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IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 29th November 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 29th November 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Lancet report warns about heatwave exposure surge Part of: GS Mains II and III – Health issues; Impact of Climate Change In news: Indians faced almost 60 mn heatwave exposure events in 2016, according to Lancet report. It recommended Indian policy makers to take a series of initiatives to mitigate the increased risks to health, and the loss of labour hours due to a surge in exposure to heatwave events. Report has placed India amongst the countries who most experience high social and economic costs from climate change. Do you know? Heatwaves are associated with increased rates of heat stress and heat stroke, worsening heart failure and acute kidney injury from dehydration. From 2014-2017, the average length of heatwaves in India ranged from 3-4 days compared to the global average of 0.8-1.8 days. Indians were exposed to almost 60 million heatwave exposure events in 2016, a jump of about 40 million from 2012. The agriculture sector was more vulnerable compared to the industrial and service sectors because workers there were more likely to be exposed to heat. Lancet report recommendations include – identifying “heat hot-spots” through appropriate tracking of meteorological data promoting timely development and implementation of “local Heat Action Plans” with strategic inter-agency co-ordination timely response which targets the most vulnerable groups urges a review of existing occupational health standards, labour laws and sectoral regulations for worker safety in relation to climatic conditions. What is Heat Wave? A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity, especially in the west coasts of the middle latitude continents. A heat wave is measured relative to the usual weather in the area and relative to normal temperatures for the season. Temperatures that people from a hotter climate consider normal can be termed a heat wave in a cooler area if they are outside the normal climate pattern for that area. How does it occur? Heat waves are most common in summer when high pressure develops across an area. High pressure systems are slow moving and can persist over an area for a prolonged period of time such as days or weeks. Consequences of Heat Wave Severe heat waves have caused catastrophic crop failures, thousands of deaths from hyperthermia, and widespread power outages due to increased use of air conditioning. A heat wave is considered extreme weather, and a danger because heat and sunlight may overheat the human body Are criminal laws ill-equipped to deal with cases of riots? Part of: GS Mains II – Indian polity; Government laws and policies; Policy reforms In news: According to Delhi High Court, general criminal law is ill-equipped to deal with communal riots cases. The statement was made after the HC upheld the conviction of 70 persons on the charges of rioting, burning houses and violating curfew during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The HC observed that - after each event of communal riots, allegations of political influence have worked as the root cause or for protection of those responsible. It has suggested for several reforms – Entrusting investigative and prosecution process in such cases to authorities other than normal agencies of the State. The High Court wondered if the initial task of gathering evidence or the duty to “preserve” evidence can be entrusted to the Human Rights Commissions in cases of communal riots situations. Once a Commission of Inquiry is instituted, under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952, further investigative process by gathering all evidence for such cases can be taken over by such Commissions of Inquiry. Crux – The court suggested amendments to the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 and the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 to entrust the responsibility of investigation in communal riots through SITs specially constituted under their respective control. With the technological advancements that have been made and the rise of media — print and electronic — as an effective fourth pillar of democracy, the HC said there was a strong case for utilising as evidence the press reports, supported by photographic material or video footages in trials of criminal cases arising out of communal riots. ‘44 violations took place in Andamans’ Do you know? As many as 44 violations by foreigners have taken place in recent past in restricted areas of Andaman and Nicobar islands. Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – this policy allows people to visit certain locations with permission. The RAP for foreigners and Indians was recently liberalised by the Centre. Now, RAP may be reimposed in the Andamans following the recent killing of an American by inhabitants on North Sentinel Island, a highly reclusive and protected tribe. Though the RAP was withdrawn in 29 islands, tourists are required to take permission from the Forest Department and the administration of the Andamans as it is protected under two other Acts — protection of aboriginal people and forest Acts. Russia and Ukraine tensions Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International Relations In news: Russia has captured three Ukrainian naval ships and over 20 crew members in the disputed Azov Sea. This move has refocussed international attention on the conflict on Europe’s eastern corridors. Ukraine has declared martial law and demanded that the sailors be treated as prisoners of war. Ukraine insists that the patrol of the Kerch Strait, where the vessels were impounded, was authorised under a bilateral agreement with Moscow. The latest incident coincides with the anniversary of the November 2013 Maidan Square protests in Ukraine demanding integration with Europe, which was the prelude to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine’s Crimea in 2014. Do you know? The 2014-15 Minsk peace accords prohibited air strikes and heavy artillery firing. The Ukraine-Russia conflict has also widened religious schisms. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 1 and 2 Protection of primitive tribes Social issues; vulnerable sections of the society Lessons from a tragedy: On Adaman & Nicobar Introduction The tragic death of an American adventurer in the protected “tribal reserve” of North Sentinel Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago has triggered global interest in the region. There are debates about peculiar and almost brutal hostility displayed by the Sentinel islanders towards the outsider. Some see it as signs of a pathological “primitivity” and the result of “complete isolation” from “civilisation” while others interpret it as an effect of the historical memory of colonial brutality. On the question of hostility and isolation Change in shape of their canoes, use of iron to make blades and arrowheads, glass bead necklaces etc all point to the fact that over the years Sentinelese have not remained completely isolated. There are images which show them receiving coconuts, bananas and other gifts from government contact parties. Thus Sentinelese decide on spot what contact is safe and useful- pointing to the fact that their hostility is rather ‘strategic’ to ensure survival, rather than borne out of primitivity. Why hasn’t Indian government pacified Sentinelese into contact ? Unlike the colonial predecessors, Indian government has rightly abstained from coercing indigenous communities into assimilation. Tribal welfare policy in the islands today not only ensures their protection but also accept their right to self-determination. Problem with protection Policies of “protection” demand strong surveillance infrastructures, empowered staff, coordination among police, forest and welfare agencies and, more importantly, investment in projects of sensitisation. It is tensions between the common settler-indigene relations on the islands leads to collusive breaches of the law and the undermining of the protective cover for the Sentinelese and other Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like the Jarawas. Why vulnerable to intrusions? The Indian government though gave it a free society status but used it as a space to settle its “excess” population – like the refugee rehabilitation schemes in the post- Partition years. Though cared for and protected, they had to move out of their original forest habitats into newly designated “tribal reserves”. As a result of continuous settlement and often ill-conceived developmental projects on the islands over the past six decades, these reserves have become increasingly vulnerable to the intrusions of poachers, encroachers and tourists. Do you know? Tribal Panchsheel Policy by Jawaharlal Nehru Non-imposition: People should develop along the lines of their own genius, and the imposition of alien values should be avoided. TribaI rights in land and forest should be respected. Teams of tribals should be trained in the work of administration and development. Introducing too many outsiders into tribal territory should be avoided. TribaI areas should not be over administered or overwhelmed with a multiplicity of schemes. Results should be judged not by statistics or the amount of money spent, but by the human character that is evolved. Conclusion It is important to draw a few lessons from the recent unfortunate death and question the ways in which mainland India views the islands. The announcement of new projects for “holistic” development of Andaman and Nicobar Islands should consider a context-sensitive “island view” of development and recognise settlers and PVTGs as equal stakeholders in a common sustainable future. Connecting the dots: The indigenous communities and settlers in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands must be equal stakeholders in a common future. Comment. ECONOMY TOPIC:General studies 2 and 3 International relations Indian Economy; Economic development Breathing space: on the strengthening rupee Introduction Indian Rupee has appreciated against the US Dollar in recent week due to the fall in global crude oil prices. Since imported oil meets about 80% of India’s total demand, the fortunes of the rupee have been tightly linked to the price of crude oil in the global markets. Why is there a fall in global crude oil prices? Continuation of supply of crude oil from Iran after U.S. has softened its stance against Iran. S. turned into the largest crude oil producer in the world with the boom in shale production. Lowering of projection of demand of crude oil Faltering growth in major economies like China may have also contributed to the fall in prices. Benefits for India The fall in global crude oil prices comes as a big relief to the Central government, which has faced increasing macroeconomic and political pressure due to rising prices. A drop of $10 in the price of oil can improve India’s current account and fiscal deficits by 0.5% and 0.1% of GDP, respectively. The ruling party may be pleased with falling oil prices in the run-up to the general elections next year. Fuel prices across major Indian cities have fallen significantly. The Reserve Bank of India will be relieved as it will have to worry less about the rupee and oil-induced inflation. Foreign investors, who have been net sellers this year, have turned net buyers this month. This points to an increase in investor confidence in the economy as the fundamentals improve. Conclusion Amid rising global uncertainties, it may not be so easy to map what lies ahead for global crude oil prices and the rupee. Forthcoming meeting of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will make clear the response of oil producers to the sharp fall in prices. Shale companies are also likely to respond to falling prices by cutting production. India should capitalise on the relief offered by the fall in oil prices to improve its preparedness for any future jump in oil prices. Connecting the dots: Fall in oil prices gives the rupee and the Indian economy a much-needed boost. Critically comment. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements about ‘Global Climate Risk Index’ It is published annually by UNEP It is based on an analysis of the number of deaths (due to climatic conditions) per 100,000 inhabitants, extent of financial losses and loss per unit of GDP of countries Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) The Kerch Strait is a strait connecting the – Black Sea and the Sea of Azov Sea of Marmara and Aegean Sea Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea Q.3) Consider the following statements with regard to the Sea of Azov It is the shallowest sea in the world. It is a sea in Eastern Europe. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both None MUST READ In a spirit of accommodation  The Hindu Without maternity benefits The Hindu  Trade vs Terror Indian Express  Ludo vs Snakes & Ladders Indian Express Mother Ganga, Father Rhine Indian Express Genetic modification goes beyond ethics Livemint  What can India teach us about start-ups? Livemint

RSTV Video

RSTV - Civil War in Yemen

Civil War in Yemen Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood- relations Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests In News: The Saudi-led coalition resumed air strikes on Yemen’s main port city of Hudaydah after a lull as Western allies pressed Riyadh to end a war that has left the impoverished country on the verge of starvation. But even before the lull, at least 150 people were killed in 24 hours of clashes in the port city. The respite that followed coincided with a visit by British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt to Saudi Arabia to press for an end to the nearly four-year war that has killed more than 10,000 people. Western governments that support the coalition with arms and intelligence have toughened their stance on Yemen after the murder of journalist Jamal Kashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2 sparked a global outcry and opened Riyadh to possible sanctions. Hudaydah is an entry point for 80 percent of the impoverished country’s food imports and relief supplies. The United Nations has warned that any disruption to the port risks triggering a famine. The cost of food, fuel and water supplies has skyrocketed as the value of the national currency has plummeted Water and sewage treatment services are at risk of collapse because of soaring fuel prices - meaning many of these same children and families may also be without access to safe water and sanitation. Where is Yemen: Yemen is at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula and borders Saudi Arabia and Oman. It has been in existence as a state in its current form since the early 1990s. Yemen is only 30km from Djibouti in Africa, which sits across the Bab al Mandab straits, which means Gate of Tears. What has caused this war? For a little more than three years, Yemen has been locked in a seemingly intractable civil war that has killed nearly 10,000 people and pushed millions to the brink of starvation. The conflict has its roots in the Arab Spring of 2011, when an uprising forced the country's long-time authoritarian president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, to hand over power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. The political transition was supposed to bring stability to Yemen, one of the Middle East's poorest nations, but President Hadi struggled to deal with various problems including militant attacks, corruption, food insecurity, and continuing loyalty of many military officers to Saleh. Fighting began in 2014 when the Houthi Shia Muslim rebel movement took advantage of the new president's weakness and seized control of northern Saada province and neighbouring areas. The Houthis went on to take the capital Sanaa, forcing Mr Hadi into exile abroad. The conflict escalated dramatically in March 2015, when Saudi Arabia and eight other mostly Sunni Arab states - backed by the US, UK, and France - began air strikes against the Houthis, with the declared aim of restoring Mr Hadi's government. The Saudi-led coalition feared that continued success of the Houthis would give their rival regional power and Shia-majority state, Iran, a foothold in Yemen, Saudi Arabia's southern neighbour. Saudi Arabia says Iran is backing the Houthis with weapons and logistical support - a charge Iran denies. Both sides have since been beset by infighting. The Houthis broke with Saleh and he was killed by Houthi fighters in December 2017. On the anti-Houthi side, militias include separatists seeking independence for south Yemen and factions who oppose the idea. In June 2018, Saudi-backed government forces began an assault on the key rebel-held port of Hudaydah, the entry point for the vast majority of aid going into Yemen and a lifeline for the starving. Aid agencies warned the offensive could make Yemen's humanitarian catastrophe much worse. Humanity: In Grave Crisis More than 6,800 civilians have been killed and at least 10,700 injured since March 2015, the UN says. Well over half of the dead and wounded have been caused by Saudi-led coalition air strikes. According to the UN Human Rights Council, civilians have repeatedly been the victims of "unrelenting violations of international humanitarian law". About 75% of the population - 22.2 million people - are in need of humanitarian assistance, including 11.3 million people in acute need who urgently require immediate assistance to survive - an increase of 1 million since June 2017. Some 17.8 million people do not know where their next meal is coming from and 8.4 million are considered at risk of starvation. Severe acute malnutrition is threatening the lives of almost 400,000 children under the age of five. With only half of the country's 3,500 health facilities fully functioning, at least 16.4 million people are lacking basic healthcare. The war has also forced more than 3 million people to flee from their homes, with 2 million still displaced. Why should this matter for the rest of the world? What happens in Yemen can greatly exacerbate regional tensions. It also worries the West because of the threat of attacks - such as from al-Qaeda or IS affiliates - emanating from the country as it becomes more unstable. The conflict is also seen as part of a regional power struggle between Shia-ruled Iran and Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia. Gulf Arab states - backers of President Hadi - have accused Iran of bolstering the Houthis financially and militarily, though Iran has denied this. Yemen is also strategically important because it sits on a strait linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, through which much of the world's oil shipments pass.

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 119]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 119] Archives Q.1)  The effect of POPs on human and environmental health was discussed, with intention to eliminate or severely restrict their production, by the international community at the Montreal Protocol Kyoto Protocol Stockholm Convention Minamata Convention Q.2) ‘Gupta sculpture’ was influenced by: Mathura school Amravati school Gandhara school Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) ‘World Energy Outlook’ Report is given by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) UNFCCC International Energy Agency World Bank Q.4) Kebul Lamjao is India’s only floating National Park. Which of the following lakes hosts this park? Dal Lake Wular Lake Chilka Lake Loktak Lake Q.5) ‘Laffer curve’ is related to Inflation Balance of Payment Taxation Employment To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 28th November 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 28th November 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Agriculture Ministry takes back report on impact of demonetization on farmers Part of: GS Mains III – Indian Economy and issues related to it; Social/Welfare issue In news: Earlier, a report submitted by the Union Agriculture Ministry to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance highlighted that – Farmers were badly hit by demonetization, as many were unable to buy seeds without enough money. Demonetisation came at a time when farmers were engaged in either selling their Kharif crops or sowing the Rabi crops. Both these operations needed huge amounts of cash, which demonetisation removed from the market. Even bigger landlords faced a problem such as paying daily wages to the farmers and purchasing agriculture needs for growing crops. However, now, reversing its earlier report, the Union Agriculture Ministry has submitted a fresh report claiming that there was no “adverse impact.” Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Health and welfare issue; Science Do you know? Measles and Rubella vaccine is administered to all the children group of 9months to 15 years. Measles-rubella (MR) vaccine is given for preventing both measles and rubella diseases in the child. No specific treatment is available for measles and rubella but these diseases can easily be prevented by vaccination. The Government is providing Measles-Rubella vaccine free of cost through its immunization programme. About Measles Measles is a deadly disease. It can lead to following complications - Pneumonia Diarrhoea Other deadly threats The respiratory disease measles remains a leading cause of death among young children, despite the fact that a safe and effective vaccine has been available for 40 years. Measles is an acute illness caused by a virus of the paramyxovirus family. It is one of the most contagious diseases and many children who do not have sufficient immunity contract measles if exposed. During the first few weeks after contracting measles, a child's immune system becomes weakened, and a normal cold or diarrhoea can become a life-threatening illness. About Rubella Rubella infection during pregnancy can cause congenital deformities in newborn baby, such as - Blindness Deafness Mental Retardation Congenital heart disease Rubella is an acute, contagious viral infection. While rubella virus infection usually causes a mild fever and rash illness in children and adults, infection during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, can result in miscarriage, fetal death, stillbirth, or infants with congenital malformations, known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). The rubella virus is transmitted by airborne droplets when infected people sneeze or a cough. Humans are the only known host. There is no specific treatment, but the disease can be prevented by vaccination. HysIS - Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Technology; Space Missions In news: ISRO to launch its HysIS imaging satellite and 30 other satellites with PSLV-C43 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Hyper Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) – is India’s own earth observation satellite The satellite will be put into a polar synchronous orbit, which sets it in motion along the axis that runs along the Earth’s geographic North and South Pole. ISRO PSLV-C43 mission: HysIS satellite objectives HysIS mission is to study the earth’s surface near infrared and shortwave infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. To provide observations within the visible, near infrared and shortwave infrared bands of the electromagnetic spectrum To monitor atmospheric activity and climate change To assist studies of Earth’s magnetic field These observations will have a host of applications, prime among which relate to agriculture, forestry, water management, and coastal patterns. Do you know? HysIS will continue to make observations till 2023, when the mission ends. After this launch, the next big event for the Indian space organisation will be its awaited mission to the moon – Chandrayaan-2 – in early 2019. About PSLV Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) was launched in October 1994, it is the third generation launch vehicle of India. It is the first Indian launched vehicle to be equipped with liquid stages. PSLV has emerged as a workhouse launch vehicle of India with 39 consecutively successful missions by June 2017. This vehicle has launched 48 Indian satellites for customers from abroad. It has also launched Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and Mars Orbiter Spacecraft in 2013. NASA’s InSight lands on Mars Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Technology; Space Missions In news: NASA’s Mars rover InSight touched down on the Red planet. InSight (Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport) is a NASA Discovery Program mission that will place a single geophysical lander on Mars to study its deep interior. It aims to unveil the Red Planet’s inner mysteries, such as its formation. The planet’s core, mantle and crust will be explored allowing scientists to find out more about the formation of the rocky planets in our Solar System and measure its’ tectonic activity. InSight will be the first mission to use a robotic arm to place instruments on the surface of Mars. Do you know? InSight stands for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport. The InSight Lander left Earth on May 5, 2018 and took almost 7-months to get to the Red Planet and finally landed on November 26, 2018. It marked the eighth successful landing on Mars in NASA's history. The spacecraft is NASA’s first to touch down on the earth’s neighbouring planet since the Curiosity rover arrived in 2012. More than half of 43 attempts to reach Mars with rovers, orbiters and probes by space agencies from around the world have failed. Single women seek monthly pension Part of: GS Mains II – Social or women welfare issue In news: National Forum for Single Women’s Rights (NFSWR) – forum representing single women has prepared a charter of demands pitching for enhanced budgetary allocation so that schemes such as monthly pension and benefits for care-givers can be framed for them. The forum has also demanded that the Central government look at issues concerning single women not solely as problems afflicting elderly widows but also widows of all ages as well as unmarried, divorced, separated and abandoned women. Reserve Bank to inject ₹40,000 crore through open market operations (OMOs) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy; monetary policy; open market operations In news: RBI to pump in more liquidity in December by infusing ₹40,000 crore into the system through open market operations (OMOs). It has already infused ₹30,000 crore into the system while the balance ₹10,000 crore will be pumped in through auction. About open market operations Open market operations are conducted by the RBI by way of sale or purchase of government securities (g-secs) to adjust money supply conditions. The central bank sells g-secs to suck out liquidity from the system and buys back g-secs to infuse liquidity into the system. These operations are often conducted on a day-to-day basis in a manner that balances inflation while helping banks continue to lend. The RBI uses OMO along with other monetary policy tools such as repo rate, cash reserve ratio and statutory liquidity ratio to adjust the quantum and price of money in the system. Do you know? When RBI sells government security in the markets, the banks purchase them. When the banks purchase Government securities, they have a reduced ability to lend to the industrial houses or other commercial sectors. This reduced surplus cash, contracts the rupee liquidity and consequently credit creation / credit supply. When RBI purchases the securities, the commercial banks find them with more surplus cash and this would create more credit in the system. Thus, in the case of excess liquidity, RBI resorts to sale of G-secs to suck out rupee from system. Similarly, when there is a liquidity crunch in the economy, RBI buys securities from the market, thereby releasing liquidity. Its worth to note here that the market for government securities is not well developed in India but still OMO plays very important role. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 and 3 Indian constitution: right to property Farmers issues A reinstated right to property will protect the poor Introduction The impoverished farmers who won a million hearts in Mumbai with their quiet dignity are now on their way to New Delhi to make their voice heard outside national Parliament. The list of demands is a long one, which is not surprising given the intensity of rural distress. However, one of their demands shows why it is now time to reinstate the right to property as a fundamental constitutional right. Demand of right over land The farmers from Nashik district of Maharashtra have been demanding that the government should recognize their legal rights over the land they till. Many of the protesters are tribals who have been cultivating land controlled by the forest department. The Forest Rights Act of 2006 seeks to correct a historical wrong cemented during the colonial era. The lack of land rights has ensured that generations of tribal cultivators have got a raw deal from governments as well as banks. Hence the demand for property rights from the marching farmers. Right to property in Indian constitution It is well known that the Indian Constitution originally recognized the right to property as a fundamental right. That right came under attack beginning with the first amendment in 1951. Many of the subsequent laws that undermined property rights were hidden away from judicial scrutiny in the Ninth Schedule. Another big blow came during the epic legal battles after the nationalization of banks in 1969. The Morarji Desai government eventually scrapped the fundamental right to property with the forty-fourth amendment in 1978. In its place came Article 300-A that makes it possible for a citizen to be dispossessed without compensation through an act of legislation. Why right to property was scrapped from fundamental rights? Successive governments chipped away at the right to property by arguing that it was an obstacle in the way of pursuing the social justice agenda embedded in the directive principles of state policy. Consider the issue of farm land. It was very unequally divided when India became an independent country because of the colonial institution of zamindari. The estates kept growing in size as indebted peasants were dispossessed after loan defaults. Think of Do Bigha Zameen, the heart-wrenching 1953 movie directed by Bimal Roy. Even liberals saw the value in land reforms. The implicit assumption all the way till the right to property was removed from the list of fundamental rights was that it was essentially a concern of the rich. The poor had little stake in property rights; in fact, property rights were an obstacle in the battle against mass poverty. Need to reinstate right to property The poor have neither the legal resources nor the political heft to fight laws or administrative orders that allow governments take over their land. The poor do not have enough opportunities to make a living in formal jobs in case they are forcibly separated from their property. There is now a lot of research that shows how property rights help the poor. The security of property provides incentives for a small farmer to invest in his land or a slum dweller to spend on basic infrastructure. The Peruvian economist Hernando De Soto has also shown how secure property rights allow the poor to raise capital by offering the property as collateral to formal lenders. The Odisha state government has recently begun offering formal property rights to slum dwellers. Conclusion Indian political parties have mostly steered clear of making any commitment to a reinstated fundamental right to property, perhaps because of the belief that they would be seen to represent the interests of the rich rather than the poor. It is time to break this misconception. The poor also have a stake in better property rights—from land titling to legal safeguards. Women also need to be equal partners in property. Property rights today are a tool of inclusion rather than exclusion. Connecting the dots: Right to property should be a fundamental right. Do you agree? NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Issues and policies related to health Ahead on malaria: on reduction in cases in India Introduction India has suffered from a major burden of malaria for decades, with high levels of morbidity and death. But the declining trend of the scourge shows that sustained public health action can eradicate this epidemic. Current status The World Malaria Report 2018 of the World Health Organisation notes that India’s record offers great promise in the quest to cut the number of new cases and deaths globally by at least 40% by 2020, and to end the epidemic by 2030. A lot of that optimism has to do with the progress made by Odisha, one of the most endemic States. Success story of Odisha Odisha through its greater political and administrative commitment - investments in recruiting accredited social health workers, large-scale distribution of insecticide- treated bednets and strategies to encourage health-seeking behaviour, was able to reduce its malaria burden by half in 2017. Malaria cases in Odisha have been coming down steadily since 2003, with a marked reduction since 2008, attributed to greater political and administrative commitment. Issues of resistance One issue that requires monitoring in India is resistance to combination therapy using artemisinin. Recent reports indicate that some patients in West Bengal became resistant to the treatment protocol used for the falciparum parasite, which causes debilitating cerebral malaria and leads to a high number of deaths. This requires close monitoring, although the WHO has changed the treatment policy in some north- eastern States after treatment failure in 2012. Since resistance to treatment has been reported in Myanmar, there is a need for a coordinated approach to rid southern Asia of malaria. Way forward The efforts by Odisha should be replicated in North eastern and elsewhere too further cut the transmission of the disease. Eliminating malaria requires an integrated approach, involving all states especially Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal, which have a higher burden of the disease. Odisha’s experience and example of using public health education as a tool and reaching out to remote populations with advice needs to be replicated elsewhere. Administration should not become complacent and cut funding and efforts toward control measures. Connecting the dots: India has suffered from a major burden of malaria for decades, but the World Malaria Report 2018 of the World Health Organisation shows that sustained public health action can end the epidemic by 2030. Critically comment. (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) HySIS (Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite) is being developed by NASA European Space Agency The China National Space Administration ISRO Q.2) Which of the following statements are correct about Hyspex? Hyperspectral Imaging combines digital imaging as well as spectroscopy. It enables distinct identification of objects and processes by reading individual pixels. The Hyspex camera will work only in infrared spectrum. Select the code from following: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Measles’ It is caused by a virus It is non-contagious  Select the correct code: Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Which of the following statements about Rubella is correct? It is a bacterial infection It is mostly prevalent in pregnant women It often leads to serious complications that include blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea and severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia It can be prevented by vaccination Q.5) Consider the following statement about ‘InSight’ It is a NASA Discovery Programme It will place a single geophysical lander on Mars to study its deep interior It will seek to understand the evolutionary formation of rocky planets, including Earth Select the correct statements 1 and 2 Only 1 Only 1, 2 and 3 1 and 3 Only Q.6) Money supply in the economy is controlled by Finance Ministry Finance commission NITI Aayog RBI Q.7) Through Open Market Operations, the RBI purchases and sells Government securities Gold Forex Shares of PSUs Select the code from following: 1 only 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 All of the above Q.8) If the RBI implements an expansionist open market operations policy, this means that it will? Buy securities from non-government holders Offer commercial banks more credit in open market Sells G-securities (government securities) in open market Openly announces to the market that it intends to expand its credit Q.9) Which of the following steps can be taken by RBI to check inflation? Increasing Bank rates Buying securities in open market operations Raising Bank Reserve Ratio Rationing of credit Select the code from below: 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 4 All of the above MUST READ  Lessons from a tragedy The Hindu  A prescription for the future The Hindu Rulers of law Indian Express  Age of prejudice Indian Express The three bin solution Indian Express The China-Pakistan love affair in troubled waters Livemint  A reinstated right to property will protect the poor Livemint The use of technology in providing healthcare Livemint

RSTV Video

RSTV - India & World War 1

India & World War 1 Archives TOPIC: General Studies 1 Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues. The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country. History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars In News: Approximately 1.3 million Indian soldiers fought with valour and distinction during world war 1 as part of British Indian Army designated as Indian expeditionary forces the bravery. About 75000 Indian soldiers laid down their life, and their sacrifice in this war was acknowledged by the armies and people of the allied nations on whose soul they fought.   Almost a century after the first world war came to an end, these Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice finally got their due with Vice President Venkaiah Naidu inaugurating the Indian war memorial in France on the occasion of 100th armistice day. Points to remember: World War I ended on November 11, 1918 at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This day marks 100 years of the Great War ending. Mahatma Gandhi, who returned to his homeland for good from South Africa in January 1915, supported the war, as he had supported the British in the Boer War. India was wrecked by high taxation – and the high inflation accompanying it – to support the war, while the disruption of trade caused by the conflict led to widespread economic losses. All this while the country was reeling from a raging influenza pandemic – the 1918-’19 Spanish flu was the most devastating in history, with estimates of global mortality ranging from 20 to 50 million, and the focal point of the pandemic was India, with an estimated death toll of between 10 and 20 million. Poverty, disease and suffering all worsened in India during these years. Yet Indian nationalists did not seek to take advantage of Britain’s vulnerability by inciting rebellions, or even disturbances, against the Empire. But nationalists widely understood from British statements that at the end of the war India would receive the Dominion Status hitherto reserved for the "White Commonwealth". Instead, Indians rallied to the British cause: There were no mutinies against the British, though political unrest did continue in Punjab and Bengal. Mahatma Gandhi launched the Champaran satyagraha in 1917 in defence of farmers forced to grow indigo, and the Kheda satyagraha, against iniquitous taxes in Gujarat, followed, but both were protests against specific iniquities and not yet a mass movement against the Empire as a whole. After the War ended – When the war ended in triumph for Britain, India was denied its promised reward. Instead of self-government, the British imposed the repressive Rowlatt Act, which vested the Viceroy's government with extraordinary powers to quell "sedition" against the Empire by silencing and censoring the press, detaining political activists without trial, and arresting without a warrant any individuals suspected of treason against the Empire. Public protests against this draconian legislation were quelled ruthlessly. The worst incident was the Jallianwallah Bagh massacre of April 1919, when Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to fire without warning on 15,000 unarmed and non-violent men, women and children demonstrating peacefully in an enclosed garden in Amritsar, killing as many as 1,499 and wounding up to 1,137. The fact that Dyer was hailed as a hero by the British, who raised a handsome purse to reward him for his deed, marked the final rupture between British imperialism and its Indian subjects. Sir Rabindranath Tagore returned his knighthood to the British in protest against "the helplessness of our position as British subjects in India". He did not want a "badge of honour" in "the incongruous context of humiliation". Of Forgetfulness and shame, really? When the world commemorated the 50th anniversary of the First World War in 1964, there was scarcely a mention of India's soldiers anywhere, least of all in India. India's absence from the commemorations, and its failure to honour the dead, were not a major surprise. Nor was the lack of First World War memorials in the country: the general feeling was that India, then freshly freed from the imperial yoke, was ashamed of its soldiers' participation in a colonial war and saw nothing to celebrate. The British, however, went ahead and commemorated the war by constructing the triumphal arch known as India Gate in New Delhi. Built in 1931, India Gate is a popular monument, that commemorates the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the war. Connecting the Dots: “The Indian soldiers who died in the First World War gave their "todays" for someone else's "yesterdays". They left behind orphans, but history has orphaned them as well.” Comment.

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 118]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 118] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘hantaviruses’ It is transmitted to humans who inhale the virus from the urine, faeces, or saliva of infected rodents It causes severe and fatal respiratory infections 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 ‘Global Compact for Migration’ It addresses issues such as how to protect migrants and how to integrate them into new countries or how to return them to their original home countries. It is a non-binding "intergovernmental negotiated agreement It is consistent with target 10.7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) The ‘Data City Programme’ was recently launched by which of the following states? Karnataka Maharashtra Andhra Pradesh Tamil Nadu Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Peste des petits ruminants (PPR)’ It is a highly contagious viral disease that afflicts goats and sheep It is completely eradicated in India Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Logix India’ It is being organized by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) It is aimed at improving logistics cost effectiveness and operational efficiencies for India’s Global Trade Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 27th November 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 27th November 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Kartarpur corridor can build bridges: Venkaiah Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II & III – India and its neighborhood, infrastructure In news: Founding stone for the four-lane “human corridor” i.e. Kartarpur corridor was laid, it is to be completed by November 23, 2019, in time for Sikh founding Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary. A public rally was organised for the event in the border town of Dera Baba Nanak, just 2 km from the International Border with Pakistan. It is hoped that the corridor would pave the way for peace and greater progress of all people. The corridor will drastically cut down the journey pilgrims have to make from more than 200 km to just 6 km. Do you know? The shrine: The gurdwara in Kartarpur stands on the bank of the Ravi, about 120 km northeast of Lahore. It was here that Guru Nanak assembled a Sikh community and lived for 18 years until his death in 1539. The shrine is visible from the Indian side, Sikhs gather in large numbers for darshan from the Indian side, and binoculars are installed at Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak. Access to gurdwaras in Pakistan: Sikh jathas from India travel to Pakistan on four occasions every year — for Baisakhi, the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev. These Indian pilgrims are given access to all gurdwaras in Pakistan. Public bicycle sharing system launched in Odisha Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II & III – Steps to mitigate Environmental pollution, Public transport infrastructure, use of ICT In news: The Odisha government launched a Public Bicycle Sharing system to reduce traffic congestion, enhance space efficiency, and improve air quality in Bhubaneswar. Capital Region Urban Transport and Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited have come together for the PBS, which has been christened as ‘Mo Cycle’ system. How Public bicycle sharing system will work? More than 300 cyclists took part in the rally from Airport Square to Kalinaga Stadium, to generate public awareness. Initially, 2,000 cycles will be available at about 400 Mo Cycle stations in different locations of the city. According to the BSCL, riders can take cycles from any location and drop them off at any destination of their choice. The operators will coordinate to ensure the redistribution and availability of cycles at high-demand locations. Unlike rentals under the PBS system, cycles stored in a closely spaced network of stations will be made available to riders for short term shared use. This new system would encourage use of the same cycle by multiple riders every day. Users would have to download Mo Cycle application and register for a nominal monthly subscription. The rider can locate the nearest Mo Cycle station and unlock the cycle through Quick Response Code scan. Technology interventions such as GPS and smart locks are an integral part of the system. Big leap in intelligence infrastructure post 26/11 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Security challenges and their management In news: Ten years after the 26\11 terror strikes, Maharashtra is better placed to benefit from real-time, actionable intelligence, processed through its Central Monitoring System (CMS) and the Lawful Interception System (LIS). As per the International Telecom Union (ITU), Geneva, the State is periodically obtaining a Global Cell Identity (GCI) and Location Area Identity (LAI) from the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs). Detailed data The successful implementation of the CMS with inclusion of the GCI, LAI and location in the Call Data Record (CDR) has enhanced the intelligence collection abilities of the State in the past few years. Implementations of the CMS and LIM have helped agencies get full data without any hindrances from TSPs. The R.D. Pradhan Expert Committee, which probed lapses leading up to the November 26, 2008 terror strikes, had revealed that prior to the attacks, senior officers in the Maharashtra government did not even look at crucial intelligence inputs. Incredible India campaign: Tawang Monastery Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I – Indian heritage and culture In news: The Incredible India campaign has goofed up on Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh, suggesting the ancient structure was built just three decades ago. About Monastery Known in Tibetan as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, the Tawang Monastery was built according to the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso. It was founded in 1680-81 by a monk named Merag Lodre Gyatso of the Gelug sect after the 4th Dalai Lama gave him a painting of goddess Palden Lhamo to be kept in the monastery. An eight-metre high gilded statue of Lord Buddha dominates the sanctum of the monastery. Local legend has it that China had attacked Tawang in 1962 primarily to extract the secret to eternal youth believed to be buried under the monastery built at about 10,000 ft above sea level. RBI eases ECB hedging norms for companies Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy In news: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has eased hedging norms for companies that raise funds through external commercial borrowings (ECB), a move that will lower the cost of hedging. The mandatory hedge coverage has been reduced from 100% to 70% under Track I of the ECB framework. Track I refers to medium-term foreign currency-denominated ECBs with a minimum average maturity of 3-5 years. The move will help reduce costs for companies that raise foreign funds. Do you know? External commercial borrowings (ECBs) are loans in India made by non-resident lenders in foreign currency to Indian borrowers. They are used widely in India to facilitate access to foreign money by Indian corporations and PSUs (public sector undertakings). NASA’s Insight rover heads for 6.5 minutes of terror Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Tech; Space research In news: NASA’s Mars Insight spacecraft landed on Mars. About InSight: Mars Insight’s goal is to listen for quakes and tremors as a way to unveil the Red Planet’s inner mysteries, how it formed billions of years ago, and by extension, how other rocky planets like the earth took shape. The unmanned spacecraft, launched nearly seven months ago, is NASA’s first to attempt to touch down on Mars since the Curiosity rover arrived in 2012. More than half of 43 attempts to reach Mars with rovers, orbiters and probes by space agencies from around the world have failed. NASA is the only space agency to have made it, and is invested in these missions as a way to prepare for the first Mars­bound human explorers in the 2030s. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 India and its neighborhood 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 Along the new Silk Roads: Multilateralism & Trade War Introduction In the context of the onslaught on the multilateralism in the form of on-going trade war, there is inevitable need to promote “Shared” and “Inclusive” multilateralism. In this regard, the impact of China’s BRI on the multilateralism is significant, but there are concerns that in spite of other countries joining BRI, it would always remain a Chinese led project with an underlying ambition to influence the world. BRI- More Inclusive and Shared Multilateralism? China has labeled BRI as a project that would be based on more inclusive and connected multilateralism in order to promote trade integration. However, in spite of the underlying economic objectives, the BRI would always remain political project of china with an agenda to influence the world. China has given its own flavour to BRI by “Sinicising” the concepts of free trade agreements. Normally, the conventional trade agreements are based on sound legal texts. The BRI is not backed by any comprehensive legal framework. It is based on normative framework in the form of general agreements, guiding principles, and declarations etc which are just standards to abide by and are not legally binding. The non-legal framework is deliberately adopted by China to constantly adjust to the changing environment. Further, unlike other conventional trade agreements, China is preparing for domestic resolution of BRI disputes through creation of dedicated branches of the China International Commercial Court. The BRI mobilises support from other institution such as Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Asian Infrastructure investment Bank (AIIB) etc which are mainly dominated by China. Conclusion The BRI is not a tool for economic integration. On the other hand, RCEP is better equipped to deal with aspects related to trade integration. However, as the global trade has increasingly come under pressure in the recent times, there is possibility that BRI would embrace greater liberalisation goals. Connecting the dots: China's BRI is based on more inclusive and connected multilateralism and would promote trade integration. Critically analyse. NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 3 Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism Various Security forces and agencies Ten years after the Mumbai attack Introduction Terrorism is hardly a post-modern phenomenon. Several of the terror attacks in the 21st century reflect a paradigmatic change in the tactics of asymmetric warfare, and the practice of violence. Today’s attacks carried out in different corners of the world by various terror outfits are very different from those witnessed in the previous century. The tactics employed may vary, but the objective is common, viz. achieving mass casualties and widespread destruction. The 26/11 Mumbai terror attack was the rarest of rare cases, where one state’s resources, viz. Pakistan’s, were employed to carry out a series of terror attacks in a major Indian city. After ten years of the terror attack, it is important to analyse state sponsored terrorism and preparedness of India. Involvement of “deep state” of Pakistan in Mumbai Terror Attacks Deep state refers to unelected shadow government who takes majority of the policy and strategic decision. Thus, deep state is where military, bureaucracy, intelligence community and sometimes even judiciary undermine the writ of an elected government. It’s like having a ‘State within a State' whose influence is hard to overlook. The attack was planned strategically and in advance by the deep state of Pakistan involving the Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate, Pakistani armed forces and involvement of the Pakistani Special Forces in preparing the 10-member fidayeen group who carried out the attack. Steps taken by India In the wake of the terror attack, several steps were initiated to streamline the security set-up. Coastal security was given high priority, and it is with the Navy/Coast Guard/marine police. National Investigation Agency (NIA) - a specialised agency to deal with terrorist offences was set up and has been functioning from January 2009. The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has been constituted to create an appropriate database of security related information. Four new operational hubs for the National Security Guard (NSG) have been created to ensure rapid response to any future terror attacks. The Multi Agency Centre, which functions under the Intelligence Bureau, was further strengthened and its activities expanded. The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), created in 2002 mandated to collect, collate and evaluate intelligence from other service agencies. The Navy constituted a Joint Operations Centre to keep vigil over India’s extended coastline. New terror threats in the modern world driven by technology Despite streamlining of counter-terrorism measures, it is important to remain vigilant from the terrorist groups. These terrorist groups have resorted to use better and sophisticated technologies, have adopted newer and bolder methodologies and ensure execution of their deeply laid plans with the aid of state-of-the-art weapons and communication system which is difficult to trace. Use of ‘enabled terror’ or ‘remote controlled terror’, where violence can be unleashed guided by a controller thousands of miles away poses a much dangerous world. Thus, internet-enabled terrorism and resort to remote plotting is the new threat. Conclusion As of now, there are no ready-made answers to this new threat operating behind a wall of anonymity and secrecy which is difficult to trace. Terrorism remains a major threat and with terrorism mutating into a global franchise, the threat potential has become greater. Thus, vigilance is important, but remaining ahead of the curve is even more vital in this modern world driven by technology. Connecting the dots: New terror threats have emerged as a result of use of technology. In light of this statement examine the challenges that have emerged as a result of "enabled terror". Also highlight the steps that should be taken to handle the new terror threats. (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) Which of the following state governments launched a Public Bicycle Sharing system, Maharashtra Karnataka Odisha Tamil Nadu Q.2) In the context of the Kartarpur Corridor, consider the following statements. The gurdwara in Kartarpur stands on the bank of the Ravi. It was here that Guru Gobind assembled a Sikh community and lived for 18 years until his death in 1539. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Which of the following statements are correct about International Telecommunication Union (ITU), ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies It allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits. It is an organization based on public-private partnership, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Select the correct statements 1 and 2 Only 1 and 3 Only 2 and 3 Only All of the above Q.4) Tawang Monastery is located in which of the following states, Sikkim Himachal Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh None of these Q.5) Consider the following statements about External commercial borrowing (ECBs), External commercial borrowings (ECBs) are loans made by non-resident lenders in Indian currency to Indian borrowers. Public sector undertakings cannot raise loans through ECBs. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.6) The R.D. Pradhan Expert Committee is related to which of the following, Pathan Kot terror Attack 2016 Mumbai Terror Attack 2008 Gujarat Riots 2002 Indian Parliament Attack 2001 MUST READ Preventing another scuffle The Hindu Legacies crucial for the commons The Hindu Rules for a resolution The Hindu Following a trail of destruction The Hindu Remembering Iravatham Mahadevan The Hindu InSight on Mars: where, how and why Indian Express Margins of New India Indian Express Diplomacy and faith Indian Express

PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 19th Nov to 25th Nov, 2018

IASbaba PIB Weekly: Press Information Bureau – 19th to 25th November, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 Government of India and the World Bank sign $310 million Loan Agreement (Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate) Why: For Jharkhand Power System Improvement Project to provide reliable, quality, and affordable 24x7 electricity to the citizens of Jharkhand. The Jharkhand Power System Improvement Project will help build new power transmission infrastructure, as well as put in place systems to improve the technical efficiency and commercial performance of the state power sector utilities. The Project will help bring in modern technology solutions such as automated sub-stations, and network analysis and planning tools to provide reliable power supply and enhance customer satisfaction. While a significant portion of the proposed investments are aimed at improving power transmission infrastructure, the Project will also focus on developing institutional capacities of State-owned power transmission and distribution companies and improving their operational performance. Cabinet approves Implementation of the umbrella scheme "Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services"(ACROSS)" during 2017-2020: It will be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences through its institutes namely India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service(INCOIS). Objective is to provide a reliable weather and climate forecast for betterment of society, the scheme will aim at improving skill of weather and climate forecast through sustained observations, intensive R & D, and by adopting effective dissemination and communication strategies to ensure its timely reach to the end-user of all services like Agro-meteorological Services, Aviation service, Environmental monitoring services, Hydro-meteorological services, climate services, tourism, pilgrimage, mountaineering etc., Setting up of National Facility for Airborne Research (NFAR): The  scheme  will provide  improved weather, climate  and ocean forecast and services, thereby ensuring transfer of commensurate benefits to the various services like Public weather service, disaster management, Agro-meteorological Services, Aviation services, Environmental monitoring services, Hydro-meteorological services, climate services, tourism, pilgrimage, power generation, water management, Sports & adventure etc. Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018: For regulation and standardisation of education and services by allied and healthcare professionals. The Bill provides for setting up of an Allied and Healthcare Council of India and corresponding State Allied and Healthcare Councils which will play the role of a standard-setter and facilitator for professions of Allied and Healthcare. Major Impact, including employment generation potential: Bring all existing allied and healthcare professionals on board during the first few of years from the date of establishment of the Council. Opportunity to create qualified, highly skilled and competent jobs in healthcare by enabling professionalism of the allied and healthcare workforce. High quality, multi-disciplinary care in line with the vision of Ayushman Bharat, moving away from a 'doctor led' model to a 'care accessible and team based’ model. Opportunity to cater to the global demand (shortage) of healthcare workforce which is projected to be about 15 million by the year 2030, as per the WHO Global Workforce, 2030 report. Allied and Healthcare Professionals (A&HPs) constitute an important element of the health human resource network, and the skilled and efficient Allied and Healthcare Professionals (A&HPs) can reduce the cost of care and dramatically improve the accessibility to quality driven healthcare services. MoU between India and Tajkistan on Cooperation on Youth Matters: To strengthen and encourage cooperation on youth matters with Tajikistan through participation in events and activities organized by either side, information and knowledge sharing, and youth exchanges. MoU with Mauritius on Consumer Protection and Legal Metrology: Help in expanding cooperation in the field of consumer protection, and will provide an institutional mechanism for exchange of information and derive mutual benefits from development taking place in both the countries. Promote inclusive sustainable and resilient development in the areas of Consumer Protection & Legal Metrology to deal with new challenges such as misleading advertisement, telemarketing, multi-level marketing, e-commerce etc. Ensure traceability of national and international standards, thereby developing new areas of expertise that may facilitate in tackling new challenges. Periodical exchange of information and training programme will ensure gainful expertise, for good governance and in fighting consumer vulnerability. Cabinet apprised of Agreement between India and Uzbekistan on Cooperation in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation: will open a new chapter in bilateral relations, as both sides will now leverage complementary strengths spurred by a significant convergence of mutual interests in science and technology MoU between Atal Innovation Mission, India and Fund "Talent and Success", Russia for promotion of science & technology: The MoU will facilitate promotion of science & technology, strong foundation to the collaborative work through exchange of students, teachers, researchers and scientists between India and Russia. GS-3 India gets UN Environment award for combating transboundary environmental crime United Nation Environment has awarded Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India with Asia Environment Enforcement Awards, 2018 for excellent work done by the Bureau in combating transboundary environmental crime. WCCB has adopted innovative enforcement techniques that have dramatically increased enforcement of transboundary environmental crimes in India. Notably it has developed an online Wildlife Crime Database Management System to get real time data in order to help analyze trends in crime and devise effective measures to prevent and detect wildlife crimes across India. This system has been successfully used to analyse trends, helping put in preventive measures as well as for successfully carrying out operations such as Operation SAVE KURMA, THUNDERBIRD, WILDNET, LESKNOW, BIRBIL, THUNDERSTORM, LESKNOW-II along with other enforcement agencies resulting in the arrest of 350 wildlife criminals and huge seizures of Tiger/Leopard Skin/bones and other trophies, Rhino Horn, Elephant Ivory, turtles/tortoises, Mongoose raw hairs as well as Mangoose hair bruises, protected birds, Marine products, live Pangolin as well as its scales, deer antlers etc. across all the states. In order to involve the public in the fight against wildlife crime, WCCB has also developed a scheme to enrol willing persons as WCCB Volunteers. The Asia Environment Enforcement Awards publicly recognize and celebrate excellence in enforcement by government officials and institutions/teams combating transboundary environmental crime in Asia. The awards are given to outstanding individuals and/or government organizations/teams that demonstrate excellence and leadership in enforcement of national laws to combat transboundary environmental crime in one of the following eligibility criteria areas: collaboration; impact; innovation; integrity and gender leadership. Please Note World Boxing Championships: Mary Kom wins record sixth gold medal Celebration of Milad-un-Nabi: Birthday of the Prophet 19th November: World Toilet Day 21st November: World Fisheries Day MWCD links Sexual Harassment Complaints Portal 'SHe-Box' to all the Central Ministries, Departments and 653 districts across 33 States/Union Territories: SHe-Box portal is an effort to provide speedy remedy to women facing sexual harassment at workplace. With the linking of the portal to central and state governments, once a complaint is submitted to the portal, it will be directly sent to the section of the employer concerned. Through this portal, WCD as well as the complainant, can monitor the progress of the inquiry. This is a proactive step taken by the WCD Ministry in the wake of the worldwide campaign #MeToo, where women have related their experience of facing sexual harassment and abuse at workplace. Launch of AirSewa 2.0 web portal: To provide a superior user experience with enhanced functionalities -Major improvements include features such as secure sign-up and log-in with social media, chatbot for travellers support, improved grievance management including social media grievances, real-time flight status and details flight schedule. 26th General Conference on Weights & Measures: The 26th CGPM meeting was very special and historic as the members have voted for the redefinition of 130 years old “Le grand K – the SI unit of kg” in terms of the fundamental Planck’s constant (h). The new definitions will come into force on 20 May 2019. General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM): highest international body of the world for accurate and precise measurements. The CGPM comprises 60 countries including India and 42 Associate Members. The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), the main executive body of CGPM has the responsibility of defining the International System of Units (SI). Industrial Park Rating System By the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) Manufacturing has emerged as one of the high growth sectors in India and it has moved 23 places up in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business (EODB-2019) and achieved rank 77 out of 190 countries. In order to ensure that India moves into the top 50 countries in Ease of Doing Business the Ministry has undertaken this exercise in studying infrastructure across states and in 3354 industrial clusters in order to assess quality of infrastructure in industrial parks. Will be a useful tool for policy makers and investors at the click of a button. 3000 parks are on the database and the industrial parks have been rated on 4 points: internal infrastructure, external infrastructure, business services and facilities and environment, safety management. Industrial Information System (IIS): To optimise resource utilisation and enhance the efficiency of the manufacturing sector – the portal serves as a one-stop solution to the free and easy accessibility of all industrial information including availability of raw material – agriculture, horticulture, minerals, natural resources, distance from key logistic nodes, layers of terrain and urban infrastructure. Report on existing SEZ policy of India By Baba Kalyani led committee Objectives To evaluate the SEZ policy and make it WTO compatible Suggest measures for maximizing utilisation of vacant land in SEZs Suggest changes in the SEZ policy based on international experience Merge the SEZ policy with other Government schemes like coastal economic zones, Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor, national industrial manufacturing zones and food and textiles parks. Observation If India is going to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2025 then the current environment of manufacturing competitiveness and services has to undergo a basic paradigm shift. The success seen by services sector like IT and ITES has to be promoted in other services sector like health care, financial services, legal, repair and design services. The Government of India has set a target of creating 100 million jobs and achieving 25% of GDP from the manufacturing sector by 2022, as part of its flagship ‘Make in India’ programme. Furthermore, the Government plans to increase manufacturing value to USD 1.2 trillion by 2025. While these are ambitious plans to propel India into a growth trajectory, it requires evaluation of existing policy frameworks to catalyse manufacturing sector growth. At the same time, policy needs to be compiled with the relevant WTO regulations. Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) This fund will create employment opportunities to over 9.40 lakhs fishers/ fishermen/ fisher folks and other entrepreneurs in fishing and allied activities and attract private investment in creation and management of fisheries infrastructure facilities. Help in the creation of fisheries infrastructure facilities both in marine and inland fisheries sectors, which would boast fish production and help achieve target of Rs 15 million tonne by 2020 set under Blue revolution. FIDF aims to achieve a sustainable growth of 8 % to 9 % in a move to augment fish production to the level of about 20 million tonnes by 2022-23. World Fisheries Forum (WFF) was established to advocate a global mandate of sustainable fishing practices and policies. Personalities in News Guru Nanak Founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus Guru Nanak's words are registered in the form of 974 poetic hymns in the holy text of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib, as a collection of verses recorded in Gurmukhi. The fundamental beliefs of Sikhism include faith and meditation on the name of the one creator, unity of all humankind, engaging in selfless service, striving for social justice for the benefit and prosperity of all, and honest conduct and livelihood while living a householder's life. Guru Teg Bahadur The ninth of ten Gurus of the Sikh religion Guru Tegh Bahadur resisted the forced conversions of Kashmiri Pandits and non-Muslims to Islam, and was publicly beheaded in 1675 on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Delhi for himself refusing to convert to Islam. Rani Lakshmibai Queen of the princely state of Jhansi in North India currently present in Jhansi district in Uttar Pradesh, India One of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and became a symbol of resistance to the British Raj for Indian nationalists. She was named Manikarnika and was nicknamed Manu. After the death of the Maharaja in November 1853, because Damodar Rao (born Anand Rao) was an adopted son, the British East India Company, under Governor-General Lord Dalhousie, applied the Doctrine of Lapse, rejecting Damodar Rao's claim to the throne and annexing the state to its territories. She defended Jhansi against British troops when Sir Hugh Rose besieged Jhansi on 23 March 1858. A number of patriotic songs have been written about the Rani. The most famous composition about Rani Lakshmi Bai is the Hindi poem Jhansi ki Rani written by Subhadra Kumari Chauhan. Indira Gandhi An Indian politician, stateswoman and a central figure of the Indian National Congress. She was the first and, to date, the only female Prime Minister of India. Indira Gandhi was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. She served as Prime Minister from January 1966 to March 1977 and again from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984 (assassins blamed her for the action code-named Operation Blue Star), making her the second longest-serving Indian Prime Minister after her father. She went to war with Pakistan in support of the independence movement and war of independence in East Pakistan, which resulted in an Indian victory and the creation of Bangladesh, as well as increasing India's influence to the point where it became the regional hegemon of South Asia. Citing fissiparous tendencies and in response to a call for revolution, Gandhi instituted a state of emergency from 1975 to 1977 where basic civil liberties were suspended and the press was censored. Widespread atrocities were carried out during the emergency. In 1980, she returned to power after free and fair elections. Quotes Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu On Mahatma Gandhi Mahatma Gandhi is one of the greatest revolutionaries the world has ever seen, only his revolutions were bloodless and peaceful Gandhiji’s principles of liberty, dignity and equality were not limited by space and time, they have universal applicability and timeless value. He preached peace, non- violence, tolerance and harmony, and in the process, miraculously inspired India’s great struggle for freedom and gave new impetus to civil rights movements all over the world The designing and implementing programs and policies for development should be done by keeping the vision articulated by Mahatma Gandhi for an India free from poverty, discrimination and social evils in mind. Policy makers of India have to place gender equality and women’s empowerment at the centre of our development agenda Antyodaya or the uplifting of the poorest, most deprived groups of people, was a mission close to the Mahatma’s heart. Gandhiji's idea of development was of Sarvodaya, the development of all through Antyodaya. His philosophy of Antyodaya influenced leaders like Shri. Deen Dayal Upadhyay On Education India had undertaken a long and arduous, yet rewarding journey in the field of education, from the “Guru –Shishya parampara” of learning under the shadow of a tree in the ancient times, to becoming the third largest in the world in the field of higher education. There is a need to re-engineer our entire education system. ‘One size fits all’ approach followed by us so far will not take us anywhere and young people should be given the space to think freely. We cannot keep forcing the same syllabus on a student who excels in Science and a student who is a savant in music. Only half the time of a student should be spent in classrooms the rest should be spent in the community, in the playground, in nature and in open air to ensure balanced education. On balance of power between executive, judiciary and legislature Encroachment by one organ into the domain of another would set bad precedents and weaken the institutions. There has been no major conflict or friction among the three organs and this mutual respect for each other’s powers, roles and responsibilities has acted as a fulcrum in strengthening our democracy Justice Krishna Iyer, in 2007 had stated: “There is a case today for amity among the trinity of state instrumentalities and better coordination among them in civilizing the justice process. More coordination among the troika in civilizing the justice process is welcome.” Declaring that the institutional structures established over the years were intended to translate the vision of our Constitution-makers into tangible reality, the Vice President observed that they needed to be constantly nourished through a far-sighted, liberal leadership.    On Science & Technology Advancement of Science and Technology and an inclusive approach to development is crucial in addressing challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, gender discrimination and others Young scientists should find solutions to the present and emerging challenges faced by the world such as climate change, global warming, sustainable development, clean energy and water and diseases. Only science can throw up solutions for the present and emerging problems in the years to come. The onus lies on the shoulders of the young scientific community to look for a way out for such pressing tribulations Vice President appealed to various corporate bodies and industries to promote scientific research in the country in a big way by creating an exclusive corpus for encouraging innovative R & D projects and disruptive technologies that could provide long-lasting answers to problems faced by the people. At the same time, he also called for enhanced investments in Science & Technology to support innovations which would address issues relating to agriculture, environment, health, housing, clean drinking water and security, among others. On the workings of the State with Centre States must focus on long term economic model for the betterment of the people and must not settle for short-term populist measures. The relationship between the states and the centre must be built on trust, transparency and mutual respect. Both parties should practice openness and should not be limited by narrow political divisiveness. There is an agenda greater than politics before all of us, the agenda of taking development to the last man, the goal of ensuring Antyodaya. Federals should not end at door steps of State capitals, they must reach to villages. Political differences must end with the elections and there after the ruling party must not be bogged down by dilatory tactics and the opposition parties must be given the space to offer constructive criticism in the legislature. A measure of accommodative openness must be practiced by both the centre and the states if we were to build a strong team India where every voice has its own space. Federalism, cultural & ethnic pluralism gave country's political system the much needed agility, the continuation of the same requires not simply federalism, but cooperative and constructive federalism. Cooperative federalism has been India’s mantra for centre-state unity, cohesion and harmony and there was every need to continue what the unifier of India, Sardar Patel had said. The spirit of cooperative federalism inspired Sardar Vallabhai Patel's intelligent and proactive political manoeuvring by which he successfully persuaded the 492 princely states to join the Indian Union, all the while successfully maintaining the unity and integrity of the nation.

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 117]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 117] Archives Q.1) ‘Greenhouse Gas Bulletin’ is published by World Meteorological Organization World Economic Forum UN Environment Climate Vulnerable Forum Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘World Meteorological Organization (WMO)’ It is a specialized agency of the United Nations It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland 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 ‘Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI)’ It could limit the effect and impact of climate change due to rising levels of greenhouse gases It involves injection of all the inert gases Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) The ‘Bo Tribe’ was indigenous to Andamans Haiti Hawaii Papua New Guinea Q.5) ‘Warsaw International Mechanism’ is associated with Climate Change Disaster Risk Reduction Proliferation of missile and unmanned aerial vehicle technology Chemical and biological weapons To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

UPSC Interview Discussion-TRP

UPSC Interview Discussion : Think, Rethink and Perform (TRP)-Day 1

UPSC Interview Discussion: Think, Rethink and Perform; (TRP)- Day 1  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. What do you want to become? Why do you want to join civil services? If you qualify the civil services examination, would you become what you want to become? Set 2: Analyse the following issue: The #Metoo movement has shaken the conscience of the society as a collective and forced us to rethink the fundamentals on which our society functions. That women suffer discrimination and abuse was never a hidden fact but the way in which the flurry of horror stories have come up, it also reflects upon the distorted psyche of men in power. However, what turns out to be the more worrying aspect of the movement is that it might further shrink the space for women. As more and more women come out of the vault and share their stories, several institutions have started to close their doors for women. There are chances that the #Metoo movement becomes a roadblock for many aspiring women in the future. Do you agree with this assessment? Share your views and substantiate with suitable reasoning.         

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