Sep 20, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 75

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 75 Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘WAVE Summit 2019’ It will be organised by NITI Aayog It will be the largest gathering of young women students to promote entrepreneurship in waste management and providing alternatives to single use plastic carry bags. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan’ It is a nation-wide flagship campaign for achieving universal accessibility that will enable persons with disabilities to gain access for equal opportunity and live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life in an inclusive society. It is conceptualised by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. 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 ‘Enemy Property’ in India It refers to any property that was belonging to a person who migrated from India to an enemy country when a war broke out. Enforcement Directorate is the Custodian of Enemy Properties in India. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) ‘Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA)’ scheme offers direct benefit cash transfer of Rs 25,000 for a farm family over five seasons to small and marginal farmers. It is associated with which of the following states? Andhra Pradesh Odisha Maharashtra Telangana Q.5) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is mandated with the responsibility of export promotion and development of which of the following products? Alcoholic Beverages Guar Gum Herbal and Medicinal Plants 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

Sep 19, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 19th September 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 19th September 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Astra missile Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Security In News India has successfully flight-tested air-to-air missile Astra indigenously designed and developed by DRDO as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). The state-of-the-art missile was launched from Sukhoi-30 MKI off the coast of Odisha as part of user trials by the Indian Air Force(IAF) Modifications of the Sukhoi-30 MKI jets to accommodate Astra missiles has been carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The Astra missile is a beyond visual range missile. It is capable of engaging different targets at different altitudes. The missile has a strike range of 70km. The missile has a 15-kg high-explosive pre-fragmented warhead. It is smoke free, having two way data link and provides very less chances to enemy to be alert about it. Tejas Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III- Security In News Rajnath Singh became the first defence minister to fly on the Tejas. The Tejas is an indigenous light weight, multi role supersonic aircraft developed in both fighter and trainer versions. Conceived as a MiG-21 replacement, the aircraft has been designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Agency (arm of DRDO) and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) The Tejas is designed to carry a veritable plethora of air-to-air, air-to- surface, precision guided and standoff weaponry. A batch of the Tejas aircraft has been already been inducted into the Indian Air Force. The naval version is in the development stage and a critical test was conducted successfully in September first week through “arrested landing”, an ability to land on board an aircraft carrier. Malnutrition Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II - Health In News Two-thirds of the 1.04 million deaths in children under five years in India are still attributable to malnutrition, This was revealed in the state-wide data on malnutrition presented by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and National Institute of Nutrition (NIN). The Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) rate attributable to malnutrition in childrenvaries 7-fold among the states — a gap between a high of 74,782 in Uttar Pradesh and a low of 11,002 in Kerala. Other findings of the report were: low birthweight was 21.4 % ranging from 9 % in Mizoram to 24 % in UP. child stunting (low height-for-age) 39.3 % ranging from 21 % in Goa to 49 % in UP child wasting (low weight for height) 15.7 % child underweight7 % ranging from 16% in Manipur to 42 % in Jharkhand. anaemia in children 59.7 % ranging from 21 % in Mizoram to 74 % in Haryana anaemia in women 15–49 years of age 54.4 % exclusive breastfeeding 53.3 % and overweight child5 % Schemes to tackle malnutrition in India are: Integrated Child Development Scheme launched in 1975, the National Nutrition Policy 1993, the Mid Day Meal Scheme for school children 1995, and the National Food Security Act 2013, POSHAN Abhiyan In order to reduce malnutrition, focus will be needed on major determinants like provision of clean drinking water, reducing rates of open defecation, improving women’s educational status, and food and nutrition security for the most vulnerable families. Pic: https://images.indianexpress.com/2019/09/malnutrition-1.jpg Indian Diaspora Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II – Indian Diaspora In News At 17.5 million, Indian diaspora largest in the world says the UN report. Report: The International Migrant Stock 2019, a dataset released by the Population Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) It provides the latest estimates of the number of international migrants by age, sex and origin for all countries and areas of the world. In 2019, the number of migrants globallyreached an estimated 272 million. Migrants from Mexico constituted the second largest diaspora with 11.8 million people followed by China (10.7 million), Russia (10.5 million) and Syria (8.2 million). Regionally, Europe hosted the largest number of international migrants (82 million),followed by Northern America (59 million) and Northern Africa and Western Asia (49 million). At the country level, United States of America hosting the largest number of international migrants (51 million),with Germany and Saudi Arabia hosting the second and third largest numbers of migrants (13 million each). India hosted 5.1 million international migrants in 2019. The highest number of international migrants came from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. The global number of refugees and asylum seekersincreased by 13 million between 2010 and 2017. Northern Africa and Western Asia hosted around 46% of the global number of refugees and asylum seekers. The share of women and girls in the global number of international migrantsfell slightly, from 49% in 2000 to 48% in 2019. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Investment models. Trade tensions between the US and China Context: The unending escalation of trade tensions between the US and China has led to a disruption of long established supply chains between the two countries Firms exporting from China, both domestic and foreign, have begun to move to other countries in Asia. Origin of the US-China dispute The US and China have been slugging it out since Trump slapped heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items from China last year, and China responded by imposing tit-for-tat tariffs on billions of dollars worth of American imports. The dispute escalated after Washington demanded that China reduce its $375 billion trade deficit with the US, and introduce “verifiable measures” for protection of Intellectual Property Rights, technology transfer, and more access to American goods in Chinese markets. Pic: https://images.indianexpress.com/2019/05/box-1.jpg What is there in for India? opportunity for India to expand trade with the US and China—by filling in supply gaps. India might attract firms exiting China to use India as an exporting base, thereby improving India’s manufacturing base, creating jobs and further expanding its trade—especially with the US. the scale of Chinese exports (roughly ten times India’s exports) implies that even small changes to some of China’s less significant exports may create opportunities of significant scale for countries such as India. For instance, Chinese textiles account for nearly 20% of US textile imports while Indian exports account for only a little over 5%. Chinese global machinery exports amount to nearly $1.2 trillion, while India exports are a paltry $27 billion. Indian machinery exports would increase by over 40%, were India to take over a mere 1% of Chinese machinery exports. Challenges in India India the acquisition of land to set up large manufacturing operations remains hugely problematic and where infrastructure support remains less than ideal competitive labour costs, a tax and regulatory environment hospitable to business, and easy and hassle-free access to all of the factors of production—land, labour, capital and other inputs, such as raw materials and intermediate inputs.(need to be checked) an inadequate road, rail, and seaport network, increasing costs of getting goods to market the investments that are likely to flow to India, exiting China, will be characterized by low fixed costs and relative capital non-intensity—that is, relatively “footloose" investments. The danger with footloose capital, is that it may leave just as easily as it had arrived with even a small change in incentives either in India or abroad. Footloose industry Footloose industry is a general term for an industry that can be placed and located at any location without effect from factors of production such as resources, land, labour, and capital. These industries often have spatially fixed costs, which means that the costs of the products do not change despite where the product is assembled. Diamonds, computer chips, and mobile manufacturing are some examples of footloose industries. Do you know? Vietnam, have been far more successful than India in attracting firms exiting China. Indeed, Vietnam’s exports to the US last year have risen by more than 40% Conclusion India has enjoyed an improvement in its “investment climate" and the “ease of doing business" rankings over the years, and while it has implemented significant liberalization of its foreign domestic investment (FDI) rules, setting up manufacturing operations in India remains a daunting challenge for many would-be investors. Major capital-intensive manufacturing activities move to India permanently, requires a very substantial improvement in the basic factors that drive FDI. Now is not the time for tinkering at the margins but for bold moves to make India a serious player in global value chains. Connecting the dots: Govt’s recent announcements offering improved trade facilitation—especially in dealing with paperwork relating to taxes, trade credits and so forth—are welcome improvements . Justify? ECONOMY/ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment (especially in Environment and Renewable energy sector). Environment and Ecology, Bio diversity - Conservation, environmental degradation, environmental impact assessment, Environment versus Development Green bonus- Integrating mountains with the mainstream Context: In the last week of July 2019, 11 Himalayan States of India met in Dehradun demanding a “green bonus”. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promised inits general election manifesto to provide a financial package to address the special developmental needs of the Himalayan States What is Green bonus: 11 Himalayan states gathered together and made the following demands to the centre A separate Union ministry to deal with problems endemic to them The States asked to develop hydropower resources, subsidies for their environmental protection measures which deny them normal ‘development models’, and recognition of their efforts to meet human development parameters. Bring political, social, or ecological-economical terms with the specificity of the Himalayan region. A green bonus in recognition of their contribution to environment conservation.   Rationale behind such demands Most of the country’s rivers originate in the Himalayan states and thus they have to play significant role in water conservation efforts Also large part of their land fell into eco-sensitive zones where developmental activities are severely restricted A green bonus is thus needed to compensation for their disadvantages Scenarios in integrating mountain regions with the national mainstream: The mountain zone starts from Balochistan, through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, J&K;, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nepal, Sikkim and Gorkhaland, to Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. They have difficulty in integrating these hilly regions with these national states which are primarily anchored in the plains. Authors/writers have also opinioned about the structural, social, and economical differences of the mountain states from the rest of India in their writings: Integration problem’ is not just a South Asian phenomenon — China is struggling to integrate its mountain people and their homelands with its national mainstream, as are Myanmar, Thailand, and other countries. Colonial era: The establishment of Pax Britannica’s border lines along India’s northern mountain which was anchored in the society and political economy of the plains could for the first time could reach so deep into the Himalayas and control them which were historically unprecedented. In brief, the Himalayas successfully provided a barrier to Russian colonial expansion but were unsuccessful in providing a trade route into China. Keeping the mountains politically quiet and socially peaceful was both a desirable aim and a hopeful description by the end of the 19th century. The independent nation states of Asia like India, Pakistan, China or Myanmar have all imagined themselves to be the inheritors, in the high Himalayas, of the geopolitical stakes of their colonial predecessors. The happiness of the ‘hill station’ or the war-like strategies towards the northern tribesmen was both creations of this colonial policy. Norms of an Indian village: The norms of an ‘Indian village’ depends on how its society is structured, how its economy is backward or in what ways does its political life work make no reference to the specificities of the mountain regions. This is not only a social-psychological feature but has direct practical consequences as policies and programmes are devised with the ‘national norm’ in mind, which almost always have unintended consequences on the hilly regions. Conclusion: There is a direct, yet short, link between the demands of the Himalayan States seeking a special “green bonus” — which the BJP supports. The massive expansion of the national economy over the past three decades now allows for commodification of mountain resources (forests, water, labour, tourism, horticulture and even agriculture). It has led to changes in the class structure and the emergence of a new middle class with national aspirations that find the geographical specificity of the Himalayas. Connecting the dots: How the secessionist movements in J&K; and Nagaland and integrationist movements in Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur help the people to come to the national mainstream? What are the main reasons for the low focus on the Himalayan states with respect to social, economical and political measures? (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 Tejas aircraft The aircraft has been indigenously designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Agency (arm of DRDO) and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) The Tejas is designed to carry air-to-air, air-to- surface, precision guided and standoff weaponry. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Astra missile It is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). It is a surface-to-air missile having a range of 300 kms. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements At 17.5 million, Indian diaspora largest in the world followed by Mexico (11.8 million), China (10.7 million) and Russia (10.5 million) The highest number of international migrants into India came from Africa and ASEAN countries. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Obama was right about Iran The Hindu  A self-inflicted economic slowdown The Hindu  The multitudes dispossessed by the ‘Gujarat model’ The Hindu  Changing times: The musclemen of new India are crushing old values Indian Express India’s actions over the status of J&K; provide an opportunity to revisit four-point plan for Kashmir Indian Express   Focusing on health, education of women Indian Express  

Sep 19, 2019 RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Rising Oceans, Sinking Cities

Rising Oceans, Sinking Cities Archives   TOPIC: General Studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation In News: The Earth could witness a dramatic decline in fish stocks, a 100-fold increase in the damage caused by superstorms and millions of people displaced by rising seas, if humanity does not reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 900-page draft report by the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Destructive changes have already been set in motion. The draft report says that even with most optimistic emission reduction scenario, by the year 2050 many low lying mega-cities and small island nations will experience extreme sea level events every year. The big four - United States of America, China, India and European Union will face most devastating fallout of the ocean and ice related impacts of climate change.  The report, which will officially be released on September 25, concludes that humanity must overhaul the way it produces and consumes almost everything to avoid the worst ravages of climate change and environmental degradation. This follows another sobering report released by the IPCC last month that captured global headlines with its warnings of the devastation to land use caused by rising global temperatures. That included concerns about the Earth’s ability to provide sufficient food for humanity as crop yields decrease and droughts and wildfires become increasingly common. The Wrath Oceans serve as a marine sponge for the planet, soaking up a quarter of the CO2 emitted by humans and absorbing more than 90 percent of the additional heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions since 1970. As a result, the oceans have become warmer, more acidic and less salty.  Without this absorption, global warming would already have made the Earth's surface intolerably hot for humans. This comes at a cost, as the increase in CO2 in ocean waters causes a phenomenon called acidification, which disrupts the ocean's basic food chain. The marine heatwaves, which is the anomalous heating of areas of the ocean, have become twice as frequent since the 1980s and are creating vast oxygen-depleted dead zones. The life-giving oxygen in marine environments has dropped two percent in 60 years, and is on track to lose another three to four percent by 2100 at current rates of carbon pollution.  Freshwater supplies for billions of people, including the world’s mountain dwellers, will be hit by melting glaciers that will first release far too much water, and then not enough Without cuts to man-made emissions, at least 30 percent of the northern hemisphere's surface permafrost could melt by the end of the 21st century, unleashing billions of tonnes of carbon and accelerating global warming even more. By the year 2100, ‘annual flood damages are expected to increase by two to three orders of magnitude’, or 100- to 1,000-fold Even if the world manages to cap global warming at 2C, the global ocean waterline will rise enough to displace more than a quarter of a billion people Earth's two ice sheets, sitting atop Greenland and Antarctica, have lost roughly 400 billion tonnes of mass each year in the decade to 2015, becoming the main driver of the rising sea levels Globally, the corals upon which half-a-billion people depend for food and protection are unlikely to survive surface warming of 2C above preindustrial levels.  The warming is also expected to lead to a doubling in the frequency of extreme El Ninos, which drive forest fires, cause disease outbreaks and affect cyclones if emissions are not cut. The Grave Situation While the four - China, the United States, India and the European Union (accounting for nearly 60 per cent of global fossil fuel-based emissions) - face devastating fallout from the ocean and ice-related impacts of climate change, none seems prepared to announce more ambitious goals for purging carbon from its economy. US President Donald Trump was a no-show at the G7 climate segment at this year's summit in France. In 2017, Trump said the US would withdraw from the Paris Agreement. He has also systematically dissembled predecessor Barack Obama's climate policies. India is rapidly developing solar power, but continues to build up coal-fired capacity. The EU is moving towards a mid-century "net-zero" emissions goal, but several member states are dragging their feet. Long seen as a leader on climate, China - which emits nearly as much CO2 as the US, EU and India combined - has recently been sending mixed signals. The time to act is NOW! There is a very small window left for India’s policymakers to respond to the severity of the threat. There is a need for the well-being of the masses to take precedence over short-term economic gains for a few. Connecting the Dots: The same oceans that nourished human evolution are poised to unleash misery on a global scale unless the carbon pollution destabilising Earth's marine environment is brought to heel – Discuss.

Sep 19, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 74

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 74 Archives Q.1) Kibber Wildlife sanctuary is located in Uttarakhand Himachal Pradesh Puducherry Maharashtra Q.2) Consider the following statements  India is the largest producer of cement in the world. Maharashtra is the largest producer of aluminium in India Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Dharwar Rocks can be found in Rajasthan Odisha Meghalaya Select the correct code 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.4) Which of the following are nitrogen fixing bacteria? Anabaena Azotobacter Rhizobium Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Tawang Monastery’ It is located in Arunachal Pradesh It belongs to the Gelug school of Mahayana Buddhism Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Sep 18, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 18th September 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 18th September 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) MGNREGA  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Economy In News Government to peg MGNREGA wages to inflation in bid to hike incomes thus increasing purchasing power and reviving rural demand. The consumption basket of CPI-AL [which determines MGNREGA wage revisions] has not been updated for more than three decades, and rural consumption patterns have changed drastically in that time, Food items make up more than two-thirds of the CPI-AL consumption basket, but rural workers today spend a much smaller percentage of their money on subsidised food, and an increasingly larger amount on health, education and transport costs. Government has now agreed to update the indices annually and link MGNREGA wages with it. The national average wage of an MGNREGA worker is ₹178.44 per day, less than half of the ₹375 per day minimum wage recommended by a Labour Ministry panel MGNREGA received a budgetary allocation of ₹60,000 crores in 2019-20. e-cigarettes Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II – Health In News Government bans e-cigarettes citing health risk to youth. Union Cabinet had approved an ordinance banning production, import, distribution and sale of electronic cigarettes. The draft ordinance provides for a maximum imprisonment of up to one year along with a penalty of Rs 1 lakh against first-time violators. This can go up to three years of jail and a penalty of Rs 5 lakh for repeat offenders. E-cigarettes do not burn tobacco, but use a heating element to vaporize liquid nicotine, which the user inhales. These are not licensed in India and are often marketed as products to help smokers quit, and harmless than cigarettes. A typical cartridge contains about as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes and can act as a potential source for nicotine addiction Do You Know? Some states, including Punjab, Karnataka, Kerala, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Mizoram, have already banned use and sale of e-cigarettes, vape and e-hookah New York and Michigan have also banned e-cigarettes recently this year. More than 9,00,000 people die each year in the country due to tobacco-related illnesses. But India has 106 million adult smokers, second only to China in the world Right to Information Act Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II - Governance In News The Supreme Court has held that Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) “substantially” financed by the government fall within the ambit of RTI Case: D.A.V. College Trust And Management Society vs. Director Of Public Instructions This means that they have to disclose vital information, ranging from finances to hierarchy to decisions to functioning, to citizens who apply under RTI. An NGO may also include societies which are neither owned or controlled by the government, but if they are significantly funded by the government, directly or indirectly, they come under the RTI Act. The court defined “substantial” as a “large portion.” It does not necessarily have to mean a major portion or more than 50%. Substantial financing can be both direct or indirect. If government gives land in a city free of cost or on heavy discount to hospitals, educational institutions or any such body, this could also be substantial financing. National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development (NCCCR&D) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III – Environmental Conservation In News Government of India through Department of Science & Technology, has set up the NCCCR&D as a national level consortium on clean coal R&D, led by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)-Bengaluru. The primary goal is to address several critical R&D challenges towards the development of clean coal technologies, in tandem with developing supercritical power plant technologies, both at the materials and system level. Clean coal technology is a collection of technologies being developed in attempts to lessen the negative environmental impact of coal energy generation and to mitigate worldwide climate change. The term "clean coal" has been applied to many technologies, ranging from wet scrubbers, which remove sulfur dioxide from coal-generated gas, to coal washing, which removes soil and rock from coal before it's sent to a factory. The research in clean coal domain could potentially be game changer for meeting the energy needs of the country in terms of higher efficiency and capacity at lower operating costs and size. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. India would be a $5-trillion economy in 2024 On Independence Day, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that India would be a $5-trillion economy in 2024 Adverse impact of economic growth on different sectors: The economic growth experience in India in recent decades has shown that growth has had an adverse impact on developmental goals such as education, health and overall human development/human capital formation, employment for all and environmentally sustainable development. For example,  1% of the wealthiest in India increased their share in wealth from 40% in 2010 to more than 60% in the last five years.  if we proceed on the same growth path, the top 10% will take away the lion’s share of the $5-trillion incomes  when we reach the target of $5-trillion economy. Education The literacy rate has grown very slowly and according to the United Nations, India’s literacy was 71.1% in 2015. India is now far behind many African countries such as Rwanda, Morocco and Congo in terms of literacy. The quality of education is far from satisfactory Against the norm of 6% of GDP, the government spend is around 4% of GDP on education. Employment: The rate of growth of employment has declined with increasing economic growth causing jobless growth With rising labour force, India will soon experience demographic disaster rather than demographic dividend. Health: Decline in malnutrition, particularly among women and children is very slow; against the norm of 3% of GDP, the government spends around 1.5% of GDP on health Industries: industries are declining rapidly  — examples are  automobile ,diamond cutting and polishing, textiles and garments, and several Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). Agriculture: Agriculture is in crisis on account of rising costs of inputs and low prices of produces, and low public investments in this sector. As a consequence of all these developments, there is a crash in the aggregate demand in the economy. Need for hour: There is an urgent need for a quantum jump in public expenditure on education in order to fill wide gaps in infrastructure, training and retraining of teachers and to ensure a strong follow up on the quality of education it would be very difficult to raise the rate of growth to reach $5 trillion in 2024 unless we focus on human capital formation and address the real reasons for the recent slowdown. Government must increase public expenditure in investing in agriculture — in infrastructure, inputs, extension, marketing and storage and training — and in providing profitable prices to farmers. It should also raise funds for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act It should raise public employment by filling all vacant sanctioned posts in the Central and State governments, which would be around 2.5 million jobs. The government should also regularise contract, casual and “honorary” jobs and make them regular jobs The government should focus on promoting labour intensive sectors such as gems and jewellery, textiles and garments and leather goods. Did you know? Demographic dividend, as defined by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) means, "the economic growth potential that can result from shifts in a population’s age structure, mainly when the share of the working-age population (15 to 64) is larger than the non-working-age share of the population (14 and younger, and 65 and older)". In other words, it is “a boost in economic productivity that occurs when there are growing numbers of people in the workforce relative to the number of dependents. Connecting the dots: NITI Aayog has observed recently, the present crisis is the worst crisis India is facing since the Independence. Analyse The impact of economic growth on major development goals depends on the nature and composition of growth. Substantiate INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TOPIC: General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interest Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. Israeli and Pakistan relations Context: Recently, Israeli and Pakistani scholars and opinion-makers appear to have speculated about the possibility of the two states establishing diplomatic ties. Pic: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/middle-east/israel/map_of_israel.jpg In 1947, the United Nations (UN) adopted a Partition Plan for Palestine recommending the creation of independent Arab and Jewish states and an internationalized Jerusalem. The plan was accepted by the Jewish Agency, and rejected by Arab leaders Israel has since fought several wars with Arab countries Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories is the world's longest military occupation in modern times. Efforts to resolve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict have not resulted in a final peace agreement. Israel's economic and technological center is Tel Aviv, while its seat of government and proclaimed capital is Jerusalem, although the state's sovereignty over Jerusalem has only partial recognition Apart from Turkey (1949), Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994), none of the states in the region have recognised Israel. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) routinely pillories Israel for its “occupation” of Palestinian lands. Israel has been successful in gradually expanding its diplomatic profile beyond its immediate neighbourhood. Israel has established diplomatic relations with a large majority of the 193 UN member states. Pakistan and Israel relations: History: An attempt to establish diplomatic relations with Pakistan and Israel was made in 1947, when Israel's first Prime minister David Ben-Gurion sent a telegram to Jinnah—Pakistan's main founding father—but Jinnah gave no particular response. The Pakistani government was asked to issue passage permits to India for a few hundred Jews who wanted to leave Afghanistan and wished to emigrate to Israel (1950) In 1952, Sir Zafarullah Khan, Pakistan's foreign minister promoted his hardline policies toward Israel, and pressed his policies toward the unity of Arab states. Pakistan religious political parties such as the Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam and militant groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba fiercely oppose any relationship with Israel, and have repeatedly called Israel as the enemy of Islam Israel and Pakistan were both allied to the United States and the western bloc during the Cold War, while India was allied to the Soviet Union's bloc. Why now? A key factor in Pakistan’s rethink has been its difficulty in mobilising international support against India’s policies towards Pakistan and Kashmir. It is keen to correct the emerging international tilt in favour of India. Advantages for Pakistan: Pakistan’s national interests would better be served by having ties with Israel, particularly since Israel carries weight in Washington and could perhaps mediate on recurring U.S.-Pakistan tensions. It would help to deal with India’s influence in U.S. and disrupt its partnership with the influential Jewish community in America. Demerits for Pakistan: Pakistan has used the platform provided by the OIC to drum up support for its stand on Kashmir, just as the OIC has done for the Palestinian issue. If Pakistan were to establish diplomatic ties with Israel, it would dilute its Islamic credentials and lead to a weakened support base within the OIC on Kashmir. Iran is recognised as a potent threat by Israel and the Shia-Sunni divide in Pakistan is frequently a point of friction between Iran and Pakistan. However Israel cannot expect Pakistan to be used against neighbouring Iran and risk the dangers of escalation in sectarian conflict, given that more than 20% of its population is Shia. Pakistan is unlikely to take any steps that could rock its relations with Iran. What is Israel looking for ? Israel is also looking at increasing its diplomatic footprint in South Asia and beyond. Forging closer ties with populous Asian Muslim countries such as Bangladesh and Indonesia would help it to gain greater legitimacy in the Islamic world. India-Israel links India is the largest buyer of Israeli military equipment and Israel is the second-largest defence supplier to India after Russia with India abstaining from voting against Israel in the United Nations in several resolutions the relation further developed As of 2015, the two nations are negotiating an extensive bilateral free trade agreement, focusing on areas such as information technology, biotechnology, and agriculture In July 2017, Narendra Modi became the first ever Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel. Both Israel and India have been victims of asymmetric warfare such as terrorism, which they continue to tackle with resolve. Do you know? The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is an international organization founded in 1969 The organisation states that it is "the collective voice of the Muslim world" and works to "safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony The OIC supports a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The OIC has called for boycott of Israeli products in effort to pressure Israel into ending the occupation of the Palestinian territories The OIC lately condemned Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to annex the eastern portion of the occupied West Bank known as the Jordan Valley. Conclusion: India has successfully walked a tightrope between Israel and Palestine, and Israel may well hope to do so between Pakistan and India. However, it is not in Israel’s interest to seek diplomatic ties with a state that sponsors terrorism. Connecting the dots: India has successfully walked a tightrope between Israel and Palestine. Justify (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) CPI for Agricultural Labourers (AL) is compiled and released by which body? Central Statistical Organisation Ministry of Labour RBI None of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) “substantially” financed by the government fall within the ambit of RTI This means that they have to disclose vital information, ranging from finances to hierarchy to decisions to functioning, to citizens who apply under RTI Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ  Red Sea redlines and Yemen’s inflection point The Hindu In Kashmir, shaking the apple tree The Hindu Deadly spread: On ‘vaccine hesitancy’ The Hindu  Austerity for growth Indian Express Dyerism: Why the phrase coined by Mahatma Gandhi strikes a chord Indian Express Not in the spirit of the Constitution Indian Express  The spectre of Malthus: India fast losing its demographic potential Financial Express 15th Finance Commission terms tilt fiscal scales in favour of the Centre Financial Express

Sep 18, 2019 PIB

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 8th Sep to 15th September – 2019

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 8th  to 15th September, 2019 ARCHIVES GS-2 India joins the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Development Hub (Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health) Objective: To be able to work with all partners to leverage their existing capabilities, resources and collectively focus on new R&D intervention to address drug resistant infections. Antimicrobial Resistance: AMR is the ability of a microbe to resist the effects of medication that once could successfully treat the microbe. Today, the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance continues unabated around the world. Given the important and interdependent human, animal, and environmental dimensions of antimicrobial resistance, India considers it reasonable to explore issues of antimicrobial resistance through the lens of One Health approach which should be supported by long-term commitments from all stakeholders. Sources of AMR Pharmaceutical industry effluents: In India, effluents generated from pharmaceutical industries are treated as per the pharmaceutical wastewater discharge guidelines prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board. The current standards do not include antibiotic residues, and they are not monitored in the pharmaceutical industry effluents. No consensus guidelines on the antibiotic residue discharge limits in industrial waste globally. The existing framework under the WHO (2016) is restricted to drug safety and does not include environmental safeguards. Discharge of untreated urban waste: The uncontrolled discharge of untreated urban waste is another major source for AMR. Large proportions of the wastewater from hospitals, communities and urban runoff is discharged untreated or partially treated into rivers, lakes and seas. Veterinary source: Antibiotic consumption in animal food. The misuse of antibiotics in poultry, livestock and fish to treat and prevent infections is very common. National Action Plan in India In India, a national action plan, meant to deal with the issue of AMR, focuses on six priority areas — Awareness and understanding through education Communication and training Strengthening knowledge and evidence through surveillance Infection prevention and control Optimised antimicrobial use in health, animals and food AMR-related research and innovation and strengthened leadership and commitment at international, and national It highlights the need for the integrated approach in multiple sectors such as human health, animal husbandry, agriculture and environment to overcome the AMR issues. Global AMR R&D Hub The Global AMR R&D Hub was launched in May 2018 in the margins of the 71st session of the World Health Assembly, following a call from G20 Leaders in 2017.  It supports global priority setting and evidence-based decision-making on the allocation of resources for AMR R&D through the identification of gaps, overlaps and potential for cross-sectoral collaboration and leveraging in AMR R&D.  The operation of the Global AMR R&D Hub is supported through a Secretariat, established in Berlin and currently financed through grants from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG). India joining it expands the global partnership working to address challenges and improve coordination and collaboration in global AMR R&D to 16 countries, the European Commission, two philanthropic foundations and four international organisations (as observers). In a major boost to combat one of the gravest risks to global health a dedicated special vehicle in terms of Global AMR R&D Hub may allow partners to devote expertise in order to accelerate global action against antimicrobial resistance. India & ADB sign $200 million loan to improve rural connectivity in Maharashtra (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) Aim: To upgrade rural roads to all-weather standards in 34 districts of Maharashtra State to improve road safety and better connect rural areas with markets and services. Enhanced road connectivity and better access to markets will help the farmers increase agricultural productivity and incomes Impact of the project: The project will improve the condition of about 2,100 kilometers (km) of rural roads to all-weather standards, with climate resilience and safety features, connecting rural communities with productive agricultural areas and socioeconomic centers Background: Maharashtra has an extensive road network, with rural roads making up two thirds of the network. But more than half of these rural roads are unsealed, making them unsuitable for motorized traffic and impassable during the rainy season. Road safety has been a growing concern with the state accounting for over 8% of all fatal road accidents in India. The Loan: Accompanying the loan is a technical assistance grant of $1 million for institutional strengthening of the MRRDA in areas such as road asset management, road safety, climate-resilient design and construction and web-based real-time project monitoring. Outreach for road users will be carried out in the state to build awareness of road safety, gender issues including human trafficking, and enhancing women’s road construction and maintenance skills. About Asian Development Bank: ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region. In 2018, it made commitments of new loans and grants amounting to $21.6 billion. GS-3 Energy and India (Topic: Infrastructure: Energy) Energy access, higher standard of living and improved prosperity in developing countries will primarily drive the energy demand. It is important for the low income, low per capital energy consuming countries to have access to technology and capital when it comes to energy efficiency and clean tech. That will provide better energy security than short term interventions in fossil fuel supply and price. The Issue: Due to poor and imbalanced energy infrastructure, 400 million people in Asian region have no access to electricity, and rural residents have no access to clean electricity. Therefore, providing safe, stable, affordable and efficient energy has become an important task for governments of all countries. Energy Vision of India  It is based on four pillars i.e.  Energy access Energy efficiency Energy sustainability Energy security What do we need to do? Matching Investment with Consumption: In India, we have to improve availability of energy to over 1.3 billion people, whose per capita energy consumption is lower than the global average. Now, India is the third-largest energy consumer in the world, and its energy demand is growing faster than all major economies of the world. Our share of total global primary energy demand is set to double to 11% by 2040. We are preparing for such a growth path of energy demand in the country. This calls for making matching investments in the energy sector. Energy Justice to be the core objective: As part of our integrated approach towards energy planning, energy justice will be a key objective in itself. In this context, we are working towards the early realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7. A number of transformative policies and initiatives have been taken in India to realize the above objectives.  Significantly expanding the energy infrastructure – be it power generation, more renewables and gas-based infrastructure -pipelines, city gas network, LNG terminals.  Launched a major campaign to improve access to clean cooking fuel under the Ujjwala Yojana scheme three years back, and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi handed over the 80 millionth LPG connection couple of days back.  A ‘Blue Flame Revolution’ is underway. LPG coverage has reached more than ninety percent from fifty-five percent five years ago.  India attained universal electrification all villages. This year, India aims to achieve hundred per cent electrification of households, through SAUBHAGYA.  Clean transportation is another area of high priority in India. We are jumping directly from BS-VI to BS-VI fuel by April 2020.  India is moving towards a gas-based economy by increasing the share of gas from 6% to 15% in the energy mix by 2030.  Constructed over 16,000 km of gas pipeline and an additional 11,000 km is under construction; covered over four hundred districts and 70 percent of our population.  There is already a cardinal shift to renewable energy sources; the target is 175 GW by 2022, with solar target of 100 GW by 2022. Promoting alternative fuels like ethanol and bio-diesel in a big way. A National Bio-Fuel Policy 2018 was unveiled, targeting 20% blending of ethanol in petrol and 5% blending of bio-diesel in diesel by 2030. About BEE The BEE is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.  It assists in developing policies and strategies with the primary objective of reducing the energy intensity of the Indian economy.  BEE coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies, and other organizations to identify and utilize the existing resources and infrastructure, in performing the functions assigned to it under the Energy Conservation Act. 14th Conference of Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (Topic: Environment Conservation, Climate Change) Desertification affects over 23rds of countries of the world. This makes a compelling case for action on land front combine this with the water crisis facing the world. Because when we address degraded lands we also address water scarcity issue. Augmenting water supply enhancing water recharge, slowing down water runoff and retaining moisture in the soil are all parts of a holistic land and water strategy. India and Desertification India had been able to increase its tree cover. Between 2015 to 2017 India’s tree and forest cover had been increased by 0.8 Mn Hectares. In India any diversion of forest land for development purposes has to be compensated by making an equivalent land mass available for afforestation. It is also required that a monetary payment of the value of timber which such forest land would have yielded. Introduced a program to double the income of the farmers by increasing crop yield through various measures. This includes land restoration and micro irrigation.  Working with the motto of per drop more crop.  At the same time the focus is also on zero budget natural farming.  Introduced a scheme to determine the soil quality of each of the farms and are issuing soil health cards to the farmers. This enables them to grow right type of crops, fertilizers, and use the right quantity of water. So far about 217 Million Soil Health Cards have been distributed. The use of bio fertilizers and reducing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers is also being initiated. Water management is another important issue for which Jal Shakti Ministry has been created to address all water related important issues in totality.  Recognizing the value of water in all forms, Zero liquid discharge has been enforced in many industrial processes.  Provides for treatment of waste water to a degree that it can be put back into the river system without harming life in water.  Plastic Waste – A big Menace: Another form of land degradation which if not prevented could be impossible to reverse. This is the menace of plastic waste. Apart from having adverse health implications, this is going to render lands unproductive and unfit for agriculture. India is putting an end to single waste plastic by committing to the development of environment friendly substitutes and also an efficient plastic collection and disposal method. Human empowerment is closely linked to the state of environment be it harnessing water resources or reducing the usage of single use plastic, the way ahead is behavioral change. It is only when all sections of society decide to achieve something we can see the desired results.  India’s Commitment India would raise its ambition of the total area that would be restored from its land degradation status from 21 Million Hectares to 26 Million Hectares between now and 2030. This will support India’s large commitment to achieve an additional Carbon Sink between 2.5 Bn MT to 3 Bn MT through tree cover. India uses remote sensing and space technology for multiple applications including land restoration, and would be happy to help other friendly countries develop land restoration strategies, through cost effective satellite and space technology. In order to further develop a scientific approach and facilitate induction of technology to land degradation issues, a centre for excellence in India is being set up at the Indian Council for Forest Research and Education. This will actively engage, to promote South-South cooperation with those who wish to access knowledge, technology and training of manpower to address land degradation related issues. Drought Toolbox launched: A one-stop shop for all actions on drought; the toolbox is a sort of knowledge bank which contains tools that strengthen the ability of countries to anticipate and prepare for drought effectively and mitigate their impacts as well as tools that enable communities to anticipate and find the land management tools that help them to build resilience to drought. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.  The 17 SDGs are integrated—that is, they recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability.  The SDG-15 refers to: Protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. Delhi Declaration: An ambitious statement of global action by each country on how to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality Biggest Tribal Movement to promote tribal enterprise through Bamboonomics at ‘COP 14 UNCCD - TRIFED-GIZ’: Tribal community has lived in a very eco-friendly manner for generations in and around the forest areas and they have never degraded the forest lands. So, their expertise and experience should be taken into consideration.  A goal of additional 5 mha has been therefore set.  Under the Bonn Challenge, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED would strive to support this national commitment. TRIFED will involve the tribal community of India for rehabilitating the degraded land without compromising the income of the poor in the garb of environmentally friendly development. Bamboonomics has been designed in such a way that while doing the environmental services, the tribals will be earning.   Prelims oriented Notes President of India Unveils Statue of Mahatma Gandhi: Villeneuve, Switzerland Engineers' Day: 15th Sep Indian Aviation Sector India’s Tallest Air Traffic Control Tower: Indira Gandhi International Airport which will ensure up-scaled services and systems for efficient, smooth and uninterrupted air traffic management. DigiSky: An online portal to regulate the entire gamut of activities relating to governance and operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)/Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAVs)/drones has been made operational. While ensuring safety and security in drone operations, it will also help in promotion of drone technologies.  Esahaj: 100% of security clearances pertaining to the Ministry have been made online on Esahaj online portal launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The portal is operational for granting clearances in respect of 24 categories. DigiYatra Trial for rollout of DigiYatra initiative has been started at Bangalore and Hyderabad airports. The initiative envisages seamless and hassle free passenger travel using biometric technologies to improve passenger experience, reduce queue waiting time as passengers can walk through e-gates by using advanced security solutions. It will remove redundancies at check points and enhance resource utilization. DRDO successfully flight-tests indigenously developed low weight, fire & forget Man Portable Antitank Guided Missile:  The missile was launched from a man portable Tripod launcher and the target was mimicking a functional tank. The missile hit the target in top attack mode and destroyed it with precision. All the mission objectives were met. This is the third series of successful testing of MPATGM. The missile is incorporated with state-of-the-art Infrared Imaging Seeker along with advanced avionics.  The test paves the way for the Army to have developed 3rd generation man portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile indigenously. Launch of Maritime Communication Services in India: Maritime Connectivity will enable high-end support to those in sea by providing access to Voice, Data and Video services while traveling on sailing vessels, cruise liners, ships in India, using satellite technology. Nelco, India's leading VSAT solutions provider is the first Indian company that will now provide quality broadband services to the maritime sector. Launch of Curriculum for Life Skills (Jeevan Kaushal) designed by University Grants Commission (UGC) The curriculum is designed to impart and strengthen the knowledge, skills and dispositions believed to be the best requisites of the current Industry and thereby empower the talent inherent in each learner. Life Skills like communication skill, interpersonal skill, time management, problem solving ability, decision making capacity, leadership ability and integrity play a crucial role in boosting the employability of the students. Life skills (JeevanKaushal) curriculum cover the set of human talents acquired by an individual via classroom learning or life experience that can help them to deal with problems encountered in day to day life. This includes the core skills each individual must possess internally as well as externally for the betterment of self and the society as a whole. Adoption of life skills is the key to success and quality in life. Launch of Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2019: A massive countrywide awareness and mobilization campaign on Swachhata SHS 2019, with special focus on ‘plastic waste awareness and management’ is being organized from 11th September to October 2nd 2019, as the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is poised to dedicate an ODF India to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. Indo-Thailand Joint Military Exercise – Maitree: Notably, in the series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries, Exercise MAITREE with Thailand is a significant in terms of the security challenges faced by both the nations in the backdrop of changing facets of global terrorism.  The scope of this exercise covers company level joint training on counter terrorism operations in jungle and urban scenario. Launch of National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self Employed Persons: A pension scheme for the Vyaparis (shopkeepers/retail traders and self-employed persons) with annual turnover not exceeding Rs 1.5 crore. It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for entry age of 18 to 40 years with a provision for minimum assured pension of Rs 3,000/- monthly on attaining the age of 60 years. National Animal Disease Control Programme: For eradicating the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis in the livestock With 100 Percent funding from the Central Government, of Rs 12,652 Crores for a period of five years till 2024, the programme aims at vaccinating over 500 Million Livestock including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and pigs against the FMD. The programme also aims at vaccinating 36 Million Female Bovine Calves annually in its fight against the Brucellosis disease. The Programme has two components – to control the diseases by 2025 and eradication by 2030. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shall also be launching the National Artificial Insemination Programme on that day. Also expected is the simultaneous launch of the nationwide workshops in KrishiVigyanKendras in all the 687 Districts of the country on the topic of vaccination, disease management, artificial insemination and productivity. Kisan Man Dhan Yojana:  The Scheme shall secure the lives of 5 Crore Small and Marginal Farmers by providing a minimum pension of Rs 3000 per month, to those who attain 60 years of age. All the small and marginal farmers who are currently between the ages of 18 to 40 years can apply for the scheme. Farmer’s monthly contribution can be made from the instalments of PM-KISAN or through CSCs. India Post Payments Bank Announces Rollout of Aadhaar Enabled Payment Services at the First Anniversary of its Business Operations: Rollout of Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) Services by India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), giving a strong boost to its efforts in expanding access to financial services for millions of unbanked and underbanked customers. With the launch of AEPS services, IPPB has now become the single largest platform in the country for providing interoperable banking services to the customers of ANY BANK by leveraging the last mile unprecedented reach of the Postal network. IPPB’s unparalleled network complimented with robust interoperable technology platform set up by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is poised to take banking to each & every household across the remotest parts of the country.  With AePS services any common person with a bank account linked to Aadhaar can perform basic banking services such as cash withdrawals and balance enquiry irrespective of the bank they hold their account with.  To avail these services, a customer with an Aadhaar linked account can simply authenticate his/her identity with fingerprint scan & Aadhaar authentication to complete a transaction.  AePS services are bank-agnostic and are driven by an inexpensive infrastructure enabling low cost delivery of doorstep banking services to every section of the society without discrimination, thus bringing forth the dawn of a ‘Truly Inclusive Financial System’. About India Post Payments Bank India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has been established under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication with 100% equity owned by Government of India.  IPPB has been set up with the vision to build the most accessible, affordable and trusted bank for the common man in India. The fundamental mandate of India Post Payments Bank is to remove barriers for the unbanked & underbanked and reach the last mile leveraging the Postal network comprising 155,000 Post Offices (135,000 in rural areas) and 300,000 Postal employees. IPPB’s reach and its operating model is built on the key pillars of India Stack - enabling Paperless, Cashless and Presence-less banking in a simple and secure manner at the customers' doorstep, through a CBS-integrated smartphone and biometric device. Leveraging frugal innovation and with a high focus on ease of banking for the masses, IPPB delivers simple and affordable banking solutions through intuitive interfaces available in 13 languages. IPPB is committed to provide a fillip to a less cash economy and contribute to the vision of Digital India. India will prosper when every citizen will have equal opportunity to become financially secure and empowered. Our motto stands true - Every customer is important, every transaction is significant and every deposit is valuable.   Personality in News Sir M. Visvesvaraya Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, a scholar, statesman, educationist and the most celebrated engineer in India, was born 158 years ago today in the village of Muddenahalli in the Kingdom of Mysore (now in Karnataka). This day, every year since 1968, is celebrated as the Engineers Day in India, to recognise the contribution of engineers' in the development of the nation. Visvesvaraya was responsible for the construction of Krishna Raja Sagara Dam in Mysore. He was the chief engineer in the project. He was also the chief designer of the flood protection system of Hyderabad. He also designed and patented the automatic weir floodgates, which were first installed at the Khadakwasla reservoir in Pune in 1903. He is believed to have transformed Mysore into the 'model state' of the India.

Sep 18, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 73

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 73 Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Rustom-2’ It is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation. It is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance unmanned air vehicle (UAV). Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect ‘Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)’ It is an intergovernmental counter-terrorist alliance of countries in the Muslim world, united around military intervention against ISIL and other counter-terrorist activities. Most of its participants are members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. 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 ‘Sa-Dhan’ It is an association of microfinance institutions (MFIs). Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had accorded it the status of a self-regulatory organization (SRO). Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) ‘Nameri National Park’ is located in Assam Manipur Uttarakhand Madhya Pradesh Q.5) Which of the following statements are correct about Pyrolysis? It is process of combustion in the presence of Oxygen.  The gases produced as a result can be used as a fuel.  Select the code from below: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Sep 17, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 17th September 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 17th September 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Mega shopping festivals Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Economy In News Finance Minister announced an annual “mega shopping festival” in four cities by March 2020 as a measure to reverse a deepening economic downturn. The festival is expected to follow the model of Dubai’s annual shopping festival, which is famous for the heavy discounts offered by retailers in the city on popular brands across sectors. India’s own mega shopping festival will have different themes in each of the four cities (to be decided) and is expected to focus on sectors like gems and jewellery, yoga, tourism and textiles and leather. The government plans to give a booster shot to exports of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through this festival, While enterprises are optimistic about such festival, India will have to ensure it is able to compete with the likes of Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong if it plans to become the preferred shopping destination of tourists This can be done if the festival offers a mix of global and indigenous products, instead of sticking solely to products made in India, National anti-microbial resistance hub Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II – Health In News The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) inaugurated India’s first National Anti-microbial Resistance Hub in Kolkata The Hub has been developed by the ICMR in association with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It will aim to identify antibiotics that work best for diseases and frame a policy for antibiotic use that will prevent resistance. It will carry out basic research and have a repository of viral strains that are being collected from all over the country. The Kolkata centre would be the hub for research on antibiotic resistance not only for the country but for the entire South Asia. Degradation of plastics Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III – Environmental Conservation In News The team at IIT Madras have demonstrated an environment-friendly strategy to degrade the chemically inert and physically stable plastic fluoropolymer — polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) of which Teflon is made. All that is required to degrade the fluoropolymer into molecules is continuous stirring of it in water containing 1,000 ppm glucose and metal ions for about 15 days at 70 degree C. PTFE polymer was breaking down into smaller molecules through triboelectric degradation. Triboelectricity refers to the electrification of dissimilar objects or materials occurred due to the collision. The process of rubbing materials against each other increase the surface contact producing an electric charge which is termed as triboelectric effect. The team has tested polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using same methodology and got similar results. Scientists predict that similar chemistry can possibly lead to micro and nanoplastics in food during cooking as many modern cookware are coated with Teflon. Triboelectric degradation of plastic might be occurring in nature in large water bodies such as oceans where metal ions are found in abundance and waves provide constant agitation – may be one of the ways by which microplastics get generated (MAINS FOCUS) POLITY TOPIC: General Studies 2: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries Reasonable restriction on Freedom of speech Context: The Bombay High Court rejected the plea of Gautam Navlakha, an accused in the Bhima Koregaon case, for quashing the criminal proceedings against him, observing that there was some material to indicate that the accused was in contact with Naxalites. But being in contact with a militant organisation cannot by itself be a crime, as it does not result in any imminent lawless act. Freedom of speech : Freedom of speech and individual liberty are enshrined in Articles 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution. However, these rights are not absolute but subject to reasonable restrictions. What would be a reasonable restriction? The U.S. Supreme Court tests to determine whether the restriction is reasonable or not ‘bad tendency’ test : free speech or acts could be prohibited if they were likely to adversely affect the welfare of the public ‘clear and present danger’ test : restriction would be reasonable only if the speech or action constitutes a clear and present (and not remote) danger to state security or public order. ‘imminent lawless action’ test : The constitutional guarantees of free speech and free press do not permit the state to forbid or proscribe advocacy of the use of force or of law violation, except where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action The word ‘imminent’ means ‘likely to happen very soon,’ ‘at hand,’ or ‘fast approaching.’ In India: The ‘clear and present danger’ test is followed (Indra Das v. State of Assam (2011) and Arup Bhuyan v. State of Assam (2011)) Being in contact with a militant organisation cannot by itself be a crime, as it does not result in any imminent lawless act. One could be a writer who contacts Naxalites for doing research about them, or a social activist, or even a sympathiser. That would be legal, being within the ambit of the ‘clear and present danger’ test. Conclusion : it is the higher judiciary which must do its duty as guardians of the citizens’ constitutional rights. The court must not succumb as it did during the Emergency. SECURITY/ROLE OF MEDIA TOPIC: General Studies 3: Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges, Basics of Cyber Security; Money-Laundering and its prevention. Role of Media & Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges Challenges in Managing Social Media  Role of media in fake news dispersal Context: Controlling fake news is a preoccupation of the technology platforms, the political class, the news media, and an increasing tribe of citizens concerned about democracy being hijacked. The reason for the fake news dispersal: The institutional news media have lost their credibility due to complicit The rise of social media has led to the ubiquity and difficulty in controlling/eliminating fake news. Governments and political actors (anyone in the business of mobilizing public opinion) have always invested in fake news campaigns to build news of their choice. Measures to combat fake news: Rebuttal (Controversy) Removal of the fake news item Educating the public Controlling the longer political problem. Do you know? Rebuttal is a type of fact checking wherein the fake news is removed by pointing out errors like mismatch, malicious editing and misattribution. Measures outlined for combating fake news discourse: Companies like Facebook and YouTube are pressurized to proactively remove fake news from their platforms and rework their algorithms to ensure that such content does not gain prominence. The newly introduced limit on forwarding message on WhatsApp is one more example of this discourse, where accountability to address fake news is dumped on to the technology platforms. Educating the end users to be more precise about the news by informing them of verification tools so that they can verify the accuracy of a news item before sharing it. Another proposal by the government, concerns tracking the ‘source’ of fake news, primarily to address the issue at its root. But this may cause serious issues concerning invasion of privacy and free speech. Shortcomings of these approaches: It is possible to rebut news on one fake instance (example of children getting abducted) but the ‘fake news factory’ will keep leaking out similar stories to advance its chosen narrative.So, it is impossible to completely ‘remove’ fake news even after rebuttal, given the decentralised nature of dissemination. The increasing complexity of issues, in combination with the deluge of information has made it impossible for any individual to develop a well-researched stand on all the topics. When the piece of information (fake news or otherwise) stands for someone’s held beliefs, it is readily accepted and shared. People don’t care about finding the ‘truth’ behind news item and instead look for evidence to support their preferred narrative (confirmation bias).  Steps to address the debunking of fake news: Addressing the weaknesses that allow the fake news narrative to take root. While pushing the fake news, they have to witness the loss of credibility which is perceived as elitist and corrupt. We must mobilise public opinion around an alternate narrative that makes the fake news item irrelevant. Instead of poking holes in an opponent’s story, it may be more effective to replace it with a different narrative built on facts, as most of the people cannot hold multiple stories in their head. Conclusion: Even if the fake news is not an electoral agenda, it is in the service of the political. So, we should not lose sight by focusing disproportionately on individual fake news items instead of the larger narrative. Connecting the dots: Will de-anonymising all social media accounts by the government will ensure dispersal of fake news? Discuss why the government and the political actors have invested in disinformation campaigns? (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 India’s first National Anti-microbial Resistance Hub is establised in Kolkata by the ICMR in association with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The centre would be hub for research on antibiotic resistance not only for the country but for the entire South Asia. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements Mega Shopping festivals in India on the lines of Dubai shopping festival can be used as a measure to reverse a deepening economic downturn. However, to withstand the competition from existing such events, the festival must offer a mix of global and indigenous products, instead of sticking solely to products made in India. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ The slow climb to the trillion economy peak The Hindu  Israel, Pakistan ties a bridge too far?  The Hindu The debut of ‘Periyar’, through a story The Hindu  ‘Spend to grow’ Indian Express  Raja Mandala: Myth of religious solidarity Indian Express  Vaping is bad but bidis and gutka are worse Financial Express  India needs triple helix model of innovation in universities Financial Express GST rate cut for economic growth is a myth Financial Express

Sep 17, 2019 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC - Significance of G-7 Summit in Current Global Scenario

Significance of G-7 Summit in Current Global Scenario ARCHIVES Search 26th August, 2019 Spotlight News Analysis here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood relations, International relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. The G7 or 'Group of Seven' are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.  It is an intergovernmental organisation that was formed in 1975 by the top economies of the time as an informal forum to discuss pressing world issues. Canada joined the group in 1976, and the European Union began attending since 1977. The G7 was known as the ‘G8’ for several years after the original seven were joined by Russia in 1997. The Group returned to being called G7 after Russia was expelled as a member in 2014 following the latter’s annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine. The current G7 Summit being held in France is the 45th, and the next one will be held in the United States in 2020.  History The G7 was formed initially to discuss economic and political concerns prompted by the 1973 oil crisis - when members of OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Export Countries, increased the price of oil and cut global supplies to countries seen as having backed Israel in the Yom Kippur War. Since then, the group has expanded its brief to cover a large number of international issues, including energy security, trade, climate change, global health issues, gender equality, poverty - and any other topic the country holding the G7 presidency chooses to put on the agenda. Today, the G7 are reckoned as the seven wealthiest and most advanced nations in the world because China, which holds the second largest net worth in the world, nonetheless has a low net worth per individual and an economy that has not yet fully modernized. In the meeting The G7 Summit is an informal gathering that lasts two days, in which leaders of member countries discuss a wide range of global issues. The groundwork for the Summit, including matters to be discussed and follow-up meetings, is done by the “sherpas”, who are generally personal representatives or members of diplomatic staff such as ambassadors. The G7 does not have a formal constitution or a fixed headquarters. The decisions taken by leaders during annual Summits are non-binding. The presidency, which rotates annually among member states, is responsible for setting the agenda of each year’s summit and arranging logistics for it. France identified the following five objectives for the Summit: Fighting inequality of opportunity, promoting in particular gender equality, access to education and high quality health services; Reducing environmental inequality by protecting our planet through climate finance and a fair ecological transition, preserving biodiversity and the oceans; Strengthening the social dimension of globalization through more fair and equitable trade, tax and development policies; Taking action for peace against security threats and terrorism which weaken the foundations of our societies; and Tapping into the opportunities created by digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) Besides Iran, G-7 is worrying about a lot of other issues — from the Amazon forest fires to Brexit and the escalating tariff war between the US and China, to the French threat to impose new taxes on American technology companies. India at the G7 Summit The invite to India to be a Biarritz Partner and to Prime Minister Modi to be a special guest at the Summit was extended by President Macron keeping in mind the common interests of India and France, such as tackling climate change and the development of renewable energy. Prime Minister Modi collaborated closely with President Macron’s predecessor, President François Hollande, in the creation of the International Solar Alliance in 2015. Modi addressed sessions on digital transformation and climate change at the Biarritz Summit. Conclusion  Many analysts also believe the power and prestige of the G20, a forum for finance ministers and central bank governors from nineteen of the world’s largest countries as well as the EU, has surpassed that of the G7. Emerging powers including Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and South Africa, whose absence from the G7 was often noted, all belong to the G20. However, in the current scenario, one must note that it would pay well if India uses this opportunity to deepen its ties with both France and USA.  Connecting the Dots: Discuss the significance of G-7 Summit in current global scenario.

Sep 17, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 72

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 72 Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements regarding India’s Cooling Action Plan (ICAP): ICAP has been released by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The plan will help in reducing both direct and indirect emissions.    Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) With reference to the parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary committees scrutinizes the assurances, promises, undertakings etc. given by ministers from time to time and report to the respective house and see whether such implementation has taken place within the minimum time necessary for the purpose? Committee on Subordinate Legislation Business Advisory Committee Committee on Public Accounts Committee on Government Assurances Q.3) ‘Exercise Samudra Laksamana’ is naval bilateral exercise between India and  Singapore Thailand Malaysia Sri Lanka  Q.4) ‘Valley of Flowers National Park’ is located in Uttarakhand Arunachal Pradesh Sikkim Goa Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Bharal’ It is found in Indian Himalayas only. It is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba