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Dec 13, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – International Disability Day

International Disability Day Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders General Studies 3 Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. Aim: To promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development To increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. Building on many decades of UN’s work in the field of disability, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted in 2006, has further advanced the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other international development frameworks, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action, the New Urban Agenda, and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development. Definitions: The United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disability tells us that persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full participation in society on an equal basis with others. The Rights of persons with Disability Act of India, 2016, also clarifies that disability includes people with mental illness, epilepsy, intellectual impairment and other disabilities which are not evident to a casual observer. 2018 Theme: Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality This year’s theme focused on empowering persons with disabilities for an inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 2030 Agenda pledges to “leave no one behind”. In India: India has around 80 million people with disability, which may be age related, accident related or due to some medical conditions. According to the Word Bank, one in every 12 households in India has a person living with disability. In 2015, the Prime Minister rolled out the “Accessible India” (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) campaign, with a motive to make it convenient for persons with disabilities to access administrative buildings and transport, among other things. Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 The Act replaced the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. It fulfils the obligations to the United National Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which India is a signatory. The Act came into force during December 2016. Salient Features: Disability has been defined based on an evolving and dynamic concept. The types of disabilities have been increased from existing 7 to 21. It includes Speech and Language Disability, Specific Learning Disability, Acid Attack Victims, Dwarfism, muscular dystrophy. It also included three blood disorders: Thalassemia, Hemophilia and Sickle Cell disease have been added for the first time. Reservation in vacancies in government establishments has been increased from 3% to 4% for certain persons or class of persons with benchmark disability. In addition benefits such as reservation in higher education, government jobs, reservation in allocation of land, poverty alleviation schemes etc. have been provided for disabilities. The Act claims that every child with benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years shall have the right to free education. The government will fund educational institutions as well as the government recognized institutions to provide inclusive education to the children with reasonable accommodation to disables. Special Courts will be designated in each district to handle cases concerning violation of rights of PwDs. The Act provides for penalties for offences(imprisonment of 6 months to 2 years along with fine of 10000 to 5 lakh) committed against persons with disabilities and also violation of the provisions of the new law. The Act provides power to government to notify additional disabilities, a clear recognition of the need to factor in conditions that may arise as a result of an ageing population, an inevitable part of the demographic transition. The new law will not only enhance the Rights and Entitlements of Divyang-Jan but also provide effective mechanism for ensuring their empowerment and true inclusion into the Society in a satisfactory manner. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/12/05/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/843c0c39_2572113_101_mr.jpg Invisible Disabilities – A Question mark on Inclusiveness: People with invisible disabilities continue to be excluded from participation and inclusion by the general public, the media and even the disability movement. Within the disability movement and disability networks in India and across the world, it is evident that there a hierarchy of disability. People with invisible and psycho-social disabilities are not equally included, represented or given equal voice or resources. Within India, disabled persons organisations are typically led and represented by men who use crutches and wheelchairs. Lack of Access to Public Places: The appropriate Governments and the local authorities shall, within the limits of their economic capacity and development, provide for — (a) Ramps in public buildings (b) Adaptation of toilets for wheelchair users (c) Braille symbols and auditory signals in elevators or lifts (d) Ramps in hospitals, primary health centres and other medical care and rehabilitation institutions. Measurement of Disability – We still approach disability from a medical or pathological angle, focusing on a condition regarded as “abnormal”. In contrast, in most developed countries, the focus has shifted to a social approach, highlighting institutional and social arrangements preventing those with impairments from leading normal lives. The census essentially functions on the basis of self-reporting of disability and, sometimes, the question isn’t even asked. In all probability, the gap between true disability and measured disability is more for mental disability than for physical disability. The Way Forward: Identification: The criteria and process for identifying people and certifying people with disability must find processes to recognise the disability of people with fluctuating disability such as that experienced by many with severe mental illness. Inclusion and empowerment of people with visible and invisible disabilities must include policy action by the Ministry of Social Empowerment and Justice. The criteria and process for identifying people and certifying people with disability must find processes to recognise the disability of people with fluctuating disability such as that experienced by many with severe mental illness. It must also include active responses to include people with invisible disabilities from agencies working in Inclusive sports, inclusive sanitation and inclusive community-based development are the catch-cries of organisations working in disability. Education and overall development: The enlargement of reservation scheme to all educational institutions in all disciplines, reading non-compliance of the law for providing accessibility facilities in educational institutions as an act of discrimination and proposing the in-house body to supervise the well-being of PWDs in educational institutions. We, as a nation, need to fully understand that inclusive learning is not only about people with disabilities, it is also about educating and sensitising the society about different individual needs. Attitudinal shift is what is necessary to make our society inclusive. We must fulfil the responsibility of ensuring that all students, with or without disabilities, have all the means and support they need to exercise their right to education. Smart City projects must be aligned to the needs of the disabled and also linked to the Start-up India initiative: The objectives of the Smart City Mission for persons with disabilities are to: (a) Ensure access to pathways, junctions, footpaths, bus shelters, crossings and public transportation; (b) Create accessible websites, applications, government portals or community engagement platforms; (c) Create accessible digital technology for websites, mobile applications, products and services and; (d) Design accessible buildings, parks, playgrounds, schools, colleges, hospitals, recreational areas, public toilets, etc. Time to avoid phrases that mock disabilities: In our day-to-day interactions, we come across words and phrases like ‘turning a blind eye’; ‘falling on deaf ears’; ‘a paralysed economy’; ‘institutions running on crutches’; and ‘mute leadership’. What is common among these is that they all signify negative connotation, while referring to physically disabled people. The normalisation of such terms is not a coincidence — there is a sociological reason behind their genesis and usage. Apathy on the part of society towards people with disabilities has led to these terms becoming commonplace, to such an extent that no one bats an eyelid while using them. Further, the society easily derives certain meanings out of these words. For instance, ‘turning a blind eye’ and ‘falling on deaf ears’ signify ignorance. ‘Paralysed economy’ implies that the economy is in a bad or unwanted situation, while ‘institutions running on crutches’ refers to dysfunctional or powerless institutions. Note: First state to have a disability census: Kerala; covers 22 kinds of disability — in movement, muscular dystrophy, chronic neurological disorders, multiple-sclerosis, hunched backs, dwarfism, blindness, seriously impeded vision, in learning, in speech, mental retardation, mental illness, autism, deafness, leprosy-free persons, haemophilia, thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, deafness and blindness and multiple-disabilities. Must Read: Link + Link 2 Connecting the Dots: Disability is a matter of perspective. Comment. What measures have been taken by the government to create a conducive ecosystem for the disabled community. It is ironical that despite a large number of well-meaning constitutional provisions and laws aimed at protecting and safeguarding the welfare and interest of the disabled communities, the process of marginalization of people with disabilities has gone on unabated. Paradoxically, at the root of such marginalization are the laws themselves. Discuss.

Dec 13, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 13th December 2018

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 13th December 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Mekedatu project Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Centre State Relations; Inter-State Relations; Inter-state river dispute In news: Tamil Nadu has expressed its concern over the unilateral approval granted by the Central Water Commission (CWC) to Karnataka to proceed with the preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mekedatu project. TN alleges that the approval is in violation of the decisions of the tribunal and apex court for equitable apportionment of Cauvery water. (therefore, contempt of court) According to TN, the proposed construction of any new dam by Karnataka would result in impounding the flows in the intermediate catchment below KRS and Kabini reservoirs and Billigundulu, which is located in the common border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. India gets submarine rescue system Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Defence; Security; Defence partnership In news: Indian Navy joined a select group of naval forces in the world when it inducted its first non-tethered Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) system at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. In March 2016, the Indian Navy had signed a ₹2,000 crore contract with the U.K.-based James Fisher Defence (JFD) for two submarine rescue systems as well as maintenance for 25 years. This project is yet another milestone in the defence partnership between India and the United Kingdom. Do you know? The DSRV is used to rescue crew members from submarines stranded under water in the high seas. The DSRV can be operated at a depth of 650 metres and can rescue 14 people at a time. The DSRV can also be transported by air, enabling it to conduct rescue operations across the globe. The Indian Navy currently operates five different classes of submarines. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/12/13/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/671aac9a_2590197_101_mr.jpg ‘NSG must have its own air wing’ Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Defence; Security In news: A Parliamentary panel has recommended that the Centre urgently take steps to ensure that the National Security Guard (NSG) is equipped with its own dedicated air wing. Currently, the two Mi-17 helicopters procured by the NSG in 1988-99, were grounded and unavailable. Ministry of Home Affairs should make urgent and sincere efforts to commission a dedicated Air Wing of NSG and provide requisite types and number of air assets to strengthen the aviation capability of the force. About National Security Guard (NSG) National Security Guard (NSG) — is the country’s premier counter-terrorist and contingency force. The NSG was raised in 1986 following the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Operation Blue Star. The force, which is trained to operate as an elite urban anti-terrorist and anti-hijack force, doesn’t have a cadre of its own or direct recruitment and is instead dependent on personnel sent on deputation from the army and the central armed police forces. Miscellaneous We live in ‘Age of the Chicken’? Do you know? There are about 23 billion chickens on Earth at any given time, at least 10 times more than any other bird. The combined mass of those 23 billion chickens is greater than that of all the other birds on Earth. Chickens seem to have been domesticated about 8,000 years ago, and gradually bred to be larger and meatier than their jungle fowl ancestors. But it was not until production of broilers ramped up in the 1950s and farming practices changed that the bird was transformed. Some facts about broiler chicken The modern broiler chicken has a genetic mutation that makes it eat insatiably so that it gains weight rapidly. It has five times the mass of its ancestor. It is subject to numerous bone ailments because it has been bred to grow so quickly. And because of its diet — heavy on grains and low on backyard seeds and bugs — its bones have a distinct chemical signature. Japan picks ‘disaster’ as symbol for 2018 Japan selected the Chinese character for ‘disaster’ as its ‘defining symbol’ for 2018. 2018 saw the country hit by deadly floods, earthquakes and storms. It faced a series of natural calamities. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC:General studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Questions being raised about the new GDP back series Introduction: Three years after the shift to the new base year of 2011-12, the CSO and NITI Aayog, in a join press conference, released the back series detailing growth numbers for 2005-06 to 2011-12. In its new GDP back series data, average growth during UPA regime is down from previous estimates while growth during NDA is pegged higher than during UPA. Do you know? Mundle expert panel, which was constituted to prepare the back series under the revised methodology, had not come up with the counter-intuitive estimates that have just been released. They estimated the average GDP growth at market prices at 8.37% (2004-05 to 2008-09), and then 7.69% (2009-10 to 2013-014). Three changes occurred in the revision that was first announced in 2015: Base Year Methodology from GDP at factor cost to GDP at market price (this is the international norm and the basis of the current government’s claim that this is what CSO has followed) Method of estimating company output/revenue - which has been done in a much more detailed manner using new data collected by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA 21). Questions are being raised from experts If most important indicators (provided below) of the Indian economy were better in 2004-2014, how is the GDP growth rate higher in estimates just released (7.4% per annum since 2014 and only 6.7% per annum in 2005-2014)? Questions arise over the new GDP series for the following substantive reasons: Agricultural growth rates at constant prices were much higher from 2004-05 to 2013-14 than since then. Two back-to-back drought years (2014 and 2015) notwithstanding, policies have not been exactly supportive. (Also farmers agitation year after year has increased) The Index of Agricultural Production, with a base of 100 for the triennium ending 2007-08, had risen to 129.8 in 2013-14. But after falling, it barely recovered to 130 in 2017-18. Agriculture, like the non-agricultural informal sector, collapsed first after demonetisation and then after a poorly implemented Goods and Services Tax. Both measures affected output as well as jobs, especially in the unorganised sector which constitutes nearly half of GDP and half of all exports. Exports have performed much worse in the last four years than over the preceding 10 years. Exports were only $50 billion in 2002-03, but had risen to $250 billion in 2010-11, and reached $315 billion in 2013-14. They have not recovered to that level even in 2017-18. In 2003-04, India’s savings rate had risen from 9.5% of GDP in 1950-51, and stood at 25.9%. It rose sharply thereafter to peak at 36.8% — precisely because of a rise in per capita income growth — to a level unprecedented in India’s economic history, and not achieved since. This rising savings rate contributed to an unprecedented increase in the investment to GDP ratio. Then the investment to GDP fell in the wake of the global economic crisis. It is investment that mainly drives growth. (Investment to GDP rise peaked at 36.8% in 2007-08 → 31.3% in 2013-14 → 30.4% in 2014-15 → 29.3% in 2015-16 → 26.4% in 2017-18) Index of Industrial Production (IIP, which consists of manufacturing, mining, electricity) also rose sharply during 2004-05 to 2013-14. In crux, the entire exercise casts doubt on the credibility of India’s growth numbers. Connecting the dots: “A double digit growth for Indian economy in near future is difficult.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. AGRICULTURE/S&T TOPIC:General studies 3 Agriculture Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Science and Technology – Role of GM technology, Various research related to GM crops Don’t believe the anti-GMO campaign? Introduction: We recently read about few highlights on GM crops (Fast Recap) According to a research paper – “Modern technologies for sustainable food and nutrition security” – co-authored by geneticist P.C. Kesavan and leading agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan: GM crops are considered to be a failure. GM crops such as Bt cotton, the stalled Bt brinjal as well as DMH-11, a transgenic mustard hybrid – has failed as a sustainable agriculture technology It has also failed to provide livelihood security for cotton farmers who are mainly resource-poor, small and marginal farmers. It raised questions on the genetic engineering technology itself on the grounds that it raises the cost of sowing. Swaminathan emphasised that genetic engineering technology is supplementary and must be needbased. Only in very rare circumstance (less than 1%) may there arise a need for the use of this technology. However, the research paper was criticised by India’s Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), K. VijayRaghavan as ‘deeply flawed’. According to him, it has the potential to mislead the public and the political system. Proponents of GMO argue that – Anti-GMO campaign is scientifically baseless and potentially harmful to poor people in the developing world. Genetic modification is the technology of choice for solving abiotic problems like drought flood, salinity, etc. Genetic modification allows different parents to be combined easily, helping yields go up substantially. Major science academies of the world such as the U.S.’s National Academy of Sciences, the African Academy of Sciences and the Indian National Science Academy have supported GM technology. Data from a large number of peer-reviewed publications have shown that, on average, GM technology adoption has reduced pesticide use by 37%, increased crop yield by 22%, and increased farmer profits by 68%. Data from a billion animals fed on GM corn have not indicated any health hazards. Yield and profit gains are higher in developing countries than in developed countries. Those in the Americas and elsewhere consuming Bt corn or soybean for over 15 years have not reported any health issues. Reports on the probable carcinogenic potential of the herbicide have not been accepted by major science academies. Bt cotton - Not a failure in India Bt cotton is not a failure in India The yields hovering around 300 kg/ha at the time of introduction of Bt cotton (2002) have increased to an average of over 500 kg/ha, converting India from a cotton-importing country to the largest exporter of raw cotton India has one of the strongest regulatory protocols for field trials of GM crops. It is unfortunate that farmer distress is being wrongly attributed to Bt cotton failure. Farmers continue to grow Bt cotton. On Bt brinjal Bt brinjal trials were scuttled in India The moratorium on Bt brinjal is the most unfortunate step taken by the government in 2010 and has crippled the entire field of research and development with transgenic crops. Bangladesh has used India’s data to successfully cultivate Bt brinjal, despite all the negative propaganda. Reports indicate that as many as 6,000 Bangladeshi farmers cultivated Bt brinjal in 2017. Proponents raised the question – How long will it take for Bt brinjal to enter India from Bangladesh? Conclusion: According to proponents of GM crops, The paper by Dr. Kesavan and Dr. Swaminathan seems to have got most things wrong. GM technology is not a magic bullet. It needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. There is definitely scope for improvement in terms of technology and regulatory protocols It is time to deregulate the Bt gene and lift the embargo on Bt brinjal. A negative review from opinion-makers can only mislead the country. In the end, it is India that will be the loser. Connecting the dots: Genetic engineering technology is supplementary and must be need-based. Only in very rare circumstance (less than 1%) may there arise a need for the use of this technology. Do you agree? Critically analyze the benefits and risks associated with GM foods. (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) Mekedatu project is often in news. It has become a bone of contention between – Kerala and Tamil Nadu Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu Q.2) Which among the following is considered as queen of the Arabian Sea? Kochi Kanyakumari Panambur Port Meenakshi Q.3) India has achieved the milestone of induction of its first non-tethered Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) system, with the help of – Defence partnership with Russia Defence partnership with US Defence partnership with UK Defence partnership with France Q.4) Consider the following statements about National Security Guard (NSG) It is a branch of the Indian Army under the authority of the Indian Ministry of Defence. It is a counter-insurgency force made up of soldiers deputed from other parts of the Indian Army and is currently deployed in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following regarding National Security Guard (NSG) It is one of the security forces under Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) It is a Federal Contingency Deployment Force under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Which of the given statement/s is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both None MUST READ Engaging with climate change The Hindu Upside Of Scaling Down Indian Express Democracy’s demons Indian Express When terror came to the House Indian Express Energy efficiency and climate change Livemint

Dec 13, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 129]

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 129] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Chiller Star Labelling Program’ It has been formulated by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) It envisages providing rating in terms of its energy performance Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) PRAAPTI App and web portal is associated with Power Purchases Coal Block Allocation Road Safety Trafficking of Women and Children Q.3) Which one of the following is a purpose of ‘UDAY’, a scheme of the Government? Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy Providing electricity to every household in the country by 2020 Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time Q.4) Consider the following statements about Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana –“Saubhagya” Poor households identified using Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 would be provided with free electricity Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) is the nodal agency for the operationalisation of the scheme Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) have been subsumed under the ‘Saubhagya’ scheme Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 Only 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS)’ It focuses on feeder separation (households & agricultural) It focuses on strengthening of sub-transmission & distribution infrastructure including metering at all levels in rural areas Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba

Dec 13, 2018 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance: Book Review – A new life – Charles Darwin

A new Life : Charles Darwin Charles Darwin doesn’t need any introduction. He is one of the most significant figures of the scientific world. He did his best work on the theory of evolution when he was in his 20’s. A curious scientific thinker from a very early age, he has opened up the understanding of the nature of reality around us in ways that is hard to imagine. A new life is a collection of some of his best writings. It offers a unique perspective into the nature of his mind and his approach to understanding life. In his book “The origin of species” he expounded one of the greatest theories of all time, the theory of natural selection. It is a book that stands as a testimony to his great skill as a scientific thinker and experimental genius. Of course there are people who dispute his theory and some of its basic tenets are being questioned. Yet, it does not take away anything from the fact that he has remained in the hearts and minds of people for over 500 years as the most progressive thinkers of mankind. Read “A Life” to get a glimpse of some of his works. They will put in you on a path of scientific thinking and exploring. It is a book that has all the ingredients to make it a fabulous read.

Dec 12, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 12th December 2018

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 12th December 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Person in news: Shaktikanta Das In news: After the sudden resignation of Governor Urjit Patel, Shaktikanta Das was appointed as RBI Governor. (25th Governor) The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri Shaktikanta Das, IAS Retd., former Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, as Governor, Reserve Bank of India, for a period of three years. Das is currently a member of the Fifteenth Finance Commission and represents India at the G-20 in the role of a sherpa. He is a 1980 batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre. Do you know? Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) It is responsible for all appointments of higher ranks in the Central Secretariat, Public Enterprises, Public Enterprises and Financial Institutions. The committee is composed of the Prime Minister of India (who is the Chairman), the Minister of Home Affairs. House sparrow conservation through artificial nests Part of: GS Prelims - Environment and Biodiversity; Animal Conservation In news: Odisha’s Ganjam district to become the first house sparrow-friendly district of Odisha. Artificial nests will reach all the 22 blocks of Ganjam district by the end of 2018. Do you know? As sparrows nest and lay eggs almost four times a year, an increase in their population at a particular village would encourage inhabitants of nearby villages to take up similar measures. Ganjam is the flag-bearer of sparrow conservation in the State. Apart from providing protection to olive ridley turtles, volunteers of the Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee had also started sparrow conservation through artificial nests at Purunabandha village in 2007. Sparrow conservation through artificial nests experiment has been replicated in 10 other Odisha districts and States including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand as well. IUCN Status: Least Concern Odisha celebrates its traditional lac doll marriage Part of: GS Prelims and Mains – Art and Culture; Indian tradition and heritage; Folk dances In news: Odisha celebrated its traditional lac doll marriage — the bride and the groom were beautiful dolls made of lac. The marriage was organised in conformity with the Odia tradition of ‘jau kandhei bahaghara (lac doll marriage)’ The aim of this unique marriage ceremony was to promote traditional folk and tribal art forms and create awareness against social evils like dowry and child marriage. The marriage procession included performers of several folk dance forms such as - Bagha Nacha (tiger dance), Ghoda Nacha (horse dance), Sakhi Nacha. SC directs Centre to declare 10 km area around national parks as eco-sensitive Part of: GS Prelims and Mains - Environment and Biodiversity; Animal Conservation; Protected Areas In news: Supreme Court directed the Union Environment Ministry to declare 10 km area around 21 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across the country as ‘eco-sensitive zones’. We have already covered about ‘eco-sensitive zones’ About Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) - Recap Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are areas notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India around Protected Areas , National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas. They also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection. The new ESZ guidelines include a broad list of activities that could be allowed, promoted, regulated or promoted. The guidelines said activities, including commercial mining, setting of saw mills and industries causing pollution, commercial use of firewood and major hydro-power projects, are prohibited in such areas. It also prohibits tourism activities like flying over protected areas in an aircraft or hot air balloon, and discharge of effluents and solid waste in natural water bodies or terrestrial areas. Felling of trees, drastic change in agriculture systems and commercial use of natural water resources, including groundwater harvesting and setting up of hotels and resorts, are the activities regulated in the areas. Activities permitted in the areas include ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local communities, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, adoption of green technology and use of renewable energy sources. The width of the ESZ and type of regulation may vary from protected area to area. However, as a general principle, the width of the ESZ could go up to 10 kms around the protected area. Do you know? The rules for the ESZ or the Eco-Fragile Zones are based on the Environment Protection Act, 1986. However, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does not mention the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”. The Act says that Central Government can restrict areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall not be carried out or shall be carried out subject to certain safeguards. Water traces found on asteroid Bennu Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Tech; Space programmes In news: NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has discovered ingredients for water on asteroid Bennu. The discovery may hold clues to the origins of life on the earth. OSIRIS-REx found traces of hydrogen and oxygen molecules — part of the recipe for water and thus the potential for life — embedded in the asteroid’s rocky surface. Do you know? The probe was launched in 2016. Bennu orbits the Sun at roughly the same distance as the earth. The spacecraft will later fly back to the earth, return samples from the asteroid to earth for study. (in September 2023) OSIRIS-REx The OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) is a NASA asteroid study and sample-return mission. The mission's main goal is to obtain a sample of about 60 grams (2.1 oz) from 101955 Bennu, a carbonaceous near-Earth asteroid, and return the sample to Earth for a detailed analysis. Don’t reveal identity of rape victims: SC Part of: GS Mains – Social/Welfare issue; Women and Child issue In news: Supreme Court prohibited the media from publishing or airing the names or any material which may even remotely reveal the identity of victims of sexual crimes. No person can print or publish in print, electronic, social media, etc. the name of the victim or even in a remote manner disclose any facts which can lead to the victim being identified and which should make her identity known to the public at large. The intention of the law makers was that the victim of such offences should not be identifiable so that they do not face any hostile discrimination or harassment in the future. SC also barred the police from putting in public domain FIRs under Sections 376 to 376E (the range of sexual offences under IPC) and those under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Miscellaneous Fashion giants commit to cut emissions – Dozens of top fashion industry firms have pledged at the UN climate talks to reduce their combined greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL/HEALTH TOPIC:General studies 2 Government policies and schemes; Health services International relations and cooperation Providing health for all; About Universal Health Coverage Introduction December 12 is Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day. According to the World Health Organisation, UHC means “ensuring that everyone, everywhere can access essential quality health services without facing financial hardship”. It sounds basic, yet the basics often pose a major challenge. Case Study of Japan Japan has been leading the international efforts towards UHC, including its inclusion in the sustainable development goals and G20 agenda under our chairmanship next year, because health is one of our fundamental rights. Japan created national health insurance coverage in 1961, when it was yet to take off economically. A major political decision was required to expand national health insurance and establish medical schools all over Japan. The implementation of UHC could only have been possible through an early and vast national investment, and through a comprehensive government effort, with the Ministries of Health, Finance and Education, as well as local governments, working together. This investment has paid off. UHC has increased the number of healthy people and healthy workers in Japan. It has contributed to the economic miracle of Japan. UHC has also ensured social equity by functioning as a mechanism for redistribution of incomes. Even in the remotest of places in Japan, one do not have to worry about healthcare. The peace of mind which UHC ensures to the Japanese is an indispensable ingredient of overall well-being. UHC in India and Indo-Japanese efforts & collaborations India has taken the vital first step towards UHC through Ayushman Bharat. This challenge is in resemblance of the path that Japan took more than half a century ago. Japan is also partnering with India in wide-ranging projects for better healthcare. It has previously worked with India to eradicate polio in India. Today, Japanese and Indian doctors are exchanging ideas and expertise at a research and control centre on diarrhoea established by Japan in Kolkata, and precious lives of newborns are being saved daily in a children’s hospital constructed in Chennai. In 17 cities across Tamil Nadu, urban healthcare systems are being strengthened with cooperation of both the countries. India and Japan signed a new Memorandum of Cooperation on healthcare to pursue the synergies between Ayushman Bharat and Japan’s Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative. Conclusion Both the countries aim to pursue their cooperation in various fields, such as honing skills of doctors in surgery of trauma as well as providing technical training for Indian nurses studying in Japanese caregiving facilities. These efforts will lead to a better health ecosystem and the promotion of UHC in India as well as Japan. Both the countries can share their experiences in health sector, for example, Ayurveda can bring a new dimension to Japan’s healthcare system. Connecting the dots: Briefly analyse the Indo-Japanese cooperation in Universal Health coverage efforts. NATIONAL/ECONOMY TOPIC:General studies 2 Government policies and issues arising out of their design and implementations Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability General studies 4 Information sharing and transparency in government Challenges of corruption An invitation to corruption? On Electoral Bonds Introduction The concept of electoral bond was introduced in the Budget of 2017-18 for political funding. Electoral Bond is a bearer Banking Instrument to be used for funding eligible Political Parties. Do you know? Features of Electoral Bond: Electoral Bonds may be purchased by a person, who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India. A person being an individual can buy Electoral Bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals. The purchaser would be allowed to buy Electoral Bonds only on fulfillment of all KYC norms and by making payment from a bank account. It will not carry the name of payee. Only the Political Parties registered under Representation of the People Act, 1951 and which secured not less than 1% of the votes polled in the last General or State Election, will be eligible for such donations. The Electoral Bond(s) shall be cashed by an eligible political party only through a designated bank account with the authorized bank. Bond(s) would be issued/purchased for any value, in multiples of Rs.1,000, Rs.10,000, Rs.1,00,000, Rs.10,00,000 and Rs.1,00,00,000 from the Specified Branches of the State Bank of India (SBI). Electoral Bonds shall be valid for fifteen days from the date of issue. Criticism of Electoral bonds Security threats: The Election Commission cannot monitor the funding through Electoral Bonds as there is secrecy of donor, therefore it becomes difficult to know what is coming in is black money or not. Electoral Bonds can be misused for routing foreign money and thereby increase ability of other countries to influence Indian elections. Corporate sponsorship without oversight: Anonymity promotes unnecessary secrecy in corporate funding whereby the shareholders of a corporation be unaware of the company’s contributions. The programme removes an existing condition that had prohibited companies from donating anything more than 7.5% of their average net-profit over the previous three years. This now means that even loss-making entities can make unlimited contributions. The requirement that a corporation ought to have been in existence for at least three years before it could make donations — a system that was meant to stop shell concerns from being created with a view to syphoning money into politics — has also been removed. Electoral Bonds can be misused to bribe the Government of the day, to induce policies that will help the company in its business. Voters' right to know is silenced Voters will have no idea of how, and through whom, a political party has been funded and for free and fair elections, voters require free and complete access to information about the parties for which they were going to vote. Conclusion Electoral Bonds has been criticised that they violate an essential condition of political equality. Whereby, the absence of complete knowledge about the identities of those funding the various different parties is against the voters' right to informed decision. It can be concluded that Electoral Bonds' Scheme prioritizes the donor over a voter. Connecting the dots: Critically analyse the concept of electoral bonds; introduced in the Budget of 2017-18 for political funding. (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) ‘OSIRIS-REx mission’ is concerned with Saturn Bennu Trojan asteroids Pluto Q.2) Which of the following is true about spacecraft OSIRIS-REx? (OSIRIS-REx) is NASA’s first unmanned asteroid sampling mission. (OSIRIS-REx) is NASA’s first manned asteroid sampling mission. (OSIRIS-REx) is NASA’s first unmanned meteoroid sampling mission. None of the above. Q.3) Which Cabinet committee is often described as a 'Super Cabinet'? Appointment committee Parliamentary affairs committee Economic affairs committee Political affairs committee Q.4) Appointments Committee of the Cabinet is chaired by – Home Minister Prime Minister Parliamentary affairs Minister Finance Minister Q.5) Consider the following statements about ‘Rushikulya river’ It flows through three states The Rushikulya river mouth beach is a major nesting site of the endangered olive ridley turtles Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.6) Which of the following species is the State bird of Delhi? Peacock Wood Pigeon House Sparrow Indian Jungle Fowl Q.7) The traditional lac doll marriage - ‘jau kandhei bahaghara’ – is celebrated in which state? Jharkhand Odisha West Bengal Chhattisgarh MUST READ Never waste a good crisis The Hindu Providing health for all The Hindu Putting the public back in public health Livemint Forecasts for 2019 will be wrong, random or worse Livemint

Dec 12, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 128]

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 128] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements GM foods are within the scope of the Cartagena Protocol only if they contain LMOs that are capable of transferring or replicating genetic material. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) functions in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC;). Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Land Acquisition Act, 2013’ It replaced the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 The scope of the Act includes all land acquisition whether it is done by the Central Government of India, or any State Government of India, except the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The provisions of the Act does not apply to acquisitions under the Railways Act, 1989 Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) ‘Noney’ was in recently in news. Where is it located? Mizoram Manipur Arunachal Pradesh Assam Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CCEW)’ It was launched during the Paris Climate Summit in 2015 It is a brainchild of India and China Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Edaphic factors are included in Abiotic components Biotic components Consumers Producers To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba

Dec 12, 2018 UPSC Interview Discussion-TRP

Interview Discussion IAS UPSC: Think, Rethink and Perform (TRP)-Day 5

Interview Discussion: Think, Rethink and Perform; (TRP)- Day 5 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. Usually people try to follow some idol from the field they want to enter into. For example an aspiring cricket might have Sachin Tendulkar as his/ her idol, a badminton player might revere Saina Nehwal. Now you are an aspiring civil servant. Who is your idol from the civil services? Do you even have one? Think about it. What in your opinion should an ideal civil servant be like. Can you picture the image? Why in your opinion civil servants become corrupt in due course of their career? Have you wondered that this might happen to you as well. Set 2: Analyse the following issue: Do you think politics in India has taken few steps back in the past? Why do political parties focus more on religion, caste and language than real issues that matter? Why can’t human development be the focus of political discourse? Is it symptomatic of an immature constituency or is it true for any society? Why even after 70 years of independence elections are fought on the issues of temples and mosques and not on employment and inclusive growth? Can you think of sociological and psychological dimensions associated with this paradigm? Think.

Dec 11, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV IAS UPSC – Gas Grid: Fuel for all

Gas Grid: Fuel for all Archives TOPIC: General studies 3 Government schemes and policies General studies 3 Infrastructure: Energy In News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in New Delhi for City Gas Distribution projects across 129 districts which won under the ninth CGD bidding round held recently. The projects, recently awarded by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), would cover 65 GAs to bring gas to around half of the country's population in 26 states and Union Territories. The project has covered 96 cities and districts covering 46.5 lakh households and 32 lakh CNG vehicles so far. Aim: To shift towards an environment friendlier gas-based economy that will lead to social, economic and environmental change and create an ecosystem that would help improve living standards and create employment opportunities. How will this move help: The development of CGD networks will increase the availability of clean cooking fuel or Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and transportation fuel Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for consumers Are we moving towards a Gas-based economy? Presently the share of gas in the country’s energy mix is just over 6% and the aim is to reach the 15% figure, while the world average is 24%. India is taking various initiative to bring down its carbon emission level. A number of initiatives have been taken in this direction like LED bulbs, BS VI fuel, Bio-energy, International Solar Alliance, Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana, and providing clean piped gas supply to more cities is also a step in this direction. Efforts are not only being made to increase the use and supply of Gas, but also to produce gas through agro-wastes and other products and including the same into the CGD network. Government of India has put thrust to promote the usage of environment friendly clean fuel i.e. natural gas as a fuel/feedstock across the country to move towards a gas based economy. Accordingly, development of CGD networks has been focused to increase the availability of cleaner cooking fuel (i.e. PNG) and transportation fuel (i.e. CNG) to the citizens of the country. The expansion of CGD network will also benefit to industrial and commercial units by ensuring the uninterrupted supply of natural gas. Why Natural Gas? Natural gas is a superior fuel as compared with coal and other liquid fuels being an environment friendly, safer and cheaper fuel. Natural Gas is supplied through pipelines just like one gets water from the tap. There is no need to store cylinders in the kitchen and thus saves space. Natural Gas (as CNG) is cheaper by 60% as compared with petrol and 45 % w.r.t. Diesel. Similarly, Natural Gas (as PNG) is cheaper by 40 % as compared with market price LPG and price of PNG almost matches with that of subsidised LPG (based on prices in Delhi). An autorickshaw owner can save Rs 7000-8000 on his monthly fuel bill by conversion from petrol toCNG. Thus, even on cost front as well, natural gas is preferable to petrol, diesel and LPG. India’s Commitment to the World This assumes significance in a country that is now the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases after the US and China. India has made a commitment in COP21 Paris Convention in December 2015 that by 2030, it would reduce carbon emission by 33% of 2005 levels. Natural gas, as domestic kitchen fuel, as fuel for transport sector as well as a fuel for industries and commercial units, can play a significant role in reducing carbon emission. The Way Ahead Indian economy’s energy needs will rise with growth, and demand for denser energy sources will grow even faster. Structural changes on several fronts are necessary to overcome the hurdles related to poor management of energy: Improve capital inflows Grow domestic energy production Increase energy efficiency Accelerate the transition to more domestic sources of energy Of high priority should be freeing up energy pricing, not just in electricity but also coal and gas. Controlled and distorted pricing drives inefficiency in usage, and also inhibits a supply response at times like now, when rupee depreciation has made domestic energy so much cheaper than imported energy. India is expected to drive almost a fourth of global energy demand in the next two decades. Not only should it be pulling its weight on global forums and influence global policy and choices, there needs to be significant investment in India-specific solutions. Must Read: Link 1 + Link 2 Note: LED bulbs: Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) Designed to provide continuous power supply to rural India Replaced the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana Aim: To replace all incandescent bulbs in the country with LED lights in the next 3 years BS VI fuel: The Supreme Court banned the sale and registration of motor vehicles conforming to the emission standard Bharat Stage-IV in the entire country from April 1, 2020. It said – ‘No compromise on public health’. The country will have to shift to the cleaner Bharat- VI fuel from April 1, 2020. Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas for providing LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. Must read: Link 1 + Link 2 Connecting the Dots: Natural gas is one of the cleanest and most environment-friendly fuels having extremely low Carbon Dioxide emissions compared to other fuels like coal and oil. In this light discuss the measures taken by the government to transform India into a natural gas based economy.

Dec 11, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 11th December 2018

Daily Current Affairs [IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam] – 11th December 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Land acquisition law challenged in court Part of: GS Mains II and III – Social Issue; Land acquisition and Land Reforms; Governance; Government schemes and policies In news: The Supreme Court decided to examine a plea challenging the legality of amendments brought in by Tamil Nadu and four other States (Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Jharkhand), which allow authorities to bypass the need to take farmers’ consent before their land is acquired for large infrastructure projects. The petition filed by activist Medha Patkar said the States allow land acquisition without participation of representative local bodies like gram sabha in social impact assessment studies, without expert appraisal processes, public hearings, objections, and safeguard provisions to ensure food security. (violates the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act of 2013) In yesterday’s article we read few provisions under LAAR Act 2013 It compels a social and environmental impact assessment as a precondition for any acquisition. It also acknowledges a need for a system of rehabilitation and resettlement for those whose livelihoods are likely to be affected by the transfer of land. The law provided for greatly enhanced compensation, consent of those whose land was sought to be acquired, and detailed rehabilitation and resettlement provisions (including employment, land for land, and other beneficial schemes). In other words, it changed the relationship between the state and the individual by empowering the latter against the former. It mandates that 70% of the affected land owners should consent to the acquisition of land for a public private participation project. It also included a retrospective clause. Section 24 of the new Act provided that under certain circumstances, acquired land could be returned to affected families. Do you know? The 2013 Act replaced its colonial predecessor of 1894 and was intended to uphold the farmers’ right to dignity and life. The amendments brought in by above mentioned states violate the “core spirit” of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act of 2013. (LAAR Act) Gilets Jaunes movement/Yellow Vest movement Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International Affairs In news: The yellow vests movement (Gilets Jaunes movement) is a citizens’ protest movement began in early November 2018 against a planned rise in the tax on diesel and petrol, which French President Emmanuel Macron insisted would aid the country’s transition to green energy. The movement was named “gilets jaunes” (yellow vests) because protesters wear the fluorescent yellow high-vis jackets that all motorists must by law carry in their cars. But what began as a fuel tax protest has now morphed into a wider anti-government movement. Do you know? Unlike previous French protest movements, it sprang up online through petitions and was organised by ordinary working people posting videos on social media, without a set leader, trade union or political party behind it. Who are the protesters and what are their grievances? Protesters have largely come from peripheral towns, cities and rural areas across France and include many women and single mothers. Most of the protesters have jobs, including as secretaries, IT workers, factory workers, delivery workers and care workers. All say their low incomes mean they cannot make ends meet at the end of the month. The movement is predominantly against a tax system perceived as unfair and unjust, but there are numerous grievances and differences of opinion. Most want to scrap the fuel taxes, hold a review of the tax system, raise the minimum wage and roll back Macron’s tax cuts for the wealthy and his pro-business economic programme. But some also want parliament dissolved and Macron to resign. Grigorovich-class frigates in 3 years Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Defence; International relations In news: The first of the four Admiral Grigorovich-class guided missile stealth frigates is likely to be inducted into the Indian Navy in the next three years. Rear Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi says two will be built in Russia and two in Goa. The 4,000-odd tonne frigates can be armed with Brahmos cruise missile system, array of weapon system that include artillery guns, strike missile and radar-controlled air defence systems with provisions for torpedo tubes. Do you know? Russia-India defence cooperation INDRA-NAVY-18 – bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy. Two Sindhughosh-class submarines, reportedly Sindhukesari and Sindhuraj, are undergoing medium refit at a shipyard in Russia. A second Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) may be leased to India by the Russian Federation Navy. India already operates a leased Akula-class SSN, INS Chakra, which is based at Eastern Naval Command. We read recently about ‘Cope India 2018’ ‘Cope India 2018’ - U.S. and India joint air exercises Kaiga n-power unit creates world record Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Infrastructure; Energy In news: The Kaiga nuclear power plant, which is located in western Karnataka, has created a world record for the longest uninterrupted operation of 941 days. It broke the earlier record of 940 days by the Heysham plant in the United Kingdom. While the Kaiga (KGS-1) is a Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), Heysham-2 Unit-8 is an Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor (AGR). The achievement demonstrates that the nation’s capability in nuclear power generation technology of PHWR had fully matured and proved the excellence in design, construction, safety, quality and operation and maintenance practices of the Corportion. About Kaiga nuclear power plant The KGS-1, located 56 km from Karwar, has been generating electricity continuously since May 13, 2016. It is an indigenously-built PHWR run by domestic fuel (uranium). It began commercial operations on November 16, 2000, and has produced 500 cr. units of power so far. In June this year, KGS-1 had set a national record for continuous operation of 766 days. According to official sources, KGS-1 will be shutdown for maintenance on December 30. Nuclear reactors undergo mandatory checks and have to get clearance from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board to continue operations. Centre rejects minority religion status to Lingayats In news: The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs (MMA) reiterated its earlier stand that the Lingayat/Veerashaiva community is considered as “a religious sect of Hindus.” It communicated to Karnataka that it was not possible to accede to the State’s recommendation to grant minority religion status to Lingayat/Veerashaiva community. MMA noted that Lingayats have always been classified under Hindu sect ever since 1871 census. Do you know? The Union Government set up the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. Five religious communities, viz; Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis) have been notified as minority communities by the Union Government. Miscellaneous: Person in news: Mushirul Hasan Mushirul Hasan, who passed away on December 10, was one of India’s most distinguished historians and educationists. He served on a host of national bodies — including the UGC and the ICHR — as an articulate member — and worked with the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund. He was Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, where he was Professor of History for most of his professional life. And he was Director-General of the National Archives to which he lent distinction. Major work - history of India’s Muslims under colonialism He rescued Muslims from stereotypes. Hasan believed social, cultural ethos guided them along tolerant road unless forced by exigencies. Bird sanctuary in news: Mangalajodi bird sanctuary Mangalajodi bird sanctuary is located in Odisha (on the banks of the Chilika Lake) Migratory birds - Pacific black duck – were spotted (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL/ECONOMY TOPIC:General studies 2 and 3 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Resignation of RBI Governor and its impact on Indian Economy Introduction: In a surprising move, Reserve Bank of India’s Governor Urjit Patel resigned citing personal reasons. His resignation comes against the backdrop of increasing tensions between the Finance ministry and the Reserve Bank of India. N.S. Vishwanathan (senior most among the four Deputy Governors) gets interim charge. Mr. Vishwanathan was appointed as Deputy Governor in July 2016. In recent months, the government and the RBI have been at loggerheads over whether the RBI has been too hawkish in its stance towards lenders and the economy given a drop in the inflation rate and signs of slower growth, as well as in the face of defaults by a major lender. Patel is fifth RBI Governor in free India to resign Urjit Patel is the fifth RBI Governor in independent India to have resigned from his post before his term was over. The first RBI Governor to do so was Benegal Rama Rau who was Governor from 1949 to 1957. Experts say Rau resigned because of his differences with then Finance Minister T.T. Krishnamachari. KR Puri, RN Malhotra and Bimal Jalan were the other RBI Governors who resigned from their post. However, the precedent for an RBI Governor resigning was set before Independence, when the first Governor, Sir Osborn Smith resigned in 1937 due to differences with the Finance Member of the Viceroy’s Council. How does his resignation impact the Economy? Economists have cautioned that it will cause jitters in the stock market and uncertainty over the central bank’s policies regarding non-monetary policy issues such as Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) norms, and diluting the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code rules for power sector companies. India’s currency and stocks are set to slide. Market to fall quite significantly. Indian market is being driven more by global factors than what’s been happening here. Economists suspect things may get pretty bad in future. Economists also say that there is uncertainty on the other issues that come under the RBI Governor’s purview. (macroprudential regulations, liquidity infusions etc) Investors, especially institutional, would look at the development as a corroboration of the growing rift between the central bank and the government — a sign not healthy to the financial markets. It will raise concerns of not only foreign investors, but also domestic investors, especially at a time when liquidity remains tight. Ratings agency Moody’s Investors Service reacted to the resignation of Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patel, saying that any government attempt to curtail the central bank’s independence will be credit negative. The ratings agency said independence of central bank is an important consideration of its assessment of a country’s institutional strength. Connecting the dots: An independent central bank augurs well for a democratic politico-economy. However, there should be a mechanism to make RBI and its governor accountable to the Parliament. Do you agree? Critically examine. DISASTER MANAGEMENT TOPIC:General studies 3 Disaster and disaster management. Global lessons from natural calamities: Disaster Risk Insurance Introduction: As India is vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis and cyclones, DISASTER RISK INSURANCE programme can play a key role. The real cost of floods across Kerala in August may never be really known. Hundreds dead, thousands displaced, millions lost. The scale of damage from any natural disaster can never really be measured because of the long-term ecological and psychological effects. The spread of diseases, such as cholera, malaria, and leptospirosis, may impact flood-hit communities beyond the crisis for years to come. Tourism has been hit. We react every time there is a disaster. We band together and raise funds, help victims and volunteer time to clean up and rebuild. However, the task before us should be to move from a reactive stance to proactively prepare for natural disasters (through Disaster Risk Insurance). Concerns: Impact of disaster has increased due to large urban migration. India alone is projected to have seven megacities—defined by a population of more than 10 million—by 2030, according to World Economic Forum. This confluence of climate change, natural disasters, and human density could lead to more Kerala-like images. It becomes very difficult to rebuild societies in the event of any natural catastrophe and to minimize any long-term impact by reducing the gap between economic losses and available funding, known as the protection gap. Do you know? The cost of recovery and reconstruction in Kerala has been put at ₹31,000 crore, according to a UN report. However, the annual allocation by both state and central authorities to Kerala’s disaster relief fund is a mere ₹214 crore. Taking into consideration of additional funds from the central government’s National Disaster Response Fund; commercial and private insurance claims – the current estimate is believed to be no more than ₹2,500 crore. That means, in this scenario, the protection gap is upwards of ₹25,000 crore. Solution: The GST Council has now been asked to examine the feasibility of a disaster levy to finance disaster-related reconstruction. But it is not sure whether a state levy will sufficiently incentivize states to improve their disaster risk management. Therefore the way ahead is to transfer disaster risks over to the insurers or reinsurers. Disaster Risk Insurance Benefits: Immediate payouts can be made through parametric solutions based on the amount of rainfall or the intensity of a drought, for example. Governments would be transparency over funding. Immediate payouts to citizens. There are numerous examples for Kerala—and India—to follow. For example, America’s National Flood Insurance Program the Caribbean’s 16-country hurricane, earthquake and rainfall risk insurance fund Mexico’s FONDEN programme China’s provincial Guangdong and Heilongjiang governments have purchased insurance against natural disasters as a means of fiscal budget protection—the idea being that a disaster will hit multiple areas of a budget beyond the core. All these are comprehensive disaster-risk financing strategy comprising reserve funding, reinsurance and catastrophe bonds. Several of these programmes have responded with timely payouts following recent natural disasters. Conclusion: Disaster Insurance Programmes are especially relevant in India’s developing environment of competitive federalism, where state governments are expected to rely less on federal assistance, especially when it comes to funding post-disaster reconstruction. Insurance purchased on the government account will serve to plug the gap in reconstruction financing. (immediate relief, rehabilitation, restoration and rebuilding of infrastructure) States can pay for insurance premiums from the disaster relief fund allocations. This will not only promote greater financial autonomy at the state level, but also has the advantage of requiring no additional budgeting by New Delhi. Connecting the dots: Examine the significance of State-sponsored Disaster Risk Insurance programmes in disaster management. Take suitable examples. (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) Gilets Jaunes movement or Yellow Vest movement is associated with which among the following country – Russia France Crimea Turkey Q.2) Consider the following exercises and choose the correct pair/s: INDRA-NAVY : : India-Russia Cope India : : India-China Yudh Abhyas : : India-US Choose correct answer: 1 only 1 and 3 only 1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) Kaiga nuclear power plant, which recently created a world record for the longest uninterrupted operation of 941 days is located in – Tamil Nadu Karnataka Kerala Maharashtra MUST READ Ascent to the temple of democracy The Hindu Anchored in human rights The Hindu Shape of a partnership Indian Express Raja Mandala: The tech wars are here Meng Wanzhou arrest Indian Express Natural enemies vs man-made enemies Livemint Towards better fuel efficiency standards Livemint Drawing that line in the sands of the internet Livemint

Dec 11, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IAS Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 127]

UPSC Quiz - 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 127] Archives Q.1) ‘Chang'e 4’ is a lunar exploration mission that aims to achieve the first soft-landing on the far side of the Moon. It is launched by India China US Japan Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘VISIONS-2 mission’ It aims to explore how the Earth’s atmosphere is slowly leaking in to space It is a joint mission by ISRO and NASA Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Sivalik Hills’ They are a mountain range of the outer Himalayas They are chiefly composed of sandstone and conglomerate rock formations Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) ‘Qumran Caves’ are located in Syria Jordan Kazakhstan None of the above Q.5) Which of the following countries is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)’? Kuwait Bahrain Qatar Iraq To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba

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