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Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 10th January 2019

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 10th January 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Raisina Dialogue: Outcomes Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and the World; international Relations Key focus areas: Terrorism, threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and climate change. Digital age and radicalization: In the digital age, the challenge is even greater, with a greater vulnerability to radicalization. Rules-based order: India reiterated its stand for a democratic and rules-based international order, in which all nations thrive as equals. Do you know? As far back as 1996, India proposed a draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN, but it remained a draft because of a lack of consensus on a common definition. International Solar Alliance to tackle Climate Change - India jointly launched with France last year with the participation of 120 countries. Persian Gulf Regional Dialogue Forum In order to address the lingering conflicts and mistrust in the Gulf region, Iran proposed a new platform for regional peace building. The announcement of Persian Gulf Regional Dialogue Forum is significant as it comes in the wake of continued erosion of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which in the recent years has been divided between the Iranian and the Saudi spheres.   India- Malaysia Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and the World; international Relations In news: Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, president of the People's Justice Party and leader of the Pakatan Harapan coalition of Malaysia, has been elected back to Parliament 20 years after being imprisoned. Ibrahim is said to become next PM (as Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, currently serving as Prime Minister of Malaysia said he will step down before May 2020). Ibrahim said ties with India are well below potential and must be strengthened. On India-Myanmar and Rohingya issue, Ibrahim expressed his disappointment that Indian position is business first and human rights in the background. India could have been the voice of reason and champion the cause of justice. Concern: One big issue between India and Malaysia ties is the presence of Zakir Naik, an Indian Islamic preacher, and the founder and president of the Islamic Research Foundation. Zakir Naik is accused of hate speech in India and of inciting terrorists to carry out an attack in Bangladesh. Malaysia has incurred a $250 billion debt. Free Indo-Pacific not against China: U.S. Admiral Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and the World; international Relations In news: Four countries of the Quad (India, US, Japan and Australia) stressed the need for improving interoperability and evolving a “common maritime awareness picture” in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Concern: Rapid expansion of the Chinese Navy US Admiral announced that - Free and open Indo-Pacific is not a containment strategy for China. Do you know? U.S. has been conducting Freedom of Navigation Operations in the South China Sea, most of which is claimed by China. U.S. Admiral said that it was the responsibility of all our nations here to help the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) nations in their discussions for a Code of Conduct with China in the SCS. The four quad countries represent the open inclusive rule-based order. India’s GDP may grow at 7.3% in 2018-19, says World Bank Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and issues related to it. In news: According to 2019 Global Economic Prospects report released by the World Bank – India’s GDP is expected to grow at 7.3% in the fiscal year 2018-19 and 7.5% in the following two years. Upswing in consumption and investment to drive growth. The bank said India will continue to be the fastest growing major economy in the world. China’s economic growth is projected to slow down to 6.2% each in 2019 and 2020 and 6% in 2021. In 2018, the Chinese economy is estimated to have grown by 6.5% as against India’s 7.3%. In 2017, China with 6.9% growth was marginally ahead of India’s 6.7%, mainly because of the slowdown in the Indian economy due to demonetisation and implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Tokenisation may aid safe digital transactions Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and issues related to it; Cyber Security In news: RBI decides to allow card payment providers to offer tokenisation services. It believes the move will ensure the safety of digital transactions and reduce chances of fraud. Tokenisation involves a process in which a unique token masks sensitive card details like card and CVV number. The token is used to perform card transactions in contactless mode at Point Of Sale (POS) terminals, Quick Response (QR) code payments, etc. How does tokenization work? The debit or credit card holder will create a code for a particular amount, say ₹500, through an app in the form of a number. That number will have the amount that can be spent, the merchant type where it can be spent as well as time within which the transaction needs to be completed. Then the number can be shared with the merchant who will enter it in the mobile, to get the payment for the items sold. There will be no need to enter card number, CVV, expiry date etc online. One can generate a token and make the payment. There is no risk at all for digital payments. RBI makes changes in gold scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and issues related to it. In news: RBI made some changes in the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) by including charitable institutions and the Central government, among others. In other words, apart from individual and joint depositors, the scheme could now be availed by charitable institutions, the Central government, the State government or any other entity owned by the Central government or the State government About GMS In 2015, the government launched the GMS to mobilise the gold held by households and institutions. GMS allows bank customers to deposit idle gold holdings for a fixed period in return for interest. J&K; IAS topper quits in protest against killings Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Social/Welfare issue; Human Rights Issue; Threat to Secularism, Unity and Diversity In news: Shah Faesal, the Jammu & Kashmir resident who topped the Indian Administrative Service examination in 2010, resigned from service. He cited that the “marginalisation” of Muslims and the continued killings in the State as reason for his resignation. His resignation comes as a protest against the unabated killings in Kashmir, and lack of any sincere reach out from the Union Government. Other concerns: Marginalisation and invisiblisation of around 200 million Indian Muslims at the hands of Hindutva forces. Reducing Indian Muslims to second-class citizens. Insidious attacks on the special identity of the J&K; State. Growing culture of intolerance and hate in the mainland India. Google’s virtual assistant to serve as real-time language translator Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Technology In news: Google has unveiled a new feature: the ‘interpreter mode’ in Google Assistant, its voice-based Artificial Intelligence (AI). This would enable Google’s virtual assistant to serve as a real-time language translator between two people. Currently, this feature supports 27 languages, including English, Hindi, Polish, Indonesian, Swedish, Thai, German and Korean. Adam Smith and Laissez-faire Basics: Adam Smith was an 18th century philosopher renowned as the father of modern economics and a major proponent of laissez-faire economic policies. Laissez-faire is an economic system in which transactions between private parties are free from government intervention. In other words, Laissez faire is the belief that economies and businesses function best when there is no interference by the government. It is one of the guiding principles of capitalism and a free market economy. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Shaping Afghanistan’s Future Context: There might be some potential consequences due to withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. It can result into instability in Afghanistan, South and Central Asia. If this happens, security could hinge on efforts made by regional powers to stabilise Afghanistan. Therefore, there is a need for China to emerge as the power broker in Afghanistan and India should help enhance Afghanistan’s security. Why stability of Afghanistan is vital for China’s development? Sharing part of a border with Afghanistan, China has a great interest in its stability. China would be adversely affected by war and chaos, which could spill over into north-western China, Pakistan, and Central Asia. As all these areas are vital in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), peace in Afghanistan is critical. Role played by China Over the last decade, China has gained considerable economic and diplomatic influence in Afghanistan. China announced its intention to build regional consensus on Afghanistan’s security, when Afghanistan’s President, Ashraf Ghani, made China the destination of his first official trip abroad in October 2014. China has joined the U.S. and Russia in several peace talks with the Taliban. China is part of the four-nation Quadrilateral Coordination Group (with Afghanistan, Pakistan and the U.S.). It is giving military aid to Afghanistan, to help fight terrorism and increase security cooperation. China has used diplomacy and finance to appear influential and generous. China has invested in projects such as mining, roads and railways, and health. A rail link, completed in 2016, and running from far eastern China via Uzbekistan to the river port of Hairatan in northern Afghanistan, could reduce the time taken to make shipments, from six months by road, to just two weeks. In 2012, it brought Afghanistan into the regional diplomatic processes by giving it observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). At the 18th SCO summit at Qingdao, China, in 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared China’s readiness to train 2,000 law enforcement officers ‘for all parties’ in the next three years. The SCO’s programme for 2019-21 also calls for combating terrorism, and generally enhancing security cooperation. Do you know? If the U.S. withdrawal aggravates conflict, southern Russia will also face the threat of an extremist spillover. Therefore, Russia and other Central Asian countries would be willing to expand their cooperation with China to curb insecurity. However, question remains how China will deal with Pakistan, which trains and exports extremists across the Durand Line? Since 2011, China has continually blamed Pakistan for exporting extremists to Uighur in Xinjiang, and for extremist attacks on Chinese workers in the CPEC area. Could China have some leverage over Pakistan? Would China’s strategic and economic interests prompt it to press Pakistan to stop exporting terrorists across the Durand Line? India’s role India supports China’s role in international negotiations on Afghanistan. It had supported the activation of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group and other mechanisms of dialogue and cooperation for restoration of peace and development in Afghanistan. India has contributed much ‘soft power’ - ranging from telecommunications to education, Bollywood movies and pop music. India supports for Afghanistan’s democracy. National Assembly was built with Indian assistance. India has been implementing a range of mega infrastructure projects and carrying out community development programmes. India has also been supplying military equipment to Afghanistan besides providing training to hundreds of Afghan security personnel. India seeks to build capacities and capabilities of Afghan nationals and its institutions for governance and delivery of public service, develop socio-economic infrastructure, secure lives and promote livelihood. India, which has been against holding talks with the Taliban for a long time, finally sent two retired diplomats, at the ‘non-official level’, to join them at the Moscow peace talks. However, India’s lengthy absence from regional diplomacy has resulted in its limited contribution to the negotiations that are necessary to stabilise Afghanistan. Combined Role for Afghan’s Future India and China should work together, bilaterally and in multilateral groupings, to build a secure Afghanistan. India-China economic cooperation in Afghanistan can boost progress and enhance human security. Last October, in a first, India and China started a joint training project for Afghan diplomats. They can expand cooperation by facilitating Afghanistan’s full membership of the SCO. China’s leadership role of the SCO and contacts with all parties (the U.S., the Taliban, the Afghan government, Pakistan, Russia and the five Central Asian states) can work together to craft a regional solution in Afghanistan. Connecting the dots: U. S. has embraced the idea of seeking a regional solution to Afghanistan. Do you think it is a welcome move? Can regional countries play vital role for Afghan's secure future? Discuss. INTERNATIONAL/SECURITY TOPIC:General studies 2 and 3 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Science and Technology; Space Missions and Related Achievements Security Issues The space race Context: We read recently about China's Chang-e'4 lunar probe lander-rover touched down on the lunar far side (Von Karman Crater). The tasks of the Chang’e-4 include astronomical observation, surveying the moon’s terrain, land form and mineral make-up, and measuring the neutron radiation and neutral atoms to study the environment of its far side. This achievement of China could trigger yet another rivalry with the U.S., this time in outer space. Reasons: Unlike the near side, the far side of the moon is shielded from radio transmissions from earth. The Chang’e-4 mission also got around the problem of lack of communication with those on earth by using a relay satellite. The data that China obtains on the moon’s craters could help it acquire an edge over other countries, including the U.S., in the highly competitive domain of space research. S. fears that the Chinese could also steal a march over the Americans by launching advanced rockets, which would explore new frontiers in space. Unlike earth, the moon has an abundance of helium-3. In the far future, this can serve as the ideal fuel to power a new generation of spaceships, with the moon as the launchpad, instead of earth. S. believes that the Chinese may have also taken the lead over peers in exploring the possibilities of human habitation on the moon. Do you know? The Yutu-2, the rover of the ongoing Chang’e-4 mission, is programmed to explore the South Pole-Aitken Basin. This vast impact region has copious reserves of ice. The promise of water has persuaded international space scientists to peg the site as suitable for a permanent lunar outpost, which is on China’s radar. Colonisation of moon: Space exploration buffs have considered asteroids as lucrative sources of precious metals such as gold, platinum, silver and iridium in the future. But if the relatively more accessible surface of the moon could yield precious resources, the race for lunar colonisation would begin, providing China a substantial early-mover edge. Outer space is becoming another arena of a budding Cold War between Washington and Beijing. It becomes the responsibility of new generation of Chinese and American peace advocates, global citizens and cyber-activists to step up their game and prevent outer space race and rivalry. Connecting the dots: Outer space is becoming another arena of a budding Cold War between Washington and Beijing. Elucidate or Discuss. India’s space program needs techno-military orientation. Do you agree? Critically examine. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements with regard to International Solar Alliance: The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations. It is headquartered in Paris Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 Only 1 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Common Risk Mitigation Mechanism is related to which of the following? UNFCCC International Solar Alliance (ISA) Stockholm Convention CBD Q.3) Which of the following countries are part of ‘QUAD’? India U.S.A. Russia Japan Select the correct answer using code below 1 and 3 2 and 4 1, 2 and 4 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.4) Which one of the following issues the “Global Economic Prospects” report periodically? The Asian Development Bank World Economic Forum International Monetary Fund (IMF) The World Bank Q.5) Consider the following statements with reference to Raisina Dialogue 2019 The theme of this year is “A World Reorder: New Geometries; Fluid Partnerships; Uncertain Outcomes”. The name “Raisina Dialogue” comes from Raisina Hill, an elevation in New Delhi that is home to the Government of India. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1,2 and 3 MUST READ Judicial evasion and the status quo: on SC judgments The Hindu Why Adam Smith favoured public education The Hindu  Sabarimala through the ages The Hindu Parliamentary disruption has become the norm, this Lok Sabha mirrors the decline Indian Express Swachh Bharat has initiated a behavioural change that seems irreversible Indian Express  Why MCQ isn’t an option Indian Express

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Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 9th January 2019

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 9th January 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) CAG on Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Government schemes and policies; Governance issues; Irrigation programme In news: According to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Tardy implementation of projects under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) between 2008-2017 led to an almost threefold jump in the cost of these projects to ₹1.20 lakh crore. From 2008-2017, of the 201 major and medium projects approved, only 62 were completed. Of the 11,291 minor irrigation schemes sanctioned, only 8,014 were completed. Only about 35% of India’s irrigation potential was utilised. Of the 118 major projects surveyed by the CAG, 105 suffered from a “time overrun” with some projects being delayed by more than 18 years. About AIBP AIBP was initiated in 1996 as a Central scheme. The Scheme provides central assistance in the form of loan to State Government to complete those ongoing irrigation projects which were costing Rs.1000 crore. Objective of the scheme is to speed up the implementation of large irrigation projects (includes dams and canals, especially those which were beyond the resource capability of the States). Ministry: Union Ministry of Water Resources is responsible for framing policy guidelines for implementation. State Governments are associated with planning and implementing irrigation projects and schemes. Concerns: CAG audit on AIBP revealed that – There were lacunae in the planning, implementation and monitoring of the programme. Projects and schemes were included under AIBP in violation of the programme’s guidelines, resulting in irregular release of ₹3,718.71 crore. There were also deficiencies in the preparation and processing of Detailed Project Reports such as inadequate surveys, inaccurate assessment of water availability, Irrigation Potential and Command Area and the lack of activity-wise construction plans. There were “financial irregularities” such as diversion of funds, parking of funds, “fictitious and fraudulent expenditure”. Raisina Dialogue 2019 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and the World; international Relations In news: Raisina Dialogue 2019 is 4th edition multilateral dialogue organised by Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with Observer Research Foundation (ORF). This dialogue is India’s flagship annual geopolitical and geo-strategic conference. The theme of the Dialogue is “A World Reorder: New Geometries; Fluid Partnerships; Uncertain Outcomes”. The discussions will seek to address issues arising from ongoing global transitions and changes to the world order, triggered by unique leaders, innovative partnerships and new technologies. Nilekani Committee on digital payments Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy; Cyber Security In news: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up a five-member committee headed by Infosys chairman Nandan Nilekani. The Committee will suggest a strategy for deepening of digital payments in the country. The panel will review the existing status of digitisation of payments in the country, identify the current gaps in the ecosystem, and suggest ways to bridge them. The panel will also suggest measures to strengthen the safety and security of digital payments and provide a roadmap for increasing customer confidence while accessing financial services through digital modes. NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Technology; Space Missions In news: Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) discovered third new exoplanet. The new planet HD 21749b is outside our solar system and orbits a dwarf star 53 light years away. It has the longest orbital period of all the three discoveries made by TESS. Do you know? The other two discoveries made by the TESS probe are Pi Mensae b and LHS 3844b. About TESS TESS aims to discover new exoplanets. An exoplanet is a planet that orbits a star outside our solar system. TESS to monitor more than 200,000 stars for temporary drops in brightness caused by planetary transits. What will TESS do? According to NASA, TESS scientists expect the mission will catalog thousands of planet candidates and vastly increase the current number of known exoplanets. Of these, approximately 300 are expected to be Earth-sized and super-Earth-sized exoplanets, which are worlds no larger than twice the size of Earth. TESS will find the most promising exoplanets orbiting our nearest and brightest stars, giving future researchers a rich set of new targets for more comprehensive follow-up studies. How does it plan to do this? Tess will look for dips in the visible light of stars, which requires that planets cross stars in our line of sight. Repetitive, periodic dips can reveal a planet or planets orbiting a star. Transit photometry, which looks at how much light an object puts out at any given time, can tell researchers a lot about a planet. Miscellaneous IBM Patents: India second highest contributor In news: Tech giant IBM said it had received 9,100 patents in 2018 across areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and cybersecurity, with India being the second highest contributor to the global record tally. In 2018, IBM employee inventors received a record number of 9,100 patents (with US 1st and India 2nd highest contributor) IBM inventors from India received over 800 patents. Person in news: Gita Gopinath Why in news? Mysore-born Gita Gopinath has joined International Monetary Fund as its chief economist, becoming the first woman to occupy the top IMF post. Gita Gopinath believes the world is experiencing a retreat from globalisation, posing challenges to multilateral institutions. (MAINS FOCUS) SOCIAL/WELFARE ISSUE TOPIC:General studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Social justice and Empowerment of vulnerable sections of the society. Constitution: Fundamental rights 10% quota for economically weaker sections Context: Union Cabinet has cleared a Bill to be brought in Parliament, seeking to provide 10% reservation in government higher education institutions and government jobs to the economically backward among the ‘general category’. This refers to non-Dalits, non-Other Backward Classes and non-tribals — essentially, the upper castes or so-called ‘forwards’. Who qualifies for the proposed quota? The quota is targeted at economically weaker sections among the upper castes. General category individuals, all members of whose family together earn less than Rs 8 lakh per annum, and who have less than five acres of agricultural land, will qualify. Individuals whose families own or possess more agricultural land, or a residential flat of area 1,000 sq ft or larger, or a residential plot of area 100 yards or more in notified municipalities and 200 yards or more in areas other than notified municipalities, will not qualify. Article 340 of the Constitution Article 340 mandated that the government identify “classes” which were “socially and educationally backward”, and implement measures “to remove such difficulties [so] as to improve their condition”. Also Article 340 (1) provided for Appointment of a Commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes. Kaka Saheb Kalelkar Committee The first Backward Classes Commission was appointed under Article 340(1) in 1953 under the Chairmanship of Kaka Saheb Kalelkar. The Commission was set up to determine criteria to identify people as socially and educationally Backward Classes, and to recommend steps to ameliorate their condition. In its report, the Commission interpreted the term “socially and educationally backward classes as relating primarily to social hierarchy based on caste”. B P Mandal Committee Second Backward Classes Commission was appointed in 1978 under B P Mandal to review the state of the Backward Classes. This report recommended 27.5% reservations in government jobs for OBCs, stirring a hornet’s nest in North Indian politics, with ramifications that continue to be felt today. What would it take for the quota to become reality? The quota prescribed for education extends even to private sector institutions. To implement this, it will need a Constitution Amendment to specifically include economic deprivation as a criterion for affirmative action. This is because under Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth) and Article 16 (equality of opportunity in matters of public employment) of the Constitution, affirmative action is allowed to correct for social and educational backwardness. The 124th Constitution Amendment Bill will have to be ratified in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, by at least two thirds of members present and voting, and by the legislatures of not less than half the states. Article 15(4) empowers the State to “make any provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Article 16(4) provides “for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any backward class of citizens, which in the opinion of the State, is not adequately represented in the services under the State”. The term “backward class of citizens” has been generally understood to include the SCs, STs, and Socially and Educationally Backward Castes (SEdBCs). Indira Sawhney case A nine-judge bench had struck down a provision that earmarked 10% for the economically backward on the ground that economic criteria cannot be the sole basis to determine backwardness. Any attempt to amend the Constitution to extend what is limited to the “socially and educationally backward” to those economically weak is problematic. In violation of equality norm At present, the affirmative action is restricted to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs)—cumulatively adding up to 50%. The additional reservation will mean upping the reservation quota to 60%. When quotas are increased by State governments that exceeding the 50% limit, offends the equality norm. In Nagaraj (2006), a Constitution Bench ruled that equality is part of the basic structure of the Constitution. It said the 50% ceiling, among other things, was a constitutional requirement without which the structure of equality of opportunity would collapse. There has been a string of judgments against reservations that breach the 50% limit. Do you know? Reservations have been traditionally provided to undo historical injustice and social exclusion suffered over a period of time. The original idea of reservation for SCs and STs was premised on correcting deprivation forced upon them by centuries of prejudice. Therefore, the present move (of providing 10% quota) can dilute the original idea of affirmative action. Questions raised by critics – Can financial incapacity warrant special treatment? Can reservations be extended to those with social and educational capital solely on the basis of what they earn? Whether electoral behaviour continues to be defined in this country around religious and caste denominations? Connecting the dots: Write a brief note on SC judgment in Indira Sawhney and Nagraj Case. What are your views on recent move of 10% reservation in government higher education institutions and government jobs to the economically backward among the ‘general category’? (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 Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) It finds exoplanets that periodically block part of the light from their host stars. It looks for dips in the visible light of stars, to determine the size of the exoplanet. It is developed by European Space Agency (ESA). Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements about NASA’s ‘TESS’: It is an all-sky survey mission that will discover thousands of exoplanets around nearby bright stars. TESS detected its first confirmed exoplanet, a super-Earth named HIP 116454b in 2014. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following about Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): The Scheme provides central assistance in the form of loan to State Government to speed up the implementation of large irrigation projects. Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare is responsible for framing policy guidelines for implementation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements with reference to Raisina Dialogue It is a bilateral conference between think tanks of India and Israel. It is held every year in New Delhi. The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs of India. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1,2 and 3 MUST READ  A renewed attack on privacy: on Aadhaar Bill The Hindu Regaining respect: on Indian Science Congress The Hindu  System failure Indian Express Undoing injustice against Dalits requires upper caste support Indian Express Renaming islands in Andamans obscures complex loyalties, horrific memories Indian Express Moving from chaos to order: The overdue step to a simpler GST Livemint The Aadhaar amendment and private sector access Livemint The potential of AI in empowering consumers Livemint

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RSTV IAS UPSC – Ayushman Bhava - Asthma

Ayushman Bhava - Asthma Archives 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; mechanisms, laws, institutions Facts about asthma WHO estimates that 235 million people currently suffer from asthma. Asthma is the most common noncommunicable disease among children. Most deaths occur in older adults. In India alone, over 15 million people suffer from asthma. Asthma is a public health problem not just for high-income countries; it occurs in all countries regardless of the level of development. Most asthma-related deaths occur in low- and lower-middle income countries. Asthma is under-diagnosed and under-treated. It creates substantial burden to individuals and families and often restricts individuals’ activities for a lifetime. What is asthma? Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person. Asthma attack During an asthma attack, the lining of the bronchial tubes swells, causing the airways to narrow and reducing the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Recurrent asthma symptoms frequently cause sleeplessness, daytime fatigue, reduced activity levels and school and work absenteeism. Asthma has a relatively low fatality rate compared to other chronic diseases. What triggers an asthma attack? Although the fundamental causes of asthma are not completely understood, the strongest risk factors for developing asthma are inhaled asthma triggers. These include: indoor allergens (for example house dust mites in bedding, carpets and stuffed furniture, pollution and pet dander); outdoor allergens (such as pollens and moulds); tobacco smoke chemical irritants in the workplace Old cars and unplanned urbanisation Other triggers can include cold air, extreme emotional arousal such as anger or fear, and physical exercise. In some people, asthma can even be triggered by certain medications, such as aspirin and other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, and beta-blockers (which are used to treat high blood pressure, heart conditions and migraine). Urbanization has also been associated with an increase in asthma, however the exact nature of this relationship is unclear. It is hereditary: Asthma is hereditary, though the exact gene hasn’t been identified. It is one of the strongest genetic disorders after schizophrenia. Atopy is a collection of genetically transmitted diseases: asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, migraine. A family history of any of these ups the risk of developing asthma by five to seven times. The grandmother may have had allergic rhinitis, the mother eczema, while the child may develop asthma. It can be triggered by stress: Stress may bring on an attack, even if you’ve never had it before, but have a predilection. The smooth muscles of the airways are controlled by the autonomic nervous system (that also controls heartbeat, digestion and other functions that happen ‘automatically’). The hormones released by this system are responsible for causing smooth muscle broncho-constriction. The airways become hypersensitive to even innocuous substances. The main underlying reason is always inflammation. In adults, the stress of a death or separation may trigger it, or even a consistently stressful life. Food helps: Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables help fortify the body and the airways. They protect the airways from being hypersensitive. In a study, it was found that the airways of healthy individuals were coated with antioxidants, but in asthmatics, antioxidants were significantly depleted. Asthma is a global priority requiring global action Governments should Include asthma in all their actions resulting from the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2013-2020, and the WHO NCD Global Monitoring Framework Ensure their country has a coordinated national strategy towards better measurement of the true burden of asthma, improving access to care and improving adherence to asthma management strategies; Aim to achieve the UN Strategic Development Goal 3: “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” to lessen the burden of asthma; Ensure that essential asthma medicines are on their country’s Essential Medicines List and ensure that they are free, subsidised or reimbursed; Develop and implement insurance schemes which will allow patients to access and buy asthma medicines; Strengthen their national policies, such as those to reduce tobacco consumption, encourage healthy eating and reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, smoke and dust; Support further research into known asthma triggers and identifying the causes of asthma; commit to research that increases the understanding of asthma, its causes, its costs, and lead to improvements in management; Support the acquisition of new standardised data to track the country and global burden of asthma. 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Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 148

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 148 Archives Q.1) ‘Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY)’ is associated with Tuberculosis Kala Azhar Malaria and Dengue Typhoid Q.2) Which of the following statements is/are correct? The funds for Long Term Irrigation Fund (LTIF) are raised by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) through issuance of bonds LTIF is used for implementation of Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) works Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Bt Brinjal’ It has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University It has been developed to give resistance against lepidopteron insects Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers Right Act’ It provides for the establishment of an effective system for protection of plant varieties, the rights of farmers and plant breeders, and to encourage the development and cultivation of new varieties of plants. It provides mechanism for equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of traditional biological resources and knowledge. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to Buddhism Vaishnavism Shaivism Jainism To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 147

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz Day 147 Archives Q.1) What is ‘VY Canis Majoris’, which was recently in news? Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Computer Malware Night Frog Star Q.2) Which of the following acts established the direct rule of British crown over India? Government of India Act, 1858 Pitts India Act Indian Councils Act 1813 Indian Councils Act 1833 Q.3) Who of the following social reformers published a set of notes on “Infant Marriage and Enforced Widowhood.” Ishwarchand Vidyasagar Raja Rammohun Roy Bahramji Malabari Swami Dayananada Q.4) Consider the following statements about priority sector lending certificates (PSLC). PSLC is a short-term accounting instrument used by banks to cover shortfalls in meeting priority sector lending norms The idea of issuing priority sector lending certificates first appeared in the Report of the Dr. Raghu Ram Rajan led Committee on Financial Sector Reforms – A Hundred Small Steps Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) ‘Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund (UCCRTF)’ is managed by World Bank Asian Development Bank European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Mental Health and Insurance

Mental Health and Insurance Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. In News: A year after National Mental Healthcare Act 2017 was passed by the parliament, the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India has come out with guidelines asking all insurers to include mental health under their ambit of coverage. As per the Mental Health Survey of India for 2015-16 which was conducted by National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, approximately 15 percent of Indian population suffers from mental health issues which require active intervention. Mental illness requires prolonged medical attention along with continuous care and support from professionals which is often a huge financial burden on families. What makes this problem more complex is the deep rooted stigma around mental health conditions. The right to mental health The term “mental health” has become a euphemism for “mental illness”. This is in stark contrast to what it should be, for mental health is the most valued asset we have, the most treasured aspect of our humanity. This is precisely why, when people are asked to compare different health conditions, mental health problems are ranked as the ones they fear the most. This is not surprising, for we rely on the diverse capabilities our mental health underpins to successfully learn and master the skills that make our lives meaningful and worthwhile. So, one would expect that mental health would be the most prioritised of all issues facing the world. Sadly, that is quite far from reality. Mental ill health is on the rise worldwide, but that this increase is causing massive amount of disability, early deaths and fuelling cycles of poverty. Most people with mental health problems do not receive care, which prolongs suffering and leads to colossal societal and economic losses. Even worse, they are often subjected to human rights abuses and discrimination. Perhaps no other cause of suffering has been so profoundly neglected. In India, suicide is now the leading cause of death of young people, alcohol use is blatantly promoted by commercial interests and its abuse has been relegated to a moral issue to be addressed by primitive, punitive policies rather than through a public health approach, tens of thousands of people with severe mental health problems languish in horrific conditions in mental hospitals or on the streets and appalling deprivations — from under-nutrition to neglect — that affect the development of the brain in childhood remain unchecked. There are virtually no community-based mental health services in the country. Mental Health and Insurance As per the Mental Healthcare Act, mental illness means a substantial disorder of thinking, mood, perception, orientation or memory that grossly impairs judgement, behaviour, and capacity to recognise reality or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life. It also includes mental conditions associated with the abuse of alcohol and drugs, but does not include mental retardation which is a condition of arrested or incomplete development of mind of a person. The Act further states that every person with mental illness will be treated as equal to persons with physical illness when it comes to healthcare, including health insurance. IRDAI has taken cognisance of the law, and asked insurance companies to implement its provisions. The circular is a step in the right direction as it increases the scope of health insurance coverage for a large number of population. As per the National Mental Health Survey of India for FY16 conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, nearly 15% of Indian adults are in need of active intervention for one or more mental health issues. IRDAI, in its circular, said that insurers will have to make provisions to insure mental illness, according to the rules laid down by the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. According to Section 21(4) of the Act, every insurer needs to make provisions for medical insurance for treatment of mental illness on the same basis as is available for treatment of physical illness. The circular stated that insurers will need to comply with these provisions with immediate effect. However, this may still not mean a blanket cover for mental illness and may affect the pricing. Premium will have to be revised and though there was nothing against covering, but companies have always excluded not going the claims that can arise out of it. Issues that have riddled the mental health industry with obstacles in proper implementation and provision of services There are some differences in the definitions and coverage of mental disorders, and insurance companies will need to draft policies after considering the pros and cons of each system. Moreover, if insuring mental illnesses becomes dependent on the diagnoses – i.e. if claims will necessarily require a diagnosis for reimbursement – there is a chance that the healthcare system may be burdened with over-diagnosis, especially for children. It will be important to identify treatment modalities covered within the insurance plan. For example, depending on the severity of symptoms, psychopharmacological medication, psychotherapy or both may be required for treatment. In other cases, hospitalisation may be recommended. Therefore, insurance agencies will need to identify the scope of coverage for various mental disorders as well as rely on scientific, evidence-based therapy for the same. Third, and a related issue, will be to determine adequate licensing for mental health professionals in the country. Although the Rehabilitation Council of India bears the responsibility of registering clinical psychologists in India, there are several mental health para-professionals, including counselling psychologists and psychotherapists, whose licensure is not currently covered. Ideally, the IRDAI notification will push the sector towards ensuring that appropriate professional identification, regulation and registration of mental health professionals across the country happens. Fourth, it will now be the shared responsibility of insurers and mental health professionals alike to facilitate the acceptance and literacy of mental health conditions across the country. After all, when insurance agencies develop their models of mental health coverage, they will also want to guarantee sufficient buy-in from clients who may already be insured for physical ailments. This pushes the mental health dialogue to new heights, especially in the policy and insurance spaces, furthering the cause of establishing and sustaining mental health infrastructure in an overburdened country. Conclusion The growing acceptance of mental health issues among the urban youth is an indicator of demand for coverage. Further, whether only health or medical policies will include mental disorders in their coverage is not immediately clear. This is a paradigm shift in the Indian mental health space, with the potential to change how our country perceives mental illness. Improper implementation at this juncture could set us back several years. Insurers will hopefully acknowledge this policy as a complex yet important move for the overall wellbeing of their clients. Must read: Link 1 Connecting the Dots Addressing mental health will influence economic productivity of our nation. Discuss. The Rajya Sabha recently passed the Mental Healthcare Bill. What was the need of having a law relating to people having mental illness? Have the provisions of the law tried to address the pressing issues being raised by various stakeholders? Analyse.

UPSC Interview Discussion-TRP

Interview Discussion IAS UPSC: Think, Rethink and Perform (TRP)-Day 9

Interview Discussion: Think, Rethink and Perform; (TRP)- Day 9  ARCHIVES Set 1: Ask these questions to yourself; contemplate and come out with a concrete answer (not to be discussed on this forum). Invest at least 30 minutes on this set of questions. Given a chance to change one thing in your surroundings, what will you change? What inspires your inclination to change something? Do you need to change something about yourself too? What would that be? Think about it. Set 2: Analyse the following issue: We are witnessing a series of biopics being made on politicians. Most of the times, these biopics create controversy. What are your views in this regard? Don’t you think that in a country where politics runs in the veins of citizens, the viewers are mature enough to digest such movies? Or rather, aren’t they getting deprived intellectually by the absence of sensible political films? Hasn’t the time come to welcome and embrace such movies? Think about it.

RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Global Menstrual Hygiene Day

Global Menstrual Hygiene Day Archives TOPIC: General Studies 1 Role of women and women’s organization, women related issues, Social empowerment Menstrual Hygiene Day is an annual awareness day on May 28 to help break the silence and build awareness about the fundamental role that good menstrual hygiene management (MHM) plays in enabling women and girls to reach their full potential. Initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2014 Theme of 2018 Menstrual Hygiene Day: #NoMoreLimits – Empowering Women and Girls through Good Menstrual Hygiene” Aims and Objectives: Will help to break the silence and build awareness about the fundamental role that good menstrual hygiene plays in enabling women and girls to reach their full potential. It will catalyse a growing, global movement for MHM and support partnerships at global, regional, national and local level. MH Day also creates opportunities for advocacy for the integration of MHM into global, national and local policies, programmes and projects. Why do women have period? Every month, the womb prepares for a possible pregnancy when it sheds the lining of the womb, resulting in period or menses. This usually happens once a month and a woman bleeds on an average for five days. The normal cycle varies from 21 to 35 days and the bleeding can last from two to seven days. Having a regular period indicates that a woman is ovulating every month. It is like a monthly reminder that women are capable of having a baby. The Challenge Lack of safe sanitation facilities: At least 500 million women and girls globally lack adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management (MHM). Inadequate WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) facilities, particularly in public places, such as in schools, workplaces or health centers, can pose a major obstacle to women and girls. The lack of separate toilets with doors that can be safely closed, or the unavailability of means to dispose of used sanitary pads and water to wash hands, means that women and girls face challenges in maintaining their menstrual hygiene in a private, safe and dignified manner. A growing body of evidence shows that girls’ inability to manage their menstrual hygiene in schools, results in school absenteeism, which in turn, has severe economic costs on their lives and on the country. Cultural beliefs hampering lives: The challenge menstruating girls and women face is often less tangible than simply the availability of infrastructure, and is rooted in social norms and beliefs. In many cultures, menstruating women are considered impure and are systematically excluded from participating in every-day activities, such as education, employment, and cultural and religious practices. Moreover, the taboos and stigmas attached to menstruation lead to an overall culture of silence around the topic, resulting in limited information on menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Such misinformation can have ramifications on the health and dignity of girls and women. Potential risks to health of poor menstrual hygiene. Source: HOUSE et al. (2012)  The Need Given the multiple challenges women and adolescent girls face, it is evident that promoting menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is not only a sanitation matter; it is also an important step towards safeguarding the dignity, bodily integrity and overall life opportunities of women and girls. A flagship sanitation operation in India, the Swachh Bharat Mission, includes measures on constructing facilities that cater to the needs of menstruating girls, and on raising awareness among the community, including among boys and men, with the objective of breaking the taboo around menstruation. Firstly, we must educate girls and their families about puberty and menstruation. Access to information to understand the menstrual cycle and how to manage menstruation hygienically Promote better awareness amongst men and boys (father, husband, teachers, brothers and peers) to overcome the embarrassment, cultural practices and taboos around menstruation that impact negatively on women and girls’ lives Secondly, we must improve their access to Access to hygienic clothes or disposable sanitary pads Facilities to hygienically dispose off used clothes and pads Adaptation of existing water, sanitation and hygiene services, to ensure their appropriateness to include water for washing clothes used to absorb menstrual blood and having a place to dry them and having a private space to change We must also assure girls of empathy and support when they have their periods, and access to a competent and caring health worker when they have menstrual health problems. Thirdly, we must change the narrative of menstruation from shameful, dirty and polluting to normal, healthy and positive. Conclusion Good menstrual health and management is a human right. Menstrual health and management is directly linked to the fulfilment of human rights; while menstrual health and management is excluded from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is key to achieving six of the current goals. Menstrual health and management needs to be widely integrated into national education and health systems, curricula and materials, in humanitarian responses and in research on product acceptability and impact. Many countries are introducing a wider range of menstrual health and management products, including locally manufactured reusable and disposable pads and menstrual cups. New distribution channels are being established. Efforts need not just be taken to assure survival but to move beyond survival to enable individuals to thrive, and to transform communities and societies. Overcoming menstrual stigma and enabling girls to deal with their periods and take greater charge of their lives should be a key area of its focus. It is time we together create a world in which every woman and girl can manage her menstruation in a hygienic way – wherever she is – in privacy, safety and with dignity!

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 8th January 2019

Daily Current Affairs IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 8th January 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Reservation to the economically backward sections Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Social/Welfare issue; Reservation issue; Polity In news: Centre plans 10% reservation to the economically backward sections in the general category. Those who have an annual salary of less than ₹8 lakh per year and possess less than 5 acres of land will be able to avail themselves of reservation in educational institutions and jobs. A Constitution Amendment Bill was approved by the Cabinet in this regard. The Bill will also cover those from the Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist and other minority communities. The quota will be over and above the existing 50% reservation to the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and the Other Backward Classes (OBC). Pic: Do you know? Indira Sawhney case – In this case, Supreme Court had capped reservation at 50%. The judgment also held that Economic backwardness cannot be the sole criterion. Why Constitution Amendment Bill? Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution will have to be amended for the implementation of the decision. The government proposes to bring the 10% over and above the 49% quota — 15% for Scheduled Castes, 7% for Scheduled Tribes and 27% for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes, including widows and orphans of any caste, which is permitted. But a total 59% (49%+10%) quota would leave other candidates with just 41% government jobs or seats. This may amount to “sacrifice of merit” and violate Article 14. National park/Wildlife Sanctuaries in news: Some of the important National parks/Wildlife Sanctuaries in Karnataka Bandipur National Park Bannerghatta National Park Kudremukh National Park Anshi National Park Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary Some of the important National parks/Wildlife Sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu Mudumalai WLS and NP Annamalai / Indira Gandhi WLS and NP Point Calimere WS Satyamangalam WS Pulicat Lake WLS Pic: Centre okays Citizenship Bill Part of: GS Mains II – Indian Polity and Governance In news: Union Cabinet cleared the redrafted Citizenship Amendment Bill. The Bill paves the way to grant citizenship to six religious minorities — Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Parsis, Christians and Buddhists — from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India before 2014. However, there has been a strong resistance to the Bill (especially in Assam) as it would pave the way for giving citizenship, mostly to illegal Hindu migrants from Bangladesh, in Assam who came after March 1971, in violation of the Assam Accord of 1985. (MAINS FOCUS) ENERGY/DISASTER MANAGEMENT TOPIC:General studies 3 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Infrastructure: Energy Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Disaster and disaster management. Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant issue The Jaitapur nuclear power project issue is back in news after French company Électricité de France (EDF) submitted a “techno-commercial proposal” to the Indian government (in Decemeber 2018) for the Jaitapur nuclear power project in Maharashtra. Do you know? India and France had on March 10 inked an agreement to expedite the Jaitapur nuclear power plant project, with the aim of commencing work at the site around the year-end. Once installed, the Jaitapur project will be the largest nuclear power plant in the world, with a collective capacity of 9,900 MW. The Indo-French nuclear agreement was signed in 2008 and it was decided to build a nuclear power plant in Jaitapur, some 600 km south of Mumbai. The power plant will have six nuclear European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs) with a capacity of 1,650 MW each. In March 2018, EDF and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) signed an “industrial way forward” agreement in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. Concerns: Locals of Jaitapur and some organisations have been opposing the project in the area citing safety and environmental concerns (especially due to EPRs). Earlier questions about costs and safety remain unanswered. With the Indian power sector facing surplus capacity and a crisis of non-performing assets (NPAs), a large investment in the Jaitapur project is particularly risky. Electricity from the Jaitapur project to be more expensive (₹15 per kilowatt-hour or even more) than many other sources of electricity, including solar and wind power. Across the world, EPRs have experienced delays and cost increases. The first EPR entered commercial operation in December 2018 at the Taishan site in China, five years later than originally projected (with final capital cost increasing over 40% over the original estimate). The story in Europe is more dramatic. Safety problems – Safety problems with the reactor design and construction have emerged in several EPRs (especially pertained to the pressure vessel, which is the key barrier that prevents the spread of radioactive materials from the reactor). EPRs at Flamanville (France) and Taishan (China), Olkiluoto in Finland - encountered problems. These safety concerns are exacerbated by India’s flawed nuclear liability law. Alternative sources of energy While nuclear costs have been rising, other low-carbon sources of electricity, especially solar energy, have become cheaper. In 2010-11, tariffs for solar photovoltaic (PV) projects under the National Solar Mission were between ₹10.95 and ₹12.76 per unit. Today it is below ₹5 per unit. In recent auctions for solar PV projects, winning tariff bids in the range of ₹2 to ₹2.50 per unit have become routine. Do you know? In March 2018, the parliamentary standing committee on energy listed 34 “stressed” projects, including NPAs and “those which have the potential to become NPAs”. It estimated an outstanding debt of ₹1.74 lakh crore. If the Jaitapur project encounters financial difficulties, the costs would fall on Indian taxpayers. Connecting the dots: Nuclear reactors are yet to find acceptance in the minds of people, especially after post Fukushima disaster. Is nuclear energy a feasible option for high energy demanding and consuming India? Critically analyse the need for making India independent in nuclear energy capabilities. Also, throw light on the recent progress of nuclear development in India. DISASTER MANAGEMENT TOPIC:General studies 3 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Disaster and disaster management. Meghalaya tragedy: show how little the lives of the poor matter in India Context: 15 workers were trapped inside in a rat-hole coal mine since mid-December (who are feared to be dead by now due to delayed rescue operations). A second disaster had struck Meghalaya’s illegal coal mines in less than a month, claiming the lives of two miners. Similar mine-flooding accident had claimed 15 lives in 2012 in South Garo Hills. India recorded 377 mine deaths in 3 years Much like the Meghalaya tragedy, other disasters—some driven by policy and others where policymakers look away—show how little the lives of the poor matter in India. Reasons: The tardy response of the Centre and the State of Meghalaya has exposed the extraordinary indifference in government to labour welfare and the law. The primary responsibility for the operation of illegal mines lies with the State government. It should be called to account for ignoring the directions of the National Green Tribunal to close them and levy punitive royalties on those that extracted the coal. Also violation of rules under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, the responsibility lies with the State government. Justice B.P. Katoki committee appointed by the NGT had warned about the continued operation of the illegal mines. However, Meghalaya government failed to act and take appropriate actions. Mineral resources should have been treated as state property. The utter indifference of the state government to find a permanent solution to this recurrent tragedy is significant for two reasons. First, it appears that the lives of poor mine workers who are often migrants from Assam or illegal entrants from neighbouring Bangladesh matter little. Second, the state is seemingly complicit in the tragedy by not only allowing a banned enterprise but also collecting taxes from the transport of illegally harvested coal, bringing into scrutiny the elites’ disregard for the rule of law. Public policy disasters Other disasters and tragedies due to poor policies and actions by the State Over the past year, at least 17 people are likely to have succumbed to hunger in Jharkhand, which is among the poorest states in India, as they failed to link their biometric identification or Aadhaar number with their ration cards, which guarantee highly subsidised food under the National Food Security Act. Because of demonetization, more than a 100 people are estimated to have died either while standing in queues for long hours or for failing to provide new banknotes while getting treated in hospitals. An uncounted number of labourers die because of silicosis after inhaling stone dust while working in quarries in states such as Rajasthan and Gujarat. These deaths can be prevented by using face masks and goggles and by using wet drilling, but mine owners continue to ignore occupational health regulations. Rich consumers who extensively use stones as construction material in their homes remain unaware of the human costs involved. The same holds true of the recurrent deaths of sanitation workers. In the national capital alone, more than 20 labourers have died in the past year inhaling poisonous gases while cleaning sewers and sewage treatment tanks, despite the federal government’s thrust on sanitation and cleanliness. Conclusion: State government has done little to implement reforms and diversify employment away from dirty mining under primitive conditions over the years, in spite of judicial orders. It is the responsibility of the Centre and the State to rehabilitate the workers from impoverished communities, reportedly including some child labourers, who are ready to undertake the risky labour because of the higher-than-average wages paid. Connecting the dots: Recent deaths and tragedies at illegal mines and rat-hole mines highlight the need for urgent policy reforms. Discuss. What strategies would you suggest to prevent and mitigate the effects of such accidents? (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 with regard to 1992 Indra Sawhney judgement: Supreme Court held that the “test or requirement of social and educational backwardness cannot be applied to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, who indubitably fall within the expression ‘backward class of citizens’.” It laid down a 50 per cent limit on reservations and observed that economic, social and educational criteria were needed to define backward classes. The judgment also held that Economic backwardness cannot be the sole criterion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 2 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Anshi National Park is located in - Kerala Karnataka Uttar Pradesh Odisha Q.3) Point Calimere WS is located in – Kerala Karnataka Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh MUST READ Still nothing to show for: on Imran Khan's performance so far as PM The Hindu A different outreach: on Modi government and religion The Hindu Raja Mandala: The centre moves east Indian Express ‘Even if there isn’t friendship between govt and media, there shouldn’t be animosity’ Indian Express The reservation jumla Indian Express

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