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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.

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

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

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 180

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 180 Archives Q.1) ‘Bagru hand-block printing’ is practiced in Rajasthan Maharashtra West Bengal Uttar Pradesh Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)’ It establishes general obligations for safeguarding the marine environment and protecting freedom of scientific research on the high seas It creates a legal regime for controlling mineral resource exploitation in deep seabed areas beyond national jurisdiction Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Bengal Florican’ It is a bustard species It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Earth Overshoot Day’ It marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year It is calculated by the United Nations Environment Programme Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Recently ‘Kyasanur Forest Disease’ was in the news. Consider the following with respect to it It is a viral disease also known as Rodent fever Kyasanur forests are located in Andhra Pradesh Select the correct code 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st February 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Assam Rifles granted power to arrest anyone in the Northeast Part of: GS Mains III – Challenges to Internal Security; Linkages between development and spread of extremism In news: 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. “An officer of the rank corresponding to that of the lowest rank of members of the Assam Rifles” has been given these powers under the Code of Criminal Procedure. Earlier, Assam Rifles was making arrests only in areas where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was in effect. Do you know? Section 41 of the CrPC states that any police officer may, without an order from a magistrate and without a warrant, arrest any person. Section 47 gives powers for search of place entered by person sought to be arrested. Section 48 says a police officer may, for the purpose of arresting without warrant any person, pursue such person into any place in India. According to Section 49, the person arrested shall not be subjected to more restraint than is necessary to prevent his escape. Lakhs of forest dwellers face eviction Part of: GS Mains II and III – Social/Welfare issue; Tribal issue; Environment and Biodiversity conservation In news: A recent Supreme Court order may lead to the eviction of lakhs of persons belonging to the Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) categories across 21 States. Their claim as forest dwellers have been rejected under the Forest Rights Act of 2006. Do you know? Section 6 of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act of 2006 shows a multi-layered and hierarchical procedure for recognition or rejection of forest-dweller claims starting at the gram sabha level with multiple appellate committees at the State level. The Act is intended to provide a framework to “recognise and vest the forest rights and occupation in forest land in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in such forests for generations but whose rights could not be recorded.” Miscellaneous: Pakistan banned JuD and its charity wing FIF In news: Pakistan banned the Jamat-ud-Dawa, which is led by 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, and its charity wing Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, amid intense global pressure to rein in the militant groups following the Pulwama terror attack. Do you know? Saeed was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack. (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 ; India and its neighbourhood- relations.  Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests India’s Dilemma with West Asia Context: Over the past few years, India’s relations have show more inclination towards Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) compared to its ties with Iran. The current government has demonstrated a preference for working with the three regional powers rather than Iran. India finally appears to be moving away from its traditional “balancing” approach to West Asia. Background: Since the 1990-91 Gulf War, India has officially adopted a “balancing” approach to West Asia. (legacy of non-alignment) This approach has allowed India to avoid involvement in regional disputes and de-hyphenate relations with regional rivals including Iran, Israel and Saudi Arabia. However, at the same time the policy has also constrained India’s ability to press its geopolitical interests in the region. Current Situation in West Asia and India’s Dilemma Situation in West Asia — rise of Shia influence, the Iranian nuclear issue, tensions between Iranians and their Arab neighbours, tensions between Iranians and Israelis, the Arab Spring, Saudi under MBS and Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) escalation of their battle against political Islamist groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, recent dispute with Qatar, tensions between Israelis and Iranian-backed forces in Syria Therefore, India’s interests are interspersed with all these developments. These have entangled India’s policy so much so that responding and dealing with them within set parameters has become difficult. The interconnectedness of these issues makes it difficult for India to accept any side or position. India-West Asia: Recent developments Saudi Crown Prince announced to share intelligence with India and other countries that were willing to fight terrorism. In recent months, the UAE has also ramped up its security cooperation with India, extraditing at least three suspects wanted in relation to the AgustaWestland case. India’s defence and security partnership with Israel has already proven useful to its security and military modernisation drive. India and Israel have collaborated on a $777 million project to develop a maritime version of the Barak-8, a surface-to-air missile that India successfully tested in January. India has also reportedly agreed to purchase 54 HAROP attack drones for the Indian Air Force and two airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) worth over $800 million from Israel. Israel has become one of India’s top suppliers of military technology. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) visited India recently and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit India soon. Saudi to invest in $44 billion oil refinery in India - Ratnagiri refinery and petrochemicals complex joint venture - Saudi Aramco is set to partner with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Saudi Arabia is already one of the three largest suppliers of oil to India. Expansion of trade and investment: MBS said he foresaw up to $100 billion worth of Saudi investments in India over the next few years, including a plan by the Saudi Basic Industries Corp. to acquire two LNG plants. India and Iran: Current developments Iran’s support for Islamist militancy (by transferring advanced missile technology to Islamist groups and militias in Lebanon and Syria) has led to an increase in tensions with Israel. (Therefore, India should carefully balance its ties with Israel and Iran) Simultaneous attacks that claimed the lives of 27 members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and 40 members of India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are likely to bring India and Iran closer together against Pakistan. From an economic perspective, U.S. sanctions have turned Iran into an unreliable economic partner. India is shoring up plans to find alternative sources as the six-month waiver from the U.S. reaches its term. Indian investments in Iran, including the Shahid Beheshti complex at Chabahar and the Farzad B gas field, have languished for years, reflecting the severe constraints on doing business with Iran. In crux, there is no much momentum in generating better bilateral relations with Iran. However, India’s tilt towards Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE is not a risk-free move. Iran continues to exercise much influence in West Asia and can help shape events in Afghanistan by shoring up the Taliban against the U.S. Iran’s Chabahar port represents a strategic investment for India which hopes to use the facility to connect with the International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC) that extends to Central Asia and to bypass Pakistan en route to Afghanistan. Conclusion: India could find it difficult to maintain a ‘balancing’ approach between different West Asian powers.  For now, the current government seems to have taken its pick by practically abandoning the “traditional balancing approach”. India has placed its bets on Israel and the Gulf monarchies, relegating relations with Iran to the side. Connecting the dots: What are the dilemmas facing India in dealing with the present crisis in West Asia? Discuss how should India mitigate these dilemmas? Discuss how should India balance its foreign policy towards Iran vis-à-vis Saudi Arabia; Iran vis-à-vis Israel; and Iran vis-à-vis the US? SECURITY ISSUE TOPIC:General studies 2 and 3 Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Role of external state and nonstate actors in creating challenges to internal security Security challenges and their management Need for an international system of accountability Introduction: There have been many incidents of few states deploying asymmetric tactics (actively aiding insurgencies and terrorist organizations) to achieve their goals. For instance, in 2014, hundreds of mysterious (pro-Russian) gunmen appeared on the streets of Crimea and began taking over local government buildings. While Russia initially denied the existence of the “little green men”, but later admitted that they were Russian military. (complete violation of the Geneva Conventions) Similar tactic has been deployed by Pakistan (usually through proxies). It has a history of supporting terrorist and insurgent groups in Jammu and Kashmir. However, it has denied any such involvement to shield itself from international backlash as Russia did. The logic behind such tactic is to prevent retaliation from the enemy county or other countries and avoid global backlash. In future, states like Pakistan may be tempted to turn toward new methods to achieve their goals. LAWS are one such avenue. The below article deals with why there is a need for an international system of accountability to check machine-driven weapons like LAWS. Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) LAWS can detect, select and attack targets without human intervention. LAWS present several benefits for "middle powers" as they increase the reach and effectiveness of forces, reduce casualties and enable persistent presence in vast, inaccessible terrains. Countries like India or South Korea, which operate in a complicated geostrategic context, can therefore use LAWS to effectively police and protect their territory. Concerns: 1. Absence of comprehensive international framework agreements on LAWS: International rules around LAWS are relatively underdeveloped, and in the absence of clear norms on human accountability and attribution for autonomous weapons, we could see states like Pakistan deploy LAWS for operations outside their borders. 2. LAWS can be used by state and non-state actors to engage in asymmetric tactics: A state could directly deploy LAWS against an adversary state A state could equip proxies such as insurgent or terrorist groups with autonomous weapons units A non-state actor steals or otherwise illegally acquires autonomous systems or units. Do you know? Four of the Permanent-5 powers in the United Nations — the US, France, Russia and UK — have explicitly rejected moving toward a new international law on autonomous weapons. The US and Russia are actively pursuing AI-driven military systems, with UK following up. China has called for a ban, but its military has continued to research and develop LAWS. It therefore seems likely that these powers would support a regime on LAWS, if at all, only after they have developed and perfected the technology themselves. Need of the hour: Strong comprehensive international framework agreements on LAWS. Creation of export controls and rules. To keep a check on private companies, developing an internal ethical guidelines for AI technologies is important. Basic stipulations on accountability in cases of theft or hacking. AI and weapons industry must craft specific standards for physical and non-physical safeguards to protect their LAWS technologies. Persistent surveillance of LAWS manufacturing facilities. Connecting the dots: What is asymmetric warfare? Explore the possible tactics and challenges involved. Countries now face a new type of adversary who will fight electronically and psychologically, not just only physically. Discuss the measures needed to effectively address the increased threat from futuristic warfare. (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) With respect to Indian Missile system, which of the following missiles is/are an example of Ballistic Missiles Nirbhay Dhanush Brahmos Choose the suitable option 1 and 2 only 3 only 2 only 1 and 3 only Q.2) India is progressing on acquisition and exploration of the ‘Farzad-B’ gas oilfields. In which country does this oil field belong to? Papua New Guinea Iran Turkmenistan UAE MUST READ  After the terrorist strike in Pulwama, is war even an option? The Hindu Holding a mirror to war The Hindu Half-measures: new angel tax rules for start-ups The Hindu Why India needs to set up a public credit registry Livemint India needs more accurate inflation measurement Livemint  No hyphenation Indian Express The aftermath of Pulwama marks the retreat of political engagement with Kashmir Indian Express Looking beyond Pulwama Indian Express Cloud over economic data invites questions about government’s sincerity Indian Express

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st February 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st February 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Bank recapitalisation and Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Government policies and interventions; Indian Economy and issues relating to it In news: The Centre has approved a recapitalisation package of ₹48,239 crore for 12 public sector banks. Bank recapitalisation means recapitalising banks with new capital to improve their balance sheet. The government, using different instruments, infuses capital into banks undergoing credit crunch. Capital is the money invested by shareholders in the business. Since the government is the biggest shareholder in public sector banks, the responsibility of infusing capital majorly lies with the government. The recapitalisation plan comes into action when banks get caught in a situation where their liabilities are comparatively higher than their assets. Objectives of Bank recapitalisation: To bring the better-performing banks now in the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) category out of the restrictive framework. To help those banks that had come out of the PCA to stay out of it. To equip non-PCA banks to meet regulatory requirements. To help the PCA banks to meet their requirements. Important Value Additions: What is RBI's 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. PCA norms allow the regulator to place certain restrictions such as halting branch expansion and stopping dividend payment. It can even cap a bank’s lending limit to one entity or sector. The parameters that invite corrective action from the central bank are: Capital to Risk weighted Asset Ratio (CRAR) Net Non-Performing Assets (NPA) and Return on Assets (RoA) Leverage ratio Wuzhen meet and India-Saudi ties Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and the World; International Relations In news: India and China are expected to hold their first high-level talks on the Pulwama terror attack. External Affairs Minister to meet her counterparts from Beijing and Moscow in Wuzhen. India pitches for global action against terrorism India pitched for global action against terrorism while welcoming the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visit to India. Saudi Arabia agreed to share intelligence with India and other countries that were willing to fight terrorism. Both countries urged for early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and pitched for “comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the UN.” Both sides also resolved to create a “Comprehensive Security Dialogue” consisting of National Security Advisers and set up a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism. Both sides also launched a Strategic Partnership Council that will be led by the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince. During the visit of Mohammed Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Miscellaneous: Facts about Election ink Key facts: Electoral ink, indelible ink, electoral stain or phosphoric ink is a semi-permanent ink or dye that is applied to the forefinger (usually) of voters during elections in order to prevent electoral fraud such as double voting. Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited is the only company in India authorised to produce indelible ink, which is used in elections to prevent people from voting multiple times. The company is owned and operated by the Government of Karnataka. Do you know? The ink is also exported to countries like Thailand, Singapore, Nigeria, Malaysia and South Africa. Election ink uses silver nitrate, and excessive exposure can cause argyria. Ghost nets, plastics pose threat to seabirds In news: The unprecedented August 2018 flood in Kerala has washed out a huge amount of plastics from the land and rivers into the ocean, threatening marine life and underwater ecosystems. Migratory birds are also victims of the discarded plastic. The sight of seabirds ingesting plastics is on the increase in Kerala, especially during November to February when migratory species visit the State. Animal in news: Lesser black-backed gull It is a large gull that breeds on the Atlantic coasts of Europe. It is migratory, wintering from the British Isles south to West Africa. It is a regular winter visitor to the east coast of North America, probably from the breeding population in Iceland. It is also called as Heuglin’s Gull. It breeds in the tundra of northern Russia and migrates south to southwest Asia, including India, during winter. IUCN Status: Least Concern Animal in news: Lesser crested tern It is a winter visitor to Kerala. It breeds in subtropical coastal parts of the world mainly from the Red Sea across the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific, and Australia, with a significant population on the southern coast of the Mediterranean on two islands off the Libyan coast. IUCN Status: Least Concern Aero India 2019 Key pointers: 12th edition of the biennial international military and civil expo and air show was held in Bangalore. Defence Minister rolled out a red carpet of opportunities in local defence and aerospace manufacturing to global investors during the launch of the Aero India. The chiefs of the three Armed Forces — Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, Admiral Sunil Lanba and General Bipin Rawat — were in attendance at the show. (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 ; India and its neighbourhood- relations.  Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests India’s trade-related action against Pakistan: More symbolic than punitive Context: We earlier read that India decided to withdraw the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan. (After Pulwama attack) Therefore, India will not treat Pakistan on an equal footing in trade as is expected of fellow members of the World Trade Organisation. India is set to raise tariff duty on imports to 200%. Non-tariff measures will also be increased. Concept: “Beggar-thy-neighbour policy” In economics, a beggar-thy-neighbour policy is an economic policy through which one country attempts to remedy its economic problems by means that tend to worsen the economic problems of other countries. However, this policy can act only as a pressure tactic and do little unless stringent actions are taken to stop informal trade that has been going on between the two countries for long. Do you know? Trade now takes place using three channels: the official route; the illegal (informal) route, through smuggling along porous India-Pakistan land borders and also Afghanistan, which may not be accounted for in the national income; and lastly, through mainly Dubai and Singapore, which have free ports and accommodate legal agents of traders from India and Pakistan. India’s trade-related action will encourage informal trade and propel Pakistan to look for markets beyond South Asia. Informal trade generally takes place due to following reasons – Restrictions on import of specific items on grounds of health and religious beliefs. High tariff barriers or transportation costs Imposition of non-tariff measures (NTMs) Weaknesses in the ‘rules of origin’ resulting in ‘trade routed through a third country Leakages in transit trade Distortions in domestic policies such as the absence of or relatively low indirect taxes, creating an incentive to transport items illegally to neighbouring countries India-Pakistan Informal Trade Traders have carried out informal trade between Pakistan and India through the exchange of goods at the border as well as through the personal baggage scheme’ through “green channel” facilities at international airports or railway stations. ‘Informal trade has also taken place through Afghanistan where goods are exported officially from India and later smuggled into Pakistan. Indian-made goods smuggled into Pakistan include cosmetics, liquor, stainless steel utensils, ayurvedic medicines, videotapes/CDs, confectionery/cashew nuts, tea, coffee, live animals and spices’. In 2012-13, informal trade between India and Pakistan was $4.71 billion, which was double when compared to formal trade. India’s informal export share to Pakistan was again much higher at $4 billion while its import share was low at $0.71 billion. Impact of India’s trade-related action against Pakistan – India’s imports from Pakistan are reasonably low at $0.488 billion. In other words, India exports more than what it imports. Therefore, major exports from India would be hit. (such as cotton, p-Xylene, polypropylene, and single yarn) Pakistan’s loss from major exports to India would be much less. (India imports dates, portland cement, other petroleum oil, light oils and preparations etc) Thus Pakistan is an important export destination for India but not vice-a-versa. Pakistan imposes a large number of NTMs (143) on Indian exports while India’s NTMs are soft barriers which operate as delays or bureaucratic hurdles rather than bans. Conclusion: Crux – Pakistan may not face an exacerbating situation with India withdrawing the MFN status and raising the import duty. Informal trade may proliferate, which might not be in India’s interest and an appropriate strategy is required to bring it to a halt. Such steps may propel Pakistan to look for new markets beyond South Asia and growing prospects of trade through a third country. Connecting the dots: How will the economies of India and Pakistan be affected with rising tensions aftermath of Pulwama Attack. Discuss. ENVIRONMENT TOPIC:General studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Green India Mission Grossly Underfunded Introduction: Green India Mission (GIM) is a programme that is aimed at protecting, restoring, and enhancing the country’s diminishing forest cover and at responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. National Mission for Green India (GIM) is one of the eight Missions outlined under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). According to a Parliamentary committee report – The scheme is proposed for 10 years with an outlay of Rs 60,000 crore. During 2017-18, GIM budget allocation of ₹47.80 Cr. is grossly insufficient. The committed liability of FY 2015-16 and 2016-17 is ₹89.53 Crore, is more than the budget allocation of FY 2017-18. In 2015-16 and 2016-17, the GIM missed its targets by 34 per cent. Instead of the targeted 67,956 hectares, only 44,749 hectares of land got green cover. Afforestation done under the GIM was only aimed at increasing tree count without considering the soil and weather conditions. Trees like eucalyptus were planted which make environmental problems worse rather than solving it. Planting of unsuitable trees may cause drought, and prevent biodiversity in the regions. The report also makes a distinction between plantations and forests and how the former cannot replace the latter. (Plantations only have value in terms of timber, the other ecological services provided by a forest like prevention of soil erosion, promoting biodiversity, providing livelihood etc are not there at all.) Other concerns: The Parliamentary committee panel has raised concerns about the targets set by GIM on India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. According to the NDC, India has a target to sequester 2.523 billion tonnes of carbon by 2020-30. India’s current forest cover is 75 million hectare and to meet our target of carbon sequestration, 30 million hectares of additional land would be required for forests. The GIM document does not mention from where will this land be arranged. Till 2016-17, afforestation programme was targeted to cover only 51,387 hectare, which is a tiny proportion of what is needed. (Note): We had earlier dealt with article - Green India Mission: Expanding ‘good’ green cover in India, in which the following areas were covered – About Green India Mission and its Goals Effectiveness of Green India Mission Do you know? GIM was supposed to be launched with the starting of the 12th five-year plan in 2012. But, owing to financial delays the mission was finally launched in 2015. The objective of the mission is to increase green cover to the extent of 5 million hectares (mha) and improve quality of existing green cover on another 5 mha, improve eco-system services like carbon sequestration, hydrological services and biodiversity and provisioning services like fuel, fodder, and timber and non-timber forest produces (NTFPs). It also has to increase forest-based livelihood income for about 3 million households. The committee has recommended that adequate financial allocation be made for the mission so that the activities of the mission can be carried out more efficiently and the targets set by it can be met. Connecting the dots: What is Green India Mission? What are its objectives? Explain. India’s efforts at addressing climate change and the wider issues of environmental governance, has been far from convincing. Critically examine. (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) To ensure that banks don't go bust, RBI has put in place some trigger points to assess, monitor, control and take corrective actions on banks which are weak and troubled. The process or mechanism under which such actions are taken is known as Prompt Corrective Action, or PCA. On which of the following the RBI has set the trigger points? Capital-to-risk weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) Non-Performing Assets (NPA) Return on Assets (ROA) Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 1, 2 and 3 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only All the above Q.2) Consider the below statements in regard to Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio (CRAR) CRAR is a standard metric to measure balance sheet strength of banks. In India, RBI has implemented BASEL III norms which prescribes the minimum capital adequacy ratio that banks must maintain is 8%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Article 36 of the Vienna Convention, which was in news often, deals with - Protection of the Stratospheric Ozone Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Consular Relations Prevention of Marine Pollution Q.4) Consider the following statements with regard to indelible ink used during elections: Delhi-based National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has a monopoly on the manufacture of indelible ink since 1962 Election ink uses silver nitrate, and excessive exposure can cause argyria. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Which among the following is/are critically endangered according to IUCN status? Lesser black-backed gull Great Hornbill Lesser crested tern Siberian Crane Choose correct answer: 1, 2 and 3 1 and 3 2 and 4 4 only MUST READ   The employment test The Hindu A modern story of Ekalavya The Hindu The private sector in public health  The Hindu Are soldiers paying the price for the ‘Bollywoodization’ of war? Livemint How a nation of startups can ease India’s job crisis Livemint  Why attack young Kashmiris for Pulwama attack, a crime committed by someone else? Indian Express The cost of Pulwama Indian Express Love of labour Indian Express Enterprise empowerment  Indian Express

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 179

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 179 Archives Q.1) ‘Sonowal Kacharis’ primarily live in the state of Odisha Assam Jharkhand West Bengal Q.2) ‘Repurpose Cooking Oil (RUCO) initiative’ is launched by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) NITI Aayog Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas None of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Terminalia Arjuna’ It usually grows along river banks It is one of the species whose leaves are fed on by the Antheraea paphia moth which produces the tassar silk Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) The ‘Indian Housing Project’ is a housing reconstruction project funded by the Government of India in which of the following countries? Afghanistan Sri Lanka Maldives Kenya Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)’ It has permanent delegations to the United Nations and the European Union India is one of the founding members of the OIC Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

PIB

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 17th Feb to 23rd Feb - 2019

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 17th Feb to 23rd Feb - 2019 ARCHIVES GS-2 Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) (Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population) DDRS is being organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It will cover 13 States of Eastern & North Eastern region namely West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim & Tripura. The stakeholders i.e. the NGOs receiving grant under DDRS, State Government Officers & District level officers will be participating. Provisions of the scheme Every year more than 600 NGOs are provided with financial assistance for running their projects for the rehabilitation of persons with disability such as Special school, pre-school and early intervention, Halfway Homes and Community Based Rehabilitation etc. The NGOs being funded are catering the rehabilitative services to more than 35000 to 40000 beneficiaries every year. Facts and figures According to Census 2011, there were about 2.68 crore persons with disabilities in India, constituting 2.21% of the total population in the country. The mandate of the Constitution of India is to ensure equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all individuals, which implies an inclusive society for all, especially the disadvantaged. Article 41 of Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy - which is particularly relevant with regard to persons with disabilities. In 2015, the Government launched the National Action Plan (NAP) for skill development of persons with disabilities. The NAP envisages skilling of the persons with disabilities on various trades so as to enhance their employability both in the government and private sector and also to enhance the scope of their self-employment Important initiatives on women’s safety (Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population) The Ministry of Women and Child Development has conceptualized several initiatives to promote safety of women in their living spaces, working spaces and the public spaces. Three of these important initiatives are. Panic Button: The idea of having a panic button on the mobile phone was conceived way back in 2015. Ministry of Telecom mandated a physical panic button on all mobile phones in the country. This system was then conceptualized in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and state governments were asked to put in place a dedicated Emergency Response Centre through which the entire system will be operated. SCIM portal under Safe City Project: In order to provide safety for women in public spaces, the Government has identified eight cities for implementation of Safe City project. The 8 major cities which have been chosen are Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai. The projects include creation on ground assets & resources and mindset safety of women. Some of the key features of the safe city project include: Identification of sensitive hot spots in each city, Installation of CCTV surveillance covering the entire hot spot. Automated number plate reading machines to be deployed in extremely sensitive areas. Intensive patrolling in vulnerable areas beyond the identified hot spots. Improving street lighting and public toilet facilities for women. Others like setting up women help desks in police stations, augmentation of women support centres etc. DNA Analysis Facilities in States: In view of the complaints of delay in cases of sexual assault investigations, it was proposed that dedicated DNA analysis facilities should be created in the forensic science laboratories on a mission mode. Timely testing of DNA samples from the crime scene is the quickest process of obtaining forensic evidence in cases of sexual assault on women. International Vision Zero Conference (Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population) Ministry of Labour and Employment started VISION ZERO conference and its relevance to Occupational Safety and Health.   Objectives The concept of ‘Vision Zero’ is fast gaining international acceptance and is expected to leverage the efforts of the Government of India to raise the occupational safety and health standards in the country so as to improve the occupational safety and health situation. The concept of Vision Zero is based on four fundamental principles viz. Life is non-negotiable, Humans are fallible, Tolerable limits are defined by human physical resistance, and People are entitled to safe transport and safe workplaces. The Vision is based on principles of Controlling Risks, Ensuring Safety and Health in Machines, Equipment and Workplaces and Skill Upgradation of Workforce. National Workshop on Promoting Healthy Diets Through Local Food Systems (Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population) Under the aegis of POSHAN Abhiyaan, promoting consumption and household/community production of locally available nutritionally rich food resources has been a priority concern. The academic institutions will serve as resource centres and Nutrition Support Units to the Districts and State administration for technical, training, concurrent monitoring support to achieve the goals of POSHAN Abhiyaan. POSHAN Abhiyaan The POSHAN (PM’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) Abhiyaan is aimed to ensure attainment of malnutrition free India by 2022. The programme targets reduction of under-nutrition, anemia and low birth weight by ensuring convergence of evidence-based nutrition interventions and by creating a mass movement (Jan Andolan) for food nutrition in India. One of the key nutrition interventions to meet these targets is to improve the quality of daily diets by making them nutritionally rich and locally sustainable. Academic institutions were also encouraged to frame scientific methodologies and prepare achievable action plans with clearly defined indicators. Hope Portal (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.) National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Organizations (NABH) has revamped Entry-Level Certification Process to make it simpler, digital, faster and user-friendly. The revised process is driven through a new portal called HOPE - Healthcare Organizations’ Platform for Entry-Level-Certification with a focus to promote quality at nascent stages by enrolling a wide range of hospitals across the country including Healthcare Organizations (HCOs) and Small Healthcare Organizations (SHCOs). Aim of HOPE The aim is to create a momentum for HCOs and SHCOs that want to avail benefits associated with Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and Ayushman Bharat by getting themselves NABH certified along with the primary aim of creating a quality healthcare ecosystem in India. The idea of cashless payment to patients under insurance coverage has been promoted by IRDAI to reduce financial burden on households. The IRDAI has mandated hospitals to ensure a quality healthcare ecosystem through NABH Entry-Level Certification Process. Activities under HOPE Nationwide awareness workshops to sensitize the hospitals on the entire process of assessment. Call centre support to hospitals through an active helpline for resolving issues while filling the application form. Platform to connect hospitals with certified consultants for assistance in the certification process following a cost effective manner. Knowledge bank providing a comprehensive guidebook, presentation etc. with detailed information of the step-by-step certification procedure. Created a larger and stronger network of qualified assessors Quality Council of India (QCI) Established in 1997 Quality Council of India (QCI) is an autonomous organization under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is the Quality Apex and National Accreditation Body for accreditation and quality promotion in the country. The Council was established to provide a credible, reliable mechanism for third party assessment of products, services and processes which is accepted and recognized globally. GS-3 Big Bang Reforms in Oil & Gas Sector   (Topic: Infrastructure- Energy) The Union Cabinet approved the Policy framework on reforms in exploration and licensing sector for enhancing domestic exploration and production of oil and gas. Objective The decision signals a paradigm shift in the core goal of the Government, moving from revenue-maximisation to production-maximisation, with focus on exploration. This will incentivise increased investment and production. Category I basins In Category I basins where potential is established and production is taking place, to give boost to further exploration in unexplored areas of these basins, the weightage of revenue sharing has been reduced from 50% to 30%. Also, in order to ensure that revenue sharing does not disincentivise higher production, the maximum revenue sharing has been capped at 50%. Category II and Category III basins In the less prospective Category II and Category III basins, revenue sharing has been totally dispensed with and allotment of basins would be solely based on the exploration work programme. On successful discovery, the production and full revenue will accrue to the operator, with Government asking for no share. This is apart from marketing and pricing freedom, which has been assured in all basins. Benefits It gives complete marketing and pricing freedom to oil and gas production. In gas, it is also extended this to those fields whose first Field Development Plan (FDP) is yet to be approved. It also gives concession in the royalties in case the oil fields are brought to production earlier. Integrating the recommendations of NITI Aayog, the cabinet decision focuses on enhancing exploration & production activities, which would have massive macro-economic benefits in terms of development of support services, employment generation, transfer of advanced technology etc. Operation Digital Board (ODB) (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources) Operation Digital Board to leverage technology in order to boost quality education in the country. Operation Digital Board is a revolutionary step which will make the learning as well as the teaching process interactive and popularize flipped learning as a pedagogical approach. Objectives ODB aims at converting a class room into a digital class room and in addition to availability of e-resources at any time and at any place to students. It will also help in provisioning of personalised adaptive learning as well as Intelligent Tutoring by exploiting emerging technologies like Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics. An expert committee has worked out optimum configuration of the Digital Class Rooms under ODB. Implementation in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) UGC will be the implementing agency for ODB in HEIs. It is estimated that there would be 5 lakh classrooms in the institutions which are aided by Centre or State Governments. Out of this, based on the readiness, UGC proposed to take up 300 universities and about 10,000 colleges in the first phase covering 2 lakh classrooms. For the 2 lakh class rooms, the cost is estimated at Rs. 2000 crores. This can be implemented as a Central scheme, as a loan from HEFA. Implementation in Schools Digital / SMART board will be provided in all Government and Government – aided schools having Secondary and Sr. Secondary classes. Nearly 1.5 lakh Secondary / Sr. Secondary schools will be covered under the scheme in collaboration with the State and UTs All India Citizens Survey of Police Services (Topic: Internal security) Ministry of Home Affairs has commissioned the Bureau of Police Research and Development to conduct a pan-India survey called “ALL INDIA CITIZENS SURVEY OF POLICE SERVICES”. The survey will be conducted through the National Council of Applied Economic Research, New Delhi. Importance of the survey The outcome of the survey is expected to bring out useful suggestions for stakeholders in formulating and implementing appropriate policy responses and changes in the functioning of police at the cutting edge and for improving crime prevention and investigation, transformation in community policing, improvement in the access to the justice and increased appropriate resource allocation for police in a systematic manner. Super-Efficient Air Conditioning programme launched by EESL (Topic: Development of new technology) Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of four National Public Sector Enterprises under Ministry of Power launched its Super-Efficient Air Conditioning Programme. About Air Conditioners These Super-Efficient Air Conditioners are 40 percent more efficient than, but priced comparably with, the 3-star ACs currently available in the market (ISEER 3.8). EESL is working towards making this programme and its benefits available to all consumers across the nation with the other DISCOMs likely to partner with EESL in future. EESL and GEF EESL’s investment in the programme is partially supported by a grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), an independent financing mechanism that was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to address global environmental issues. The GEF is an international partnership of 183 countries, international institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector. Further, Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing necessary grant support and loan while United Nations Environment (UNEP) is providing technical assistance support to the Super-Efficient AC programme. Accepted outcomes The programme directly addresses the prospect of the nearly four-fold increase in energy consumption from buildings and cooling appliances in India by 2032, while also addressing goals of India’s Cooling Action Plan and Hydrochlorofluro carbons Phase Out Management Plan, enabling achievement of India’s targets under the Kigali and Paris Agreements. Please Note: NCST Leadership Award: Awards which will be conferred for significant and exemplary services towards Scheduled Tribes in the country.  The awards will be given in 3 categories i.e. Educational Institutions/ Universities, Public Sector Undertakings/Banks and Public Service rendered by an Individual, NGO or Civil Society. Eco Circuit: Pathanamthitta – Gavi – Vagamon – Thekkady: Major works carried out under the project includes Eco Adventure Tourism Park at Vagamon, Cultural Centre at Kadamanitta, Eco Log Huts at Peerumedu, Idukki, Approach Roads, Walking trails, Rain Shelters at Pine Valley Forest, Thekkady, Kumily, Moozhiyar Dam, Penstock and Kakki Dam in Kerala. Central Waqf Council: It is a statutory body established in 1964 by the Government of India under Wakf Act, 1954 (now a sub section the Wakf Act, 1995) for the purpose of advising it on matters pertaining to working of the State Wakf Boards and proper administration of the Wakfs in the country. Wakf is a permanent dedication of movable or immovable properties for religious, pious or charitable purposes as recognized by Muslim Law, given by philanthropists. The grant is known as mushrut-ul-khidmat, while a person making such dedication is known as Wakf. The Council is headed by a Chairperson, who is the Union Minister in charge of Wakfs and there are maximum 20 other members, appointed by Government of India as stipulated in the Wakf Act. Presently the chairperson 642nd birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas: Guru Ravidas was a North Indian mystic poet-sant of the bhakti movement during the 14th to 16th century CE. Venerated as a guru (teacher) in the region of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh the devotional songs of Ravidas made a lasting impact upon the bhakti movement. He was a poet-saint, social reformer and a spiritual figure. He is considered as the founder of 21st-century Ravidassia religion, by a group who previously were associated with Sikhism He gave the people a message of peace, harmony and fraternity. He made people aware of the evils of discrimination and urged overcoming them. VIVID 2019: VIVID-Vision Insight and Voices as India goes Digital”- the District Informatics Officer (DIO) meet, is being organised by National Informatics Centre (NIC). The meet is held as an initiative to interact with the DIO’s and to share their experiences as well as contribution, as digital change-makers at the grass-root level in the States. VIVID started in 2017, as an annual event, with the objective to empower NIC officials in the field of technology. Runway to a Billion Opportunities: 12th biennial edition of International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition and declared the Aero India 2019 in Bengaluru. This edition of Aero India, for the first time, combines the defence and civil aviation segments into a holistic event with the co-involvement of the defence and civil aviation ministries in the event. More than 600 Indian Companies and 200 Foreign Companies are participating and witnessing the largest Air show of Asia. ‘Shisht Bharat Abhiyan’: organised by an NGO, theme of the event was to discuss the importance of moral science education in schools and colleges and to include Moral Science as a subject in the educational curriculum. Atmospheric Water Generator safe Drinking Water: Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has unveiled its new product, the Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG), an innovative solution to meet the ever-increasing need for drinking water worldwide. BEL's Atmospheric Water Generator can be used to generate water straight from the humidity present in the atmosphere. “Waste to Wonder” Park in South Delhi: this park has set an example for others, as for the first time scrap has been used to create ‘Wealth from waste’. The efforts should be made towards behavioural change of the people and proper arrangement should be made for waste disposal. A system should be developed for recycling of waste that can be reused. The products which cannot be recycled should be minimally used. Quotes: Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi On India- Korea relation You would go fast if you go alone, but you would go far if you go together Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu On Centre-State relation As far as development is concerned, both State and Central governments must work as Team India President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind On energy security In today’s era of rapid technological advance, energy and environment are major concerns not only for developing countries but also for developed countries.

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

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 20th February 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Cabinet approves new National Electronics Policy 2019 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Government schemes and policies; Indian Economy In news: Union Cabinet approved the National Electronics Policy 2019, which aims to achieve a turnover of $400 billion (about ₹26 lakh crore) for the electronics system design and manufacturing sector by 2025. It is also expected to generate employment opportunities for one crore people. The policy will enable flow of investment and technology, leading to higher value addition in the domestically manufactured electronic products and increased manufacturing of electronics hardware for local use as well as exports. Do you know? NPC 2019 is proposed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The Policy aims to position India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing – (ESDM). To help create an ecosystem, the policy has pitched for 2.0 version of the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster Scheme, under which infrastructure support will be provided for a group of industries that are part of the product supply chain rather than individual industries. It has also proposed a sovereign patent fund to acquire intellectual property for chips and chip components. Salient Features of NPE 2019 Create eco-system for globally competitive ESDM sector: Promoting domestic manufacturing and export in the entire value-chain of ESDM. Provide incentives and support for manufacturing of core electronic components. Provide special package of incentives for mega projects which are extremely high-tech and entail huge investments, such as semiconductor facilities display fabrication, etc. Formulate suitable schemes and incentive mechanisms to encourage new units and expansion of existing units. Promote Industry-led R&D and innovation in all sub-sectors of electronics, including grass root level innovations and early stage Start-ups in emerging technology areas such as 5G, loT/ Sensors, Artificial Intelligence (Al), Machine Learning, Virtual Reality (VR), Drones, Robotics,   Additive   Manufacturing,   Photonics,   Nano-based devices, etc. Provide incentives   and   support   for   significantly   enhancingavailability of skilled manpower, including re-skilling. Special thrust  on  Fabless  Chip  Design  Industry,  Medical Electronic Devices Industry, Automotive Electronics Industry andPower Electronics for Mobility and Strategic Electronics Industry. Create Sovereign Patent Fund (SPF) to promote the developmentand acquisition of IPs in ESDM sector. Promote trusted electronics value chain initiatives to improve national cyber security profile. Seaplane operations in Andamans and Lakshadweep Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I and III – Geography; Infrastructure In news: Four islands in the Andamans and three in Lakshadweep have been identified for seaplane operations. Bids invited for private sector participation in tourism-based projects. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/02/20/CMB/Coimbatore/TH/5_07/9b4d5105_2746968_101_mr.jpg Do you know? Islands Development Agency (IDA) is chaired by Union Home Minister. IDA was constituted in 2017 for the holistic development of islands after giving due consideration to unique maritime and territorial bio-diversity of the islands. The IDA had identified 10 islands for development which include 5 islands in A&N Islands (i.e. Smith, Ross, Long, Avis and Little Andaman) and 5 in Lakshadweep (i.e. Minicoy, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Cheriyam, Suheli). Drug menace in India Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Health issue; Welfare/Social issue; Children issue In news: According to a survey conducted by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, AIIMS, Delhi – 7 crore people suffer from alcohol dependence in India More than 4 lakh children and 18 lakh adults are inhalant addicts Of the 16 crore people who consumed alcohol across the country, prevalence of alcohol consumption was 17 times higher among men than among women. About 3.1 crore individuals consumed cannabis The most common opioid used was heroin. The current use of heroin was 1.14%, followed by pharmaceutical opioids (0.96%) and opium (0.52%). The abuse was found most prevalent in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/02/20/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/26fdf39b_2747869_101_mr.jpg The survey ascertains the magnitude of substance abuse in the country. The Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment maintained that a national guideline would be formulated after detailed consultation with all stakeholders to counter the drug menace in the country. Do you know? Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has introduced Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse. The scheme seeks to benefit victims of alcohol and substance abuse. Under the scheme, non-governmental organisations have been entrusted with the responsibility for delivery of services and the Ministry bears substantial financial responsibility (90% of the prescribed grant amount). Mid Day Meal Scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Welfare/Social scheme; Government schemes and policies In news: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the revision of norms under the Mid Day Meal Scheme. MDM scheme to be provided ₹12,054 crore for 2019-20, in addition to the subsidy of about ₹8,000 crore borne by Department of Food & Public Distribution. A new component of ₹10,000 per kitchen for repair of more than 10-year-old kitchens had been introduced. Also, ₹50 crore has been allocated for fortification of food items in a systematic manner. This would address the problems of anaemia and other micro nutrient deficiencies. About MDM scheme: The scheme involves provision of lunch free of cost to school-children on all working days. Key objectives: Protect children from classroom hunger; Increase school enrolment and attendance; Improve socialisation among children belonging to all castes; Address malnutrition and social empowerment through provision of employment to women. Scheme covers all children studying in class I to VIII MDM is covered by National Food Security Act, 2013 Ministry/Department : Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development Panic button feature on mobiles launched Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Welfare/Social scheme; Government schemes and policies In news: Centre launched panic button feature on mobiles for safety of women and other emergency services The initiative was opened jointly by Home Minister and Women and Child Development Minister In order to access an emergency service, such as police, medical and other services, a user can dial 112 from any phone. A smartphone user can also press the power button thrice in quick succession and a user of a basic or feature phone can long press 5 or 9 on the key pad. Do you know? Once a user presses the panic button, five calls will be made to emergency number 112 as well as call log details and the geo location of the victim will be sent by SMSes and emails to police officials at the State, district and local level. The panic button facility, also known as the Emergency Response Support System, is being supported under the Nirbhaya Fund set up for safety of women. France to propose ban on JeM chief Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International; Security issues In news: France will move a proposal at the U.N. in a “couple of days” to ban Masood Azhar, chief of the U.N.-proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). In 2017, the U.S., supported by the U.K. and France, moved a proposal at the U.N.’s Sanctions Committee 1267 to ban him. However, it was blocked by China. This will be the second time France will be party to such a proposal. India-Fiji Relations Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International Relations; India and the World In news: Fiji High Commissioner to India said - Fiji will maintain China-India balance Fiji is politically attached to India and the island country in the South Pacific Ocean is the only other country, apart from India, where Hindi is designated as an official language. Of the 9,00,000 people of the south Pacific island nation, some 40% are of Indian origin. Defence agreement – Both India and Fiji signed a defence agreement in 2017 with a goal to deepen cooperation in maritime security and provide training for Fiji troops. LOFAR telescope Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Technology; Space Missions In news: A new map of the night sky published recently charts hundreds of thousands of previously unknown galaxies discovered using a LOFAR telescope that can detect light sources optical instruments cannot see. The discovery shed new light on some of the Universe’s deepest secrets, including the physics of black holes and how clusters of galaxies evolve. More than 200 astronomers from 18 countries were involved in the study, which used radio astronomy to look at a segment of sky over the northern hemisphere, and found 3,00,000 previously unseen light sources thought to be distant galaxies. The discovery of the new light sources may also help scientists better understand the behaviour of one of space’s most enigmatic phenomena. About LOFAR Telescope The Low-Frequency Array or LOFAR, is a large radio telescope network located mainly in the Netherlands, completed in 2012 by ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy and its international partners. Animal in news: Bramble Cay Melomys Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Biodiversity; Animal Conservation In news: Australia officially declared a Great Barrier Reef rodent extinct. The rat-like Bramble Cay Melomys — whose only known habitat was a small sandy island in far northern Australia — has not been spotted in a decade. Bramble Cay Melomys is the first mammal believed to have been killed off by human-induced climate change. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2019/02/20/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_18/ac97c066_2747738_1_mr.jpg Illegal migrants in Assam Part of: GS Mains II – Welfare/Social issue In news: SC expressed concern over thousands of illegal migrants being kept in detention centres for years in Assam without being repatriated or deported to their countries of origin. The Centre assured the court that it would hold consultations with the State on a scheme to expedite deportation or repatriation of illegal foreigners. Do you know? Illegal migrants are convicted under the Foreigners Act, 1946. The Foreigners Act, 1946 is an Act of the Central Legislative Assembly enacted to grant the certain powers to Indian government in matters of foreigners in India. The Act was enacted before India became independent. (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  India-Saudi-Pakistan triangle Context: In previous Daily News Analysis articles, we had discussed about Saudi Crown Prince’s Vision 2030 plan to transform Saudi Arabia’s oil-dependent economy into a vibrant, diversified one better-suited to the economic realities of the 21st century. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) recent visits to Asian countries reflects that Asia is set to become the most important component of the Vision 2030 plan. For MBS, the visit to India, Pakistan, China, Malaysia and Indonesia is an opportunity to re-assert Saudi Arabia’s role as a major foreign policy player in Asia amid growing criticism over the Yemen war and the brutal assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul. For the Government of India, the visit is an opportunity to cap its pursuit of stronger ties with West Asian nations on a high note. India-Saudi Relations: Expansion of trade and investment: Saudi has shown interest in expanding trade and investment in India and collaboration in the energy sector. India could likely absorb $100 billion in Saudi investment. Ratnagiri refinery and petrochemicals complex joint venture: Saudi Aramco is set to partner with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in developing an integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, a $44 billion joint venture with Indian public sector involvement. Largest supplier of oil: Saudi Arabia is already one of the three largest suppliers of oil to India. Strategic Partnership Council: Both the countries have a strong independent strategic partnership and it will be further strengthened with the launching of the Strategic Partnership Council. People-to-people relations: There were announcements of the release of 850 Indians from Saudi jails, a hike in the quota for Indians making the Haj pilgrimage and an annual upscaling of airline seats to and fro. Comprehensive security dialogue and counter terrorism: A comprehensive security dialogue between the national security advisers of the two nations has been announced, besides a joint working group on terrorism. Inaugural joint naval exercises soon: Both agreed to hold their inaugural joint naval exercises at the earliest. Pakistan-Saudi Relations: Strategic and economic nexus between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan: Pakistan is far too important to Saudi Arabia for internal security reasons. The Pakistan Army has more than once acted as the Saudi rulers’ praetorian guard and given the uncertain hold of MBS on his country, despite impressions to the contrary, he may need the services of Pakistani mercenaries in the near future. Strategic importance of Pakistan in Afghanistan: Afghanistan has been a point of strategic convergence for Pakistan and Saudi Arabia going back to the 1980s when the Saudis used Pakistan as a conduit for material assistance to the Islamist forces fighting the Soviet Union and its proxy government in Kabul. With U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Pakistan’s strategic value as the Taliban’s patron has grown exponentially. Saudi Arabia is interested in curbing Iranian influence in Afghanistan and needs Pakistan to contain Iran’s ability to influence events in that country after the American withdrawal through its Tajik and Hazara allies. Aid to Pakistan: Saudi economic largesse matters greatly to Pakistan, which is in dire economic straits and has been forced to turn to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for loans that are bound to come with strict conditionalities. Saudi investment in Pakistan (especially Gwadar port): Over and above the $6 billion already promised by Saudi Arabia, MBS has promised a further $20 billion in Saudi investment in Pakistan. A large part is earmarked for investment in the construction of an oil refinery in Gwadar on the Makran coast, which is being developed as a strategic port by China and features prominently in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) plan. Iran-Saudi Arabia Conflict: Iran is Saudi Arabia’s chief adversary in West Asia. MBS has made containment of Iran his top foreign policy priority. Therefore, Saudi perceives Pakistan as a major asset it can use to check the spread of Iranian influence. Moreover, Pakistan’s relations with Iran have hit a new low following the recent terrorist attack in the Sistan-Baluchistan Province that killed 27 Revolutionary Guards. As Pakistan’s relations with Iran deteriorate, it is likely to move further into the Saudi orbit. On the other hand, India deepened its engagement with Iran, be it on oil trade or the Chabahar port. Iran is important for India as it is a gateway to Central Asia. Conclusion: India should take advantage of any benefit that accrues from India’s economic relations with Saudi Arabia but should not pin much hope on Riyadh in the political-strategic sphere of Saudi-Pakistan ties. While Saudi Arabia is vital for India’s energy security, Iran is a gateway to Central Asia. New Delhi is sure to continue this balancing act even as it seeks to strengthen the Saudi pillar of India’s West Asia policy. Connecting the dots: Saudi Arabia and India have a historic opportunity to collaborate in shaping the future of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Asia regions. Critically analyse. What challenges does India face in cultivating gainful ties with Saudi Arabia? Examine. Give an overview of India – Saudi Arabia defence, economic and strategic relations. INFRASTRUCTURE/ENERGY TOPIC:General studies 3 Infrastructure: Energy  Environment and Ecology; Pollution Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Need for Clean Fuel and Sustainable Energy System Context: Ministry of Environment had notified emission limits for major pollutants such as suspended particulate matter, sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide and mercury in December 2015. However, despite this notification, the effort to clean up India’s thermal power plants running on coal has never really taken off. About Emission Standards for Coal Power Plants In December 2015, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified new emission standards for coal thermal power plants (TPPs). The new standards mandate reduction of sulphur oxide (SOx), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and mercury (Hg) emissions, along with tightening of the existing norms for particulate matter (PM10) emissions. Around 50% of the total SOx, 30% of total NOx, and 8% of total PM2.5 emissions are attributed to the energy sector, within which coal TPPs are the biggest contributors. Once MoEFCC’s standards are implemented, the air quality in India could significantly improve. Standards have been specified differently for unit, vintage and installed capacity. The original deadline for compliance was December 2017. Due to limited progress in implementing the standards, MoEFCC recently decided to support the Ministry of Power’s (MoP’s) phasing plan, which extends the deadline for implementation to 2022. Concerns: These pollutants have cumulative impact on the health and well-being of people. Government/Centre has failed to follow up the notification with a viable financial plan to help power plants acquire pollution control technologies. Originally, the compliance deadline was set for 2017, but that was missed and the plan now is to achieve the norms by 2022. India’s coal use is over 54% of the present energy mix, and the dirty fuel will continue to retain a high share of the overall generation. Over 300 out of around 500 units of coal-based power plants are not adhering to the emission norms notified by the Union Environment Ministry in December 2015. To comply with the new emission standards, most coal TPPs will have to incur INR 0.5–1 crore/MW. The way ahead: Power Ministry has proposed to provide the equivalent of over $12 billion (about ₹88,000 crore), mainly to remove sulphur from coal plant emissions. A viable financial mechanism must be evolved to remove pollutants in existing and upcoming power plants, without losing sight. Providing grants to existing plants would help. Developing detailed regulatory guidelines to enable tariff transfer to consumers. There is a need to stop further long-term investments in a dirty fuel such as coal that contributes to carbon emissions. Developing synthetic gypsum market to monetise the byproduct from FGD technologies, as additional revenue for new plants. Connecting the dots: India’s energy needs have to be diverse to fulfil India’s Energy Mix. Explain in detail with suitable examples. Studies across the world has released that coal power plants in India are most lethal in the world. Critically analyse the need for green technologies and sustainable energy system. (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 Islands Development Agency (IDA) It is chaired by Union Environment Minister It was constituted in 2017 for the holistic development of islands after giving due consideration to unique maritime and territorial bio-diversity of the islands. Which of the statements above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both None Q.2) Which of the following are the pillars of growth under Digital India? Free internet access Electronics Manufacturing E-governance Universal access to Mobile Connectivity  Select the correct answer using the code given below: 3 and 4 1 and 2 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 Q.3) Bangaram, Thinnakara, Cheriyam, Suheli is associated with - Islands of Lakshadweep Islands of Andamans Indigenous cattle breeds Folk songs of Odisha Q.4) Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse was introduced by - Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers Home Ministry Q.5) Consider the following statements with regard to Mid-day Meal Scheme: Scheme covers all children studying in class I to VIII MDM is covered by National Food Security Act, 2013 The programme supplies free lunches on working days for children in primary and upper primary classes in government, government aided, local body, Education Guarantee Scheme, and alternate innovative education centres, Madarsa and Maqtabs supported under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan only. Which of the statements above are correct? 1, 2 and 3 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 Q.6) An integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, a $44 billion joint venture is proposed between which two countries? India and UAE India and Russia India and Saudi Arabia India and Iran MUST READ  We can defeat terrorism by upholding the unity of our society The Hindu The importance of being humane The Hindu  Spotlight needed on training teachers in India Livemint Technology is making us less open to divergent views Livemint  Soldiering on, after Pulwama Indian Express  Ruse Of Gender Justice Indian Express Star-studded CVs and moral numbness Indian Express

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 178

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 178 Archives Q.1) The term ‘Allograft’ is associated with Algorithm Trading Blockchain Technology Rafale Aircraft Organ Transplants Q.2) ‘Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located in West Bengal Tripura Nagaland Meghalaya Q.3) ‘World Employment and Social Outlook – Trends’ report is published by International Labour Organization World Economic Forum United Nations Development Programme None of the above Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Dampa Tiger Reserve’ It is located on the Rajasthan-Gujarat border Slow Loris is found in this reserve Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Which of  the following statements with respect to ‘Guardafui Channel’ is correct? It connects the Gulf of Aden with the Somali Sea It divides the Tyrrhenian Sea and the western Mediterranean Sea, from the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It is a strait in the Pwani Region of Tanzania It is a narrow passage between the Sinai and Arabian peninsulas which separate the Gulf of Aqaba from the Red Sea proper To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

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