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Mar 1, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th February 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th February 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) IAF’s Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman held captive by Pak Army Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II - International relations; India and its neighbour relations In news: IAF plane was shot down and pilot has been held captive by Pakistan Army. India has demanded that the pilot be treated in accordance to Geneva Convention of 1929. Do you know? The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols sets out how soldiers and civilians should be treated during armed conflict. The Geneva Conventions is a body of Public International Law, also known as the Humanitarian Law of Armed Conflicts, whose purpose is to provide minimum protections, standards of humane treatment, and fundamental guarantees of respect to individuals who become victims of armed conflicts. Important Value Additions: About the Geneva Conventions Adopted first in 1864 for the "Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field," the Geneva Conventions, understood in the present form, evolved through centuries as an agreement that extensively defines the basic rights of the civilian and military personnel imprisoned during the time of a war. The first Geneva Convention came about due to the efforts of Swiss businessman and founder of the Red Cross society Henry Dunant after he published a book proposing the establishment of an organisation for relief work and humanitarian aid in wartime. Thereafter, up to 1949, the conventions were updated several times. At present, the conventions comprise four treaties that mark out the benchmark of international law for humanitarian treatment in the event of a war and a total of 196 countries have ratified it. Prisoners of War (POWs) The rules protecting prisoners of war (POWs) are specific. They were first detailed in the 1929 Geneva Convention and later amended in the third 1949 Geneva Convention following the lessons of World War II. Note: But since India and Pakistan have not declared a state of war against each other, pilot Abhinandan cannot be considered a POW. Geneva protocols Protocol 1 expands protection for the civilian population as well as military and civilian medical workers in international armed conflicts. Protocol 2 elaborates on protections for victims caught up in high-intensity internal conflicts such as civil wars. It does not apply to internal disturbances such as riots, demonstrations and isolated acts of violence. Protocol 3 provides for another distinctive emblem: the red crystal. The red crystal is an optional emblem, equal in status to the red cross and red crescent. The four Geneva Conventions Convention 1: This convention protects wounded and infirm soldiers and ensures humane treatment without discrimination founded on race, color, sex, religion or faith, birth or wealth, etc. The convention prohibits torture, assaults upon personal dignity, and execution without judgment. It also grants the right to proper medical treatment and care. Convention 2: This agreement extended the protections described in the first convention to shipwrecked soldiers and other naval forces, including special protections afforded to hospital ships. Convention 3: this defined ‘Prisoner of War,’ and accorded such prisoners proper and humane treatment as specified by the first convention. Specifically, it required POWs to give only their names, ranks, and serial numbers to their captors. Nations party to the convention may not use torture to extract information from POWs. Convention 4: Under this convention, civilians are afforded the same protections from inhumane treatment and attack afforded to sick and wounded soldiers in the first convention. Applicability of the Geneva Conventions The conventions apply to all cases of declared war between signatory nations. The conventions apply to all cases of armed conflict between two or more signatory nations, even in the absence of a declaration of war. The conventions apply to a signatory nation even if the opposing nation is not a signatory, but only if the opposing nation ‘accepts and applies the provisions’ of the conventions. Andhra Pradesh gets new South Coast Railway zone Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Infrastructure; Railways In news: The Centre announced the creation of a separate railway zone in Andhra Pradesh The new zone, South Coast Railway (SCoR), would comprise the existing Guntakal, Guntur and Vijayawada divisions. Additionally, the Waltair division would be bifurcated. Pic: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article22724846.ece/ALTERNATES/FREE_960/12hy%20railway%20zonecol Do you know? A separate railway zone was one of the key promises made to Andhra Pradesh in the bifurcation act. As per item 8 of Schedule 13 (Infrastructure) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, Indian Railways was required to examine establishing a new railway zone in the successor State of Andhra Pradesh. The matter has been examined in detail in consultation with stakeholders and it has been decided to go ahead with creation of a new zone with headquarters at Visakhapatnam. At present, South Central Railway has six divisions — Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntakal, Guntur and Nanded. With the formation of a new zone, the SCR would comprise Hyderabad, Secunderabad and Nanded divisions. 42 cancer drugs brought under price control Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II - Health issue; Government polciies and schemes In news: The government has brought 42 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs under price control, capping trade margin at 30%, which would reduce their retail prices by up to 85%. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has invoked extraordinary powers in public interest, under Para 19 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 to bring 42 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs under price control. As per data available with NPPA, the MRP for 105 brands will be reduced up to 85%, entailing minimum savings of ₹105 crore to consumers. Currently, 57 anti-cancer drugs are under price control as scheduled formulations. Now, 42 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines have been selected for price regulation by restricting trade margin on the selling price (MRP) up to 30%, the notification said. Govt. detects ₹20,000 cr. GST evasion, ₹10,000 cr. Recovered Part of: GS Paper II - Economic Development In news: The government has detected ₹20,000 crore worth GST evasion so far this fiscal and will take more steps to check frauds and increase compliance. GST evasion worth ₹20,000 crore had been detected, of which ₹10,000 crore was recovered. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL/SECURITY ISSUE TOPIC:General studies 2 and 3 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests ; India and the World ; India and its neighbourhood- relations. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Role of external state and nonstate actors in creating challenges to internal security Security challenges and their management India-Pakistan: Time to reset our relations Introduction: India made its point loud and clear, locally and globally, by striking against terror and then rebuffing an adventurous attack. After the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) precision strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp at Balakot, an impetuous Pakistan retaliated the following day, but was quickly prevented or thwarted. Pakistan claimed an Indian MiG fighter was shot down and its pilot captured; India said a Pakistani F-16 aircraft was destroyed. Undoubtedly, it’s a war-type situation, with nobody likely to understand after much thought what’s next. Why both the countries should avoid such war-type situation? As Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu said: Battles are won before they are fought. For, they are fought in the meadows of the mind or at the desks of diplomacy. And talking wins the day. Reaction from most countries has centred around the customary call to the parties concerned to engage in talks and sort out matters peacefully. China too has called for restraint. So have been the Saudis. Pakistan’s economy in distress – According to a UN report, Pakistan’s economy is projected to slow down markedly in 2019 and 2020 to below 4%, after an estimated expansion of 5.4% in 2018. With its economy in distress, Pakistan should realize its days of conducting low-intensity terror campaigns are over. They can’t afford the costs for running such proxy wars, when Pakistan is currently seeking a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). De-escalation is the solution A quick release of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman captured by Pakistan and handing over Masood Azhar may just be the perfect way for Pakistan to de-escalate matters. Clearly, the battle needs to shift to the theatre of negotiation. India should set the agenda by fetching Pakistan to the table, influencing Pakistan’s allies, and playing the role of a regional power that seeks mutually beneficial solutions. Conclusion: Terrorism is not a problem that can be solved by eliminating a few individuals in terrorist camps. Terrorism is a complex social behavioural problem. The decision of becoming a terrorist results from the interplay of contexts and influences of narratives sold to these sensitive social groups at the bottom of the pyramid, which gradually converts an otherwise normal person into a destructive one. Terrorism has different stages, much like a building having various floors. The largest number of people are on the ground floor. India should focus on a different type of a surgical strike; it’s a strike that could push Pakistan out of its terror past and military dependency. It won’t come soon, but it’s worth a start. Connecting the dots: Terrorism cannot be stopped by attacking terror camps; it requires a deeper understanding of vulnerable social groups. Substantiate. Essay: “Every battle is won before it's ever fought.” WELFARE/SOCIAL ISSUE TOPIC:General studies 2 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes Rights and Welfare of STs, SCs, and OBCs - Schemes & their Performance, Mechanisms, Laws Institutions and Bodies Supreme Court suspends order evicting forest dwellers Context: The recent Supreme Court judgment on the eviction of forest dwellers (especially STs and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers) had evoked much ire and anxiety. The apex court’s order would displace more than a million people from their homes in the forests. Many had raised the questions on the responsibility of the apex court in upholding constitutional claims and equal citizenship as this order negates the claims of citizen under special protection of the Constitution. The Centre and the Gujarat government had moved petitions in the Supreme Court seeking a stay on its order. Do you know? The Parliament had passed the Forest Rights Act in 2006. This law gave back to traditional forest dwellers their rights to access, manage and govern forest lands and resources within village boundaries, which had been controlled by the forest department since colonial times. The law made the gram sabha the statutory body for managing forestlands, and protecting them. It provides that no activity should be carried out in these forests until individual and community claims over them have been settled. A 2014 report of a high-level committee on socio-economic, health and educational status of tribal communities in India (Virginius Xaxa Committee) noted that – “Gram sabhas were rejecting claims of forest-dwellers without assigning reasons”. The report had pointed out that the rejections are not being communicated to the claimants, and their right to appeal is not being explained to them nor its exercise facilitated. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/02/28/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_07/eb26a389_2764279_101_mr.jpg Now in news: Supreme Court put on hold its recent order asking states to evict forest-dwellers whose claims on land had been rejected under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. The court’s decision to review its earlier verdict is welcome. The apex court acknowledged the need to ask whether due processes were followed by gram sabhas and state authorities before the claims for forest rights were rejected. State governments must now take the cue and ensure that due processes are followed in deciding — or rejecting — FRA claims. The forest land claims of these tribes and forest dwellers, who live off the forest, are mostly rejected by the States. Being poor and illiterate people who live in remote areas, they do not know the appropriate procedure for filing claims, the government submitted. The gram sabhas, which initiate the verification of their claims, are low on awareness about how to deal with these claims and rejection orders are not even communicated to the forest-dwelling STs and communities. There is a need for awareness and sensitisation of field staff about the symbiotic relationship of forest dwelling scheduled tribes and other traditional forest dwellers with forests and forest ecosystems. Connecting the dots: Critically analyze the recent Supreme Court order directed various state governments to initiate the process of eviction of Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) from forestland. Essay: The strength of India’s democracy is that it recognises the pluralism of Indian society. MUST READ Tailing a virus The Hindu The vexatious question of Masood Azhar The Hindu A patchwork approach to GST problems The Hindu Manufacturing unanimity The Hindu With pre-emptive strike, IAF demonstrated ability to perform complex missions Indian Express Rules for the machine Indian Express

Mar 1, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th February 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th February 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) India bombs Jaish camp in Pakistan’s Balakot Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – India and its neighbour relations; Defence/Security issue In news: Twelve days after the Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammad’s “biggest” terror training camp in Pakistan’s Balakot. The operation was carried out by 12 Mirage-2000 fighter jets, which unleashed five one-tonne bombs on the camp, based 70 km inside the Line of Control (LoC), in the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakthunkhwa. The aerial attack on a target inside Pakistani territory marks a major shift in India’s counter-terror responses, which have thus far been restricted to ground operations across the LoC in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/02/27/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_01/c8450ebe_2763205_101_mr.jpg India gets support from Australia, France India received support for its air strikes from several countries, including Australia and France. France recognised India’s legitimacy to ensure its security against cross-border terrorism and asked Pakistan to put an end to operations of terrorist groups established on its territory. The British government called on India and Pakistan to pursue diplomatic solutions. Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned “the Indian incursion and aerial violation.” China’s response – Delhi should have tapped international cooperation avoided unilateral action. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/02/27/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_15/7a0066f5_2762202_101_mr.jpg Quick Reach Surface-to-Air missiles (QRSAM) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Defence/Security; Missiles; Achievements of DRDO In news: Quick Reach Surface-to-Air missiles (QRSAM) - Indigenous missile developed by the DRDO was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range Chandipur, off the Odisha coast It has a strike range of about 30 km, is capable of killing aerial targets, tanks and bunkers. The indigenously developed state-of-the-art QRSAM will significantly boost the defence capabilities of our armed forces. RBI takes 3 banks off prompt corrective action framework Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and issues related to it; Economic Development Context: We recently read about Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework RBI introduces Prompt Corrective Action when the Bank’s financial conditions worsen below certain limits. The limits are based on three conventional financial indicators – CRAR (capital to risk weighted assets ratio), Net NPA and Return on Assets. Whenever the Bank is in the PCA category, the RBI will intervene with corrective action. In news: Three banks – Allahabad Bank and Corporation Bank, from the public sector, and Dhanlaxmi Bank from the private sector – are now out of the RBI’s PCA framework. Earlier, Bank of India, Oriental Bank of Commerce and Bank of Maharashtra were taken off from PCA framework. Do you know? There are another six banks that are still under PCA framework. Miscellaneous Award in news: Seoul Peace Prize Why in news? On February 22, 2019 Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Seoul Peace Prize in the South Korean capital. Award in news: Oscar Why in news? End of Sentence. – Short film that profiled women in an Indian village who band together to manufacture affordable menstrual pad won Oscar award. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests ; India and the World Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests India and EU Relations: Time to seize the opportunities Background: India-EU relations date to the early 1960s, with India being amongst the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the European Economic Community. A cooperation agreement signed in 1994 took the bilateral relationship beyond trade and economic cooperation. The first India-EU Summit took place in Lisbon on 28 June 2000 and marked a watershed in the evolution of the relationship. Since then, 14 annual Summits have been held. At the 5th India-EU Summit held at The Hague in 2004, the relationship was upgraded to a ‘Strategic Partnership’. The two sides adopted a Joint Action Plan in 2005 and which was reviewed in 2008. Joint Action Plan provided for strengthening dialogue and consultation mechanisms in the political and economic spheres, enhancing trade and investment, and bringing peoples and cultures together. India- EU relationship Jointly, the EU and India represent close to 2 billion people, who can positively influence not only the economic discourse but also the course of human development. The EU and India have a strong and long-standing economic relationship and also strategic partnership. EU is India’s largest trading partner, while India is the EU’s ninth largest partner. Bilateral trade in goods and services amounted to over €100 billion in 2017. India is among very few nations in the world that run a surplus in services trade with the EU. In November last year, the European Union (EU) adopted a communication that set out the EU’s vision for a strategy to strengthen its cooperation and partnership with India. This new strategy, developed in broad consultation with European and Indian stakeholders, shows how significant the EU considers India’s role in international and regional matters and how determined the EU is to further develop and realise the full potential of this partnership. There is growing convergence between the EU and India on global and regional issues. Both stand to benefit equally from a stronger partnership by addressing together global challenges, promoting economic growth and expanding business opportunities. However, there is so much more that India and EU can achieve together. Untapped areas: 1. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) There is a need for EU to further strengthen policy dialogues and cooperation with India, particularly with regard to small and medium-sized enterprises. Indeed, SMEs form the backbone for both our economies; both regions have bright and dynamic entrepreneurs, willing to take risks and to launch new initiatives, eager to discover new opportunities and realise their dreams for a better future. European companies (start-ups and SMEs) are strong in areas such as technology, environment, communications, energy and infrastructure. This wealth of experience and knowledge means the EU has much to offer to India in its quest to grow and modernise, from technology to know-how sharing. 2. EU’s Business Support programme EU’s Business Support programme aims precisely at tapping existing business opportunities and focussing in particular areas such as environment, energy, climate, mobility, urbanisation and ICT, where it already has an advanced cooperation with India. Business Support initiative can help to bring together European and Indian SMEs through joint action, business to business match-making and exchanges on best practices. It will also support the transfer of advanced EU technologies and innovative practices, which can be adapted for the Indian market. 3. Co-operation in Space Space is another key area where both have much to contribute to each other. Both the countries are keenly working towards establishing themselves as leading space powers. Copernicus, the EU’s observation programme, that is now the best system of that kind in the world, can provide support to India in tackling many common challenges, from environmental protection, agriculture and climate change monitoring to disaster support and urban development. India and Europe can do much more to develop space activities, for instance on satellite navigation and space research. Connecting the dots: What significance does European Union (EU) hold for India? Discuss. Why is India-EU trade well below its potential? Examine the factors. India and EU are “natural partners”. Discuss India-EU relationship in various spheres. ENVIRONMENT/ECONOMY TOPIC: General studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes. General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Investment and Infrastructure Agrarian/Rural distress and Rural Development Impact of Climate Change over Agriculture Sector Need for Smart farming to tackle Climate Change Introduction: Agriculture sector (and especially Farmers) has been adversely impacted by climate change. The Nation has already witnessed less than normal rainfall during the last four years, with 2014 and 2015 declared as drought years. Even the recent monsoon season ended with a rainfall deficit of 9%, which was just short of drought conditions. Indigenous populations and local communities dependent on agricultural or coastal livelihoods are very vulnerable to the climate impacts. Do you know? Impact of climate change is more adverse in unirrigated lands compared with irrigated areas. Around 52% (73.2 million hectares area of a total 141.4 million hectares net sown area) of India’s total land under agriculture is still unirrigated and rain-fed. Case study: Bundelkhand Over the last decade, many of Bundelkhand’s villages have faced significant depopulation. It was once blessed with over 800-900 mm rainfall annually, but over the last seven years, there has been adverse impact of climate change – deficient rainfall, poor monsoon and crop failures – have become common. There is hardly any greenery in many villages, making it difficult for farmers to even maintain cattle. Adaptation is hard, with farmers varying and mixing crops across seasons, along with heavy investments in borewells, tractors and threshers. Farmers are increasingly abandoning their lands and heading to nearby towns to find work as labourers. Climate Risk India is fortunate to have the monsoon, but it is also uniquely vulnerable to rising temperatures. India is ranked 14th on the Global Climate Risk Index 2019. The country has over 120 million hectares suffering from some form of degradation. This has consequences, especially for marginal farmers. Marginal farmers’ may face a 24-58% decline in household income and 12-33% rise in household poverty through exacerbated droughts. With rain-fed agriculture practised in over 67% of our total crop area, weather variability can lead to heavy costs, especially for coarse grains (which are mostly grown in rain-fed areas). A predicted 70% decline in summer rains by 2050 would devastate Indian agriculture. Within 80 years, our kharif season could face a significant rise in average temperatures and potentially lead to a 22% decline in wheat yield in the rabi season, while rice yield could decline by 15%. Solutions: Promotion of conservation farming and dryland agriculture, with each village provided with timely rainfall forecasts, along with weather-based forewarnings regarding crop pests and epidemics in various seasons, is necessary. Agricultural research programmes need to refocus on dryland research. Adoption of drought-tolerant breeds. Change planting dates, particularly for wheat, which could reduce climate change induced damage. There needs to be an increase in insurance coverage and supply of credit. Government support - subsidized interest rates; expanded Rural Insurance Development Fund, basic income policy etc. A push for actual on-ground implementation of compensatory afforestation is required. Effective coordination between the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). Restructuring Indian Forest Service by making it equivalent to the police and the army, albeit in the environmental domain. State-of-the-art training to its personnel must be provided, and specialisation should be encouraged in wildlife, tourism and protection for new recruits. Wildlife heritage towns should be given more attention. Cities which are adjacent to national parks and sanctuaries, need to be converted into green smart cities with upgraded waste recycling processes. Expansion of joint research and development partnerships (like the U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center), pairing India’s emerging smart cities with green cities in the West. Conclusion: The impact of climate change will surely affect India’s food security and also reduce fodder supplies for our livestock. Prudent investments and policy reform can help make India resilient to climate change. Connecting the dots: Climate change is already having profound impact on the lives of rural poor in India. Unless a mitigation strategy is inbuilt in the farming and related activities, food and livelihood security of the rural poor can’t be ensured. Analyse. How does climate change and global warming affect the agricultural sector in India? Also suggest some key interventions and steps to be taken in this regard. (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 ‘Global Climate Risk Index’ It is published annually by UNEP It is based on an analysis of the number of deaths (due to climatic conditions) per 100,000 inhabitants, extent of financial losses and loss per unit of GDP of countries Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) ‘Agenda for Action 2020’ is concerned with India and African Union BIMSTEC G-20 European Union Q.3) Consider the following statements: Copernicus is the world's largest single earth observation programme by NASA. India has joined Europe’s Copernicus, a mega global arrangement of sharing data from earth observation satellites Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 None MUST READ The new order in West Asia The Hindu Decolonising Chagos The Hindu Illuminating Asia’s future The Hindu Rethinking corporate monopoly in the digital age Livemint India's resolute reply to terror—Surgical Strike 2 Livemint Good jobs, not Universal Basic Income, are needed for a good society Livemint Decisive and restrained Indian Express Small town, cleaner future Indian Express

Feb 28, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 26th February 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 26th February 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Drought less probable this year Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I – Geography In news: According to Skymet (private weather forecaster) - There’s unlikely to be a drought in 2019 as the El Nino — a climate phenomenon linked to poor monsoon in India — is likely to peter out by the beginning of the season. Do you know? Indian climatic conditions are shaped by many factors; one of them is El-Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a recurring climate pattern involving changes in the temperature of waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. El Nino and La Nina are the extreme phases of the ENSO cycle. Pic: https://scijinks.gov/la-nina/Normal_rev1_500.jpg Pic: https://www.concernusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/what-is-el-nino-noaa.jpg https://scijinks.gov/la-nina/LaNina_rev1_500.jpg El Nino Phenomenon of warming of the ocean surface, or above-average sea surface temperatures (SST), in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean is known as El Nino. The low-level surface winds, which normally blow from east to west along the equator (“easterly winds”), instead weaken or, in some cases, start blowing the other direction (from west to east or “westerly winds”). This reversal of winds creates unusual warming and low pressure near the Peruvian Coast, and causes heavy rainfall. La Nina Phenomenon of cooling of the ocean surface or below-average Sea surface temperatures (SST), in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean is known as La Nina. The normal easterly winds along the equator become even stronger. This situation causes heavy rainfall (monsoon) on western Pacific areas. Effects of El-Nino and La-Nina on India’s climate For India, El Nino during winter results in development of warm conditions. During summer, it leads to dry conditions and deficient monsoon, leading to droughts and water scarcity. Whereas La-Nina brings rains and stronger monsoon in India, it may cause flood like situation in coastal areas. El-Nino and La-Nina are complex unpredictable phenomenon and Agriculture being the important occupation, climatic changes due to these are grave for India. Britain should hand over Chagos islands to Mauritius Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International Relations In news: International Court of Justice (ICJ) in an advisory opinion said that - Britain has an obligation to end its administration of the Chagos archipelago and complete the process of decolonisation of Mauritius. It is a significant legal victory for Mauritius and other nations, including India, which supported its case. The Chagos Islands — referred to by the British as the British Indian Ocean Territory, but which is not recognised as such by Mauritius — is home to the U.S. military base Diego Garcia. It had been part of Mauritius since the 18th century when the French first settled the islands. Later this French colonial territory ceded to the British in 1810. In the 1960s and 1970s, inhabitants were removed from the islands. Tensions remain, with Mauritius maintaining that the archipelago remains its integral part. Do you know? Sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago is disputed between Mauritius and the United Kingdom. Mauritius has repeatedly asserted that the Chagos Archipelago is part of its territory and that the United Kingdom (UK) claim is a violation of United Nations' resolutions banning the dismemberment of colonial territories before independence. The UK has stated that it has no doubt about its sovereignty over the Chagos but has also said that the Chagos will be returned to Mauritius once the islands are no longer required for defence purposes. Given the absence of any progress with the UK, Mauritius has decided to internationalise the dispute and take up the matter at all appropriate legal and political forums. The African Union and the Non-Aligned Movement have expressed unanimous support for Mauritius on the Chagos issue. Banks may set repo rate as benchmark Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and issues related to it; Economic Development In news: Most commercial banks in India are likely to select RBI’s repo rate as the external benchmark to decide their lending rates, from April 1. The repo rate is the key policy rate of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). RBI had asked the banks to move to an external benchmark for loan pricing from April 1, a move expected to improve monetary transmission as lenders had, in the past, been found reluctant to reduce lending rate. Do you know? Banks had four options from which to choose the external benchmark: the repo rate, the 91-day treasury bill, the 182-day T-bill or any other benchmark interest rate produced by the Financial Benchmarks India Private Ltd (FBIL). The marginal cost of fund based lending rate (MCLR) is currently the benchmark for all loan rates. Banks typically add a spread to the MCLR while pricing loans for homes and automobiles. Banks against move: Many banks have opposed the move to shift to a new external benchmark for loan pricing on grounds that their cost of funds are not linked to these benchmarks and that without a fall in the costs, it would not be possible to change the rates. Two crore jobs created in 16 months to December 2018: CSO Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and issues related to it; Economic Development In news: According to the payroll data of the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), nearly two crore jobs were created in 16 months to December 2018. The ESIC data is one of the payroll numbers released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) in its reports based on people joining various social security schemes run by Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA). The ESIC provides health insurance and medical services to its insured person, covering all those establishment which have 20 or more workers and all those employees whose monthly wages are up to ₹21,000. During the period from September 2017 and December 2018, as many as 1.96 crore new subscribers joined the scheme. Similarly, the EPFO data showed that employment generation in the formal sector almost trebled to touch a 16-month high of 7.16 lakh in December 2018, compared to 2.37 lakh in the year-ago month. It indicated that nearly 72.32 lakh new subscribers were added to social security schemes of the EPFO from September 2017 to December 2018. The EPFO covers all those firms that have 20 or more employees. Workers, whose basic wages are up to ₹15,000 per month at the time of joining the job, are mandatorily covered under the scheme. New NPS numbers The estimated number of new NPS (National Pension Scheme) subscribers during the period — September 2017 to December 2018 — is 9, 66,381. The NPS covers central and State government employees while others can voluntarily subscribes to it. The report gives different perspectives on the levels of employment in the formal sector and does not measure employment at a holistic level. Miscellaneous: Inauguration of National War Memorial (NWM) National War Memorial (NWM) was inaugurated near the India Gate, Delhi, to honour over 25,000 soldiers who have laid down their lives for the country since Independence. A National War Museum has been constructed at the Princes Park complex gate. Himavad Gopalswamy Betta range was in news Why in news? Forest fires have been ravaging vast tracts of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park. Himavad Gopalswamy Betta range in Bandipur - worst affected area (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL/SECURITY ISSUE TOPIC:General studies 2 and 3 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests ; India and the World ; India and its neighbourhood- relations. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Role of external state and nonstate actors in creating challenges to internal security Security challenges and their management India-Pakistan: Need for an inclusive ‘coalition against terrorism’ Context: In the wake of the Pulwama attack, the government of India has iterated once again its plan for the “diplomatic isolation” of Pakistan. The measures taken thus far — cancelling Most Favoured Nation status, maximising use of Indus waters, denying visas to Pakistani sportspersons, etc. — have little real impact on Pakistan and certainly none on the military establishment. Beyond its idea of isolating Pakistan, the government should build a more inclusive ‘coalition against terrorism emanating from Pakistan’. What should be India’s possible actions? 1. Need for collective action against terrorism emanating from Pakistan Apart from India, countries like Iran and Afghanistan have faced terror attacks on their security forces along the border with Pakistan. Therefore the government should attempt for a temporary alliance with countries which have also faced such attacks or see the presence of Pakistan-based groups on their soil and plan for collective action against terrorism. But, in today’s interconnected world, it is difficult to expect countries to join a unilateral plan for isolation. (For instance, failure of US to get most countries, including India, to sever ties with Iran and North Korea) However, there are some advantages as an inclusive coalition is more likely to move nations at the global stage as well. The success of the efforts led by the U.S. and other countries to ‘grey list’ Pakistan at the Financial Action Task Force or of French efforts for a United Nations Security Council statement on Pulwama points to that. 2. Focus more on the case against Masood Azhar India must focus on the case against Masood Azhar, which pre-dates the case against 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack in a suicide bomber video and the claim has not been disputed by its leader Masood Azhar. Azhar has been on the U.S.’s radar since 1992, when he was a leader of the banned terror group Harkat ul-Ansar, and worked with jihadi groups in Sudan and Bangladesh. Azhar release after years in Indian prisons in exchange for hostages on board the IC-814 flight should on its own merit his banning and prosecution — not just in Pakistan, but in all the countries whose nationals were on board that Indian Airlines flight, as well as the stops that flight made: in Nepal, the United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan. 3. Avoid internationalising the Kashmir issue India must prepare for a pushback from Pakistan, most likely in terms of internationalising the Kashmir issue, and linking it to progress in Afghanistan. 4. Use the diplomatic leverage to ensure action India should use its considerable diplomatic leverage to ensure action that would shut down the JeM and the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) permanently and bring their leaders to justice. Therefore, instead of mere statements and bans, the government must consider other options, especially with the countries that carry the most leverage and access in Pakistan: China, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. For instance, India must press the U.S. to place travel sanctions on specific entities in the Pakistani military establishment unless visible action is taken against the JeM, whose leaders hold public rallies and issue videos threatening India. Saudi Arabia, which once was a donor to Pakistan’s Islamist institutions, is now wary of funding extremism. India should pursue talks with Riyadh to withhold any funds that may trickle down to charitable wings run by the JeM and LeT. China has not supported a simple ban at the UN Security Council. India should talk with China to rectify their past decision and push to ban Azhar in the next proposal. More than the ban, India must ask China for action against any entities dealing with the JeM in Pakistan, given that China is the partner with the most influence in Pakistan today and one with the most to lose from terror groups in Punjab operating along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Do you know? Contrary to popular perception, the Trump administration’s moves to cancel funds to Pakistan last year is not the toughest action the U.S. has contemplated. In May 1992, then U.S. President George H.W Bush had directed his Secretary of State James Baker to send a stern letter to then Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif threatening to designate Pakistan as a “State sponsor of Terror” for its support to Kashmiri and Sikh militant groups. 5. Need for Steady dialogue India must look to its own actions on the diplomatic front with Pakistan. Calling off a formal dialogue process for more than a decade has clearly yielded no desired outcome. South Asia as a region, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) process too have suffered the consequences of this disengagement, without yielding any desired outcomes. A measured, steady and non-political level of dialogue is a more effective way of impressing India’s determination to root out terrorism than the present on-again, off-again policy. Conclusion: As the nation prepares for a possible military response to the Pulwama attack, it is important that New Delhi consider its diplomatic response carefully, particularly taking into account both the historical and regional context of its moves. Connecting the dots: Critically examine what should be India’s response against the recent Pulwama attack. Also discuss what options does India have to deal with Pakistan to curb such constant export of terrorism? Beyond its idea of isolating Pakistan and withdrawing MFN status, the government should build a more inclusive ‘coalition against terrorism emanating from Pakistan’. Analyze. Multi-pronged diplomacy is vital to compel Pakistan to end its support for terrorist groups. Elucidate. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) The Chagos Archipelago is located in Atlantic Ocean Indian Ocean Pacific Ocean Arctic Ocean Q.2) Consider the following pairs Disputed territory : : Territorial Entities Kuril Islands : : Japan and China Guantanamo Bay : : USA and Mexico Chagos Archipelago : : Mauritius and the United Kingdom Which of the following is/are incorrectly matched? 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Himavad Gopalswamy Betta range is located in – Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park Nagarhole Tiger Reserve and National Park Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary Mudumalai National Park Q.4) Which of the following conditions are associated with El Nino? Weakened trade winds Warm water off the west coast of South America Low pressure around north Australia Select the correct answer using code below 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1,2 and 3 Q.5) Consider the following statements El Nino Modoki is characterized by strong warming in the central tropical Pacific EL Nino and La Nina are the atmospheric changes associated with the warming and cooling of the Pacific Ocean El Nino is associated with the droughts in India, while La Nina is associated with excess rainfall in India Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.6) Which of the following factors impact the Indian monsoon? Madden Julian Oscillation El Nino and Southern Oscillation Tibet Plateau Easterly jet streams Select the code from following: 2,3 and 4 1,3 and 4 1,2 and 3 All of the above Q.7) Consider the following statements: CSO is a premier statistical institution for collecting data in India It presents the national income estimates twice a year. Which of the above statements are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ The correct prescription The Hindu Re-imagining Delhi The Hindu The case of Shamima Begum The Hindu Kashmir is ours also means every Kashmiri is ours Indian Express Raja Mandala: Hope in Hanoi Indian Express Slipping on democracy Indian Express The thing about air Indian Express The China challenge before Sushma Swaraj Livemint The disruptive rise of Big Tech firms and its effects Livemint Skilling workers is a public good, needs bigger thrust Livemint

Feb 28, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 181

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 181 Archives Q.1) Which of the following is located in Cambodia? Angkor Thom Bayon Temple Angkor Wat Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) ‘Sampriti’ is a joint Military exercise between India and Sri Lanka Bangladesh Myanmar Nepal Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Benchmarks for Training in Yoga’ It is being developed by WHO as part of its Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023 The development of this document is included in the Project Collaboration Agreement signed between the WHO and the Ministry of AYUSH Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor2 Q.4) Recently, a new Zone of Indian Railways was announced. Which of the following is it? South Coast Railway East Coast Railway South Eastern Railway South Central Railway Q.5) ‘National Security Guard (NSG)’ deals with Combat Terrorism UN Peace Keeping Insurgency Communal Problems To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba

Feb 28, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 182

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 182 Archives Q.1) The term, ‘Qualified institutional placement (QPI)’, sometimes appearing in news is used in relation to Communication Networking Military Strategies Foreign Direct Investment None of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Applications Supported by Blocked Amount (ABSA)’ It does away with the whole process related to refund of money to investors in instances wherein the issue is oversubscribed It is a process developed by RBI for applying to IPO Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Ebony and Rosewood are the tree species found in – Tropical rain forests Tropical dry deciduous forests Prairies Desert vegetation Q.4) ‘Cochrane Collaboration’ is concerned with Agriculture Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Solar Energy Q.5) ‘Swiss formula’ has been designed for Measuring carbon footprint of industries Harmonization of tariffs in international trade Determining currency weights in SDR basket Calculating capital to risk weighted assets ratio under Basel Accords To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba

Feb 28, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 25th February 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 25th February 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) India to push for UN ban on JeM chief Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International; Security issues In news: After France, India to push for UN ban on JeM chief. UN Security Council and the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force both issued strong press statements on the Pulwama attack and calling on Pakistan to act against the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) They have begun negotiations on a new proposal to place JeM chief Masood Azhar on the ban list operated by the UNSC’s 1267 committee, the fourth such request in four consecutive years. UN body hails Odisha on women reservation Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Social issue; Women issue In news: United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) has complimented the government of Odisha for proposing 33% reservation for women in Parliament and the State Assemblies. UN Women recongnises the fact that real, transformative and irreversible progress can only be achieved if women are equal partners in decision making. Action plan for free treatment of hepatitis patients launched Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Social/Welfare issue; Health issue In news: Patients infected with hepatitis B and C virus will soon be able to avail free treatment. Model treatment centres in Maharashtra will roll out free treatment for hepatitis C and B. About the Action Plan According to the action plan, one model hepatitis treatment centre will be established in each State in a government institution in the first year. While the number of model centres will be increased gradually, by the end of the second year, efforts will be made to establish one such centre at district level. Setting up a national reference laboratory and State-level reference laboratories is also under planning. Do you know? Viral hepatitis is a global public health problem that kills nearly 2.72 lakh people annually. It is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by five known hepatitis viruses — A, B, C, D and E. Of these, B and C are known to cause 96% mortality. The comprehensive action plan will focus on curbing mother-to-child transmission by improving the coverage of hepatitis B injection given at birth. While hepatitis B requires life-long treatment which costs around ₹2,500 per month, hepatitis C requires a 84-day long course costing nearly ₹40,000. Important value additions: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis in the world but other infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, certain drugs), and autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis. There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. World Hepatitis Day (28th July) which is celebrated every year, is an opportunity to step up national/international efforts for raising awareness as well as encouraging prevention, diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis at global level so as to achieve its elimination by 2030. National Programme for Control of Viral Hepatitis From the 2018-19 financial year, for which a budget of Rs 600 crore for the next three years has been approved. With the focus on Hepatitis C, an anti-viral treatment will be provided free at all government health set-ups. Sofosbuvir is recommended under the new WHO treatment guidelines for Hepatitis C. India-Sri Lanka: India-built houses handed over to Sri Lanka estate workers Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International relations; India and its neighbours; Bilateral ties In news: As many as 155 houses, built as part of India’s ongoing housing project in Sri Lanka, were handed over to estate workers in Hatton, located in the Central Province. The effort is part of India’s pledge to help construct 63,000 houses in Sri Lanka — including 46,000 homes built in the war-hit north and east — with a grant of $350 million, the largest Indian grant assistance project in any country abroad. The newly-constructed houses will enable families of estate workers to move out of the cramped, colonial-era line rooms, into individual units. Out of the total commitment of 63,000 houses, 47,000 houses had already been built. Miscellaneous: GST on under-construction houses cut In news: Goods and Services Tax Council decided to reduce tax rates on the sale of under-construction residential properties. The Council decided that the rate for normal residential properties would be 5% without the option of availing input tax credits. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. Judiciary and Fundamental Rights Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Why Section 66A is frequently violated? Context: In 2015, the Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, as unconstitutional. (Shreya Singhal v. Union of India) But none of this stopped the police from arresting and detaining people for allegedly committing a crime under Section 66A Critics argue that there is no point of that landmark decision if the police still jail persons under unconstitutional laws? Do you know? Just mere declarations of unconstitutionality do not wipe out a provision from the statute book. Therefore steps need to be taken to ensure people know the provision is no longer valid. In addition, there are no systems in place to ensure that the news of judicial decisions reached all corners of the state machinery. The news of a penal provision being struck down by the SC has not reached many police stations. There are many media reports on the continued application of Section 66A and how oft-maligned police are abusing their power. From police stations, to trial courts, and all the way up to the High Courts, Section 66A is still prevailing throughout the legal system. Reasons: Why there are instances of continued application of unconstitutional penal laws (such as Section 66A)? Signal failures between different branches of government: Primary reason for poor enforcement of judicial declarations of unconstitutionality is signal failures between different branches of government. Lack of effective monitoring mechanism: Supreme Court performs monitoring function while a litigation is pending but it cannot do so after finally deciding a case, even after directions for compliance are issued. Instead, it needs help from the legislature and executive to ensure its final decisions are enforced. Active non-compliance to the Court’s verdict: As can be witnessed in Section 66A case, verdict on Fire-crackers etc, Speedy disposal of pending cases against legislators and lawmakers (former and sitting), etc. Lack of formal system on information sharing: There is no formal system on information sharing in the hierarchical set-up of the Indian judiciary. The way ahead: Effective information sharing mechanism: For any bureaucratic structure to survive, it needs working communication channels for sharing information. Effective Top Down approach: The probability of decisions taken at the highest echelons of a system being faithfully applied at the lowest rungs greatly depends on how efficiently word gets to the ground. Remove the provision declared unconstitutional: Unless Parliament amends a statute to remove the provision declared unconstitutional, that provision continues to remain on the statute book. Notifications and circulars: Notifications and circulars should be issued by relevant Ministries, to share information about judgments declaring a provision unconstitutional. Conclusion: There is a pressing need to move from a system where communication about judicial decisions is at the mercy of initiatives by scrupulous officers. Enforcing unconstitutional laws is sheer wastage of public money. Until this basic flaw within is addressed, certain persons will remain exposed to denial of their right to life and personal liberty in the worst possible way imaginable. Connecting the dots: Discuss Section 66A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, with reference to its alleged violation of article 19 of the Indian constitution. Critically evaluate the statement “Freedom of speech and expression is not absolute in India”. HEALTH/SOCIAL ISSUE TOPIC:General studies 2 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes 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 De-odourising sewage Key pointers: According to the World Bank estimate – More than a fifth of all communicable diseases in India (21%) are caused by contaminated water. One in ten deaths in India is attributed to diseases or infections directly or indirectly transmitted through water. Over 500 children die every day in India due to diarrhoeal diseases. According to a study by the Indian Nitrogen Group – Amount of reactive nitrogen in a bulk of the water bodies in India is already twice the limit prescribed by WHO. Nitrogen pollution from untreated sewage now outstrips nitrogen pollution from the Indian farmer’s urea addiction. Issues in existing Sanitation Policy in India: 1.Issues in Swachh Bharat Mission: Under the mission, in the past four years alone, over nine crore toilets have been constructed. Of these, only 60 lakh are in urban areas, where one assumes they are connected to some sort of sewage system. However, a study done by the Centre for Science and Environment in 30 cities in Uttar Pradesh found that only 28% of toilets in these cities were connected to a sewage system. Therefore, the rest will be generating fecal sludge, sewage and septage which has no place to go. Which means that that too will simply get dumped, polluting land, surface and ground water and killing our rivers and ponds. 2. Poor Sewage Treatment: According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) – 63% of urban sewage flowing into rivers is untreated and gap between sewage generated in urban areas (all Class 1 and Class 2 towns) and capacity for treating that is over 78%. Moreover, up to a third of the installed sewage treatment capacity is fully or partly dysfunctional. Even where the plants are working, many are not working at full capacity, because the infrastructure needed to feed the raw sewage into the treatment plant (a network of drains, sewers and pumping stations) is inadequate or incomplete. 3. Underfunded Sewage Treatment in Smart City Mission: Of the 99 cities in the ‘Smart Cities’ mission, which are collectively spending ₹2 lakh crore over five years (from 2015), only 2.4% of the money is going to be spent on waste management. 4. Issues with AMRUT Mission: Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) also fund such schemes. AMRUT covers a much larger spread which cover 500 ‘mission cities’ across the country. Of these, only 217 pitched for a sewage treatment plant as an AMRUT project. Of these, in the last four years, only four have been completed, according to a reply filed in the Lok Sabha. Of the 212 schemes, as many as 189 are accounted for by just Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Only six other States have one or more projects under way. The rest have no plans. Conclusion: Water is increasingly becoming the biggest challenge faced by most Indian cities today. According to NITI Aayog’s composite water management index report released last year, 75% of households do not have access to drinking water on premises, 70% households lack piped water (potable or otherwise) and as many as 20 cities will effectively use up all available water resources by 2020. Sewage and waste need to come centrestage in our policy debates. Sewage treatment should be an electoral issue to properly deal the real risk of eventually either choking or being poisoned by our own waste. Connecting the dots: India need a Solid waste management plans to be implemented alongside maintenance of drainage and sewerage networks. Discuss Decentralised sludge management and sewage systems are vital to achieve clean water goals of SDG by 2030. Elucidate. Open defecation has long been a major health and sanitation problem in India. Critically analyze the policy measure taken by government to eliminate the problem of open defecation. (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 Hepatitis Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water. World Hepatitis Day is celebrated on 28th July Which of the given statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Viral Load Testing is available for which of the following? HIV Hepatitis B Cytomegalovirus Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 Only 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by Hepatitis C virus. Which of the following statements regarding Hepatitis C are correct? It is caused by drinking contaminated water or through saliva of infected person. Once infected, a person cannot be cured. It can spread through sexual intercourse. Select the code from below: 1 and 2 3 only 2 and 3 1 and 3 Q.4) ‘Women in Politics Map’ is released by – International Council of Women (ICW) Women's Environment & Development Organization (WEDO) Council of Women World Leaders None of the above Q.5) Global Gender Gap Report is released by – World Economic Forum UN Women Women for Women International OXFAM International MUST READ After Pulwama, a sorry response The Hindu Terror timeline: on FATF advisory to Pakistan The Hindu Safety nets: on banning unregulated deposit schemes The Hindu Staring at a stalemate Indian Express Gandhi and the varna question Indian Express Protecting our forests, minus its inhabitants Livemint

Feb 28, 2019 RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Tapping Overseas Indians

Tapping Overseas Indians Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Indian diaspora In News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention described NRIs as India's brand ambassadors and said they were the symbols of the country's capabilities. For the first time, the three-day-long convention is being organised from January 21 to 23 instead of January 9 to allow participants to visit the Kumbh mela in Prayagraj and attend the Republic Day parade in the national capital. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is the flagship event of the Government and provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Diaspora. The theme of PBD 2019 is "Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New India.” The day also commemorates return of father of nation Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa in Mumbai (then Bombay) on January 9, 1915. The day is celebrated to mark contribution of overseas Indian community to the development of India. The day was formally established in 2003. It is sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the Ministry of DoNER Our diaspora has a lot to offer India must realise that its NRIs can act as a crucial force in its development, and leverage its potential. A recent UN report says that India now has the largest ‘diaspora’ in the world, with more than 16 million persons of Indian origin living abroad. This Non Resident Indian (NRI) pool represents a little over 1 per cent of India’s population but is a crucial cog in the wheel of India’s development. How does the Indian diaspora benefit India? The biggest way is through regular remittances. According to a World Bank report released in April, India was the largest remittance-receiving country in the world, with an estimated $69 billion in 2015. This amounts to a whopping 3.4 per cent of India’s GDP, an amazing multiplier because just 1 per cent of the citizenry, which does not even live in the country, contributes more than three times its fair share to the nation’s wealth. Disasters and Diaspora In a globalised world, the international dimensions of disaster response and recovery, and the significant policy role played by the diaspora can be critical. For example, in Kerala, the migrant community and diaspora moved swiftly to organise an Internet-driven response. By sharing and re-sharing vital information on affected regions and people, supplies, and precautionary measures (on social media platforms), they were instrumental in expanding the flow of information that would later be used by politicians, private and military rescue operations, and relief workers. Successful diaspora groups are among the largest contributors to the CMDRF. They are invaluable in mobilising resources, talent, and knowledge which will be integral in rebuilding the State. Diaspora communities will also inevitably shape political and economic responses to a disaster. The linking of social capital between diaspora, civil society organisations, advocacy groups and government institutions, although necessary during rehabilitation, is bound to lead to unanticipated and undesirable outcomes. Stimulating the economy There are other advantages which diaspora populations bring that are harder to measure. When they visit India, they tend to spend more lavishly than the locals, thereby helping economic activity. NRIs are more prone to donating to domestic charities because of the strong cultural and emotional feelings that they nurse. They bring technical and domain expertise to domestic startups and often act as angel investors. Diaspora Indian faculty abroad volunteer time and resources to help faculty on Indian campuses improve the quality of education — as in the case of member institutions of the Indo Universal Collaboration of Engineering Education. Indian Government needs to… With a little commitment and some creative thinking, the government could double or even treble the already substantial economic value of diaspora contributions by carefully designing a set of policies to exploit the talent, industriousness and patriotism of those living abroad. India can show that it is serious about managing its relationship with the NRIs by opening a separate Minister-of-State level department for NRI administration - similar to the Veterans’ Administration in the US. This department would act as the NRI voice across various Indian government agencies and promote engagement with NRIs to help India’s larger cause. The government should launch various win-win schemes to make it more attractive for its diaspora to step up participation in India’s development. India should formalise a rotation program wherein top NRI scientists, engineers, doctors, managers and professionals serve Indian public sector organizations for a brief period, lending their expertise. This kind of lateral induction of senior staff can do wonders to both host and contributing personnel as was evidenced by the tenure of Dr. Rajan at the RBI. Many NRIs would be willing to serve for no compensation if living expenses, travel and accommodations are paid for. India should aggressively court NRIs to invest in India — especially for projects which focus on rural development — by offering attractive interest rates on deposits. If just 25 per cent of the diaspora population invests the maximum amount, this could bring in $400 billion in new remittances to India. Connecting the dots: Indian Diaspora is India’s asset in disguise. Elaorate with suitable examples The Indian diaspora is not only clustered in the developed west but also in other parts of the world that include Africa, Latin America, South East and West Asia. It is unfortunate though that their interests and problems have not been central to Indian diplomacy and their presence not viewed in the same potential terms as their counterparts in the developed west. Do you agree? Substantiate. Analyze the role of the Indian Diaspora in India’s soft power diplomacy. To view the diaspora only through the looking glass of remittances and financial flows is to take a myopic view. Not all expatriates need to be investors and their development impact measured only in terms of financial contributions to the home country is to miss the larger picture. Comment.

Feb 28, 2019 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance: Book Review – Be here now – Ramdass

Be Here Now: Ramdass In a frantic and busy world where everybody is in a hurry to go somewhere, very rarely comes a book that questions the true purpose of life and learning the importance of the present moment. ‘Be here now’ is a beautiful and deep spiritual book by Ramdass who explores the practice of learning how to be in the present moment. Various books have been written on the importance of learning to be in the present moment, but this book of Ramdass is unique in a way that it is a book written by a western mind about the ancient eastern practice of meditation and spirituality. ‘Be here now’ as the title itself suggests is a simple and straight to the point book on learning how to be here and now. He also narrates his experiences with psychedelic drugs and how those experiences are connected to meditation. This book offers a valuable insight into the nature of intoxication and why we are attracted to them. In his very unconventional style Ramdass explores different ideas of how to learn the art of being here and now. Read this book to expand your understanding of your inner life. Although some of the ideas presented here are pretty revolutionary, one can see their value with a slightly open mind. ‘Be here now’ became a phenomenon when it was released in America. This book was received like a rain shower in a barren spiritual desert of modern lifestyle. The insights and experiences shared by Ramdass are sure to awaken you to a new understanding and experience of life. Even if you don’t subscribe to all of his ideas, you are sure to gain a new insight into life and the beyond.

Feb 27, 2019 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

60 Day Programme, 2019: IASbaba’s most trusted initiative for Prelims

60 Day Programme, 2019: IASbaba’s most trusted initiative for Prelims In management institutes, the concept of ‘brand management’ is taught vigorously. One might have the best products or services at disposal but without proper branding, sales won’t JOSH up. Once a brand is established, quality starts speaking for itself and the brand gets stronger with each passing day. Brands having a strong recall value perform better than their competitors. For example, today ‘Maggi’ is synonymous with ‘noodles’ and ‘Nescafe’ with coffee! Why? It's the brand that attracts people and then its the quality that retains them. The IASbaba story in general and our flagship ‘60 Day Programme’ is very much similar. Today, the ‘60 Day’ has become synonymous with success in prelims. The brand of IASbaba aided by the unmatched quality of ‘60 Day’ has been able to outsmart its competitors by miles. We could easily monetise this initiative and still have thousands of subscribers. But then, for us, the relationship that we have with our students isn’t one of a client and service provider. We value the trust that you have shown in these years, something which inspires us to go that extra mile to help our followers and fans. Just like all these years, this year too, we are coming up with the brand new version of our flagship ‘60 Day Programme’ to help you enhance your chances dramatically in Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 2019. And just like all these years, its FREE this year too. For those, who are new to this website, we are providing a brief description of the ’60 Day’ Programme, its features, its glorious history and its potential to give you that extra edge in Prelims. The ‘60 Day’ plan has been designed to give you 60 days of rigorous practice of high quality prelims questions. These questions will not only check your level of preparation but also act as a guiding light to your preparation. You will be provided with an extensive plan in the form of a micro level time table having details of each day’s coverage in terms of Prelims syllabus, focus areas and sources to be referred. On a daily basis (6 days a week), we will be posting well researched and highly probable 25-30 objective questions on the website. You are supposed to take 30 minutes to answer these questions in strict exam like conditions (of course at the comfort of your home!). You have the option to post the responses in the comment section. At the end of the day, we will be providing Solution with detailed explanation to all the questions. You will be able to verify and compare your answers with the solution and also assess your standing amongst numerous other candidates. In totality, the ‘60 Day’ plan is a troika of high probability quality questions, healthy competition and rightful guidance. As a testimony to the success and impact of ‘60 Day’, we are providing an exhaustive year wise analysis of HIT RATIO in Prelims: 2015- https://iasbaba.com/2015/08/upsc-prelims-2015-40-questions-from-iasbaba/ 2016 - https://iasbaba.com/2016/08/70-hits-from-iasbaba-in-upsc-prelims/ 2017 - https://iasbaba.com/2017/06/68in-upsc-civil-services-prelims-2017-how-iasbaba-helped-one-to-get-mains-call/ 2018 - https://iasbaba.com/2018/06/2018-upsc-prelims-how-iasbaba-helped-in-upsc-prelims-answer-key-explanation-toughest-prelims-history-upsc/ What impact can the ‘60 Day’ have on the final results? We will explain by taking a small example. Imagine you are sitting in the examination hall, appearing in Prelims Paper I. You have attempted 70 questions already but still unsure about a few. Then you stumble upon a question that was asked in 60 Day (and believe us, it has happened to hundreds of students countless times). You choose the right answer and submit your paper hoping for the best! Eventually, you go on to clear Mains as well as Personality Test and secure a good rank as well. When the cut off gets announced by UPSC, you realise that you have scored just one mark more than the cut off! Yes, that one mark can change your life (and it has done so to many of our students in the past). Now, imagine the kind of impact 60 to 80 marks can have! Isn’t that so fascinating to imagine. One’s level of preparedness in always different for different subjects. Even within a subject, one’s comfort level may vary with topics. For example, one might be more comfortable in solving questions of Polity than Economics and within Polity also, one might be at ease with questions on fundamental rights than Parliament. The level of comfort and ease that one has with a subject/ topic gets manifested in the examination. However, there is no conscious effort by aspirants to micro analyse these aspects. Now, coming to the second aspect i.e. the mistakes that one commits in answering MCQs, it can be said that there are mainly four reasons behind incorrect responses in the OMR sheet. They are: Lack of information Lack of analytical ability Silly mistakes Excessive risk taking Let’s analyse them one by one: Lack of information: You simply don’t know the information. You are clueless and that’s why you don’t attempt the question. For example, you may have never come across a regime called the ‘Wassenaar Agreement’ during your preparation and you can’t do much about it. Lack of information is pardonable and rectifiable. You can read more and gather more information. That is within your reach. Lack of analytical ability: You know the concept but the question is a twisted one and you are not able to apply the concept. For example, in a question asking you to identify the climate type of a region based on certain given parameters like precipitation, temperature and air density, you might find it difficult to mark the correct option even if you are aware of all the options given in the question! That is clearly a lack of application and you can overcome it by developing a habit of framing questions in your mind while you study any topic. Silly mistakes: This habit is unpardonable. You know the concept, you become happy, you misread the question, you mark the incorrect answer and you are out of the race! Such mistakes reveal your hurriedness while answering the question. A simple mistake of reading ‘chose the incorrect option’ as ‘chose the correct option’ can destroy your chances. It means that you need to have patience and focus while attempting the paper. Excessive risk taking: You are confused between the options and just in order to increase your attempts, you make wild guesses and try your luck only to repent eventually. Risk taking is an art and one must be very careful while doing the guesswork in confusing questions. If you are not lucky enough, it can spoil your chances. You will realise that these problems will have different meanings for different people. For example, one might find lack of information as the main culprit in answering wrong the questions on Culture while in Polity, lack of analytical ability is usually the culprit. The point here is that you must analyse your preparation on these yardsticks by applying them on different subjects/ topics. If one is having a headache, he/ she can’t have the same medicine for fever. Isn’t it. This is where our revamped ’60 Day’ comes into picture. It will give you an opportunity to micro analyse your preparation and perform better in the examination. How to use it? You can download the entire day wise plan at the end of the post. Now, we present you the following scales (with weightage of each scale given in the bracket) to micro analyse your preparation on a daily basis and that too subject/ topic wise: Micro Analysis Matrix Number of questions not attempted or attempted wrongly Due to lack of information Due to inability to apply the concept Due to silly mistake Due to excessive risk taking Total Number (N) Weightage of scale (s) 1 2 3 4 NA N x S Scale 1: Information meter (1) Scale 2: Analysis meter (2) Scale 3: Anxiety meter (3) Scale 4: Risk meter (4) Suppose on Day 1, questions have been framed from Polity on the topic of Constitutional History. There are 15 questions and you are able to answer 12 out of which 7 are correct and 5 are incorrect. It means you have scored roughly 11.33 out of 30. Now you have to fill on a daily basis, the following matrix to micro analyse your preparation: Example: Suppose, the filled up matrix gets reflected in the following fashion: Micro Analysis Matrix- Day 1/ Polity/ Constitutional History Number of questions not attempted or attempted wrongly Due to lack of information Due to inability to apply the concept Due to silly mistake Due to excessive risk taking Total Number (N) 3 1 2 2 8 Weightage of scale (s) 1 2 3 4 NA N x S 3 2 6 8 19 Based on the total value in this matrix, you have to aim for the following measures on the scale: Information meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, it means that there are serious gaps in your information base in the particular subject/ topic. Please refer a standard textbook before it’s too late. Analysis meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, you need to explore all possible questions in your mind while reading the topic. You should frame questions for your friends and try to trick them by twisting the questions. Anxiety meter < 3 Course Correction: A score above 3 indicates that you are either too excited or too callous to even read the question. You need to calm down and read the question twice, particularly those questions in which you feel too confident. Risk meter < 8 Course Correction: You need to curb your risk taking instincts. Make only intelligent guess and don’t leave your chance on fate. Don’t let the previous year’s cut off impact your mind. Total N x S score < 20 Moreover, IASbaba will give a cut off figure along with the solutions each day. If your total marks exceed that cut off along with your total N x S score lying below 20, you are on the right track and just need to keep the momentum going. This exercise will hardly take 5 minutes of your daily time but it might do wonders for you as you will be able to gauge your strengths and limitations better. Finally it is upto you to take advantage of this framework. We are sure of only one thing- if you follow this programme, assess yourself on the basis of the given framework and keep improving your weaker areas, success will be yours. We are providing you with the right platform, the right guidance and the right competition. Do you have the right motivation to make full use of this initiative? We think you have. Come, be a part of this initiative and take the first step towards SUCCESS! Importance of self - tracking: We could have provided all of you with login id and passwords to monitor your daily performance in the 60 day program. Instead a simple and most beautiful way which Disqus provides is profile based commenting! Yes we have seen the most successful candidates who have taken the maximum benefit from this program monitoring themselves by commenting their answers in the box given (disqus comment). And reviewing their performance themselves once in 10 days on the progress meter. So let us go ahead and start this beautiful journey ! The program starts from March 4th (Monday). The questions will be posted 6 days a week @ 10 am on daily basis! Solution, along with detailed explanation will be updated by evening between 7pm -8pm. How's the JOSH?? Comment down to tell us your JOSH!!! [wpcdt-countdown id="45946"] To Download the 60 Day Plan/Schedule - Click here Incase you want to practice more Prelims Mcq's, enroll for IASbaba's All India Prelims Test Series (AIPTS) - Click Here All the Best IASbaba Team

Feb 26, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 23rd February 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Financial Action Task Force (FATF) keeps Pak. on grey list, seeks action Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – International relations; India and its neighbours; Security issues In news: Financial Action Task Force (FATF) – global terror monitor – issued a stern statement to Pakistan to comply with an action plan on terror financing or face further action. The 37-member group decided not to remove Pakistan from the ‘grey list’, but also did not accept an Indian demand to move Pakistan to the ‘black list’ yet. The ‘grey-listing’ continued despite Pakistan government's last-minute decision to ban Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD) and the Falah-e Insaniat Foundation (FIF). The FATF criticised Pakistan for not demonstrating “a proper understanding” of the terror financing risks posed by “Da’esh (Islamic State), al Qaeda, Jamaat-ud Dawa, Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Haqqani Network, and persons affiliated with the Taliban.” https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/02/23/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_01/b2521f5b_2754203_101_mr.jpg Important Value Additions: About Financial Action Task Force (FATF) It is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1989 on the initiative of the G7 to develop policies to combat money laundering. In 2001 its mandate expanded to include terrorism financing. It monitors progress in implementing the FATF Recommendations through peer reviews and mutual evaluations of member countries. The FATF Secretariat is housed at the OECD headquarters in Paris. Centre lists projects to stop flow of India’s share of water to Pakistan Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International relations; India and its neighbours In news: Water Resources Ministry issued details of various projects for stopping the flow of water to Pakistan. About 2 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of water annually from the Ravi is reported to be still flowing unutilised to Pakistan below Madhopur. Among India’s various projects, Shahpurkandi project will help in utilizing the water from the Thein dam to irrigate 37,000 hectares of land in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, and generate 206 MW of power. Another facility is the Ujh multipurpose project that will create a storage of about 781 million cubic meter of water on river Ujh, a tributary of Ravi. The third project is the second Ravi-Beas link below Ujh. To read about Indus Water Treaty, visit the link - https://iasbaba.com/2016/10/the-big-picture-indus-water-treaty-can-it-become-the-handle/ Olympic dream under threat Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International relations; International organizations In news: India’s future as a host for sporting events remain uncertain following a decision by the International Olympic Committee(IOC), after India refused visa requests from two Pakistani shooters who are expected to participate in the ongoing ISSF World Cup. IOC made it clear to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) that all future international sporting events in India would be put on hold unless the host gave a written guarantee that there would be no discrimination on participation of athletes. According to IOC, India’s stand was against the Fundamental Principles of the Olympic Charter, in particular the principles of non-discrimination. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/02/23/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_01/b2521f5b_2754200_101_mr.jpg Important Value Additions: About International Olympic Committee (IOC) It is a non-governmental sports organisation based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Created by Pierre de Coubertin and Demetrios Vikelas in 1894 It is the authority responsible for organising the modern Summer and Winter Olympic Games. It is the governing body of the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), which are the national constituents of the worldwide Olympic Movement. It ensures the regular celebration of the Olympic Games, supports all affiliated member organisations of the Olympic Movement and strongly encourages, by appropriate means, the promotion of the Olympic values. About Indian Olympic Association (IOA) It is the body responsible for selecting athletes to represent India at the Olympic Games, Asian Games and other international athletic meets and for managing the Indian teams at these events. It also acts as the Indian Commonwealth Games Association, responsible for selecting athletes to represent India at the Commonwealth Games. Assam Rifles notification on hold Part of: GS Mains III – Challenges to Internal Security; Linkages between development and spread of extremism In news: In previous day’s article we read that Assam Rifles has been empowered by the Centre to arrest anyone and search a place without warrant in the border districts of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram. (Assam Rifles granted power to arrest anyone in the Northeast) However, the Home Ministry has kept “in abeyance” its order that empowered the Assam Rifles. The notification was withheld after Opposition parties moved an adjournment motion against the order in the Assam Assembly. Bio-ATF Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Technology; Green Fuel In news: We had earlier read about oil from jatropha seeds (Biofuel) was blended with aviation turbine fuel. Oil from jatropha seeds propelled the country’s first ever bio jet fuel-powered flight. International standards permit a blend rate of up to 50% biofuel with ATF. Now recently, Dehradun-based Indian Institute of Petroleum has successfully finished a pilot test to convert used cooking oil into bio-aviation turbine fuel (Bio-ATF), which can be blended with conventional ATF and used as aircraft fuel. Do you know? The test assumes importance as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched the Repurpose Cooking Oil (RUCO) initiative to collect and convert used cooking oil into bio-fuel. The food safety body says that by 2020, it should be possible to recover about 220 crore litres of used cooking oil for conversion into bio-fuel. Reducing the re-use of cooking oil in the food industry will have positive public health outcomes and its conversion into Bio-ATF will help the aviation sector reduce its carbon footprint. The CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum is looking for partners to commercialise the technology. Labour Bureau files MUDRA job report Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy; Economic Development In news: The Labour Bureau has completed its survey on employment generated by the MUDRA loan scheme. The survey is expected to help the Centre as it provides a potential data tool to combat other reports showing a dismal scenario on jobs. The Labour Bureau’s completed report on MUDRA loans has now been submitted to the Centre at a time when it is taking flak for not releasing the results of the National Sample Survey Organization’s periodic labour force survey. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/02/23/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_13/f7ed2365_2754240_101_mr.jpg About Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana It was introduced in April 2015 and provides affordable credit to micro and small enterprises. Loans up to ₹10 lakh are extended to non-corporate, non-farm enterprises by the Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) through last-mile financial institutions. India-Russia: To ink multi-billion agreement for AK-103 assault rifles Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – International relations; Defence ties; Security In news: India and Russia are close to concluding an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for a multi-billion deal to locally bulk manufacture AK-103 assault rifles in the next few months. India has signed several multi-billion dollar defence deals with Russia in the last couple of years and more are in the pipeline. Do you know? We had read about the Army recently signing a contract for 72,400 assault rifles from Sig Sauer of the U.S. These rifles are for frontline troops deployed in forward areas. Army is looking to replace the indigenous INSAS (Indian National Small Arms System) rifles in use with a modern rifle. China uses DNA to track its people, with U.S. help Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Technology In news: Chinese authorities have been tracking millions of its people using a DNA database with the help of American expertise. Chinese government is preparing a DNA database that could be used to chase down Muslim Uighur minority who resist Beijing’s plans. Do you know? Xinjiang is home to most of China’s Uighur ethnic minority and has been under heavy police surveillance in recent years after violent inter-ethnic tensions. Nearly one million Uighurs and other Turkic language-speaking minorities in China have reportedly been held in re-education camps. Animal in News: ‘Flying bulldog’ - world’s largest bee spotted again Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Biodiversity In news: IUCN status: vulnerable Flying bulldog is world’s largest bee and is roughly the size of a human thumb It has been rediscovered in a remote part of Indonesia First sighting was nearly 40 years ago The bee (Megachile pluto), which lives in the Indonesian island region of North Moluccas, makes its nest in termite mounds, using its large fang-like mandibles to collect sticky resin to protect its home from the termites. Person/Award in news: Seoul Peace Prize Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given the Peace Prize for 2018 for his contribution to international cooperation and fostering global economic growth. (MAINS FOCUS) WELFARE/SOCIAL ISSUE TOPIC:General studies 2 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes Rights and Welfare of STs, SCs, and OBCs - Schemes & their Performance, Mechanisms, Laws Institutions and Bodies Analysis: Supreme Court order on the eviction of forest dwellers Context: In previous Daily News Analysis - Lakhs of forest dwellers face eviction, we read about Supreme Court order on the eviction of forest dwellers. The court directed various state governments to initiate the process of eviction of Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) from forestland. The SC order raise the questions on the responsibility of the apex court in upholding constitutional claims and equal citizenship as this order negates the claims of citizen under special protection of the Constitution. Do you know? The SC order was issued in the case of Wildlife First & Ors v. Ministry of Forest and Environment & Ors. The Forest Rights Act 2006 recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes (STs) and other traditional forest-dwellers. Concerns: Rejection of claims without proper reasons or wrong interpretation: According to the 2014 report of the High-Level Committee on Socio-Economic, Health and Educational Status of Tribal Communities in India or Xaxa Committee, “claims are being rejected without assigning reasons, or based on wrong interpretation of the ‘OTFD’ definition and the ‘dependence’ clause, or simply for lack of evidence or 'absence of GPS survey’ or because the land is wrongly considered as 'not forest land’, or because only forest offence receipts are considered as adequate evidence. The rejections are not being communicated to the claimants, and their right to appeal is not being explained to them nor its exercise facilitated. The mere rejection of claims by the state therefore does not add up to a finding of the crime of “encroachment”, the sheer volume of rejections should instead set alarm bells ringing in the court of procedural improprieties. Against the Constitution: According to Xaxa Committee, 60% of the forest area in the country is in tribal areas and are protected by Article 19(5), Schedules V and VI of the Constitution. Importantly, the area marked for eviction falls under areas designated under Schedule V and Schedule VI of the Constitution and there is no reference to the implications for governance in the Scheduled Areas and whether the Supreme Court, in fact, has the authority to order evictions of Scheduled Tribes from Scheduled Areas. It raise questions, is it not the supreme obligation of the Supreme Court to protect the Scheduled Tribes and other vulnerable communities from the grave harms of violent dispossession? Against the spirit of Landmark 1997 Samata Judgement: The Supreme Court had delivered an authoritative verdict in favour of the right to livelihood of the tribals inhabiting the scheduled areas of the country. It had ruled that the tribal land, and forest land in scheduled areas could not be leased to non-tribals or private companies for mining or industrial operations otherwise it would completely destroy the legal and constitutional fabric made to protect the tribal communities. Such activities can only be done by tribal people or by a government undertaking. Conclusion: In the recent judgments of the apex court on the right to privacy and Section 377, the court has given importance to autonomy, liberty, dignity, fraternity and constitutional morality as the pillars of transformative constitutionalism. It is the same court in the same era that has now ordered the dispossession of entire communities protected under the Constitution. According to historian and human rights activist Ramchandra Guha, India’s tribal populations had, over decades, lost their homes to dams, mines and factories. And now a Supreme Court-mandated eviction from their forests had once again proved how “totally vulnerable” these ancient jungle people remain. Connecting the dots: Critically analyze the recent Supreme Court order directed various state governments to initiate the process of eviction of Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) from forestland. (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 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) It is a policy-making body which works to generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms for combating money laundering It was established especially to combat terror financing Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) List of "Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories" (NCCTs) is prepared by Financial Action Task Force International Monetary Fund World Bank None of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about Financial Action Task Force (FATF): It is a Parisbased multidisciplinary and intergovernmental body whose purpose is the development and promotion of national and international policies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. It was founded at the 1989 OECD Economic Summit. Select the correct code: Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Under Indus Water treaty which of the following rivers are governed by India? Beas, Ravi and Sutlej Indus, Chenab and Jhelum Indus, Chenab and Sutlej Beas Ravi and Chenab Q.5) Consider the following statements It is the largest tributary of Indus. It is also known as Chandrabhaga. It flows for more than 1000km before entering into Pakistan. Choose the river which best suits the above statements Jhelum Chenab Satluj Beas Q.6) The Ujh project is a step towards India’s utilisation of waters of the Indus and its tributaries in keeping with its rights under the Indus Water treaty. Ujh is a tributary of which of the following rivers? Ravi Jhelum Chenab Beas Q.7) Consider the following statements with reference to Ujh multipurpose project The project will provide irrigation and hydropower from waters of river Ujh, which is a tributary of river Jhelum. The project is aimed at utilizing India's rights under Indus Waters Treaty. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Only 1 Only 2 1 and 2 None Q.8) Repurpose Cooking Oil (RUCO) initiative to collect and convert used cooking oil into bio-fuel was launched by - Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Indian Council of Agricultural Research Q.9) Consider the following statements: Flying bulldog is world’s largest bee IUCN status: Extinct in the Wild The smallest mammal is the Bumblebee Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Only 1 Only 2 1 and 2 None MUST READ A drop in an ocean of debt: how farmers have benefited from Rythu Bandhu The Hindu Missed target: on India refusing visa to Pakistani competitors The Hindu Mixed optics: Saudi Crown Prince’s India visit The Hindu Against the mob Indian Express Who’s winning/losing? Indian Express

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