly frozen for as many as 3 billion years and could contain a record of the early Solar System. They could confirm the Giant Impact Hypothesis: that the moon was formed when, 4.4 billion years ago, an object the size of a planet collided with the earth.  Chandrayaan 2 will use the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover to attempt a soft landing in a high plain between two craters — Manzinus C and Simpelius N — at a latitude of about 70° south. The region receives very little light, which makes the charging of solar panels difficult, meaning that the lander and rover could run out of power. A different side to the Achievement –  Statistics about women scientists in India and the world: Women make up only 28.8 per cent of those employed in scientific research and development across the world.
 They are less likely to enter and more likely to leave careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
 They are poorly represented in science academies — there are only 12 per cent female members in 69 science academies across the world.
 Only 17 women have been awarded a Nobel Prize in the three science categories since the award’s inception in 1901. There is also a major dearth of women in top leadership positions in scientific establishments, research institutions and higher decision-making committees. No woman for instance, has ever occupied the top rank at ISRO since its inception on August 15, 1969. The appointment of Karidhal as mission director of Chandrayaan-2 (with Vanitha M as project director) heralds a new era in the history of women scientists in the country and the world. For every girl who continues to be told ‘science is not for girls’ or that a career in science would impact family and mommy-track goals, here is a woman icon who has done it all. And, reached the very top — balancing work and family with equal ease and efficiency. What next: ISRO’s next priority is the $1.4 billion Gaganyaan mission, which aims to put three Indian “gaganauts” — at least one of which will be a woman — into orbit.

Jul 23, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 23rd July 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 23rd July 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Chandrayana-2 Part of: GS Prelims and Main GS Paper III- Science and Technology Key PT Pointers: Chandrayaan-1 (only Orbiter) launched in 2008 was ISRO’s first mission to the moon Chandrayaan-2 consists of an Orbiter, Lander (named as Vikram) and Rover (named as Pragyan), all equipped with scientific instruments to study the moon The lander and rover are designed to work for only 14 days(1 lunar day), while orbiter will remain in orbit for a year With Chandrayaan-2, India will become only the fourth country in the world to land a spacecraft on the moon. Chandrayaan-2 will make a landing at a site near the South pole of the moon, where no earlier mission has gone, The south pole of the moon holds the possibility of the presence of water It is also supposed to have ancient rocks and craters that can offer indications of history of moon, and also contain clues to the fossil records of early solar system. Cryptocurrencies to be banned Part of: GS Prelims and Main GS Paper III- Science and Technology Key Pointers: Subhash Chandra Garg Committee was constituted on November 2, 2017 to look into the legality of cryptocurrencies and blockchain. The report says cryptocurrencies do not have any intrinsic value of their own and lack any of the attributes of a currency. They neither act as a store of value nor are they a medium of exchange in themselves The committee thus recommended that private cryptocurrencies be banned in India. It has, however, said the government should keep an open mind on the potential issuance of cryptocurrencies by the Reserve Bank of India. Conservation efforts to revive gharial population Part of: GS Prelims and Main GS Paper III- Environment and Conservation In news: Five gharials, were bred at the Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha and released into into the Satkosia gorge of Mahanadi. The gharials are individually marked and fitted with radio transmitters for future identification and tracking of their migration route Gharials are “critically endangered” species of crocodile. Odisha is the only State in India having all three species — gharial, mugger and saltwater crocodile. (MAINS FOCUS) SOCIAL JUSTICE/GOVERNANCE TOPIC: General studies 2  Governance and related issues 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. An unbalanced view of the technical interventions in MGNREGA Context: Economic Survey has presented an unbalanced view of the technical interventions in MGNREGA The Survey draws heavily from the Indian School of Business’s working paper titled “A Friend Indeed: Does The Use of Digital Identity Make Welfare Programs Truly Counter-Cyclical?” Concerns: Economic survey presents a skewed and unbalanced view of the programme’s technical interventions instead of taking a comprehensive view of the implementation. The Survey completely ignores numerous instances where technology has resulted in violation of workers’ rights under the MGNREGA. About MNREGA The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, earlier known as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was passed on 7th September 2005 to augment employment generation and social security in India. It covers all districts of India except the ones with 100% urban population. “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act”, MGNREGA), is an Indian labour law and social security measure that aims to guarantee the “Right to Work”. MGNREGA History: In 1991, the P.V Narashima Rao government proposed a pilot scheme for generating employment in rural areas with the following goals: Employment Generation for agricultural labour during the lean season. Infrastructure Development Enhanced Food Security This scheme was called the Employment Assurance Scheme which later evolved into the MGNREGA after the merger with the Food for Work Programme in the early 2000s. Objectives of MGNREGA: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has the following objectives: MGNREGA guarantee “Right To Work” for at least one member of family for 100 days annually, 150 days for SC/STs during non-agricultural seasons . Employment provided within 15 days of enrollment , failing to which the government will give unemployment wages to work-seekers Increase economic security Decrease migration of labour from rural to urban areas Changes in MNREGA structure By 2009-10, MGNREGA wages were only 90% of market wages for males, but 26% higher than market wages for females. By 2011-12, they were lower than market wages for both category of workers, but for females, they were close to market levels. The 2017-18 PLFS estimates show that private market wages for males were higher than MGNREGA wages by 74%, and female market wages were higher than MGNREGA wages by 21%. Clearly, no male worker is going to demand MGNREGA work when he can get a much higher daily wage with the same effort . However, women continue to demand and work under MGNREGA, though market wages are higher, because of non-availability of work and discrimination as well as exclusion from the private labour market. Six reasons why the Economic Survey’s presentation of the MGNREGA is misleading 1. Lack of adequate financial allocation, pending liabilities and low wages. 20% of the Budget allocation in each of the last five years is of pending wage liabilities from previous years MGNREGA wages in many States are about 40% lower than the Ministry of Labour’s national minimum wage. Instead of sufficiently funding MGNREGA, a legal right, in times of severe drought, there is disproportionate attention by the government 2. Misrepresentation of continuous technological interventions in the MGNREGA since its inception Electronic funds transfer started as far back as in 2011 through the Electronic Fund Management System (eFMS), which became symbolic of the Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT).  In 2016 National Electronic Fund Management System (N-eFMS) has been The Survey uses the term “ALP” for Aadhaar-linked payments and conflates it with the DBT . The merging of two terms prevents one from making an honest assessment on the effect that different interventions have had. 3. The Survey makes strong assertions that timely payment of wages have positively impacted worker participation. The Survey makes claims on reduction in payment delays due to the introduction of Aadhaar Wage payments to MGNREGA workers happen in two stages First stage: it is the time taken by the blocks to generate the electronic Funds Transfer Orders (FTO) and send it digitally to the Central government. Second stage: it is the time taken by the Central government to process these FTOs and transfer wages to workers’ accounts. Delays in the first stage have reduced, those in the second stage continue to be unacceptably high(takes more than 50 days). 4. An increase in demand for and supply of work in drought-affected areas to Aadhaar ignoring other crucial factors. Judicial-administrative directives, which came into effect after Aadhaar was introduced, played an important role in the increase in the MGNREGA work uptake in drought areas. Examples: In Rajasthan- 67% increase in employment generated and a record number of households having completed 100 days of work under the MGNREGA as a part of ‘work demand cmapaign’ In Karnataka- There is a three-fold increase in employment generation in Karnataka in 2019 compared to 2018. 5. The Survey rightfully acknowledges the nature of positive targeting of the MGNREGA — with women, Dalits and Adivasis benefitting the most — it wrongfully attributes it wholly to the introduction of Aadhaar. 6. Aadhaar-linked payments identifying “ghost beneficiaries” is exaggerated as an RTI query showed that they accounted for only about 1.4% of total households in 2016-17. Conclusion Overlooking the fundamental issues, cherry-picking studies and using flawed analyses to justify technocracy is an example of ethical paralysis. The Economic Survey harps about an ill-designed technological pipeline, the fact is that a landmark labour programme is being put on a ventilator. Connecting the dots: “Technology is neither good nor bad; nor is it neutral” Elucidate? In the Light of continuation of MNREGA in the present year. Discuss its achievements and limitations MNREGA- is a great example of proactive disclosure of information through its Management Information System (MIS). Discuss MNREGA, despite of all the limitations and failure, it is in agreement with sustainable development. Elucidate. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Chandrayana -2 It is being launched from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Kerala It is launched by GSLV MK-III, which is also its first operational flight China’s Chang’e 4 was the first space craft to achieve soft landing on the far side of the moon Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 and 2only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Bhitarkanika National Park It is a national park located in Kendrapara district of Odisha The sanctuary is the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India It is said to house 70% of the country’s estuarine or saltwater crocodiles Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 and 2only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Cyroptocurrency Cryptocurrencies use decentralized technology to let users make secure payments and store money without the need to use their name or go through a bank. They run on a distributed public ledger called blockchain, which is a record of all transactions updated and held by currency holders. Google has unveiled its own cryptocurrency named “Libra” Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 MUST READ The tremor of unwelcome amendments to the RTI Act The Hindu What does it mean to oppose Brahmanism? The Hindu  Chandrayaan-2: Soaring to the moon The Hindu Moon-bound again Indian Express Raja Mandala: The moon and the law Indian Express

Jul 23, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 32

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 32 Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Colistin’ It is an antibiotic for therapeutic purpose in veterinary. One of the reasons for antibiotic resistance in India is due to unwanted use of Colistin in poultry industry. Select the correct statements  1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to ‘Chandipura Virus’  It was first reported from a forest in Karnataka It is associated with an encephalitic illness in humans Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘PENCIL Portal’ It ensures smooth implementation of the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme It aims at involving Centre, State, District, civil society and the general public in achieving the target of child labour free society. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Interferometer’ It is one leading method for the direct detection of gravitational waves. It works by merging two or more sources of light to create an interference pattern, which can be measured and analysed. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Service voter is a voter having service qualification. According to the provisions of Representation of People Act, 1950, service qualification means – Being a member of the armed Forces of the Union Being a member of an Armed Police Force of a State, and serving outside that state Being a person who is employed under the Government of India, in a post outside India Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Jul 23, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 22nd July 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 22nd July 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Vaccination for rotavirus Part of: Main GS Paper II- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population Around 20 lakh children in the Maharashtra State will be vaccinated against rotavirus. Annually, 3.34 lakh children succumb to diarrhoeal diseases in India, of which close to one lakh die of rotavirus diarrhoea. Vaccination is a step towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal target of reducing Child (under 5 years) Mortality rate to 25 or less per 1000 live births by 2030. Do you know? India’s Under Five Mortality (U5MR) declined from 125 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 43 per 1,000 live births in 2015. In 2016, India's infant (0-1 year) mortality rate was 44 per 1,000 live births. To achieve full immunization coverage for all children and pregnant women at a rapid pace, the Government of India launched “Mission Indradhanush” in December 2014. Under Mission Indradhanush vaccination is being provided against eight vaccine-preventable diseases nationally, i.e. Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, meningitis & pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenza type B; and against Rotavirus Diarrhea and Japanese Encephalitis in selected states and districts respectively Delhi takes major share in electoral bonds Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Polity; Governance issues 80.6% of the electoral bonds bought last year (₹5,851.41 crore) were redeemed in New Delhi, where the headquarters of major parties are located. This shows that the scheme is biased against regional parties. Additional concerns raised with respect to Electoral bonds scheme Non transparent - anonymity-based funding scheme as neither the donor discloses to which party it has donated nor the political party discloses the source of bond. It opens up the possibility of black money being and foreign capital donated to parties through shell companies. May lead to Corporate capture of Politics: scheme did away with the statutory limit on corporate donations to parties (7.5% of three years’ net profits) Favours the ruling party: as it alone is in a position to identify the donors and, therefore, well placed to misuse such information. (Presently electoral Bonds are only available through Government owned SBI) May pose a formidable entry barrier to new contenders in the political arena as this scheme is available only to parties that won 1% of the votes in the preceding election  Do you know? The below reports have recommended State funding of elections to establish a fair playing field for parties with less money. Indrajit Gupta Committee on State Funding of Elections (1998) Law Commission Report on Reform of the Electoral Laws (1999) National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2001) Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2008) DEFXPO – India’s mega Defence exhibition Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III - Defence 11th Defexpo will be held in 2020 at Lucknow. It is held biennially, the previous two editions were held at Chennai (2018) and Goa(2016) It helps to showcase India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, promote export of India’s defence systems and attracts foreign players to invest in India. India is developing two defence industrial production corridors to promote the defence sector. One is Tamil Nadu (linking Chennai and Bengaluru) and the other in Uttar Pradesh Revamp of Army Head Quarters (AHQ) Part of: Main GS Paper III – Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate Army has initiated the process of reforming its Head quarter structure, whose objective is to: Ensure holistic integration of all divisions of army Enhance the operational and functional efficiency Optimise budget expenditure, Facilitate force modernisation and Address aspirations of the army personnel. (MAINS FOCUS) POLITY/GOVERNANCE TOPIC: General studies 2 Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure. Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability, E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens Charters, Transparency & Accountability and institutional and other measures.  The Right to information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 Context The government introduced in Loksabha the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which proposes to give the Centre the powers to set the salaries and service conditions of Information Commissioners at central as well as state levels. Concerns: Amendments have been proposed since 2006, just six months after the law was implemented and many times thereafter. The deliberate dismantling of this architecture empowers the Central government to unilaterally decide the tenure, salary, allowances and other terms of service of Information Commissioners, both at the Centre and the States About Right to Information Act: Article 19(1) of the Indian Constitution specifies that the Right to Information (RTI) is a part of the fundamental rights. It says that every citizen has freedom of speech and expression. In 1976, in the Raj Narain vs the State of UP, it was held by the Supreme Court that people cannot speak unless they know. Hence the Right to Information is embedded in Article 19 RTI Act provides machinery for exercising this fundamental right. As per the RTI Act 2005, every citizen has the right to receive a timely response from the government for any information that is sought by them with respect to the functioning of the government. An RTI portal is created by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions in order to facilitate the process of RTI. Besides access to information related to RTI, published disclosures by various public authorities under the state and the central governments, it acts as a gateway for obtaining information on the details of first Appellate Authorities, Principle Information Officers etc The basic objectives of RTI is Empowerment of the citizens Promotion of transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government Prevention and elimination of corruption Making the democracy work FOR the people in its real sense. Under the RTI, every citizen is empowered to: Seek information / ask questions to the government Request for copies of government documents Inspect government documents and works Request for samples of materials of any government work Importance of RTI: The RTI has been used brilliantly and persistently to ask a million questions across the spectrum — from the village ration shop, the Reserve Bank of India, the Finance Ministry, on demonetisation, non-performing assets, the Rafale fighter aircraft deal, electoral bonds, unemployment figures, the appointment of the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC), Election Commissioners, and the (non)-appointment of the Information Commissioners themselves. The information related to decision-making at the highest level has in most cases eventually been accessed because of the independence and high status of the Information Commission. The RTI movement has struggled to access information and through it, a share of governance and democratic power. The Indian RTI law has been a breakthrough in creating mechanisms and platforms for the practice of continual public vigilance that are fundamental to democratic citizenship. Recent moves of RTI: All the provisions related to appointment were carefully examined by a parliamentary standing committee and the law was passed unanimously. Section 13 states that salaries, allowances and other terms of service of “the Chief Information Commissioner shall be the same as that of the Chief Election Commissioner”, and those of an Information Commissioner “shall be the same as that of an Election Commissioner”. The Bill amends Sections 13 and 16 of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. Section 13 of the original Act sets the term of the central Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners at five years (or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier). Section 16 of the original Act deals with state-level Chief Information Commissioners and Information Commissioners. It sets the term for state-level CICs and ICs at five years (or 65 years of age, whichever is earlier). It was on the recommendation of the parliamentary standing committee that the Information Commissioner and CIC were made on a par with the Election Commissioner and the CEC, respectively. The mandatory pre-legislative consultative policy of the government has been ignored. Major issues: The separation of powers is a concept which underscores this independence and is vital to our democratic checks and balances. When power is centralised and the freedom of expression threatened no matter what the context, democracy is definitely in serious danger. The Commission which is vested by law with status, independence and authority, will now function like a department of the Central government, and be subject to the same hierarchy and demand for deferential respect. Apart from Section 13 which deals with the terms and conditions for the Central information Commission, in amending Section 16, the Central government will also control through rules, the terms and conditions of appointment of Commissioners in the States. This is an assault on the idea of federalism. The RTI community is worried. But the sword of Damocles is double-edged. It is an idiom originally used to define the hidden insecurity of an autocrat. Questions are threats to unaccountable power. Conclusion: The RTI has unshackled millions of users who will continue to use this democratic right creatively and to dismantle exclusive power. The RTI has been and will be used to withstand attacks on itself and strengthen the movement for transparency and accountability in India. The RTI has resulted in a fundamental shift — empowering a citizen’s access to power and decision-making. It has been a lifeline for many of the 40 to 60 lakh ordinary users, many of them for survival. Connecting the dots: Has RTI been successful in bringing transparency into governance? Critically evaluate. Don’t you think Right to Information (RTI) stifles decision making? Critically examine. The RTI in its current form and shape requires certain changes to make it more effective. Do you agree? Substantiate. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Mission Indhradhanush Its goal is to ensure full immunization with all available vaccines for children up to two years of age and pregnant women It is being implemented by Ministry of Women and Child development Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Electoral Bonds It can be purchased only from Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) Interest will be given by the banks on these bonds. Electoral bonds will be valid till next Lok Sabha elections from the date of purchase. Which of the following statements is/are not correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.3) Indrajit Gupta committee has given its report regarding More devolution of powers to Panchayat Raj Institutions State funding of elections Army restructuring Financial Inclusion Q.4) Department of Border Management comes under which ministry? Ministry of Defence Ministry of Home Affairs Prime Ministers office Ministry of External Affairs Q.5) Defence Industrial Corridors are coming up at which state(s)? Uttar Pradesh Tamil Nadu Gujarat Andhra Pradesh Select the correct answer from the code given below: 1 and 2 Only 1,2 and 3 Only 2 and 3 only 1,2,3 and 4 MUST READ   Smoking e-cigarettes is more injurious to health The Hindu  Six reasons why the Economic Survey’s presentation of MGNREGA is misleading The Hindu  Make domestic laws ‘trade-smart”to begin with, and not as an afterthought Financial Express  How artificial intelligence can redefine govt services Financial Express  Explained: Economics of GM crops and what authorities need to know Financial Express

Jul 22, 2019 RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Single Tribunal for River Water Disputes

Single Tribunal for River Water Disputes Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. Inter-State Water Dispute In News: Aiming for a speedy resolution of interstate water disputes, the Union Cabinet approved a legislative proposal seeking to establish a single tribunal with mandate to award verdict within two years. The proposed tribunal could have benches in states. The Bill seeks to amend the Inter State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 to streamline the adjudication of inter-state river water disputes. A key feature of the bill is the constitution of a single tribunal with different Benches, and the setting of strict timelines for adjudication. India has seen protracted river water sharing disputes in recent years. Depleting groundwater, drying rivers and increasing demand for water have led to long legal wrangles between warring states. But very soon, India might have a single national tribunal — the Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal — to arbitrate inter-state water disputes. Its recommendations will be binding on the competing parties.   Over the years, there have been several tribunals hearing disputes between states on river water sharing, but they have not been effective in resolving disputes in a time-bound manner. While there are suggestions for reconsidering and reviewing the structuring and functioning of the tribunals, there is also a need to look for an alternative mechanism, based on environmental thinking, to resolve such disputes effectively, amicably and sustainably.  Issues with the Inter State River Water Dispute Act, 1956 Under the present Act, a separate Tribunal has to be established for each dispute. There are eight inter-state water dispute tribunals, including the Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal and Krishna River Water Dispute Tribunal. Currently there is no time limit for adjudication or publication of reports. Only three of the eight tribunals have actually given awards accepted by the states. Tribunals like those on the Cauvery and Ravi Beas have been in existence for over 26 and 30 years respectively without any award. There is no upper age limit for the chairman or the members. The disputes’ resolution generally has not been effective- Disputes have recurred, there have been long delays in adjudication and States have not complied with verdicts of tribunals. Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019  The Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 for adjudication of disputes relating to water of inter-State rivers and river valley thereof would pave way for speedy resolutions of disputes.  Timeline & Dispute Resolution Committee The single tribunal will have to award verdict in two years’ time. The Bill also proposes a Dispute Resolution Committee set up by the Central Government for amicably resolving inter-State water disputes within 18 months.  Any dispute that cannot be settled by negotiations would be referred to the tribunal for its adjudication.  The dispute so referred to the tribunal shall be assigned by the chairperson of the tribunal to a Bench of the tribunal for adjudication.  The Bill can also affect the composition of the members of various tribunals, and has a provision to have a technical expert as the head of the tribunal. Currently all tribunals are staffed by members of the judiciary, nominated by the Chief Justice. Need for a Single Tribunal This would replace multiple tribunals currently existing for a number of disputes.  The single tribunal will subsume the existing nine tribunals. As of now, it takes between 17 and 27 years for a tribunal to resolve a dispute.  The standalone tribunal so envisaged will have a permanent establishment and permanent office space and infrastructure so as to obviate with the need to set up a separate Tribunal for each water dispute, a time consuming process. Big Questions How does the bill propose to address the challenge of implementing the tribunal’s awards?  The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal Award, given in 2007, lamented about legal ambiguities which prevented it from recommending an institutional mechanism to implement its award. These ambiguities will persist even after the amendments. The power to devise such mechanisms is with the Centre. But the government is ill-equipped to offer competent and resilient mechanisms. The River Boards Act, 1956, the most potent law available for the purpose — drawn under Entry 56 of the Union List for regulating and developing interstate rivers — has become a dead letter. Conflicts arise when the instruments and institutions for cooperation fail. The government will do well to bring in a comprehensive legislation in place of the River Boards Act, 1956, to enable inter-state river water cooperation and collaboration. Absence of an effective implementation mechanism.  Even though the ISRWDT is a permanent avenue, there is nothing that prevents the inevitable escalation of disputes. Often, states defy tribunals’ directives and disregarding awards? The bill offers little to check these tendencies. The Supreme Court, too, has been amenable to Special Leave Petitions which then lead to extended litigation in the apex court. All this defeats the basic purpose of the reforms — to expedite resolution of river water disputes. Note: Parliament has enacted two laws under Article 262 River Board Act, 1956: The purpose of this Act was to enable the Union Government to create Boards for Interstate Rivers and river valleys in consultation with State Governments. The objective of Boards is to advise on the inter-state basin to prepare development scheme and to prevent the emergence of conflicts. Note: Till date, no river board as per above Act has been created. Inter-State Water Dispute Act, 1956: It provides the legal framework to address inter-sate water disputes. In case, if a particular state or states approach to Union Government for the constitution of the tribunal, Central Government should try to resolve the matter by consultation among the aggrieved states. In case, if it does not work, then it may constitute the tribunal. The Supreme Court and other courts do not have jurisdiction over such disputes — they can interpret verdicts of tribunals. Connecting the Dots: Can the setting up of a single tribunal help in resolving river water sharing issues? Discuss. Inter-state river water disputes have remained a contentious issue post-independence. Can you suggest few measures to address those?

Jul 22, 2019 PIB

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 15th July to 20th July – 2019

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 15th  to 20th July – 2019 ARCHIVES GS-2 Lok Sabha passes The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019, inter alia, provides That a person who has been a Judge of the Supreme Court is also made eligible to be appointed as Chairperson of the Commission in addition to the person who has been the Chief Justice of India; To increase the Members of the Commission from two to three of which, one shall be a woman; To include Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes, Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities as deemed Members of the Commission; To reduce the term of the Chairperson and Members of the Commission and the State Commissions from five to three years and shall be eligible for re-appointment; To provide that a person who has been a Judge of a High Court is also made eligible to be appointed as Chairperson of the State Commission in addition to the person who has been the Chief Justice of the High Court; and, To confer upon State Commissions, the functions relating to human rights being discharged by the Union territories, other than the Union territory of Delhi, which will be dealt with by the Commission The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 introduced in Lok Sabha (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 that amends the Right to Information Act, 2005 was introduced in Lok Sabha today. What does the RTI Act do?   Under the RTI Act, 2005, Public Authorities are required to make disclosures on various aspects of their structure and functioning.  This includes: (i) disclosure on their organisation, functions, and structure, (ii) powers and duties of its officers and employees, and (iii) financial information.  The intent of such suo moto disclosures is that the public should need minimum recourse through the Act to obtain such information.  If such information is not made available, citizens have the right to request for it from the Authorities.  This may include information in the form of documents, files, or electronic records under the control of the Public Authority.  The intent behind the enactment of the Act is to promote transparency and accountability in the working of Public Authorities.   Who is included in the ambit of ‘Public Authorities’? ‘Public Authorities’ include bodies of self-government established under the Constitution, or under any law or government notification.  For instance, these include Ministries, public sector undertakings, and regulators.  It also includes any entities owned, controlled or substantially financed and non-government organizations substantially financed directly or indirectly by funds provided by the government.  How is the right to information enforced under the Act? The Act has established a three tier structure for enforcing the right to information guaranteed under the Act. Public Authorities designate some of their officers as Public Information Officers.  The first request for information goes to Central/State Assistant Public Information Officer and Central/State Public Information Officer, designated by the Public Authorities. These Officers are required to provide information to an RTI applicant within 30 days of the request.  Appeals from their decisions go to an Appellate Authority.  Appeals against the order of the Appellate Authority go to the State Information Commission or the Central Information Commission.  These Information Commissions consists of a Chief Information Commissioner, and up to 10 Information Commissioners.   What does the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 propose? The Bill changes the terms and conditions of service of the CIC and Information Commissioners at the centre and in states Comparison of the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005 and the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 Provision RTI Act, 2005 RTI (Amendment) Bill, 2019 Term The Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and Information Commissioners (ICs) (at the central and state level) will hold office for a term of five years.  The Bill removes this provision and states that the central government will notify the term of office for the CIC and the ICs. Quantum of Salary The salary of the CIC and ICs (at the central level) will be equivalent to the salary paid to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, respectively.  Similarly, the salary of the CIC and ICs (at the state level) will be equivalent to the salary paid to the Election Commissioners and the Chief Secretary to the state government, respectively.   The Bill removes these provisions and states that the salaries, allowances, and other terms and conditions of service of the central and state CIC and ICs will be determined by the central government.   Deductions in Salary The Act states that at the time of the appointment of the CIC and ICs (at the central and state level), if they are receiving pension or any other retirement benefits for previous government service, their salaries will be reduced by an amount equal to the pension.  Previous government service includes service under: (i) the central government, (ii) state government, (iii) corporation established under a central or state law, and (iv) company owned or controlled by the central or state government. The Bill removes these provisions.   Sources: Right to Information Act, 2005; Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019; PRS. Policy for Digital Economy (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) The Government has recently introduced National Policy on Electronics (NPE) and National Policy on Software Products (NPSP) in 2019 for the growing digital economy.  A draft National e-Commerce policy has been prepared and placed for comments in public domain. The draft National e-Commerce policy has been prepared to create a facilitative regulatory environment for growth of e-commerce sector in India and to leverage access to data such that data of Indians can be used for the growth of digital economy in India. The policy establishes strategies which aim to – Empower domestic entrepreneurs and encourage Make in India Safeguard interests of the consumers Ensure creation of jobs in the digital sphere in the times to come Promote domestic research and development in digital innovation Prevent misuse of data while maintaining the spirit of existing regulations The Government had constituted a committee of expert on data protection, chaired by Justice (Retd) B.N. Srikrishna, Supreme Court of India, to study various issues relating to data protection and come out with the Data Protection Bill.  The Srikrishna committee has brought out a draft Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB).  The framework seeks to put in place a culture of privacy by design and promoting concepts such as consent framework, purpose limitation, storage limitation, and data minimization among various other privacy-oriented concepts.  Wide-ranging consultations have been conducted on the recommendations of the committee with a view to finalizing the draft legislation. Launch of the Broadband Readiness Index for Indian States and Union Territories (2019-2022) (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) By: The Department of Telecom (DoT) and the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) Why: The National Digital Communication Policy (NDCP) 2018 acknowledged the need for building a robust digital communications infrastructure leveraging existing assets of the broadcasting and power sectors including collaborative models involving state, local bodies and the private sector. Accordingly, the policy recommended that a BRI for States and UTs be developed to attract investments and address Right of Way(RoW) challenges across India. This index will appraise the condition of the underlying digital infrastructure and related factors at the State/UT level. Such an exercise will provide useful insights into strategic choices made by States for investment allocations in ICT programmes.  In the spirit of competitive federalism, the index will encourage states to cross learn and jointly participate in achieving the overall objective of digital inclusion and development in India.  The framework will not only evaluate a state’s relative development but will also allow for better understanding of a state’s strengths and weaknesses that can feed into evidence-based policy making. Digitisation of AYUSH (Topic:  Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Ministry of AYUSH has conceptualized AYUSH GRID Project for digitising AYUSH healthcare delivery at all levels. The AYUSH Grid Project is the proposed IT backbone for the entire AYUSH sector covering the healthcare systems Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy. AYUSH Grid is envisaged as an omnibus digital eco- system that would lead to all round development of the AYUSH sector in fields of healthcare delivery at all levels, research, education, schemes and various health programs. To develop a network of People, Knowledge and Technology for radical, sustainable and wholesome transformation of AYUSH sector, and play a pivotal role in taking care of holistic health care needs (i.e. curative, preventive and promotive health) and socio- economic wellbeing of Indian citizens and further extending the benefits to entire world population.   To create an organic and dynamic information and communication technology (ICT) powered network interconnecting all streams of AYUSH in their key functional areas viz. health care delivery, capacity building, research & development, AYUSH drug regulation and education. This will be beneficial for all stakeholders of AYUSH and also helpful for effective governance. Strategies for development will be in sync with the national and international policies and health care needs. The main components of AYUSH GRID Project are as under: Health Services Education Research Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes Training Citizen Centric Services Drug Licencing Portal Media Outreach NOTE: Health is a state subject Cabinet approves Inter-Institutional Agreement between India and USA for cooperation in the field of medicine The objective of the Agreement is to contribute towards the development of research and education of both the Institutions through academic collaboration. The general areas of common interest where collaboration and exchange of knowledge are intended for both include: Exchange of faculty members and students for training, study and research especially in the areas on 3D Bioprinting; Execution of joint research projects; and Exchange of information and academic publications Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) The Government has taken various policy initiatives to increase the domestic production of crude oil and natural gas which include: - Policy for Relaxations, Extensions and Clarifications under Production Sharing Contract (PSC) regime for early monetization of hydrocarbon discoveries; New Domestic Natural Gas Pricing Guidelines-2014; Marketing including pricing freedom on natural gas production under PSC regime from difficult areas such as High Pressure-High Temperature (HP-HT) reservoirs and deep water and ultra-deep water areas; Discovered Small Field Policy; Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy; Policy for Extension of Production Sharing Contracts; Policy for early monetization of Coal Bed Methane; Setting up of National Data Repository; National Seismic Programme for appraisal of Unappraised areas in Sedimentary Basins; Re-assessment of Hydrocarbon Resources; Policy framework to streamline the working of Production Sharing Contracts in Pre-NELP and NELP Blocks; Policy to Promote and Incentivize Enhanced Recovery Methods for Oil and Gas; Policy framework for exploration and exploitation of Unconventional Hydrocarbons under existing Production Sharing Contracts, Coal Bed Methane contracts and Nomination fields. Encouraging Research for Smaller Companies in Defence Projects (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: Mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment Indigenization of technology and developing new technology) Government has taken several steps towards simplifying the rules and promotion of research and innovation in respect of MSMEs in Defence Industry. Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) has been revised in 2016 wherein specific provisions have been introduced for stimulating growth of the domestic defence industry with regard to MSMEs. A new category of procurement ‘Buy {Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)}’ has been introduced in DPP-2016 to promote indigenous design and development of defence equipment. It has been accorded top most priority for procurement of capital equipment. Besides this, preference has been accorded to ‘Buy (Indian)’, ‘Buy and Make (Indian)’ & ‘Make’ categories of capital acquisition over ‘Buy (Global)’ & ‘Buy & Make (Global)’ categories. The ‘Make’ Procedure has been simplified with provisions for funding of 90% of development cost by the Government to Indian industry and reserving projects not exceeding development cost of Rs.10 Crore (Government funded) and Rs.3 Crore (Industry funded) for MSMEs. Separate procedure for ‘Make-II’ sub-category has been notified wherein projects will involve prototype development of equipment/system/platform or their upgrades or their sub-systems/sub-assembly/assemblies/components primarily for import substitution/innovation solutions, for which no Government funding will be provided for prototype development purposes. In order to expand the manufacturing infrastructure, Government has decided to establish two defence industrial corridors, one each in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, to serve as an engine of growth of defence industrial base in the country. The Defence Products List for the purpose of issuing Industrial Licenses (ILs) under IDR Act has been revised and most of the components, parts,sub-systems, testing equipment and production equipment have been removed from the list, so as to reduce the entry barriers for the industry, particularly small & medium segment. The initial validity of the Industrial Licence granted under the IDR Act has been increased from 03 years to 15 years with a provision to further extend it by 03 years on a case-to-case basis.The process for export clearance has been streamlined and made transparent & online. An innovation ecosystem for Defence titled Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has been launched which is aimed at creation of an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, Start-ups, Individual Innovators, R&D Institutes and Academia and provide them grants/funding and other support to carry out R&D which has potential for future adoption for Indian defence and aerospace needs.  Under iDEX, innovative solutions have been successfully identified for 14 problem areas pertaining to national defence requirements. More than 600 startups have been engaged in the process and 44 different solutions have been identified for the problem statements by the innovators. Government has set up the Technology Development Fund (TDF) to encourage participation of public/private industries especially MSMEs, through provision of grants, so as to create an eco-system for enhancing cutting edge technology capability for defence applications. The Ministry has instituted a new framework titled ‘Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti’ which aims to provide boost to the IPR culture in indigenous defence industry. Prelims oriented News: Limboo and Tamang communities: In Sikkim Dibang Multipurpose Project: In Arunachal Pradesh; a storage based hydro-electric project with flood moderation as the key objective. The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is conferred upon artists below the age of 40 years with the objective of identifying and encouraging outstanding young talents in diverse fields of performing arts and giving them national recognition early in their life, so that they may work with greater commitment and dedication in their chosen fields.  Restoration work of Markandeshwar temple in Maharashtra by Archaeological Survey of India  Known as the “Khajuraho of Vidarbha”, the temple of Markandadeo is situated on the bank of River Wainganga in district Gadchiroli of Maharashtra.  The temples belong to the Nagara group of temples of North India.   On stylistic grounds, their date ranges in between 9-12th centuries CE.  The temples belong to saiva, vaishnava and sakta faith.  Most of the temples have a simple plan, with ardhamandapa, mandapa, antarala and garbhagriha forming the component of the entire set up. The most striking feature of this temple is the largescale destruction caused on the main shrine (garbhagriha) and the very first recordings made by Alexander Cunningham states that - about 200 years ago the shikhara of the main shrine and mahamandapa was struck by a lightning which led to the partial collapse of the shikhara (the finial, north and south facade). Govt. drafted Digital Information Security in Healthcare Act (DISHA Act): To ensure data privacy, confidentiality, reliability and security of digital health data ‘Paramarsh’ – a University Grants Commission (UGC) scheme for Mentoring National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) Accreditation Aspirant Institutions to promote Quality Assurance in Higher Education  The Scheme will be operationalized through a “Hub & Spoke” model wherein the Mentor Institution, called the “Hub” is centralized and will have the responsibility of guiding the Mentee institution through the secondary branches the “Spoke” through the services provided to the mentee for self-improvement. This allows a centralized control over operational efficiency, resource utilization to attain overall development of the mentee institution. Will target 1000 Higher Education Institutions for mentoring with a specific focus on quality as enumerated in the UGC “Quality Mandate”. Mentor-Mentee relationship will not only benefit both the institutions but also provide quality education to the 3.6 crore students who are enrolling to Indian Higher Education system at present. One Nation One Card This National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) enables seamless travel by metro rails and other transport systems across the country besides retail shopping and purchases.  National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) program, as envisaged by MoHUA (Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs), offers offline transactions independent of network connectivity by utilizing the existing infrastructure with banks.  This card may be used for all payment applications (low value - offline/high value - online) including transit, retail, toll, parking and smart cities.  The stored value of the card offers the offline transaction proposition across all low value segments. Eradicating TB by 2025 The Ministry has developed the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis (2017-2025) with the goal of ending TB by 2025. The key focus areas are: Early diagnosis of all the TB patients, prompt treatment with quality assured drugs and treatment regimens along with suitable patient support systems to promote adherence. Engaging with the patients seeking care in the private sector Prevention strategies including active case finding and contact tracing in high risk / vulnerable population Airborne infection control Multi-sectoral response for addressing social determinants. According to the World Health Organization Global TB report 2018, the estimated number of TB cases in India in 2017 was 27,40,000, amounting incidence of 204 per lakh population. The Central Government administers the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act) which allows banks and financial institutions to recover their dues exceeding one lakh rupees by proceeding against secured assets of the borrower/guarantor without the intervention of the court/tribunals. Challenges faced by Jawans at Siachen Glacier The challenges faced by soldiers posted in Siachen Glacier stem from the peculiar terrain and weather conditions. The major challenges due to inclement weather conditions are – Reduced human body efficiency Bright sunlight leading to snow blindness Blizzards White out conditions The troops deployed at forward posts bear the risk of avalanches, crevasses on glaciated surfaces and have to negotiate Ice walls apart from facing the common ailments associated with high altitude and glaciated terrain. Plantation Labour Act: The Government is planning to subsume the Plantations Labour Act, 1951 in the Labour Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Condition Bill, 2019 which inter-alia aims to provide fair wages to plantation workers by limiting the kind component, to provide welfare facilities through the welfare schemes of the government and involve appropriate agencies in providing welfare schemes and enforcement of the provisions of the Act. The proposed Bill also aims to provide better welfare facilities to plantation workers such as medical, drinking water, educational facilities, housing facilities etc. Organic Farming Realizing the potential and benefits of organic farming and to improve the economic condition of farmers in the country, Government of India is promoting organic farming through the dedicated schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) since 2015-16. Under PKVY, flexibility is given to states to adopt any model of Organic Farming including ZBNF depending on farmer’s choice that is free from chemicals, pesticides residues and adopts eco-friendly low cost technologies. Under PKVY,   assistance of Rs. 50,000 per hectare/ 3 years is allowed out of which Rs. 31,000 (61%) is provided to farmer   directly through DBT   for input (biofertilisers, biopesticides, vermicompost, botanical extracts etc) production/ procurement, packing,   marketing etc. Under MOVCDNER , assistance is provided to the farmers in a value chain mode starting from formation of Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs), on/off farm input production, supply of seeds/ planting materials, post-harvest infrastructure including collection, sorting, grading facilities,   establishment of integrated processing unit, refrigerated transportation, pre-cooling/ cold stores chamber, branding, labelling and packaging, etc . Steps to promote and stimulate the growth of MSME sector in the country Simplification of the registration process through a one page Udyog Aadhar Memorandum (UAM) Introduction of the ‘MSME SAMBANDH’ portal for monitoring the implementation of public procurement policy for the MSEs Launching of the ‘MSME SAMADHAN’ portal for enabling MSMEs to directly register their cases relating to delayed payments.  Further, schemes/programmes including Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Credit Guarantee Scheme, Credit Linked Capital Subsidy-Technological Up-gradation Scheme (CLCS-TUS) to support MSMEs in their technology up-gradation, Cluster Development Programme, Marketing Development Assistance and Skill/Entrepreneurship Development Programme etc. are also implemented to boost the MSME sector. Nutrition in India As per the Report of Nutritional Intake in India, 2011-12 published under 68th round of National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), the average dietary energy intake per person per day was 2233 Kcal for rural India and 2206 Kcal for urban India, which is lower than Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 2320 Kcal. The Government has set up POSHAN Abhiyaan in 2017 for a three year time frame, commencing from 2017-18. The Abhiyaan aims to reduce malnutrition in the country in a phased manner, through a life cycle approach, by adopting a synergised and result oriented approach. The Abhiyaan will ensure mechanisms for timely service delivery and a robust monitoring as well as intervention infrastructure.  The target of the Abhiyaan is To reduce stunting in children (0-6 years), under-nutrition (underweight prevalence) in children (0-6 years) and Low Birth Weight @2% per annum Reduce anaemia among young children (6-59 months), women and adolescent girls @3% per annum across the country.  The major works undertaken under this Abhiyaan are  Ensuring convergence with various other programmes Information Technology enabled Common Application Software for strengthening service delivery and interventions Community Mobilization and Awareness Advocacy leading to Jan Andolan- to educate the people on nutritional aspects Capacity Building of Frontline Functionaries Incentivizing States/ UTs for achieving goals The Ujjawala Scheme is for prevention of trafficking, rescue, rehabilitation, re-integration and repatriation of victims of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation. There are 254 projects including 134 Protective and Rehabilitative Homes in the country. The number of beneficiaries are 5,291. ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The responsibilities towards maintenance of law and order and protection of life and property of citizens rest primarily with State Governments. Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK)  To promote or undertake cover activities for the promotion of or to provide credit as an instrument of socio-economic change and development through the provision of a package of financial and social development services for the development of women; To promote and support schemes for improvement of facilities for credit for women: For sustenance of their existing employment, For generation of further employment, For asset creation, For asset redemption and For tiding over consumption, social and contingent needs; To demonstrate and replicate participatory approaches in the organisation of women’s groups for effective utilisation of credit resources leading to self-reliance To promote and support experiments in the voluntary and formal sector using innovative methodologies to reach poor women with credit and other social services; To sensitize existing government delivery mechanisms and increase the visibility of poor women as a vital and clientele with the conventional institutions; To promote research, study, documentation and analysis, including provision of fellowships and scholarships, of credit and its management and of successful experiences at various levels in order to promote replication and dissemination of successful credit extension and management methodologies; To promote the federation and networking of women’s organisations for shaping and to develop skills in response management & social mobilization; To promote and support the expansion of entrepreneurship skills among women; To cooperate with and secure the cooperation of the Central Government, State Governments and Union Territory Administration, credit institutions, industrial and commercial organisation and non-government, voluntary and other organisations and bodies in promoting the objects of the Kosh; To accept subscriptions, grants, contributions, donations, loans, guarantees, gifts, bequests etc. on such terms and obligations not inconsistent with the aims and objects of the Kosh; and To do all such lawful acts and things as may be necessary or conductive for furthering the objects of the Kosh. Upliftment of Women of Backward Communities National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), an organization under the aegis of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has the following two women specific schemes for targeted women whose annual family income is less than Rs. 3.00 lakh per annum: Mahila Samriddhi Yojana: To provide Micro Finance to women entrepreneurs of Backward Classes. New Swarnima Scheme for Women: Term Loan to inculcate the spirit of self-dependence among the women of Backward Classes Steps for skill development in Higher Education To strengthen the knowledge and skills of the graduates, requisite for the current job market and to make them employable, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has adopted the Learning Outcome Based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) at Undergraduate Level as one of its Quality Improvement Programme mandate. The UGC is also providing Skill based education under National Skill Qualification Framework in Colleges and Universities through its scheme of Community Colleges, B.Voc. Degree Programmes and Deen Dayal Upadhyay Centres for Knowledge Acquisition and Upgradation of Skilled Human Abilities and Livelihood (DDU KAUSHAL Kendras). Further, a committee under the Chairmanship of Shri B.V.R. Mohan Reddy, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT, Hyderabad was constituted on 18th October, 2018 for preparing short term and long term perspective plan for the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The committee submitted its report and Executive Committee of AICTE has approved the report. Main recommendations of the committee include (i) courses on emerging technologies namely, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Block chain, Robotics, Quantum Computing, Data Sciences, Cyber Security, 3D Printing & Design & Augmented Reality (AR)/ Virtual Reality (VR); and (ii) greater focus on multi-disciplining courses by reducing the seats in conventional disciplines and converting the existing seats into these courses. Another Committee was also constituted for revamping and attuning curricula of National Institutes of Technology (NITs) to look into the needs of the industry and honing skills of the students coming out of the institutions. The recommendations of the Committee have been accepted by the Council of National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research

Jul 22, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 31

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 31 Archives Q.1) ‘Krishna Raja Sagara’ is built on which of the following rivers? Cauvery Krishna Mahanadi Tapi Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)’ It is a statutory body of the Ministry, with an overarching supervisory/coordination role, performing functions as provided in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It is set up under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Environment and Forests Select the correct statements  1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Which of the following committees is under the ‘Standing Committees’? Railway Convention Committee Public Accounts Committee Committee on Public Undertakings Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.4) Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to ‘BlockChain’? It allows designing a secure way to record transactions and circulate it among signatories, or any kind of target group with an Internet connection. Every block in a block chain provides an unalterable document of the history of every transaction.  Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) ‘KAGRA’, is a Gravitational Wave Detector located in India Japan China South Africa To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Jul 21, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 20th July 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 20th July 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Supreme Court questions the need for re-verification of NRC Part of: GS Mains Paper II – Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation In news: The Centre and the State of Assam had urged the Supreme Court more time to conduct sample re-verification process of NRC. However, the Supreme Court has questioned the need for re-verification of NRC. With exam point of view, one needs to focus on the following – About NRC and background Benefits of NRC Why has the National Register of Citizens (NRC) been in controversy lately? Issues/Challenges with NRC process Conclusion We have already learnt about NRC National register of citizens is a register containing names of all genuine Indians residing in India. Assam faced influx from Bangladesh, to remove the illegal migration from neighbouring countries NRC as prepared in 1951. Benefits of NRC: Detection of illegal immigrants, inclusion will be a shield against harassment and a ticket to enjoying all the constitutional rights and safeguards and the benefits of government schemes. To safeguard the indigenous population and civilization. Illegal activities like terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking can be checked. To safeguard Voting rights and properties such as land and house. Controversies related to the National Register of Citizens (NRC): Laborious process: Adding a person to NRC is complex procedure because of presenting many documents and layers of verification. Document verification: “Family tree verification” has become difficult process for left out children. Rejection of certificate: More than 40 lakh people are rejected for panchayath residency certificates. Citizenship related: Failed to ensure legal clarity over the manner in which the claims of citizenship could be decided. Role of Supreme Court: lack of monitoring process, inability to comprehend political and policy actions in case of loss of citizenship. Huge population: Given the size of India’s population, implementation of the NRC will be a mammoth task and demands a detailed analysis. Criticism of the NRC: The first report was announced on December 31-January 1, 2017, the removal of 40 lakh people leads to a major social and political crisis. The mass insecurity and social crisis stalking the 40 lakh people of Assam. Many people are in stake who lives in strategic and sensitive border state. Their documents are being ambiguous. Assam has a peculiar problem of villages getting ravaged, or disappearing, due to annual floods unleashed by the fiery Brahamaputra. Documents get destroyed, geographies shift, addresses change. Several cases of transparent injustice whereby families have been divided – some declared Doubtful Voters and foreigners, others as bonafide citizens. Widespread perception that specifically linguistic and religious minorities are being targeted – namely, Bengali speaking Muslims and Hindus. Conclusion It is important and essential for the union government to proactively come out with an equitable, predictable and transparent plan on the way forward, for those who will be identified as ‘foreigners’. The left out from the NRC must be handled carefully on humanitarian basis. The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill 2019 Part of: GS Mains Paper II - Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies. Amendments proposed: Sl.No. Provisions under original Act Amendments proposed 1. Under the current Act, the chairperson of the NHRC is a person who has been a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The Bill seeks to provide that a person who has been Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, or a Judge of the Supreme Court will be the chairperson of the NHRC. 2. The Act provides for two persons having knowledge of human rights to be appointed as members of the NHRC. The Bill seeks to allow three members to be appointed, of which at least one will be a woman. 3. Under the Act, chairpersons of various commissions such as the National Commission for Scheduled Castes(NCSC), National Commission for Scheduled Tribes(NCST), and National Commission for Women(NCW) are members of the NHRC. The Bill provides for including also the chairpersons of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities as members of the NHRC. 4. The Act states that the chairperson and members of the NHRC and SHRC will hold office for five years or till the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier. The Bill reduces the term of office to three years or till the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier.   Do you know? NHRC is established under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. The act defines Human Rights as the rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India. The Chairperson and members of the NHRC are appointed by the President of India, on the recommendation of a committee consisting of: The Prime Minister (Chairperson) The Home Minister The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (Lower House) The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha (Lower House) The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) Bill to help Transgender introduced in Lok Sabha Part of: Mains GS Paper I - Social empowerment In News: The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019, was introduced by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister in Lok Sabha The Bill has defined transgenders and has ensured family life for transgender children, made provisions for sex reassignment surgeries, psychological counselling and protection against any form of discrimination against transgender people Highlights of the Bill The Transgender Persons Bill gives a person the right to choose to be identified as a man, woman or transgender, irrespective of sex reassignment surgery and hormonal therapy The government has ensured that a person does not have to appear before a district screening committee to be declared a transgender (This was part of earlier draft that received criticism from human rights activists). The new bills has recognised a person's "right to self-perceived gender identity". The bill de-criminalised begging by transgenders. The bill provide for major education, social security and health facilities for transgender people. The government has decided to pay for medical care facility including sex reassignment surgery and hormonal therapy for transgender people through a health insurance scheme. The Bill also provides protection for transgender children. Section 12 (1) says: "No child shall be separated from parents or immediate family on the ground of being a transgender. Do you know? Transgender was declared as third gender only recently in 2014, through a Supreme Court judgement in National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India case. Moreover, the court also held that because transgender people were treated as socially and economically backward classes, they should be granted reservations in admissions to educational institutions and jobs. Miscellaneous Happiness Department of Madhya Pradesh It has always been felt that material prosperity alone can never be the yardstick of measuring happiness and wellbeing. For a holistic and happy human existence, inner wellbeing is of utmost significance along with our material advancement. People need to be exposed to well researched behavioural tools and time tested ethical practices, which would help them stay positive, sustain adversities and lead fulfilling balanced lives. Madhya Pradesh has set a precedence in the country to have a government organization - Rajya Anand Sansthan (State Happiness Department) - dedicated towards the aforesaid purpose. Rajya Anand Sansthan RAS came into existence for this purpose in August 2016 and has since been engaged in providing tools and techniques of incorporating positivity and joyful healthy habits for holistic growth and overall peace. Soothing the tempers of government officials since its inception, the Rajya Anand Sansthan has now opened its doors to the general public. (MAINS FOCUS) AGRICULTURE/ECONOMY TOPIC: General studies 3 Indian Economy, Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management). A Sign of economic growth and Improvement Context: The growth of key sectors by shifting gears as the current economic conditions are smooth in terms of macroeconomic stability to expand growth. The adequate investment reforms in primary sectors. There by, accomplishing the vision of a $5-trillion economy by 2024. Concerns: Adequate Investment in primary sector is the need of hour. Insufficient investment in the agriculture sector in most developing countries over the past 30 years has resulted in low productivity and stagnant production as per FAO. Agriculture remains the most trusted sector in helping alleviate poverty, hunger and malnutrition and ensuring better income distribution. Food and Agriculture organisation: It is a UN body It leads international efforts to defeat hunger Established in 1945 and its headquarters is in Rome, Italy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information, and helps developing countries and countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices, ensuring good nutrition and food security for all. There are a total of 197 members comprising 194 member nations, 1 member organization and 2 associate members. India is a member of FAO Key areas of investment Investment is the key to unlocking the potential of a developing economy Investment in Agro-processing, Agro-startups and Agri-tourism Outcomes: Boosts Agri-tourism by attracting tourists towards farm staff and farm operations Generates in-situ employment. Investment in Agri-education and research  Outcomes: It would also serve as a stage to demonstrate resource conservation and sustainable use through organic, natural and green methods, and also zero budget natural farming. Investment in livestock technology Outcomes: Productivity enhancement Conservation of indigenous germplasm, disease surveillance, quality control, waste utilisation and value addition. Investment in renewable energy generation Outcomes: It would help reduce the burden of debt-ridden electricity distribution companies and State governments, Enables energy security in rural areas. Private investment to agriculture Outcomes: Linking Farm business organisations with commodity exchanges would provide agriculture commodities more space on international trading platforms . It reduces the burden of markets in a glut season, with certain policy/procedural modifications Barriers for the Investments: Issues of enumeration, maintenance and accessibility to help maintain agri-data on various fronts. There also needs to be a centralised institutional mechanism to help maintain farm level-data available for real time (virtual) assessment, while also helping plug the loopholes in subsidy distribution, funding and unrealistic assumption in production estimation. It needs dedicated investment in behavioural farm research sets There is a need to converge fragmented investments (public, private and foreign) to address the structural weaknesses in the agriculture sector. Conclusion: Agriculture and its allied sectors are believed to be one of the most fertile grounds to help achieve the ambitious Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs). However, with the current pace of agriculture growth, India requires ‘patient capital’, as financial returns to investment are unlikely to materialise in the initial years. An inclusive business model facilitating strong investor-farmer relations should be created, with a legal and institutional framework for governance. Expanding institutions is essential to accommodate the developmental impacts of foreign agricultural investment. Connecting the dots: Investment is the key to unlocking the potential of a developing economy. Elucidate. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements about National Register of Citizens Only once before has an NRC been prepared, in 1951. However, NRC is now being updated in Assam The process of updating NRC is being headed by Chief Secretary of Assam under the overall guidance from Union Home Ministry. Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following statements about National Human Rights Commission NHRC is a Constitutional body It was established through 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978 post emergency period which witnessed human rights abuses. The chairperson of NHRC is appointed by President upon recommendations of a committee consisting only of Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in Loksabha and Speaker of Lok Sabha. Which of the following statements is/are not correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) It is a statutory body It was established in 1999 post Asian financial crisis for orderly development of securities market in India The penalties levied by the SEBI already goes to general fund of SEBI Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 1 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.4) Which is the first state to establish Rajya Anand Santhan (State happiness Department)? Karnataka Gujarat Madhya Pradesh Delhi MUST READ  Shakti Mills rape case verdict ignores the proportionality principle The Hindu From Plate to Plough: A win-win deal The Hindu  Explained: What changes are being brought in medical education? Indian Express Stopping the spread of superbugs Financial Express Missed shots: Vaccination coverage for four diseases is stagnant since 2010 Financial Express

Jul 21, 2019 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Meditate to stay relaxed – Inspirational Educative Articles

Meditate to stay relaxed: As of now, the mind has become so dominant that it has completely hijacked all of your other senses. Your mind has become your only reality, which means what you think is what you are. That is what your whole life has become. Thinking never allows you to settle into your being, and will never allow you to relax. Thinking is always about either what happened or what’s going to happen. Thinking is not at all concerned about the present moment.  What you’re seeking in meditation is the present moment. Thinking wants to constantly oscillate between today and tomorrow. It wants to constantly oscillate between the past and the future. In the oscillation, it gathers momentum. The farther the mind goes into the past, it flings itself just as far into the future. The more energy that pulls the mind into the future, the same amount of energy is pulling it back into the past. You’re constantly moving between the past and the future, and that’s the nature of the mind. A meditator has to observe this process; observe this oscillation of the mind, and not interfere with it, just observe. Slowly the swinging reduces, the momentum reduces, the intensity reduces. Still, the mind keeps swinging between the past and the future, but now it is not going too far.  Maybe the first day when you sat in meditation your mind was going all over the place. It was going to your childhood, then it was projecting your life twenty years down the lane. It was thinking about the world, everything that is happening, and slowly it started swinging closer and closer to your body and mind, whereyou are, because you are not giving it thoughts. You are not fueling the mind with more thoughts. You are allowing it to settle down. In that settling down, there is no more swinging: That’s the whole objective of meditation. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”

Jul 20, 2019 Yojana

IAS UPSC YOJANA & KURUKSHETRA Magazine ‘JUNE’ 2019

Archives Friends, Here we are with the JUNE 2019, edition of Yojana and Kurukshetra. Yojana/Kurukshetra: JUNE 2019 – Download