Mar 4, 2019 PIB

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 24th Feb to 2nd March - 2019

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 24th Feb to 2nd March - 2019 ARCHIVES GS-2 PM-KISAN scheme (Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population) About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM KISAN) The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) was announced in the interim Budget 2019-20. PM KISAN is a Central Sector scheme with 100% funding from Government of India. Under the Scheme, Rs 6,000 will be given per year to small and marginal farmer families having combined land holding/ownership of upto 2 hectares. The amount will be given in three installments of Rs.2000 each. The amount will be transferred directly to the bank account of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer. DBT will ensure transparency in the entire process and will save time for the farmers. The Scheme was introduced to augment the income of the Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs). It is estimated to benefit more than 12 crore small and marginal farmers. Eligibility criteria In the database, the land owner's name, gender, Social Classification (Scheduled Tribes / Scheduled Tribes) Aadhaar number, bank account number and mobile number etc. Imitation of agricultural land Khatuani imitation Janshan Bank Account Number, Aadhaar and Mobile Number will help in identifying eligible beneficiaries and incompetent claimants The farmers having cultivated land of two hectare or less than this will be understood eligible for this scheme. The scheme is sponsored by the Central Government. Therefore, the farmers have to be citizens of the country. Significance The PM-KISAN scheme aims to supplement the financial needs of the SMFs in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of the each crop cycle. This would also protect them from falling in the clutches of moneylenders for meeting such expenses and ensure their continuance in the farming activities. National Youth Parliament Festival 2019 (Topic: Important aspects of- governance, transparency and accountability) National Youth Parliament Festival 2019 has been jointly organised by National Service Scheme and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan under the aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on the theme of ‘Be the Voice of New India and Find solutions and Contribute to Policy’. Objectives of organising Youth Parliament. To hear the voice of youth between 18 and less than 25 years of age, who are allowed to vote but cannot stand as a candidate for election, through deliberations in Youth Parliaments at district level and above. To encourage the youth to engage with public issues, understand the common man's point of view, form their opinions and express it in an articulate manner. To develop and enhance decision making abilities. To develop in them a respect and tolerance for the views of others. To develop in them an understanding that respect for rules is essential for conducting any discussion systematically and effectively. To obtain and document their opinions on Vision of New India in 2022. To make available their views to policy makers and implementers to take it forward. About Nehru Yuva Kendras Nehru Yuva Kendras were established in the year 1972 with the objective of providing rural youth avenues to take part in the process of nation building as well providing opportunities for the development of their personality and skills. About National Service Scheme (NSS) The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a Central Sector Scheme of Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. It provides opportunity to the student youth of 11th & 12th Class of schools at +2 Board level and student youth of Technical Institution, Graduate & Post Graduate at colleges and University level of India to take part in various government led community service activities & programmes. The sole aim of the NSS is to provide hands on experience to young students in delivering community service. Since inception of the NSS in the year 1969, the number of students strength increased from 40,000 to over 3.8 million up to the end of March 2018 students in various universities, colleges and Institutions of higher learning have volunteered to take part in various community service programmes. Skill Saathi Youth Conclave in Bhubaneswar. (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.) Skill Saathi is a career counselling initiative of the National Skill Development Corporation, under the aegis of MSDE, to create awareness about the Skill India Mission and guide candidates by providing them with information on career paths and opportunities. The initiative provides information on vocational training programs under Skill India mission, conduct psychometric test and provide face-to-face counselling interventions to guide aspirants to make the right choice of based on their interest and aptitude. The program aims to create a mass movement around skill development in the state and inspire youth to make the most of various skill development opportunities in the country. Objectives The Skill Saathi initiative, it said, has so far mobilised and counselled over 1 lakh candidate in Odisha and over 10 lakh youth across the country in the past three months. The Skill Saathi model was created to impart information on vocational education and available market opportunities to the youth. With the potential Odisha has and with the right intent, together Odisha soon becomes the skill capital of India. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) (Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population) The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Programme launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA), in Mission mode envisions provision of Housing for All by 2022, when the Nation completes 75 years of its Independence. The Mission seeks to address the housing requirement of urban poor including slum dwellers through following programme verticals: Slum rehabilitation of Slum Dwellers with participation of private developers using land as a resource Promotion of Affordable Housing for weaker section through credit linked subsidy Affordable Housing in Partnership with Public & Private sectors Subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction /enhancement Beneficiaries The mission seeks to address the housing requirement of urban poor including slum dwellers. A slum is defined as a compact area of at least 300 people or about 60 - 70 households of poorly built congested tenements in unhygienic environment usually with inadequate infrastructure and lacking in proper sanitary and drinking water facilities. Beneficiaries include Economically weaker section (EWS), low-income groups (LIGs) and Middle Income Groups (MIGs). The annual income cap is up to Rs 3 lakh for EWS, Rs 3-6 lakh for LIG and Rs 6 + -18 lakhs for MIG. EWS category of beneficiaries is eligible for assistance in all four verticals of the Missions whereas LIG and MIG categories are eligible under only Credit linked subsidy scheme (CLSS) component of the Mission. For identification as a EWS or LIG beneficiary under the scheme, an individual loan applicant will submit self-certificate/ affidavit as proof of income. A beneficiary family will comprise husband, wife, unmarried sons and/or unmarried daughters. The beneficiary family should not own a pucca house either in his/her name or in the name of any member of his/her family in any part of India to be eligible to receive central assistance under the mission. States/UTs, at their discretion, may decide a cut-off date on which beneficiaries need to be resident of that urban area for being eligible to take benefits under the scheme. Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.) NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Adobe today signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) to collectively drive the charter of developing creative skills and spreading digital literacy across all Atal Tinkering Labs in India. About the agreement Adobe shall be adopting 100 schools under Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) initiative. Adobe shall be implementing its Digital Disha Program in ATLs , under which free licenses of Adobe Spark premium shall be offered to ATLs. Launched in 2018, the Adobe Digital Disha Programme is aimed at driving synergies in creative thinking and technology-based learning. Under this collaboration with AIM, children and teachers across these schools and communities shall benefit from creative learning resources, thereby empowering them with new age skills to thrive in the current digital era and preparing them for long term success. About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) AIM is the Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. As a part of AIM, ATLs are being established in more than 5,000 schools in India where students of class 6th to class 12th acquire problem solving and innovation skills, developing innovative solutions leveraging Tinkering technologies like 3D printers, robotics, miniaturised electronics, IOT and programming, do it yourself kits with support from teachers. The Atal Tinkering Lab is based on the philosophy to identify and nurture innovation in young students across the country. The Atal Innovation Mission proactively seeks to promote scientific temper and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Through various initiatives such as the ATL Community Day, Teacher Training Sessions, ATL Marathon, Student Innovator Program, Tinkerfest etc AIM has successfully integrated students, teachers, mentors, parents and even the governments at the state and local level within a larger fabric of encouraging science skills, digital literacy and creativity. Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS)   (Topic: Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations) Ministry of Human Resource Development launched the Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS) for providing industry apprenticeship opportunities to the general graduates exiting in April 2019 through the National Apprenticeship Promotional Scheme (NAPS).The program aims to enhance the employability of Indian youth by providing ‘on the job work exposure’ and earning of stipend. Importance of SHREYAS SHREYAS will be a major effort in this direction to make degree students more skilled, capable and employable and aligned to the needs of our economy so that they contribute to country’s progress and also obtain gainful employment. SHREYAS portal will enable educational institutions and industry to log in and provide their respective demand and supply of apprenticeship. The matching of students with apprenticeship avenues will take place as per pre-specified eligibility criteria. The State Governments are expected to play a major role in securing apprenticeship opportunities, apart from the Sector Skill Councils, so that general degree students passing out in April 2019, gain the option of industry & service sector apprenticeship. Objectives of SHREYAS To improve employability of students by introducing employment relevance into the learning process of the higher education system To forge a close functional link  between education and industry/service sectors on a sustainable basis To provide skills which are in demand, to the students in a dynamic manner To establish an ‘earn while you learn’ system into higher education To help business/industry in securing good quality manpower To link student community with employment facilitating efforts of the Government Operation of the Scheme The primary scheme will be operated in conjunction with National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) which provides for placing of apprentices upto 10% of the total work force in every business/industry.   The scheme will be implemented by the Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) , initially the Banking Finance Insurance Services (BFSI), Retail, Health care, Telecom, Logistics, Media, Management services, ITeS and Apparel.   More sectors would be added over time with emerging apprenticeship demand and curriculum adjustments. GS-3 IPrism (Topic: Issues related to Intellectual Property) The Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, in collaboration with ASSOCHAM and ERICSSON India, has launched the second edition of ‘IPrism’, an Intellectual Property (IP) competition for students of schools, polytechnic institutes, colleges and universities. Objective Aiming to foster a culture of innovation and creativity in the younger generation, the competition will provide young creators an opportunity to see their creations recognized on a national platform. Creating IPR Awareness through outreach and promotional activities is a key objective of the Policy. The Cell for IPR Promotion and Management, set up under the aegis of the DPIIT to fulfil the policy objectives, has been actively involved in many outreach activities including a nation-wide IPR awareness campaign. About CIPAM CIPAM is a professional body under the aegis of the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Its mandate is to effectively implement National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy adopted in May 2016 with slogan – “Creative India; Innovative India”. It has undertaken several measures to strengthen IP ecosystem in the country. Heat wave risk reduction (Topic: Disaster management) Heat wave has emerged as one of the major severe weather events around the globe in recent years. Climate change is driving temperatures higher as well as increasing the frequency and severity of heat waves. India too is experiencing increased instances of heat waves every year. NDMA has been closely working with vulnerable States to reduce the adverse impacts of heat wave. India too is feeling the impact of climate change in terms of increased instances of heat waves which are more intense in nature with each passing year, and have a devastating impact on human health thereby increasing the number of heat wave casualties. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has given the following criteria for Heat Waves: Heat Wave need not be considered till maximum temperature of a station reaches atleast 40*C for Plains and atleast 30*C for Hilly regions When normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40*C Heat Wave Departure from normal is 5*C to 6*C Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 7*C or more When normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40*C Heat Wave Departure from normal is 4*C to 5*C Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 6*C or more When actual maximum temperature remains 45*C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, heat waves should be declared Health Impacts of Heat Waves The health impacts of Heat Waves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. The signs and symptoms are as follows: Heat Cramps: Ederna (swelling) and Syncope (Fainting) generally accompanied by fever below 39*C i.e.102*F. Heat Exhaustion: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating. Heat Stoke: Body temperatures of 40*C i.e. 104*F or more along with delirium, seizures or coma. This is a potential fatal condition Sustained efforts Timely release and effective implementation of the national Guidelines on heat wave, preparation of Heat Action Plans by 13 vulnerable States. Regular follow-up and monitoring by NDMA, extensive awareness generation campaigns through print, electronic and social media, preparedness workshops in 2017 and 2018 - have significantly brought down the number of heat-related deaths in the past few years.  From more than 2,000 deaths in 2015, the number came down to 25 in 2018. IEA Bioenergy TCP (Topic: Infrastructure-Energy security) International Energy Agency's Technology Collaboration Programme on Bioenergy (IEA Bioenergy TCP) is an international platform for co-operation among countries with the aim of improving cooperation and information exchange between countries that have national programmes in bioenergy research, development and deployment. IEA Bioenergy TCP works under the framework of International Energy Agency (IEA) to which India has "Association" status since 30th March, 2017. Goals and benefits of IEA Bioenergy TCP It facilitate the market introduction of advanced biofuels with an aim to bring down emissions and reduce crude imports. IEA Bioenergy TCP also provides a platform for international collaboration and information exchange in bioenergy research, technology development, demonstration, and policy analysis with a focus on overcoming the environmental, institutional, technological, social, 'and market barriers to the near-and long-term deployment of bioenergy technologies. Engagement with International Agencies will also apprise the Ministry of the developments taking place Worldwide in Biofuel sector, provide opportunity of personal interaction with innovators/ Researchers and help in bringing suitable policy ecosystem. SATAT scheme (Topic: Infrastructure-Energy security) Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has launched Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) aimed at providing sustainable alternative towards affordable transportation. The initiative was launched with PSU Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs i.e. IOC, BPCL and HPCL). SATAT was launched with a four-pronged agenda Utilising more than 62 million metric tonnes of waste generated every year in India, Cutting down import dependence Supplementing job creation in the country Reducing vehicular emissions and pollution from burning of agricultural / organic waste. Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Bio-gas is produced naturally through a process of anaerobic decomposition from waste / bio-mass sources like agriculture residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste, sewage treatment plant waste, etc. After purification, it is compressed and called CBG, which has pure methane content of over 90%. Compressed Bio-Gas is exactly similar to the commercially available natural gas in its composition and energy potential. CBG can be used as an alternative, renewable automotive fuel. Given the abundance of biomass in the country, CBG has the potential to replace CNG in automotive, industrial and commercial uses in the coming years. Benefits from converting agricultural residue Responsible waste management, reduction in carbon emissions and pollution Additional revenue source for farmers Boost to entrepreneurship, rural economy and employment Support to national commitments in achieving climate change goals Reduction in import of natural gas and crude oil Buffer against crude oil/gas price fluctuations Please Note: India hosts ‘4th Global Digital Health Partnership Summit’: The Global Digital Health Partnership (GDHP) is an international collaboration of governments, government agencies and multinational organisations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of their citizens through the best use of evidence-based digital technologies. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes for Science and Technology : The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, named after the founder Director of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Dr Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, is given annually to recognize outstanding Indian work in various disciplines of Science and Technology. Gandhi Peace Prize: The Gandhi Peace Prize was presented to the Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari for 2015, jointly to the Akshaya Patra Foundation and the Sulabh International for 2016, to the Ekal Abhiyan Trust for 2017, and to Shri Yohei Sasakawa for 2018. Quotes: President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind During Gandhi Peace Price In his advocacy of sustainability, ecological sensitivity and living in harmony with nature, he anticipated some of the pressing challenges of our times. The Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations are Gandhian philosophy in action. Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu On health care sector From the Surakshit Mathritva Abhiyan to secure maternal health to Mission Indradhanush that aims to achieve 100 percent child vaccination by 2022 to the opening of more than 3000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras to provide affordable medicines, efforts are being made to envision and deploy out of the box, inclusive healthcare solutions. To crystallize Universal Healthcare (UHC) or Universal Health Assurance (UHA), we must focus upon safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the vulnerable sections of our population, the women, the children, the poor and the differently abled. Mental wellbeing is crucial and complementary to physical wellbeing, especially in the high stress environment that we live and work in. To crystallize Universal Healthcare (UHC) or Universal Health Assurance (UHA), we must focus upon safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the vulnerable sections of our population, the women, the children, the poor and the differently abled. On operations of Indian Air Force Peace loving pacifist India not weak; can strike against disruptive terror designs. On education Education we impart must lead to self-discovery, enlightenment and awakening of an individual. Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi During Gandhi Peace Price Mahatma Gandhi had merged the streams of Jan Bhagidari (public participation) and Jan Andolan (mass movement).

Mar 4, 2019 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

60 Days Plan: UPSC IAS Prelims 2019- Polity and Current Affairs (Day 1)

60 Day plan has been published on the website (www.iasbaba.com - Click here). Since we have come up with the 'Quiz Format', it will not be feasible to publish it on the app. For feasibility and getting to know where you stand among your peers (we have a leaderboard which gives your marks and rank) it would be advisable to take the test on the website. All the best. make the best use of the initiative ! Before taking the Test, read the post below, DOWNLOAD THE FULL PLAN Hello Friends,  The most beloved 60 Days has finally begun :) Once again the time has come for the battle (Prelims). And who else than your best companion in the last preparatory phase for Prelims i.e 60 days plan. It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.  Hope the message given above makes sense to you all. The productive utilization of this programme demands consistency, honesty, faith and strong determination to be in the process of learning and unlearning. You might not be fully prepared to solve all the questions but the learning and unlearning through these questions will prepare you for the real battle on 2nd June 2019. You have to unlearn your repetitive mistakes, gut feeling on which you mark doubtful questions. You have to learn new things and also those concepts that you were very sure of but somehow because of traps in the option, got it wrong. You have to learn 'how to convert knowledge into marks' (Because most of the times, after ending the exam, you regret making mistakes in known concepts).  Secondly, keep a long distance from following too many things at this point. It will always backfire. Once you are here, put complete faith and follow this initiative along with whatever you were doing. It is very important to consolidate your preparation with many revisions. Simply following many things will leave you in despair. You can cross check this with veterans. Everything that seems attractive is not productive. You should always go for productivity. Be wise! Let us pledge to make it a big game changer (better than last year) in the next 60 days of this plan! Importance of Self - Tracking: Learning from Last Year Last year, aspirants used to type/post their answers in the comment box on a daily basis. There were huge participation and discussion below the test post. Putting answers in the comment box has been very effective to self-track yourself after updating the score. In the end, you can cross check your performance through Disqus profile. It was highly effective in the last edition of 60 Days that propelled aspirants to monitor their performance and learn through discussion. Let you solve these questions with full honesty and write your result in the comment box. Interact with peers to know your mistakes. The importance of this initiative stands time-bound and aggressive reverse engineering to learn the concepts. Many of you must be busy with your own strategy but let us tell you honestly that in the last few months, it is very important to revise and consolidate your learning. Just reading won’t suffice. So, take out a few hours from your schedule and make it a revision exercise. How can you make the best use of it? Be honest to your effort and do not start competing with XYZ aspirants just for the sake of marks. It is more important for you to introspect and check your learning than focusing on others. Try to answer the questions in 25 minutes only.  Do not get into negative feeling that I don’t have enough knowledge to answer these questions. Feel like you are taking the real exam. What would be your response then? The same will be replicated in the UPSC exam. Here, you get marks only and nothing else matters. So, make effort to know the answers to all questions. Do not cheat :P DETAILED MICRO ANALYSIS MATRIX SAMPLE- is given here. You can download this and do an assessment for yourself (the excel sheet must be modified as per this years planning. The provided excel sheet is only for reference).  DOWNLOAD You can copy paste the same format/modify as per your need in Google Spreadsheet and update it on daily basis. Feedback talks about daily test results. Follow-up talks about daily target achieved from sources and the number of revisions to do/done and dates. Sources column is to ensure that aspirants do not run behind various sources and follow the same throughout. Would like to end on this quote:  Either you run the day or the day runs you.  Are you ready? Let's start! Important Note Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :)  You can post your comments in the given format  (1) Your Score (2) Matrix Meter (3) New Learning from the Test

Mar 3, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 1st March 2019

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 1st March 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Cabinet clears voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof Part of: GS Mains II – National issue; Right to Privacy; Governance issues In news: Cabinet approved the promulgation of an Ordinance to allow voluntary submission of Aadhaar as identity proof for use by private entities such as banks, telcos and fintech firms. The Ordinance also gives a child an option to exit from Aadhaar on attaining 18 years of age. The amendment also provides for civil penalties for violations of the Aadhaar Act and provisions by entities in the Aadhaar ecosystem. It permits the entities to perform authentication only when they are compliant with the standards of privacy and security specified by the authority. Do you know? No individual shall be compelled to provide proof of possession of Aadhaar number or undergo authentication for the purpose of establishing his identity unless it is so provided by a law made by Parliament. The amendments will enable UIDAI to restrain the misuse of Aadhaar. National Mineral Policy 2019 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian economy and development In news: The Union Cabinet approved the National Mineral Policy 2019. The New National Mineral Policy will ensure more effective regulation. It will lead to sustainable mining sector development in future while addressing the issues of project affected persons especially those residing in tribal areas. The aim of National Mineral Policy 2019 is to have a more effective, meaningful and implementable policy that brings in further transparency, better regulation and enforcement, balanced social and economic growth as well as sustainable mining practices. Do you know? The new National Mineral Policy 2019 replaces the extant National Mineral Policy 2008 (“NMP 2008”) which was announced in year 2008. The impetus to review NMP 2008 came about by way of a direction from the Supreme Court vide its judgment in 2017 in Writ Petition entitled Common Cause v/s Union of India & Others. Provisions under National Mineral Policy 2019 Introduction of Right of First Refusal for RP/PL holders Encouraging the private sector to take up exploration. Auctioning in virgin areas for composite RP cum PL cum ML on revenue share basis. Encouragement of merger and acquisition of mining entities and transfer of mining leases and creation of dedicated mineral corridors to boost private sector mining areas. Proposes to grant status of industry to mining activity to boost financing of mining for private sector and for acquisitions of mineral assets in other countries by private sector. It also mentions that Long term import export policy for mineral will help private sector in better planning and stability in business. It mentions rationalize reserved areas given to PSUs which have not been used and to put these areas to auction, which will give more opportunity to private sector for participation. It mentions to make efforts to harmonize taxes, levies & royalty with world benchmarks to help private sector. Include the focus on make in India initiative and Gender sensitivity in terms of the vision. In so far as the regulation in Minerals is concerned, E-Governance, IT enabled systems, awareness and Information campaigns have been incorporated. Regarding the role of state in mineral development online public portal with provision for generating triggers at higher level in the event of delay of clearances has been put in place. Aims to attract private investment through incentives while the efforts would be made to maintain a database of mineral resources and tenements under mining tenement systems. Focusses on use coastal waterways and inland shipping for evacuation and transportation of minerals and encourages dedicated mineral corridors to facilitate the transportation of minerals. The utilization of the district mineral fund for equitable development of project affected persons and areas. The 2019 Policy also introduces the concept of Inter-Generational Equity that deals with the well-being not only of the present generation but also of the generations to come and also proposes to constitute an inter-ministerial body to institutionalize the mechanism for ensuring sustainable development in mining. Software product policy 2019 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian economy and development In news: The Union Cabinet approved the National Policy on Software Products 2019. It aims to help the industry grow at CAGR of 40% to reach $70-80 billion by 2025, while creating employment opportunities for 3.5 million people. Initially an outlay of ₹1,500 crore is being planned for various schemes under in policy in the next seven years. Further, the policy proposes to create a ₹5,000-crore fund with industry participation to promote emerging technology such as Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Big Data and robotics. Of this, government contribution will be ₹1,000 crore. Significance of the Policy: Promoting ecosystem ‘Software Product Development Fund’ will participate in venture funds having objectives aligned to this policy and so can leverage private investments targeted to promote software product ecosystem.The SPDF will be financially managed by a professional financial institution. Presently, total revenue of IT-ITeS industry in India is pegged at about $168 billion (including e-commerce), with revenue of about $7.1 billion from software product industry, of which $2.3 billion is from exports. Tenfold rise The policy, which aims to increase share of Indian software products in global market by tenfold, pitches for nurturing of 10,000 technology start-ups in software product industry, including 1,000 such start-ups in tier-II and tier-III towns. It also proposes up-skilling of 10 lakh IT professionals as well specialise 10,000 professionals to “provide leadership. Rhinos without borders Part of: GS prelims and Mains III – Animal conservation; Environment and Biodiversity In news: International boundaries will not come in the way of conservation of rhinos. The New Delhi Declaration was adopted during the second meeting of the Asian rhino range countries. Experts had noted that trans-boundary collaboration is needed between India, Nepal, and Bhutan for the conservation and protection of the greater one-horned rhino. There are no rhinos in Bhutan, but some from the Manas National Park in adjoining Assam or Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal are known to cross over occasionally. Miscellaneous: Another push at UNSC to ban Azhar : : Three permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the U.S., U.K and France, have made a ‘listing request’ to the UNSC, asking for a travel ban, arms embargo and asset freeze on Pakistan-based Jaish-e Mohammad (JeM) leader Masood Azhar. By 2040, Arctic summers may turn ice-free : : The Arctic Ocean could experience ice-free summers within the next 20 years much earlier than previously predicted unless human greenhouse gas emissions are greatly reduced, a study warns. (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, Indian diaspora Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and India Why in news? The 46th Session of the OIC's Council of Foreign Ministers will be held in Abu Dhabi from March 1 to 2. For the first time, India has been invited to an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting as guest of honour. About OIC: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations It has membership of 57 states spread over four continents. It is an organisation of the collective voice of the Muslim world. Objectives: The main motive of the organisation is to the safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world. The Organization was established upon a decision of the historical summit which took place in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco 25 September 1969 as a result of criminal arson of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem. Governing Bodies of OIC The Islamic Summit, composed of Kings and Heads of State and Government of Member States, is the supreme authority of the Organization. It convenes once every three years to take policy decisions and provide guidance on all issues pertaining to the realization of the objectives and consider other issues of concern to the Member States and the Ummah. The Council of Foreign Ministers, which meets once a year, considers the means for the implementation of the general policy of the Organization by, inter alia: Adopting decisions and resolutions on matters of common interest in the implementation of the objectives and the general policy of the Organization; Reviewing progress of the implementation of the decisions and resolutions adopted at the previous Summits and Councils of Foreign Ministers; The General Secretariat, which is the executive organ of the Organization, entrusted with the implementation of the decisions of the two preceding bodies. Do you know? Invitation comes when India has been mounting diplomatic pressure to isolate Pakistan internationally following the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The OIC has usually been supportive of Pakistan and, often sided with Islamabad on the Kashmir issue. OIC had denied India a seat when the grouping started. India and Islamic World In the last few years, India has improved ties with the Islamic world from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia, while building on good relations with countries like Qatar and Oman. While it was Bangladesh that floated the idea of India becoming an observer at the OIC in 2018, the UAE invite offered India an opportunity to address the forum. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ), was a very special Chief Guest at the 68th Republic Day celebrations in 2017, the first time that India laid out the Republic Day red carpet for a leader who was neither a Head of State nor Head of Government. The Crown Prince MBZ had earlier visited India in February 2016, following a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UAE in August 2015. Recently, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman visited India. Conclusion: All these are indication of India’s improved ties with both Saudi and the UAE, and the Gulf region as a whole. The increased engagement is also rooted in the shared interest between India and the Arab conservatives in blunting the edge of religious extremism and terrorism. Equally important has been the region’s growing economic and energy interdependence with India, which is emerging as the world’s third-largest economy and one of the biggest hydrocarbon importers and labour exporters. Connecting the dots: Have you witnessed a transformation in India’s Middle East strategy in recent years? Analyse. What is Organisation of Islamic Cooperation? Discuss its objectives and also discuss the significance of OIC’s first-time invitation to India. MUST READ Living on the edge The Hindu Nigeria’s difficult democratic journey The Hindu Good, Bad, Ugly  Indian Express A law for the CBI Indian Express Wider and deeper Indian Express The Central Statistics Office is an institution that matters Livemint CPSU scheme won’t do the trick for domestic solar firms Livemint

Mar 3, 2019 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Negative Selftalk – Inspirational Educative Articles

Negative Self-Talk: It is impossible to achieve anything big without believing in yourself fully and possessing total self-confidence. All of us possess some amount of self-confidence, otherwise we cannot even survive. But the amount of self-confidence that is needed to survive and that is needed to achieve something great is significantly different. Most of us don’t pause and observe our levels of self-confidence. In a mad rush to reach somewhere we become blind to one of the most important qualities that can help us to succeed. Self-confidence is one of the most important qualities that is required if one has to succeed. Knowing one’s level of self-confidence can make all the difference between success and failure. So, how do we assess our self-confidence levels? The easiest way to know our self-confidence levels is by observing the conversations we have with ourselves. Throughout the day we keep talking to ourselves about what has happened, what will happen, the consequences of actions and so many other things. Paying close attention this conversation will reveal a great deal about our self-confidence levels. If there is excess negative self talk, then it is a clear indication of lack of self-confidence. Many possess the potential to do something big, but they lack the necessary self-confidence. The single biggest reason for this is negative self talk; I cannot do this, I am not talented, I am not fast enough, I am not smart enough, I don’t have the right knowledge, probably next time, may be not now. Negative self-talk is not just an indicator of lack of self-confidence, it is also the inducer of lack of self-confidence. The more you keep talking to yourself in negative language, the more it becomes a part of your reality. We need to remember that our mind is very powerful. Thoughts become things. Negative thoughts and negative conversations will eventually become our reality. The easiest way to change this and develop self-confidence is by changing the way you talk to yourself. Having a positive attitude and having positive conversations with yourself will improve your self-confidence levels significantly. Irrespective of the reality around, it is possible to always be in a positive state of mind. It requires a little bit of will power and more importantly it requires your total understanding that negative self talk can destroy your self-confidence. This might sound a little crazy, but try this anyways. Pay very close attention to what you keep telling yourself throughout the day. Change every negative statement into a positive statement. Don’t worry about the statement being right or wrong. Just change every negative statement into a positive statement. Do this continuously for one week and observe the tremendous changes that happen within you. Negative self talk is the single biggest destroyer self-confidence. By changing the way you talk to yourself, you can change your life. Give it a try. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Inner Revolution and IASBABA.”

Mar 1, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

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

Mar 1, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

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

Feb 28, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

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

Feb 28, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

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

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

Feb 28, 2019 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

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

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

Feb 28, 2019 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

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