IASbaba's Flagship Course: Integrated Learning Programme (ILP) - 2024  Read Details

Posts

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2018 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND CURRENT AFFAIRS [Day 55]

Hello Friends,  The 60 Days Training has finally begun:) Before any competition, there is a preparatory phase. That phase involves a lot of sessions on strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the preparatory phase, the athletes train in a gradual manner. In the last phase, just before the actual competition, the training is done so as to sharpen their skills. This training requires complete focus and dedication. In this phase, the athletes do not try anything new or train in a new fashion rather focus on sharpening of skills, focusing on strength and precision. Similarly, the upcoming 60 days, is like the last phase (training session), just before the actual competition. Here, the focus should be on sharpening the concepts, consolidating the knowledge base and solidifying the learning with loads and loads of revision. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL DETAILS AND SOLVE QUESTIONS

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 15th May 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 15th May 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Cauvery issue Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Inter-state relations and Centre-States relations In News: Centre has submitted a draft Cauvery water management scheme in the Supreme Court. The draft scheme proposes for an implementing authority to solve the issue. But in a situation where the riparian States of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala or the Union Territory (UT) of Puducherry do “not cooperate”, the authority would turn to the Centre for help. In that case, the decision of the Centre “in the matter will be final and binding on all parties concerned.” In other words, the Centre will have the final say in inter-State disputes over Cauvery water. The decision of the Centre will be “binding.” Note: We shall cover this topic once the draft scheme is accepted. Place in news: GAZA STRIP Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International Affairs Key Pointers: In previous articles, we had covered important strategic place – Golan heights Today, we will cover Gaza Strip UPSC had asked Prelims question on Golan Heights, we can expect a question on Gaza Strip About Gaza Strip: The Gaza Strip is a small Palestinian territory, located along the Mediterranean coast between Egypt and Israel. Palestinians are ethnic Arab and majority Muslim. It is deeply impoverished, kept in isolation by the Israeli military and ruled by Hamas, an anti-Israeli terrorist group. Israelis and Arabs have been fighting over Gaza on and off, for decades. It's part of the wider Arab Israeli conflict. (Link: https://iasbaba.com/2016/12/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-29th-december-2016/) Below pic says it all – Pic link: https://www.fosna.org/sites/default/files/FrontMap_2014_72.jpg Important Value Additions: According to the recently released United Nations report both Israel and Palestinian militants have committed war crimes during last year’s (2014) Gaza war, which has led to unprecedented devastation and human suffering. Israel has denied the allegations. However, Hamas has welcomed the report as this can further their process to International Criminal Court (ICC). Observe figure and identify the following – Gaza borders both Israel and Egypt Gaza touches Mediterranean Sea Palestine controlled Dead Sea West Bank Golan Heights   Pic link: https://img.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://img.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/files/2012/11/w-ObamaMideast.jpg&w=480 Do you know? The Rafah Border Crossing or Rafah Crossing Point is the sole crossing point between Egypt and Gaza Strip. It is located on the Gaza–Egypt border, which was recognized by the 1979 Israel–Egypt Peace Treaty. Gender Bias leading to excess deaths: Lancet Global Health Part of: GS Mains II - Welfare Key pointers: According to Lancet Global Health journal – There have been 2,39,000 “excess deaths” per year of girls under the age of five in India. 29 out of 35 States and Union Territories in the country contributed to this mortality. Around 22% of the overall mortality burden of under-five females is therefore due to gender bias Problem is most pronounced in northern India, where the four largest States in the region, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, accounted for two thirds of the total excess deaths of females under five. The worst affected areas were all rural, agricultural areas with lower levels of education, high population densities, low socio-economic development and high levels of fertility. Many deaths of females under five were partly due to unwanted child bearing and subsequent neglect. Pic link: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/05/15/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/6fdc528f_2101786_101_mr.jpg Article link: Gender bias caused ‘excess’ deaths of girls under 5: Lancet study More tests required for GM mustard: regulator In news: The Centre has demanded more tests for genetically modified mustard, a year after clearing the crop for “commercial cultivation.” GEAC has said that GM Mustard should undergo further tests which include - field demonstration of 5 acres at 2-3 different locations with a view to generate additional data on honey bees and other pollinators and honey, and on soil microbial diversity. Do you know? Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH -11), the transgenic mustard in question, had been developed by a team of scientists at Delhi University, led by former Vice-Chancellor Deepak Pental under a government-funded project. Important Value Additions: About GEAC: Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is the apex regulator of genetically modified crops. GEAC is constituted in the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under 'Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989', under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. GEAC is responsible for approval of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle The GEAC is also responsible for approval of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials (Biosafety Research Level trial-I and II known as BRL-I and BRL-II) Article link: More tests required for GM mustard: regulator - NATIONAL - The Hindu Person in News: E.C.G. Sudarshan Part of: GS Prelims In news: Ennackal Chandy George Sudarshan, popularly known as E.C.G. Sudarshan, who made path-breaking discoveries in the realm of quantum optics died aged 86 in Texas. He was recommended for the Nobel Prize nine times , but never awarded. Professor Sudarshan made significant contributions to the field of theoretical physics — optical coherence, tachyons, quantum zeno effect, open quantum system, spin-statistics theorem, non-invariance groups, positive maps of density matrices and quantum computation, to name a few. Contributions ignored Professor Sudarshan also developed a quantum representation of coherent light later known as Sudarshan-Glauber representation. Roy J. Glauber was awarded 2005 Nobel Prize for the contribution to the quantum theory of optical coherence. Scientists in India and abroad had then observed that the Nobel Committee had ignored the contribution of Professor Sudarshan, who justly deserved to share the coveted award. Article link: Eminent physicist Sudarshan dead - The Hindu (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL 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: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Climate Change Talks (Bonn Meeting): Key Issues Background: 2018 is an important year for making progress on the Paris Agreement (PA). The PA was discussed at the climate meeting called the Conference of Parties (COP-21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 2015. It entered into force in November 2016. Bonn meeting: A two-week-long meeting was recently concluded in Bonn (April 30-May 10) where the operational guidelines for implementing the PA were to be discussed and agreed upon by all parties. This meeting was the 48th session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), referred to as SB48. Expectations from the Bonn meeting: A common, consistent framework of how each country would define and measure its commitments. Proposals for how action taken could be monitored, accounted for and kept transparent while providing some level of flexibility. The barriers: 1st Barrier- The Scope of the rulebook: Developing countries want them to cover mitigation targets, adaptation and the means of implementation for the NDCs. Developed or rich countries would like the rulebook to be limited to mitigation, the reduction of greenhouse gases. Adaptation: Since most countries require adaptation programmes in a warming world and need support to implement their national targets, it is essential that these be included too. The “means of implementation”: These are about financial support and technology transfer to build capacity in poorer countries and have always been contentious. At various sessions and discussions on climate change, this issue has turned out to be a deal breaker. At the Copenhagen summit, it was agreed that from 2020, rich countries would provide a minimum of $100 billion each year to poor and developing countries. There is little sign that these funds will be available. The discussion on finance has changed direction towards: how to increase the number of donors who will provide funds; which countries should perhaps be excluded from these funds; and whether these funds are a part of or distinct from the official development assistance, and so on. According to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities of the UNFCCC, while actions need to be ambitious to limit warming, providing support is essential for equitable action. 2nd Barrier- Loss and damage (L&D) related issues: L&D is a means to provide assistance to poor countries that experience severe impacts from climate change but have contributed very little to the greenhouse gases responsible for the warming and its effects. This is a very important issue for the least developed countries and for small islands, which are already experiencing the brunt of sea level rise. There has been little progress on the funds that could be used to support L&D. Result of the Bonn meeting: Participants could not come to an agreement on any significant issue and thus have not produced a draft document to guide full implementation of the PA. With insufficient progress towards goals, another interim meeting has been proposed in Bangkok ahead of COP-24 in Katowice, Poland, in December 2018. Even if the current NDCs are implemented, the world would be on track to be warmer by about 3°Celsius. The discussions at Bangkok in early September are therefore crucial and continue the incomplete task from this Bonn meeting. The UN is also expected to release the report on the impacts from a 1.5°C warming around the same time. The path ahead: A good draft on the rulebook ought to be ready before the COP. Ideally, these guidelines should help countries develop ambitious targets for the next level of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). There should also be a regularised and dependable flow of funds from rich countries so that climate action can be implemented in developing nations. Countries can then develop along a path of sustainable development that is low carbon and inclusive of poor and other marginalised communities. Conclusion: Involving the youth Given the lack of consensus on various issues after more than two decades of intense climate talks, pressure from youth, especially in rich countries, is vital. Unless they remind governments and the public of the responsibilities of their countries towards mitigation, adaptation and support for means of implementation, keeping global warming under reasonably safe levels for humankind could be impossible. Connecting the dots: There exists lack of consensus on various issues after more than two decades of intense climate talks. What are these issues? Discuss in detail. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) Consider the following statements West Bank is more close to Mediterranean Sea while Gaza Strip is far Gaza strip is more close to Mediterranean Sea than Dead sea West Bank is close to Dead Sea than Mediterranean Sea Gaza Strip is close to Dead Sea than Mediterranean Sea Identify the correct statement/s 1 and 4 2 and 3 1 and 3 2, 3 and 4 Q.2) The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Q.3) Rafah Crossing Point is the crossing point between Egypt and Gaza Strip Jordan and Syria Kuwait and Iraq Lebanon and Israel Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) It is under the Ministry of Science and Technology It is the apex body for approval of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants It is responsible for approval of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 All of the above MUST READ Towards a ceasefire The Hindu What the Kathua rape means? The Hindu Creating jobs for women in the renewable energy sector The Hindu America's new powerplay in Tehran Indian Express How MPs and MLAs can meet voter expectations? Livemint Reality check for 'fastest growing' economy Business Line Why the Indian family is a great institution? Business Line

Topper's From IASbaba

Tushar Gupta, Rank 113 CSE 2017, a regular follower of IASbaba's TLP clears UPSC examination in his 1st attempt at the age of 22 years!

Hey guys, This is Tushar Gupta . I got AIR-113 in my first attempt at the age of 22 years in UPSC examination. I had graduated from IIT Hyderabad in 2016. Having started my preparation in Oct 2016, I gave Prelims the very next year, gradually making through mains and interview to be in the final coveted list. To all the aspirants preparing for this examination, IT IS POSSIBLE to clear it in the very first attempt when you actually start afresh few months before. I had never read newspapers in my life nor prepared extensively during my last semesters in college. But a systematic approach to the exam will sail you through. Now what I followed may not necessarily work for everyone a 100%. Every person has their own unique strategy. So don’t blindly copy any one person’s strategy. Read multiple strategies and make for yourself a “Common Minimum Program (CMP)” which will suit your study style. My PRELIMS Marks: My MAINS Marks: Why do you want to do UPSC? Make a clear objective for yourself. You are going to face tough times, but if u are clear in your mind as to why u are preparing, it will become much easier for you to carry on. Personally speaking, initially it was the fame and glory for which I was preparing, but gradually as I read more and more, i realized that one can actually make a real change in the lives of the most marginalised people in the society who are not even able to have 2 square meals a day. One achieves greatness when one thinks beyond his own self. Whenever I felt demotivated, i used to go out for a stroll and see the abject poverty on the streets and feel that as an administrator there was a lot that i could do for them. That kept me motivated. Having a goal is very very important, and a point which cannot be stressed enough.   Miscellaneous tips  Download the syllabus and print it. Spend 1-2 days understanding what the syllabus is. This is going to be ur “Holy Grail” throughout your preparation The course has been designed very comprehensively and intelligently. Understand what UPSC wants from a civil servant.   Important Question – Is Coaching required? Let me be very clear. There is no need to go to the coaching centers for GS which also happen to be exorbitantly expensive. Self-preparation is the key to this exam. I would suggest putting the amount of time you would spend in coaching in self-study, as self-study is what will carry you to the end. At the end of your coaching period of 9 months for GS, all you will have are notes from the standard sources. Whereas, by self-study you could learn all of this and revise it many times in those 9 months. Here I want to caution my engineer friends. Coaching in Kota is required to crack the JEE exam, but not in UPSC. Instead of acting as a facilitator it acts more as a hindrance. Of course many people might disagree with me, but I stand by what I say and would recommend aspirants to go for self-study unless you feel that you won’t be able to cope and cover the course on your own. Coaching for Optional can be done as that is where you require significant depth and analysis. Here the experience of the teachers should be imbibed to the fullest extent. In case you decide not to take a coaching for GS then read a lot of strategies to make the CMP. IASbaba’s Integrated Learning Programme (ILP) is also a good initiative which can be followed, though I personally had done Think Learn Perform (TLP) Mains Answer Writing Programme and Daily Current Affairs Quiz compilations. Home is the best place to prepare as the environment at home is the most positive with your parents always being there to support you.   Smart work  One thing that needs to be understood with UPSC preparation is that you need to cover more Width and less depth. Do not unnecessarily waste your time by going into too much details. The course is very vast, so you need a good command over various topics and not just depth in some topics. And always understand that in UPSC - “Reading less is scoring more”. It does not mean that you don't study, but that you study from limited sources and revise it again and again  For example, for Modern History instead of reading NCERTs, Spectrum, Bipin Chandra and some other books, Just read Spectrum and revise it 10 times, instead of reading from 10 different sources.   PRELIMS How to read the books - First just take a reading of the book Then look at the last years papers- Understand what they are trying to ask you and why? Then read the book again and this time make shorter notes on it - Eg: Polity - Emergency provisions - make a table of all 3 types so that you can revise it all quickly without having to go through the complete chapter again Always read everything from the point of view of an IAS officer and how it could help u serve the nation better- Example: PDS system, don’t just read it, try to understand the problems it is facing on the ground. Try to relate it practically. I used to be very anxious that I won’t be able to remember anything - how does one by heart such large books. It used to seem impossible. The answer is Smart Notes and Extensive revisions. You revise it so many times that it starts to stick in your memory.   How many questions to be attempted in the Prelims paper? Irrespective of however much you may have studied, you will know around 20-25 questions with certainty of all options. In rest of the questions, intelligent elimination is required. It is very important to know your optimum in the number of questions attempted. The best way to approach the paper is to attempt as many questions as possible. If you know only around 20 questions with certainty, then in the rest of the questions you are taking a chance. In that case the more you attempt, more are the chances that you will score higher.  Start with 80 questions, see your score. Try 5 more and calculate your score. Follow this till you reach your optimum. My optimum was between 95-100. If i was able to eliminate even one option, i used to attempt that question. Do not go with the “I will attempt 60 questions and focus on accuracy.” More often than not, it doesn’t work. Of course you could follow the 60 questions technique if you feel it is better. Stick to at least 1 test series completely and you could also do another one (especially the full tests if time is less) In tests, 100 marks is the benchmark for a good score. Higher the better.   To be noted IASbaba’s Daily Quiz and 60 Days Plan, Compilation of 5 daily TLP Questions can be done. It is one of the best sources to complete current affairs which I followed pretty extensively!   How to make notes ? Always follow the rule of 1/10th. If the subject matter is 1000 words, the notes should be less than 100 words period. You can use handwritten notes or Online Note making platform like Evernote or Onenote to create your notes. I would suggest that you use Evernote to make notes. It has many advantages You would be able to organize your notes much better. You can add any new updates into the well organised notes and highlight it for later reference and revision You can have pics also added to your notes which help you remember better Color coding of notes would also allow much quicker revisions especially near the exam when time is all the more essential.   What to WATCH ? RSTV Go to IASbaba website and they have given the links to UPSC relevant RSTV debates and its summaries. You don’t necessarily need to make notes on anything. Just try to understand what they are talking about. If there are some very good points, you could do.   AIR Online broadcasts  Again no need to make notes unless there is something very important as the objective here is not to get more notes but to understand about issues by listening to the experts on that topic. Any form of Audio Visual learning sticks in your head much longer. You can refer IASbaba's AIR Discussions   PRELIMS PREPARATION:  Polity Laxmikanth Online Videos   Economy  Mrunal Economy Lectures - 2015 series In the later ones Mrunal sir is teaching with a significant focus on banking exams as well. So they tend to go too much into details when it’s not required for a UPSC aspirant. SriRam IAS economy notes - can be referred to selectively Sanjiv verma - not that useful NCERTs - 11th and 12th Micro-Economics not necessarily that important Economic Survey and Budget are very very important whose importance just cannot be overstated. Read the original documents and not a summary by any coaching as you will be able to understand the kind of language a civil servant is expected to use. Make a note of various terms which can be used in the answers Focus on all the boxes as well because they are a favourite place for UPSC to ask questions from Budget  Listen to the Budget speech There is no need to go too much into the numbers. Read the summary which the Ministry of Finance makes and puts on the official website. Also Yojna comes on Budget. Do give that a thorough read.   Geography  Ratanjil Mam Geography lessons World history ones should be focused on too much as they have a level which i feel is much above UPSC GS papers. Just go through them without putting in an effort to actually mug them up NCERTs - 11th and 12th class Try to make shortcuts wherever possible Maps are very important. Open last year papers and you will see that every year questions based on maps are asked. World Maps Learning all the countries, major straits, Mountain ranges, Rivers, Deserts, Highlands is important as they create a much larger peripheral knowledge which will help you understand a lot of other things as well especially while reading the newspapers. The best way to learn countries is, divide the world down into Continents and learn 2-4 countries every day by making them on a political map of that continent. Write the ones you had learnt the previous day and add 2-4 more that day. In a month’s time you would have a command over all the countries in the world. Watch Roman Saini videos on Maps. They are very helpful as well. India Maps - Rivers, Ports, Lakes, Natural Parks, Biosphere reserves, Rainfall patterns etc.   Modern History  Spectrum - more than sufficient Make notes based on the areas from which questions came last year as well Example - Events leading upto independence Example - 1 page notes for all the acts and major things in them   Ancient and Medieval  TN board books are very good as all the major points are given in it in a short precise and a crisp manner. You can make shorter notes for quicker revision. This will also help you understand Art and Culture much better. But if u have time - do go through the Old NCERTs - but I wouldn’t recommend making notes out of it as it has just too much information which is not being asked by UPSC in the GS papers   Art and Culture  First look at the 10 videos put up by Mrunal (Mam teaches these videos) - helps with understanding terminology which is used in Indian Art and Culture. Her videos are closely associated to Nitin Singhania’s Book on A&C, so you should read it in parallel with the video lectures. Then focus on Nitin Singhania completely and finish it. You can leave some unimportant chapters like the one on festivals and others. 11th Class Fine arts NCERT should also be read as in my year Prelims many questions were directly from this book.   Environment  Shankar IAS Extra focus on the International conventions and Climate Change organisations as pretty detailed questions can be expected from this section. Various Schedules of IUCN Red Book - color coding can be done in Evernote for better remembrance. I am going to share my notes on this so you can go through them and see if it works for you.   Science and Technology  My way is mainly for Engineering students or those with a science background NCERTs are not required Rather following Vision IAS Current affairs is more than enough Going by the past few year trends, Space is becoming increasingly important section where UPSC loves to ask questions from. Go to the ISRO website and make notes on everything - Launchers, Types of satellites, Types of orbits into which the satellites go into, Satellites in news, Re-usable launch vehicle, Sounding rockets among others. Also make compiled notes on the submarines, types of aircrafts, IGMDP, UAVs etc. which will help you answer question on these more easily in case questions come. You will also understand news much better as you will have an idea of what is actually being talked about.   Current Affairs  There are various sources to read current affairs from. The best one according to me was VisionIAS booklet. It used to the most exciting part of my month. The amount of information presented in such a beautiful form was just a delight to read and in the process the CA also got covered. I also referred to IASbaba's Daily News Analysis from Mains point of view. You should read books for 12 months from the date of the exam - be it prelims or mains It has a lot of information which you will tend to forget pretty often. Revise it again and again and you will see that after a few revisions you will be able to cover the booklet very easily. I would also recommend that finish the booklet in 1 or max 2 days. Don’t plan to study 2-3 pages daily. It will simply waste your time and you won’t be able to assimilate the knowledge It used to take me 1 hour to cover 10 pages the first time. So around 8-10 hours to complete the whole booklet.   Miscellaneous  You will need to know information about various Acts being passed in the parliament. VisionIAS does a very good job of covering them but you can also read “PRS Legislative research” to get an even more detailed view. Make a list of Committee reports in one place so that you can answer prelims questions and also put them in your Mains answers, Magazines Yojana - It is advisable that Yojana is read in one sitting as all the articles are not equally important. If you feel that the particular article may not be that useful, just skim through it. Kurukshetra - It can also be referred to selectively. You can refer to IASbaba's Yojana/Kurukshetra Gist. There is no need to go after CSR or EPW as they are given in too much detail and the Return on investment in their case becomes low. Moreover there is limited time to clear the examination, so you can’t be reading everything. India Yearbook can also be referred to selectively. Many questions on various Govt schemes are also an important portion for prelims and mains questions. Detailed preparation also informs you of all the areas where the govt is focusing and thus important ones. You can refer to “IAS Parliament book on Schemes” Make a compilation of Military exercises with various countries and other misc things you might find important.   Final Tips  Don’t put more than 2 months exclusively in Pre preparation Revise 8-9 times at least If possible make notes of the mistakes you committed in the test papers and keep revising them You can stop reading the newspaper around 15 days before the final exam 100 marks in tests are good, the more you get the better (except of course Art and Culture )   NOTE: Will be coming out with a strategy regarding how to deal with Mains and Optional also. Thank You Tushar Gupta  

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2018 ENVIRONMENT & CURRENT AFFAIRS [Day 54]

Hello Friends,  The 60 Days Training has finally begun:) Before any competition, there is a preparatory phase. That phase involves a lot of sessions on strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the preparatory phase, the athletes train in a gradual manner. In the last phase, just before the actual competition, the training is done so as to sharpen their skills. This training requires complete focus and dedication. In this phase, the athletes do not try anything new or train in a new fashion rather focus on sharpening of skills, focusing on strength and precision. Similarly, the upcoming 60 days, is like the last phase (training session), just before the actual competition. Here, the focus should be on sharpening the concepts, consolidating the knowledge base and solidifying the learning with loads and loads of revision. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL DETAILS AND SOLVE QUESTIONS

RSTV Video

RSTV- The Big Picture : India Electrified

India Electrified Archives TOPIC: General Studies 3: Infrastructure: Energy Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. In News: India has electrified all its villages twelve days ahead of a deadline set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The electrification of Leisang, in the eastern state of Manipur, marked a landmark moment in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's program to bring light to every one of India's villages. Data showed that all of India six lakh census villages have now been electrified. While it is a major historic moment, a Bloomberg report estimates that almost 32 million homes are still left in the dark: as the government deems a village “electrified” if 10 percent of its households, as well as public places such as schools and health centers, have access to electricity.  Accordingly, while all villages have ‘access’ to power, less than 8 percent of the newly electrified villages had all homes electrified, the data showed, leaving swaths of rural India without power, which can hinder economic growth, basic health care and education. What does Électrified’ mean? Electrified means the village is connected to power grid. It essentially does not mean that all its habitants have access to electricity. The government deems a village “electrified” if power cables from the grid reach a transformer in each village and 10% of its households, as well as public places such as schools and health centers, are connected. This is why even though 100% electrification of villages has been achieved, government data shows that as of today, there are still 31 million households without electricity. In states like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Assam, fewer than 60% of households have electricity, four years after the BJP came to power on the promise of “electricity for all”. In 12 out of the 30 states, fewer than 80% of the households have been electrified. Electrification is a three-step process Extend the infrastructure to the village (India has achieved this) Connect the household Ensure reliable and affordable supply on a sustained basis Issues that have plagued the sector: Present & Future Efforts to provide electricity to every Indian have historically been hampered by poorly designed and implemented schemes that encouraged contractors to do the bare minimum to make sure a village qualified as electrified, resulting in inconsistencies in official data, and glaring disparities on the ground. The next challenge for the government will be to install electrical connections to about 30 million homes that are still off the grid. Electricity supply is controlled and maintained by India’s state governments, and, these government-owned distribution companies “remain the weakest link” in the power sector value chain. They are badly run and unable to invest in upkeep of the local distribution infrastructure. Reliability of electricity supply is “likely to remain a dream” for most consumers in India for years to come. Grid reliability challenges are more severe in dispersed rural areas than in cities. Though India has put rural electrification in a sharper focus over the last few years, upgrading of local distribution infrastructure, including metering and billing, is crucial. That will determine whether the schemes launched for total village electrification bear the desired results and lead to true 100% household electrification. Most power distribution companies (discoms) continue to struggle with their financial turnaround plans despite implementation of the Centre’s mega loan recast scheme called UDAY. Unable to charge cost reflective tariffs, discoms have been resorting to widespread load-shedding to check their operational losses. The Way Ahead: As electricity comes along it creates a consumption multiplier. It acts as an investment multiplier. It works as an education multiplier. It works as a health multiplier. What is required from the federal government is to push the state-run distribution companies to carry out robust ground surveys and organize frequent camps to achieve the target so that not one household is left out from electrification. Unless that is done, the reliability of supply and viability of the distribution business will be difficult to achieve. To achieve a consistent round-the-clock power supply, considerable improvement in the operational efficiency of distributors through extensive and intensive change management and capacity-building programmes as well as strengthening of the electricity sub-stations and sub-transmission network are required. “At the same time, electricity must be priced rationally and the tariff structure is simplified. Decentralized renewable energy solutions such as mini-grids and rooftop solar, where the grid can’t reach or reliably serve, and operating together is the most sustainable last-mile solution to reach consumers and achieve universal access to energy. We need innovative solutions to address the electricity access challenges posed by rural India – Village-level entrepreneurs could be contracted to operate and maintain the local distribution while generating bills and collecting revenues from the customers. Banking on community relationships, these entrepreneurs could improve compliance on payments as well as curb stealing of power. Recruiting and training local youth could help address maintenance issues. This will also help in creating more skilled jobs and entrepreneurs in rural areas. Pre-paid and smart metering systems are other ways to encourage payments. Such solutions need to be piloted and tested. Connecting the dots: Electricity is the ‘guiding light’ towards attaining the goal of ‘developed India’. Critically analyse with respect to new scheme launched recently. Energy security in India can be achieved by adopting a right mix of coal-based power along with renewable energies. Discuss. The Power for all by 2022 target would require robust and innovative tools to measure and monitor the progress on a multi-dimensional level, rather than just counting the number of connections. Discuss. Be Prelims-Ready: Electricity: Concurrent subject Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya): Target: To achieve universal household electrification in the country by December 31, 2018. Aims to improve environment, public health and education and connectivity with help of last mile power connections across India. Aims to build upon Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana launched in 2015 and Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana launched by the UPA government in 2005, both of which also aimed to provide free electricity connections to the poor. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) Designed to provide continuous power supply to rural India Replaced the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana Aim: To replace all incandescent bulbs in the country with LED lights in the next 3 years Plant-Microbial Fuel Cell generates electricity from living plants Generates electricity while the plants continue to grow; doesn’t affect the plant’s growth or harm its environment The Process: It works by taking advantage of the up to 70 percent of organic material produced via photosynthesis that can’t be used by the plant and is excreted through the roots. As naturally occurring bacteria around the roots break down this organic residue, electrons are released as a waste product. By placing an electrode close to the bacteria to absorb these electrons, the research team was able to generate electricity. To make plants glow: Inject Luciferin: A molecule, which when converted into oxyluciferin, releases the energy in the form of visible light

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 14th May 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 14th May 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Elephant Tusks are government property Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Biodiversity; Animal Conservation Key Pointers: The Supreme Court has ruled that tusks are the property of the government. The Supreme Court observed that there is a clear “declaration” in the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 on elephant tusks being government property. The ruling, however, may not affect individuals who have ownership certificates for declared ivory. Even in the case of captive elephants, either the government keeps custody of tusks or owners are permitted to retain them if they give an undertaking that they would not be traded. Do you know? India prohibits import and export of ivory. The population estimation of Asian elephants in 2017 census is lower than from the last census estimate in 2012. Karnataka has the highest number of elephants (6,049), followed by Assam (5,719) and Kerala (3,054). Important Value Additions: Project Elephant Project Elephant (PE) was launched by the Government of India in the year 1992 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with following objectives : To protect elephants, their habitat and corridors To address issues of man-animal conflict Welfare of captive elephants Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Programme Mandated by COP resolution of CITES, MIKE program started in South Asia in the year 2003 with following purpose – To provide information needed for elephant range States to make appropriate management and enforcement decisions, and to build institutional capacity within the range States for the long-term management of their elephant populations The main objectives of the MIKE are to measure levels and trends in the illegal hunting of elephants; to determine changes in these trends over time; and to determine the factors causing or associated with such changes, and to try and assess in particular to what extent observed trends are a result of any decisions taken by the Conference of the Parties to CITES Article link: Don’t get into tusk trouble, says SC Domestic Violence Act for divorced women too Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Welfare and Women Issues; Government policies In News: Supreme Court held that the Domestic Violence Act — meant to punish men who abuse women in a relationship — extends to all man-woman relationships, and also protects divorced women from their former husbands. Key pointers: According to the recent order, ‘domestic relationship’ includes “consanguinity, marriage, a relationship in the nature of marriage, adoption or as family members living together as a joint family”. In other words, ‘domestic relationship’ is not confined to the “relationship as husband and wife or a relationship in the nature of marriage, but it includes other relationship as well such as sisters, mother, etc.”. The court held that domestic violence can continue even after divorce. A divorcee husband could resort to violence by entering the workplace of his former wife to commit an act of violence, or even attempt to communicate with her, or threaten or cause violence to her relatives or dependents or any other person. It amounts to domestic violence if the former husband tried to dispossess the woman from a jointly-owned property or refuse to return her ‘stridhan’ or valuable security or other property. The Act brings all these acts of violence within its ambit. The purpose of the enactment of this Act is to protect rights of women who are victims of violence of any kind occurring within the family. Article Link: Domestic Violence Act for divorced women too: Supreme Court Shangri-La dialogue and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and the world, International relations In News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to make a “major” speech on India’s defence and security outlook at the Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore (which will be held on June 1 and 2). PM will also fly to Qingdao city in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit which will be held on June 9 and 10. Important Value Additions: About Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD): SLD is a "Track One" inter-governmental security forum held annually by an independent think tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). The event is attended by defense ministers, permanent heads of ministries and military chiefs of 28 Asia-Pacific states. The forum gets its name from the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore where it has been held since 2002. Shangri-La dialogue is run by the London-based think tank International Institute of Strategic Studies and funded and hosted by the Singapore government. Over the years ministers have used the Dialogue to propose and advance initiatives on important security issues. About SCO: China will host 2018 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security organisation. Creation of SCO was announced on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai, China. SCO Members: China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan India and Pakistan joined SCO as full members on 9 June 2017 at a summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia have observer status at present. The groupings main objective is military cooperation between members. It also works towards intelligence-sharing, counter-terrorism operations in Central Asia. It is primarily centred on its member nations’ Central Asian security-related concerns, often describing main threats it confronts as being terrorism, separatism and extremism. Article link: A tightrope walk over China for Narendra Modi ISRO making green propellant Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Ecology; Science and Technology In News: Scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are developing an environment-friendly propellant to power satellites and spacecraft. If successful, the conventional hydrazine rocket fuel, a highly toxic and carcinogenic chemical will be replaced with a greener propellant blend based on hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) for future missions. Article Link: ISRO making green propellant China’s first indigenous aircraft carrier “Type 001A” In News: China’s first domestically manufactured aircraft carrier started sea trials. The carrier is known as “Type 001A” The ship will give China a second aircraft carrier as it asserts its claims in the South China Sea and seeks to deter any independence movements in Taiwan. China’s sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, is a repurposed Soviet ship bought from Ukraine, which went into service in 2012. Do you know? Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-1) Vikrant - is India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Article Link: China's first home-built aircraft carrier begins sea trials - The Hindu Need for proper definition of Shell companies Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy; basic economic terminologies In news: Concern with definition of Shell Companies As multiple agencies and regulators probe the suspected use of ‘only-on-paper’ firms for financial irregularities, the government is looking to put in place a proper definition for ‘shell companies’ so that investigations are not hampered and prosecution can withstand scrutiny in courts of law. Current definition for ‘shell companies’ — a term generally used for companies that are set up for financial manoeuvrings only or are kept dormant for some future use. Officials express that these companies generally exist only on paper and may be used for nefarious activities. Therefore, definition of shell companies should be in line with OECD definition – OECD defines a shell company as ‘being formally registered, incorporated or otherwise legally organised in an economy but which does not conduct any operations in that economy other than in a pass-through capacity’. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Polluted Cities in India: WHO report In news: The latest survey by the World Health Organisation (WHO) — conducted every two years — of the most polluted air in cities around the world- shows that 14 of the 15 worst cities were from north India, forming a band from Jodhpur in the west to Muzaffarpur in the east. India cities: Kanpur figured on top of the list. Kanpur’s average PM 2.5 levels were 17 times the WHO limit in 2016, the cut-off year for the current study. It was followed by Faridabad, Varanasi, Gaya and Patna. Delhi figured sixth, which is hardly any consolation. In 2014, the WHO listed Delhi the worst in the world in terms of PM.   (Particulate matter (PM) 2.5 is the smallest measurable pollutant, 30 times less than the width of human hair, and is most hazardous.) What makes north Indian cities the most polluted in the world? The northern Indian phenomenon is a combination of rapid increase in pollution sources due to urbanisation and its inherent geographical disadvantage that is landlocked that makes the region extremely vulnerable to winter inversion leading to massive trapping of pollution. The region does not have the advantage of a coastline. Other experts have cited how the Indo-Gangetic plains are sandwiched between the Himalayas and the Vindhyas and are home to more than 600 million people with winds blowing from north-west to east, especially in winter, which carry pollutants from other regions.   Regional meteorological conditions alone are not responsible for causing pollution in north Indian cities. Global climate change is also responsible for these increasingly high temperatures and frequent storms and much of this is man-made. Proliferation of air pollution sources includes motorisation, proliferation of industrial units using extremely dirty fuels without pollution control, extensive use of solid fuels for cooking, massive construction activities, enormous problem of waste mismanagement and big dust impacts. The usual suspects are - The burning of crop residue, Dust from construction debris, Vehicle exhaust. The region thus, requires more stringent interventions to counter its disadvantages. A national public health emergency: Two years ago, a study on the cost of air pollution co-authored by the World Bank found that the country lost 1.4 million lives due to such contamination in 2013, shaving off a massive 8.5 per cent of GDP. The case for controlling such pollution is thus incontrovertible in economic terms, if not in saving lives. Indians can live four years longer if we comply with WHO norms. A study on the global burden of disease by the Health Effect Institute in the US, showed that India tops the list of countries — beating China — in registering the highest number of early deaths due to ozone pollution. To adapt: Think regionally, but act locally Beijing, Shanghai and other Chinese cities have demonstrated that where there is the political will, there is a way to tackle air pollution. Measures that need to be taken aren’t rocket science: More efficient means of treating crop residue. Replacing smoky chulhas with efficient models if not LPG cylinders. Ccracking down on construction debris and polluting thermal power stations. Restricting the number of vehicles. In order of priority, the chulhas are probably the most urgent because 200 million households continue to burn biomass within homes. Switching to mass public transport in cities — not necessarily expensive metros, which many can’t afford — is well within the capacity of every city. Connecting the dots: A survey by the World Health Organisation (WHO), of the most polluted air in cities around the world, shows that 14 of the 15 worst cities were from north India. What makes north Indian cities the most polluted in the world? Discuss. AGRICULTURE/NATIONAL 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: Agrarian/Rural distress and Rural Development Need for policy which focus on Availability and Accessibility of Certified Seeds In news: Global attention has been devoted to water scarcity and its effect on Indian farmers. However, new analysis from Indian researchers suggests that far more good could come if irrigation were combined with seed improvement. New studies and researches were conducted by noted experts from India and around the world to provide possible measures to be taken that would help Indian states respond to major challenges and improve their competitiveness, economic performance, and the well-being and prosperity of citizens. Two new research papers provides about how to boost agricultural performance. It examines policies that would reduce the effects of water scarcity in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Outcome of First Research Paper: The research (by Dinesh Kumar, executive director of the Institute for Resource Analysis and Policy (Irap), Hyderabad) highlights that – Both Andhra and Rajasthan has some hot and dry region, with frequent droughts. Only about one-third of the crops are irrigated, and the rest are dependent on rain-fed cultivation, which is susceptible to the vagaries of the weather. The research paper stresses on reviving traditional water harvesting system such as Tanks, Nalas and Kunds. Policy should focus on reviving traditional water harvesting system Tanks are an important source of water for the rural economy, but—as in other areas—an explosion of well-irrigation has reduced the surface run-off into these tanks. The biggest victims are poor, small, marginal farmers, who depend on tanks for supplementary irrigation for their kharif crop. The research talks about major water transfer projects (being implemented in Andhra Pradesh) – which involves moving surplus water into the tanks, so that they are full. This approach ensures farmers can continue crop production when the tanks do not receive inflows. The annualized cost of the infrastructure and drainage required to fill the tanks is estimated to be about Rs4,500 per hectare, as well as another Rs2,000 for the annual operation and maintenance of the system. Farmers, however, will earn more: The annual incremental net return is estimated to be about Rs9,000 per hectare. There would be further indirect benefits from energy savings because farmers wouldn’t need to pump groundwater, as well as from the incremental return from the increase in yield of wells and consequent expansion in the area served, and more intensive watering of irrigated crops. These benefits together add up to Rs15,000 per hectare per year. This means that every rupee spent on the policy in Andhra Pradesh would generate benefits worth nearly four rupees. Likewise, the research highlights that renovating the traditional water harvesting system in Rajasthan would return three rupees for every rupee invested, while, in Andhra Pradesh, investment in drip irrigation and mulching of high-value crops would generate about five rupees. Outcome of Second Research Paper: But second new research (by agricultural economist Surabhi Mittal, independent consultant and non-resident fellow, Tata-Cornell Institute for Agriculture & Nutrition (TCI), Technical Assistance and Research for Indian Nutrition & Agriculture (Tarina)), suggests another approach may help farmers a lot more. The researcher looks at various methods of improving farm productivity and farmer income. One of these aims to help solve the problem of the high cost and unavailability of labour through an increase in the level of mechanization by using custom hiring centres, using public-private partnerships. Another approach focuses on relying on information and communication technology (ICT) enabled extension services, which play a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities by taking research, technology and know-how to farmers to improve adoption. Third, the author looks at improving soil health; and, finally, considers improving the availability of certified seeds. The research paper highlights that the last idea would generate powerful returns. Focus on Availability and Accessibility of Certified Seeds In India, farm-saved seed from previous crops remains the most prominent source of seeds, year after year, accounting for nearly three-quarters of all seed usage. This means low crop productivity as optimal yield potential is a function of the quality of seeds used. Although many improved varieties of seeds have been released for cultivation, their full impact has not been realized owing to poor adoption rates as well as poor seed replacement rates. The way forward: The solution to this challenge involves spending money on producing more quality seeds (for all the major crops in each state) and promoting these among farmers. This will lead to better crop yields, increased production, and higher incomes. Every rupee spent will have benefits to Andhra Pradesh worth around 15 times the costs, and 20 times in Rajasthan. Improving agricultural productivity is important in order to improve farmer incomes, and it requires increases in yield, better productivity through the efficient utilization of resources, reduction in crop losses, and ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for output. The phenomenal benefits from focusing on improving access to seeds highlight the need to prioritize policies that will achieve the most for farmers. Connecting the dots: Critically analyze the strategies outlined by the Indian government to achieve the target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. Elaborate on the need to make structural changes in Indian agriculture and what more is required to achieve the target. The state of agricultural productivity in India is still poor. Discuss. Also suggest what steps are needed to improve agricultural produce. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) Consider the below statements: India prohibits import and export of ivory. Karnataka has the highest number of elephants. Elephant tusks are the property of the government, according to the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 2 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following statements about elephant conservation: Under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Elephant is a Schedule I animal. Asian elephants are listed as “endangered” in the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Project Elephant is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Which of the above statements is/are incorrect? 2 only 2 and 3 only All the above None Q.3) Who among the following can be punished under Domestic Violence Act - meant to punish men who abuse women in a relationship? Husband Former Husband Brother Son Choose the appropriate code: 1 only 1 and 2 only 1, 3 and 4 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.4) Consider the below statements in regard to Shangri-La dialogue: It is a "Track One" inter-governmental security forum attended by defense ministers, permanent heads of ministries and military chiefs of 28 Asia-Pacific states. It is held annually and run by the Singapore government. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the below statements about Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): It is a Eurasian political, economic, and security organisation. Its members include all Central Asian Countries except Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan joined SCO as full members. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.6) MIKE program started in South Asia deals with – Conservation of Elephants Conservation of Tigers Conservation of Vultures Conservation of Rhinos Q.7) Scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are developing an environment-friendly propellant to power satellites and spacecraft. The green propellant blend is based on – hydrazine rocket fuel cryogenic technology hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) hybrid NEMA oxidizer Q.8) Recently, China started sea trials with it’s first domestically manufactured aircraft carrier. Identify the name of the carrier from below – Type 001A Liaoning Tiangong-1 Senpai-1 MUST READ Kerala's development paradox The Hindu Premium delayed, farmer denied Indian Express How to improve agricultural productivity? Livemint Monsanto ruling may hit innovation Business Line Deifying big data Business Line

Topper's From IASbaba

PRELIMS TIPS: Topper Abhijeet Sinha, Rank 19 UPSC CSE 2017 - IASbaba's ILP Student, who has scored 163 and 152.6 in his 2 attempts shares his Preparation Strategy with special focus on Prelims!

  Hello everyone, I am Abhijeet Sinha. I have secured 19th Rank in Civil Services Exam 2017. I graduated from IIT Kanpur  in Electrical Engineering in 2016. My Optional subject was ECONOMICS. I gave my first attempt just after graduation, went to the interview stage, but could not clear it finally. This was my 2nd attempt and this time thankfully everything turned out well :) But, instead of making the post that about myself, let me make it more constructive. And allow me to concentrate more on the PRELIMS Preparation. There are 2 reasons for that. One, prelims is just around the corner. Two, I got good marks in both my prelims , 163 in my last attempt and 152.66 this time.     Apart from Integrated Learning Program, (ILP) he was a regular follower of our other initiatives like Yojana/Kurukshetra Gist, Interview Mentorship Programme (IMP) and his favourite being TLP Mains Answer Writing Watch Abhijeet Sinha, sharing his Preparation Strategy with IASbaba. Important highlights of the Discussion: Detailed Strategy Prelims, Mains, and Interview Importance of Test Series Importance of Notes making Time Management between GS and Optional Learnings from his previous attempt Advice for fellow Aspirants .. Last Minute Tips Motivational factor and many more    MY PRELIMS STRATEGY: My strategy has been slightly different from others. I almost always attempted over 95 questions, even though I barely knew more than 50 questions with full certainty ( no blind guesses though :) ). Secondly, my focus remained more on deducing the right option by following all kinds of thumb rules, some of which I inherited others which I developed on my own. Thirdly, more than prelims, I have always focused on Mains preparation, as I believe that, prelims can at most stop one from being an IAS officer, it can never make a person an IAS officer, but mains can. Plus, believe me, there is a vast scope for Logic in prelims as well, and that is why reading from the perspective of Mains helps. Because, of these variation in nuances, it would be pertinent to warn beforehand that the strategies mentioned below are risky strategies. What worked for me, may not work for others. And there is no single strategy towards success. So, please use these thumb rules only after you have practiced a lot, and don't sue me, in case it doesn't work :) Some thumb rules: 1. Extreme options are likely to be wrong Wherever statements which make sweeping generalization and use words such as Every, all, only etc are used, is more than likely wrong Example : With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:    ( 2017) It is a song and dance performance. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3. (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 only Here, because of the word "only ", option 2 could have been easily eliminated   2. A lot's in a Name There is a reason behind name of any scheme/ person / body/ institution. That can be used to solve many questions Example : The term ‘M-STrIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of   ( 2017) (a) Captive breeding of Wild Fauna (b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves (c) Indigenous Satellite Navigation System (d) Security of National Highways Because of the word Stripes, there is a natural connection to tiger that possibly no other options share Similarly, Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme’ is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to ( 2017) (a) Certifying the skills acquired by construction workers through traditional channels. (b) Enrolling the persons in Universities for distance learning programmes. (c) Reserving some skilled jobs to rural and urban poor in some public sector undertakings. (d) Certifying the skills acquired by trainees under the National Skill Development Programme.   3. A lot's in the Language of the Name Example :  What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news? ( 2016) (a) Electric plane tested by NASA (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan (c) Space observatory launched by China (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO Only an English speaking country would name its plane in English :) Consider the following pairs:  ( 2017) Traditions                                            Communities Chaliha Sahib Festival                —           Sindhis Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra                  —           Gonds Wari-Warkari                               —           Santhals Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the above Sahib is a name that is commonly used in Urdu language, common to Sindhis. Using this, we could have eliminated 2 options Likewise in the question on the number of states between Kohima to Kottayam ( 2017), the nature of the word Kottayam could have helped to solve the question :)   4. A lots in the Breakup of the root terms of the name  ( Sandhi Vicched ) Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?  ( 2016 ) (a) Swapnavasavadatta (b) Malavikagnimitra (c) Meghadoota (d) Ratnavali Here Malvikangnimitra is clearly made up of 2 terms  Malvika + Agnimitra, possibly the name of 1 female and 1 male person, indicative of a love story :)   5. A lot can be derived by understanding the possible evolution of the name ( Etymology) What is/are unique about ‘Kharai Camel’, a breed found in India? ( 2016) It is capable of swimming up to three kilometers in seawater. It survives by grazing on mangroves. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Here, Kharai seems to be made up of Khara + I and Khara refers to Salty in Hindi which correlates to sea water and this could have been used to find out that options 1 and 2 are possibly correct. Meanwhile, option 3 can be eliminated by using the rule of Extreme :) Similarly, question on Araghatta ( 2016) could have been solved by realising that root term Arag is similar to Irig, that which makes up Irrigation With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term Araghatta’ refers to (a) bonded labour (b) land grants made to military officers (c) waterwheel used in the irrigation of land (d) wasteland and converted to cultivated land   6. Common Sense There is no substitute to common sense, and common sense can be utilised to solve many more questions The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for   ( 2017 ) (a) the participation of workers in the management of industries. (b) arbitrary powers to the management to quell industrial disputes. (c) an intervention by the British Court in the event of a trade dispute. (d) a system of tribunals and a ban on strikes. Here, let's recall that Bhagat Singh dropped the bomb in the legislative assembly against Trade Disputes Bill. He would not have done it if it allowed participation of workers or provided for a fair system in the courts. Similarly, had the bill called for Complete ban on strikes, it would not have been called as Trade DISPUTES Bill ( A lot's in a name ;) ) Similarly, The Global Infrastructure Facility is a/an   ( 2017 ) (a) ASEAN initiative to upgrade infrastructure in Asia and financed by credit from the Asian Development Bank. (b) World Bank collaboration that facilitates the preparation and structuring of complex infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to enable mobilization of private sector and institutional investor capital. (c) Collaboration among the major banks of the world working with the OECD and focused on expanding the set of infrastructure projects that have the potential   to mobilize private investment. (d) UNCTAD funded initiative that seeks to finance and facilitate infrastructure development in the world. Here, a global body can't be centered to ASEAN or OECD. Plus since, it talks about Infrastructure, it shouldn't related to UNCTAD which is a trade centered body Moreover, this year in particular had so many questions from Polity where common sense could have solved a lot of questions.   What to read for the last few days ? Solve a test paper a day Then note down anything new you learn, any new fact which you come across. Moreover, solving a test series a day would help you to devise many other new strategies, many more than what I have discussed above Read and try and learn about the following. But there is no need to go into minute details Environmental bodies and vulnerability status of few main animals Pre 365 materials - especially government schemes and gist of science Countries world map especially regions like SE Asia - Java Hills and mountains maps of India Key reports and the institution that publishes them Articles, Directive Principles Spectrum History - Last few pages - Societies, Some newspapers Nobel prizes recent years winners The summary of the entire discussion above is that practise and think Logically. It will help to solve 4-5 'more' questions correctly. Almost all my friends, who I have told this strategy have seen improvement in their marks by 5- 10 marks At the same time, these strategies can't substitute Hard Work. For, most of the other questions, one needs to get the basic right.  Without the basics, all strategies no matter how so appealing, can even backfire. Believe me, I realised the importance of hard work a year too late. I don’t want you to repeat it Lets not forget,               My best wishes are always with you :) Abhijeet Sinha

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2018 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND CURRENT AFFAIRS [Day 53]

Hello Friends,  The 60 Days Training has finally begun:) Before any competition, there is a preparatory phase. That phase involves a lot of sessions on strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the preparatory phase, the athletes train in a gradual manner. In the last phase, just before the actual competition, the training is done so as to sharpen their skills. This training requires complete focus and dedication. In this phase, the athletes do not try anything new or train in a new fashion rather focus on sharpening of skills, focusing on strength and precision. Similarly, the upcoming 60 days, is like the last phase (training session), just before the actual competition. Here, the focus should be on sharpening the concepts, consolidating the knowledge base and solidifying the learning with loads and loads of revision. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL DETAILS AND SOLVE QUESTIONS

PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 6th May to 12th May, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 6th May to 12th May, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 TRIFED goes digital for Inventory Management and Sales (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes) Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED) of Ministry of Tribal Affairs has operationalised Retail Inventory Software (RIS) in all its Tribes India Outlets, Regional Offices and Head Office for inventory control. Will streamline the entire retail operations from purchases upto sales by automating the transaction process and tracking important purchase, stocks and sales data Implementation of RIS software will bring greater transparency and control over various transactions under Retail sale The various stages of retail sale process included in the Retail Inventory Software (RIS) include item selection for vendor at Regional Offices, request for code generation for selected items, generation of purchase order, stock and inventory details through POS and inventory management, monitoring of sale/purchase at regional office and report generation of sales/purchase at Head Office among others. Van Dhan Vikas Kendras by TRIFED (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes) TRIFED will facilitate establishment of MFP-led multi-purpose Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, a cluster of 10 SHGs comprising of 30 tribal MFP gatherers each, in the tribal areas. About 3000 such Van Dhan Kendras are proposed to be set up in two years in the forested Tribal Districts of the country. Aim: Mainstream the tribal community by promoting primary level value addition to MFP at grassroots level: Through this initiative, the share of tribals in the value chain of Non-Timber Forest Produce is expected to rise from the present 20% to around 60%. Promote MFPs – centric livelihood development of tribal gatherers and artisans: MFP or what may be  more aptly referred to as Non Timber Forest Produces (NTFPs) are the primary source of income and livelihood for about 5 crore tribal people in the country.   A typical Van Dhan Vikas Samuh would have the following facilities: Provision for required building/ infrastructure support to be established in one of the beneficiary’s house/ part of house or Government/ gram panchayat building Equipment/ Tool Kit comprising of equipment such as small cutting and sieving tools, decorticator, dryer, packaging tool etc. based on MFPs available in the area Fully equipped training facilities for a batch of 30 trainees with provision for raw material for training purpose and supply of trainee kits (comprising of bag, scribbing pad, pen, brochures, training manual, booklet etc) Provisioning of working capital for the SHGs through tie up with financial institutions, banks, NSTFDC etc A cluster of ten such SHGs within the same village shall form a Van Dhan Vikas Kendra. Subject to successful operations of the samuhs in a Kendra, common infrastructure facilities (pucca Kendra) may be provided to the Kendra in the next phase in terms of building, warehouse, etc. for use of the samuh members An illustrative list of major MFPs which may be covered under the initiative are tamarind, mahua flower, mahua seed, hill broom, chironjee, honey, sal seed, sal leaves, bamboo split, myrobalan, mango (amchur), aonla (churan/candy), seed lac, tez patta, cardamom, black pepper, turmeric, dry ginger, cinnamon, coffee, tea, sea buckthorn tea, etc. Apart from these, any other MFP with potential for value addition may be included. India signs 200 million US Dollar Loan Deal with World Bank for National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan) (Topic: 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) The loan would help the Government of India in achieving its goal of reducing stunting in children 0-6 years of age from 38.4% to 25% by the year 2022. POSHAN Abhiyaan: PM’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment A large component of POSHAN Abhiyaan involves gradual scaling-up of the interventions supported by the ongoing World Bank assisted Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Systems Strengthening and Nutrition Improvement Project (ISSNIP) to all districts in the country over a 3-year period. With a focus on improving the coverage and quality of ICDS nutrition services to pregnant and lactating women and children under 3 years of age, the project will include Investments in improving the skills and capacities of ICDS staff and community nutrition workers, Instituting mechanisms of community mobilization and behavior change communication, Strengthening systems of citizen engagement and grievance redress Establishing mobile technology based tools for improved monitoring and management of services for better outreach to beneficiaries during the critical 1,000 day window for nutrition impact Ensure convergence of all nutrition related schemes and provide performance based incentives to states and community nutrition and health workers, facilitating a focus on results. NITI Aayog and Google sign SoI (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Aim: To foster growth for India’s nascent artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) ecosystem The NITI Aayog has been entrusted to setup a national programme to conduct research and development in frontier technologies such as AI. NITI Aayog has been developing India’s national strategy on AI along with the National Data and Analytics Portal to enable the wide deployment and use of AI. NITI's partnership with Google will unlock massive training initiatives, support startups and encourage AI research through PhD scholarships, all of which contributes to the larger idea of a technologically-empowered New India. Google and NITI Aayog will work on the following initiatives: Organise trainings for relevant government functionaries to introduce them to open source AI tools with the goal of enabling more effective governance. Awarding grants and scholarships to researchers, scholars and university faculty conducting cutting edge research in the field of AI/ML in India Organising AI/ML study jams for students and developers based on Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course (MLCC) on the fundamentals of machine learning Incubating Indian AI/ML startups in a program where they will be mentored by Google to better leverage AI in their respective business models. Organise a Hackathon focused on using AI/ML and open data sets to solve key challenges within agriculture, education, healthcare, etc. in India India and Guatemala agree to support each other for Non-permanent membership of UNSC (Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests) Agreeing to push the ‘complementary’ and ‘not competitive’ nature of bilateral relations to a new level for mutual benefit from the emerging opportunities in both the countries, India and Guatemala have agreed to support each other’s candidature for Non-Permanent Membership in the United Nations Security Council. Guatemala will support India’s candidature for UNSC membership for 2021-22 while New Delhi will do so for 2031-32 for Guatemala. Both sides agree to take ‘complementary’ relationship to a new high taking advantage of emerging opportunities in both countries Governance issues, terrorism in different forms, poverty, and economic disparities identified as common challenges Indian side agreed to the Guatemala’s request for supplying solar panels to its airports. Both the sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding for training of diplomats and a Letter of Intent for training Guatemalan English Teachers in India. GS-3 NABH (Nextgen Airports For Bharat) Nirman initiative (Topic: Infrastructure: Airports) The government is committed to the building of airport capacity as part of NABH (NextGen Airports for BHarat) Nirman initiative Three key aspects of NABH Nirman: Fair and equitable land acquisition Long-term master plan for airport and regional development Balanced economics for all stakeholders Key Focus Areas under UDAN Scheme: Improving passenger amenities Promoting cargo handling facilities Early operationalisation of 56 new airports Improving regional connectivity Improving passenger services Prelims oriented News National Technology Day: 11th May International Nurses Day: 12th May International Nurses Day is an occasion for the entire nursing community to remember Florence Nightingale and renew their commitment to her ideals. Florence Nightingale had established nursing as a service to humanity. She motivated nurses to follow the path of dedication, commitment and compassion. At present, there are 1.7 nurses per 1,000 people in India, but the world average is 2.5 nurses. Antigua (old) Guatemala city Declared as a World Heritage City by the UNESCO in 1979 Antigua Guatemala was the third capital built by the Spanish rulers since their invasion of Guatemala in 1524. The first two capitals had to be abondoned by 1541 on account of resistance from the local warriors and natural calamities respectively. Old Guatemala witnessed series of earthquakes since 1565 and was destroyed by earthquake Santa Marta in 1773 forcing the shifting of capital to the present Guatamela City. Shri Naidu referred to the ancient Mayan civilisation of Guatemala and the Indus civilisation of India and stressed on the need to preserve the rich cultural roots which would in turn guide the present and future generations. Health Assurance programme Under Ayushman Bharat The scheme will provide a cover of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family Will be targeted to cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families. Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karykram (PMJVK): The Minority Affairs Ministry will construct schools, colleges, ITIs, skill development centres, multi-purpose community centres “Sadbhav Mandap”, “Hunar Hub”, hospitals, business centres, etc. on waqf properties across the country. Has provision to utilise Waqf properties for various infrastructure for socio-economic-educational empowerment of the society. One Stop Centres (OSCs): For women affected by violence; Purpose of these OSCs is to facilitate integrated services for women affected with violence such as police assistance, medical aid, psycho-social counselling, legal aid/counselling, temporary stay for 5 days etc. such that aggrieved women can avail services under one roof. World’s highest battlefield: Siachen – President Kovind becomes first President of India to visit Siachen in 14 years Quote: Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind Technology is Destiny, but Technology must also be Equity New technologies should have three attributes in common – First, they offer solutions that are necessary in the Indian context, and contribute to the social and economic needs of our people. Second, they achieve all this at competitive price points. Third is the most critical, they don’t compromise on quality.

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Be in the moment – Inspirational & Educative Articles

Be in the Moment: In the constant moving around from the past to the future, we can completely miss the present. Missing the present is one of the easiest things we can do, so easy that no effort is needed for it. All we have to do is simply become busy. Busyness has become our business. If we are not busy, we tend to think that we are wasting our time. There is something very beautiful about the present moment. The present moment is a door to million possibilities. The present moment is a door to creativity, happiness, love, compassion and service. Only from the present moment can our heart center function. Only from the present moment can we be fully human. Moving constantly between the past and the future we are simply mechanical machines. Sometimes, there is no other greater virtue than slowing down. We can live our whole lives without ever slowing down and realizing what we have been doing. We can get so busy with life that we can miss life altogether. Yes, if life is an experience that can be had by being in the present moment. It is perfectly possibly to miss life by becoming too busy. There is a lot of difference between being busy for the sake of being busy and being busy for a certain purpose. Most of us are busy for the sake of being busy. We pretend to be busy just so that people can think that we are doing something useful. What we are doing might be utterly useless, but we still pretend to be busy. Why have we become like this. The reason is obvious, most of time we are living to impress someone else. We have still not discovered our true purpose and calling, hence we just go on showing people that we are very busy with something. In this way we can fool people very easily, but a day will come when this will fool us instead. Pay attention to the present moment. Develop a habit of constantly checking with yourself from moment to moment to see if you are in the moment! Otherwise, bring yourself back to the moment. This will save you a lot of time and effort in unnecessary repetitive actions. Most of our time is wasted because we are not able to go beyond the mechanical conditioning of our mind. Being in the present moment becomes even more important when you are moving towards a particular goal. Being in the moment will save you a lot of time from other unnecessary distractions. For most people, the single biggest problem in moving towards a certain goal is distractions. Being in the present moment will constantly remind you of what needs to be done. It is so easy to be lost in thoughts and forget what needs to be done. Being in the present moment helps you to stay grounded. Give it a tray, it will do wonders for your actions. “The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”