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IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 06th October 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 06th October 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) India, Russia sign S-400 missile deal Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – International Relations; Defence In news: India and Russia concluded the contract for five S-400 ‘Triumf’ missile systems. S-400 is a long range surface to air missile. However, the two sides failed to conclude two other major deals, for stealth frigates and assault rifles. Meanwhile, U.S. issued a statement warning that any waiver for the S-400 deal would be considered on only a “transaction-by-transaction basis.” Other ties: On education and people to people ties – Modi and Putin interacted with young talent drawn from India’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Russia’s SIRIUS educational centre. An MoU was also signed between AIM and SIRIUS to further their cooperation. Indian and Russian students visit other countries and together must think what can they do to make lives simpler for people, especially the poorest, to improve their way of living. Gorkhaland issue: Tripartite meeting soon Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Centre and State Relations; Internal Security issues In news: The Centre has agreed for a tripartite meeting to discuss various political issues concerning the Gurkhas, including the demand for a separate State of Gorkhaland. Large-scale violence was reported in Darjeeling in West Bengal and nearby areas controlled by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) in June last year. Note: Refer the below link to know about Gorkhaland movement, History of Gorkhaland movement, Timeline of the Gorkhaland crisis, Why Gorkhaland Movement Matters? Pros and Cons etc. Link: https://iasbaba.com/2017/07/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-26th-july-2017/ Person in news: Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad In news: Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2018. Denis Mukwege is a doctor who helps victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nadia Murad - a Yazidi rights activist and survivor of sexual slavery by the Islamic State. They were honoured for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/10/06/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_01/b765f5b1_2438679_101_mr.jpg Do you remember? Fast recap: Frances H Arnold, George P Smith and Gregory P Winter win Nobel prize in chemistry. Briton and two Americans honoured for using evolutionary principles to develop proteins that have been used in new drugs and medical treatments. Three scientists won the Nobel Physics Prize for inventing optical lasers that have paved the way for advanced precision instruments used in corrective eye surgery. Arthur Ashkin of the U.S., Gerard Mourou of France and Donna Strickland of Canada United Nations Environment Programme honoured PM Modi with United Nation's Top Environmental Award - Champions of the Earth. ICMR confirms Canine Distemper Virus killed Gir animals Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Animal conservation; Biodiversity In news: Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed that the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) was responsible for lion deaths in the Gir forest of Gujarat It recommended that the remaining lions be vaccinated to prevent further outbreaks. Do you know? Fast recap: IUCN Status: Endangered The lion is one of five pantherine cats inhabiting India, along with the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, snow leopard and clouded leopard. It was also known as “Indian lion” and “Persian lion”. River under threat: Musi River Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I and III – Geography, Environment conservation; Biodiversity; Pollution In news: Musi River - is a tributary of the Krishna River in the Deccan Plateau flowing through Telangana state in India. Due to indiscriminate urbanization and lack of planning, the river has become a receptacle of untreated domestic and industrial waste dumping out of Hyderabad. The river water downstream of the cities remains highly polluted, considered a major disaster in Hyderabad. Miscellaneous India’s first methanol cooking fuel debuts. Pilot project by the Namrup-based Assam Petrochemicals Limited (APL), India’s first public sector producer of methanol and formalin from natural gas as feedstock. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to mobilization of resources, growth, development Avoiding the currency basket case Introduction The current global events have affected rupee value negatively, which started a debate on internationalisation of rupee. The Indian rupee was once a multilateral currency, its usage prevalent across the Indian Ocean in places as varied as Java, Borneo, Macau, Muscat, Basra and Zanzibar. The historic dhow trade ensured that the Gulf had a familiarity with the rupee for over five centuries, with Oman utilising the ‘Gulf rupee’ till 1970. Colonial rupee The accession of George V to the throne in 1911, enshrining his rule of the British Raj, led to the issuance of a new rupee coin. The colonial rupee leveraged the Mughal rupee’s popularity, facilitated by trading communities, migration and the Raj’s hegemony. The annexation of Sindh, Ceylon and Burma further encouraged the primacy of the rupee in these areas. A number of Indian merchant communities had established themselves in such regions, aiding in its convertibility. After independence Even after Independence, Dubai and other Gulf states were using RBI-minted Gulf rupees until 1966. Between the 1950s and 1970s, gold smuggling was rampant on the Konkan coast, with a number of Gulf businesses buying gold cheaper in the Gulf in rupees and smuggling it to India. Only the devaluation of the Indian rupee in 1966, after the 1965 war, led to such nations switching to their own currencies. Now, only Nepal and Bhutan regularly conduct bilateral trade with India in rupees. Rupee's Valuation and its reasons The value of the rupee itself has varied over the years too, the rupee was never equal to the U.S. dollar. In 1947, the rupee-dollar rate was at Rs. 3.30. The aforementioned devaluation in 1966 raised it to Rs. 7.50, reaching Rs. 32.4 by 1995. This decline was precipitated by a variety of factors – wars with Pakistan and China, the adoption of Five Year Plans requiring foreign loans, political instability and the Oil Price Shock of 1973. Of late, the rupee has been declining given higher oil prices and FII outflows from stocks and bonds. The ongoing U.S.-China trade war, Iran sanctions and further upward movement in oil prices will continue to test the rupee’s valuation. Somehow, the rupee always ends up falling just prior to an election – data showes that rupee had depreciated just prior to the election date six times in the past seven elections. What can be done to control rupee value? In situations, the Reserve Bank of India and the Ministry of Finance do have a number of options for stabilisation, including overtly intervening in the forex market, selling non-resident Indian bonds and conducting a sovereign bond issuance. To reduce the rupee’s dependency on the U.S. dollar, India should consider formalising the rupee payment mechanism with friendly countries such as Russia, with a focus on reducing its overall current account deficit. We must continue to guard against fiscal profligacy(reckless extravagance), with any slippage viewed negatively by the currency markets, further encouraging investors to flee Indian markets. Industrial growth should be a priority; without having goods to sell, rupee swaps (say with Iran) will be difficult to institutionalise. A lower rupee is a recipe for a higher import burden, spiralling eventually into a currency crisis. Black money strategy India’s black money strategy should consider four pillars — it should encourage tax rate rationalisation, reform vulnerable sectors, support a cashless economy and create effective and credible deterrence. Tax rate rationalisation, with lower tax rates as an end goal, would increase the tax base and increase compliance with tax returns. Administrative agreements with countries like the U.K. and Switzerland which can offer mutual tax sharing should be encouraged. It is important to create a remittance database detailing company transfers out and NGO transfers into India, all reporting to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The Direct Tax Administration’s Directorate of Criminal Investigation should be provided the right IT training, infrastructure and funding to become an effective deterrent. The audit cycles for income tax, service tax and excise tax departments should be aligned, helping the Large Taxpayer Unit (LTU) become more effective, increasing the scope of simultaneous scrutiny and examination. Internationalisation of rupee Finally, the internationalisation of the rupee is a worthwhile goal to aim for. While the Chinese yuan is increasingly being positioned for an alternative reserve currency through a variety of multilateral trades, institutions (the Belt and Road Initiative, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) and swaps, the Indian rupee remains woefully behind in internalisation. China campaigned hard for the inclusion of its currency in IMF’s benchmark currency basket in 2015, introducing a range of reforms to ensure that the yuan was considered as “freely usable”. The RBI, meanwhile, has adopted a gradualist approach – allowing companies to raise rupee debt offshore, enabling the creation of “masala bonds” and allowing foreigners to invest in rupee debt onshore. Conclusion The rupee has transformed from a largely non-convertible pegged currency before 1991 to a managed float. The rupee is currently not even in the top 10 traded currencies. There is no magic wand to making the rupee appreciate. But institutional resistance against rupee convertibility should be overturned. To restore the rupee’s multilateral nature, we must unshackle its usage. Connecting the dots: What is SDR basket? What are the potential benefits for India if rupee gets a place in SDR basket? INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora Important International institutions, agencies and fora; their structure, mandate Eyes on India Introduction Asia is in a state of flux. China’s Belt and Road Initiative is reshaping the region’s geography, with roads and railways traversing Eurasia and new ports dotting the Indian Ocean basin. Beijing’s militarisation of the South China Sea continues, despite negotiations towards a code of conduct. Recent developments Japan has found itself in an unexpected leadership position, reviving the Trans-Pacific Partnership and concluding a trade agreement with the European Union. Tokyo is now contemplating constitutional revisions that would enable it to play a more overt military role. Amid these unfolding events, another series of developments risks being overshadowed. Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia have all unveiled strategies to diversify their economic interdependence, away from mainland China and towards Southeast Asia and India. Why eyes on India? The most recent reason is the on-going trade and tariff war between the U.S. and China. A longer-term concern is Beijing’s use of its economic muscle for political purposes, whether in suspending rare earth metal exports to Japan in 2010 or punishing a major South Korean corporation for Seoul’s decision to install a missile defence system in 2017. China’s limited market growth potential and questions of access and reciprocity are additional considerations. Approach towards India Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy is meant to diversify investments to more promising markets in Southeast Asia, India, and Africa. South Korean President Moon Jae-in has unveiled a New Southern Policy. Mr. Moon said that while the policy is focussed on Southeast Asia, it also “makes India Korea’s key partner for cooperation”. Similarly, Taiwan, a G20-sized economy whose political status is disputed, has announced a New Southbound Policy with significant accompanying investments in India by Taiwanese electronics manufacturers. Finally, Australia’s government has commissioned an ambitious India Economic Strategy with the goal of making India its third-largest investment destination and export destination by 2035. Conclusion While not driven by short-term necessities, political concerns are increasingly informing economic preferences. Politically, therefore, the stars are aligning in Asia for the acceleration of India’s economic growth. Investors, increasingly backed by their governments, are increasingly focussed on the Indian market. But with more protectionist sentiments taking root, a legacy of poorly-negotiated trade deals, a general election around the corner, and uneven economic liberalisation, the likelihood of India taking full advantage of these opportunities remains slim. Connecting the dots: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Australia have unveiled strategies to forge closer economic ties with India. Do you think that China's growing assertiveness has become a blessing in disguise for India? 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 pairs and select the correct pair/s from the code below: Award : : Person associated with it Nobel prize in chemistry for 2018 : : Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad Nobel Physics Prize for 2018 : : Frances H Arnold, George P Smith and Gregory P Winter Nobel Peace Prize for 2018 : : Arthur Ashkin and Donna Strickland Code: 3 only 2 only 1 and 2 only None Q.2) Consider the following statements about Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs): It is part of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) Mentor India Campaign will engage leaders who can guide and mentor students at Atal Tinkering Labs ATLs can be established in schools (Grade VI – XII) managed by Government, local body or private trusts/society. Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Which of the following is under the aegis of NITI Aayog? Atal Pension Yojana Atal Tinkering Lab Atal Innovation Mission Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above MUST READ Avoiding the currency basket case The Hindu Augmenting life — on Nobel Prize 2018 The Hindu  Crimes against women in Haryana: as they rise, men push them back The Hindu    Going green, bottom up Indian Express The Haqqani secret Indian Express Innovation, not eminence, is key Indian Express Scalding oil, sliding rupee Indian Express

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 82]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 82] Archives Q.1) The term ‘Ghost nets’ refer to Fishing nets that have been left or lost in the ocean Internet that isn't visible to search engines An American private military company security contracting in the Iraq War None of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Odonates’. It encompasses the dragonflies and damselflies They are amphibiotic Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Seemai karuvelam’ trees It is native to Mexico, South America and the Caribbean It is an invasive species It produces less oxygen and more carbon dioxide Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.4) The place, Kutupalong’ was in news recently. Where is it located? Myanmar Bangladesh Thailand Vietnam Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy’ It is more common in boys It leads to shortened lifespans Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 1st Oct to 7th Oct, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 1st – 7th October, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 SATAT initiative (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) About: To promote Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) as an alternative, green transport fuel Aim: Providing a Sustainable Alternative towards Affordable Transportation as a developmental effort that would benefit both vehicle-users as well as farmers and entrepreneurs Besides the potential to boost availability of more affordable transport fuels, better use of agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste, the CBG plants will provide an additional revenue source to farmers, and 75,000 direct job opportunities and lakhs of indirect jobs. This initiative holds great promise for efficient municipal solid waste management and in tackling the problem of polluted urban air due to farm stubble-burning and carbon emissions. Use of CBG will also help bring down dependency on crude oil imports and in realising the Prime Minister’s vision of enhancing farmers’ income, rural employment and entrepreneurship. Background Bio-gas is produced naturally through a process of anaerobic decomposition from waste / bio-mass sources like agriculture residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste, sewage treatment plant waste, etc. After purification, it is compressed and called CBG, which has pure methane content of over 95%. Compressed Bio-Gas is exactly similar to the commercially available natural gas in its composition and energy potential. With calorific value (~52,000 KJ/kg) and other properties similar to CNG, Compressed Bio-Gas can be used as an alternative, renewable automotive fuel. Given the abundance of biomass in the country, Compressed Bio-Gas has the potential to replace CNG in automotive, industrial and commercial uses in the coming years. There are multiple benefits from converting agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste into CBG on a commercial scale: Responsible waste management, reduction in carbon emissions and pollution Additional revenue source for farmers Boost to entrepreneurship, rural economy and employment Support to national commitments in achieving climate change goals Reduction in import of natural gas and crude oil Buffer against crude oil/gas price fluctuations Note: The potential for Compressed Bio-Gas production from various sources in India is estimated at about 62 million tonnes per annum. National Policy on Biofuels 2018: Emphasises active promotion of advanced bio-fuels, including CBG GOBAR-DHAN (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources) scheme: To convert cattle dung and solid waste in farms to CBG and compost. The scheme proposes to cover 700 projects across the country in 2018-19. The programme will be funded under Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) component of Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G) to benefit households in identified villages through Gram Panchayats. How to produce Compressed Bio-Gas? It can be produced from various bio-mass/waste sources, including agricultural residue, municipal solid waste, sugarcane press mud, distillery spent wash, cattle dung and sewage treatment plant waste. The other waste streams, i.e, rotten potatoes from cold storages, rotten vegetables, dairy plants, chicken/poultry litter, food waste, horticulture waste, forestry residues and treated organic waste from industrial effluent treatment plants (ETPs) can be used to generate biogas. Cabinet approves MoU between India and Russia on Bilateral Cooperation in the Road Transport and Road Industry: Increased co-operation, exchange and collaboration with Russia will contribute to establish a long-term and effective bilateral relationship of communication and cooperation in road transportation and road industry and Intelligent Transport System (ITS). This will also help in planning and administration of road infrastructure and road network management, transport policy, technologies and standards for the construction and operation of highways in the country and will further go a long way in strengthening ties and bilateral relations between India and Russia. MoU between India and Russiaon cooperation in the field of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: It would provide a structured framework and enabling environment to the MSME sector of the two countries to understand each other's strengths, markets, technologies, policies etc. It aims to enhance enterprise to enterprise cooperation and help initiate sustainable business alliances in terms of technology transfers, joint ventures and business partnerships in MSME sector between the two countries. Cooperation in the field of capacity building, rapid incubation for entrepreneurship development, exposure to each other's market by encouraging participation in exhibitions are also envisaged in this MoU. Second Protocol amending the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) between India and Singapore: Will enhance bilateral trade and will deepen the Economic Cooperation between India and Singapore. It will also improve utilization of CECA. Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) Sign $150 Million Loan for Regional Connectivity Objective: To finance continued improvements to road connectivity and efficiency of the International Trade Corridor in West Bengal and North-Eastern Region of lndia The Program aims to expand about 500 kilometers of roads in lndia's North Bengal and North-Eastern Region that will enable efficient and safe transport within lndia and regionally with other SASEC member countries. Program is an important initiative in Regional Connectivity aimed at increasing domestic and regional trade through North Bengal-North East Region International Trade corridor by upgrading key roads. It will give a boost to lndia's efforts to promote regional connectivity in the South Asia. Note: ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members- 48 from the region. ln 2017, ADB operations totalled $32.2 billion, including $11.9 billion in co-financing. Sign $100 Million Loan Agreement: To continue to expand sewerage and drainage coverage, provide sewage treatment and strengthen capacity of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) for resilient urban services. Sign $150 Million Loan Agreement: To support India’s First Global Skills Park in State of Madhya Pradesh – to enhance the quality of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) System in the State and create a more skilled workforce. Sign $240 Million Loan: To provide safe drinking water service in 3 West Bengal Districts to about 1.65 million people in three districts of the state of West Bengal affected by arsenic, fluoride, and salinity. Besides reducing the burden of diseases from contaminated groundwater, the project will promote higher service levels compared with rural schemes in India with individual household connections and district metering area based metered continuous water supply, and use of advanced technology for smart water management Signs $110 Million Loan to Improve Rural Connectivity in Madhya Pradesh: To upgrade of 2,800 kilometers all-weather rural roads in the State of Madhya Pradesh under the Prime Minister's Rural Roads Program (PMGSY). The overall program is aimed at improving rural connectivity, facilitating safer and more efficient access to livelihood and socio-economic opportunities for rural communities. Atal Innovation Mission & SIRIUS sign MoU (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) Objective: For promotion of innovative cooperation between students of India & Russia The MoU hopes to remove cultural and language barriers between students of Russia and India, share the best practices in the promotion of educational, scientific, innovative achievements, promote innovative cooperation, and search and develop talented youth of both countries fostering a knowledge driven innovation ecosystem in both the countries. Atal Innovation Mission Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is NITI Aayog’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India. The Atal Innovation Mission has thus two core functions: Innovation promotion: to provide a platform where innovative ideas are generated. Entrepreneurship promotion: Wherein innovators would be supported and mentored to become successful entrepreneurs at Incubation Centres. Prelims oriented News GI Tag for Alphonso from Konkan: Alphonso from Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Palghar, Thane and Raigad districts of Maharashtra, is registered as Geographical Indication (GI). A Geographical Indication or a GI is an indication used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality. Darjeeling Tea, Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Banarasi Sarees and TirupatiLaddus are some of the GIs. The first product to get a GI tag in India was the Darjeeling tea in 2004. Exercise Aviaindra: A Biennial Air Force level exercise between Indian and the Russian Federation – to formulate and validate use of airpower in anti-terrorist operation in a bilateral scenario. Unnat Bharat Abhiyan: New 840 Higher Educational Institutes enrolled GRAM PANCHAYAT DEVELOPMENT PLAN (GDPD) – Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas The People’s Plan Campaign will be rolled out as ‘Sabki Yojna Sabka Vikas’ from 2nd October to 31st December 2018. During the campaign, structured Gram Sabha meetings will be held for preparing Gram Panchayat Development Plan for the next financial year 2019-2020. Monitoring of People’s Plan Campaign would involve geotagged visuals of GS meetings, report of facilitators in standard format, Plan plus uploading of GDPD for all 29 sectors, visit to Gram Sabhas for every district /state /central level official of concerned departments and NLM(national level monitors) visits to random Gram Sabhas. Launch of Methanol Cooking Fuel Program of India – For reducing import of crude and an effort to provide clean, import substitute, cost effective and pollution free cooking medium India and Kazakhstan Defence Cooperation Includes: Military-technical cooperation, military education and training, joint military exercises, bilateral exchange of visits and cadet youth exchange programs History: Over 200 Kazakh Defence Forces Personnel have undergone military training in India till date.  Both countries successfully conducted a company level joint military exercise ‘KAZIND-2018’ in South Kazakhstan. India and Kazakhstan are bound by historical and cultural ties and this has laid a strong foundation for the multifaceted cooperation.  Both countries are Strategic Partners since 2009. Quotes Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu On News & media Truth, objectivity, accuracy, credibility, fairness, impartiality, humanity and accountability seem to have taken a back seat with news purveyors themselves assuming the role of gate-keepers. The disturbing trend of mixing news with views has become the new normal. Asked journalists to be extra careful in checking the veracity of information in the present digital era and advised them to guard against ‘fake news’, disinformation and misinformation. Freedom of media is not absolute and is circumscribed by certain reasonable restrictions relating to security of State, public order, decency or morality, defamation and contempt of court and sovereignty and integrity of India. Media must act as an instrument of reformation in the transformation of India into a leading economic power in the coming decades. On elderly population Called on authorities and all the people working for the welfare of senior citizens to avoid the use of the word 'Old' and replace it with 'Senior'. There should be no 'Old age Homes' in India, there should only be 'Homes for the Elderly and Senior Citizens'. The word 'Old' invokes a prejudice and does not do justice to the energy and youth of our veterans. Rapid proliferation of nuclear families coupled with urbanization of the society, inter-generational bonding has weakened. Elders are the custodians of righteousness, traditions, family honour, samskar and wisdom and it is the responsibility of the present generation or the children of the family to play a greater role in ensuring the welfare of elderly persons. On Human Rights India has been unequivocal in its commitment to the preservation and protection of human rights globally as well as within the country. Reaffirmed that human rights were the most natural rights, inherent to all human beings without discrimination. He also tasked the state with the primary responsibility of upholding, respecting, protecting and fulfilling these inalienable rights and he applauded India’s robust human rights protection framework comprising of a fiercely independent and fair judiciary, media, civil society and a number of proactive and independent human right bodies, such as the National Human Rights Commission. India is also a signatory to several of the core UN Human Rights and International Labour Organization’s conventions. The contribution of women, who are ‘Shaktiswarupinis’, was indispensable to nation building and added that the principle of gender equality was enshrined in the constitution. The onus should be on parents and teachers to inculcate the principles of gender equality in children. No civilized society would tolerate or accept any form of violence or discrimination against women and children. Indian democracy allows space for everyone to express their opinions – ‘dissent’ is welcome but ‘disintegration’ would not be tolerated. Human rights did not confer unfettered liberty to anyone to speak against the state or nation and added that human rights are best upheld if they are in harmony with the interests of the nation and fellow citizens. Human Rights are for everyone, in equal measure and therefore the rights of one person could not transgress the rights of another. Miscellaneous Focus should be on providing assured power, not just free power Clean and Cost-effective energy is the need of the hour Swachh Bharat is a silent revolution shaping across the country Let us have clean Jan (body) + Man (mind) + Dhan (money) Essay Topic: ‘Union of science and spirituality is the need of the hour’

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Memory and Belief – Inspirational Educative Articles

Memory and Belief: How often have you reflected on the connection between memory and belief? Probably, not very often; memory and belief appear to be two very different unrelated topics. There is however a deep connection between the two; a connection that can prove to be very crucial in helping us to remember or forget things. Memory and belief are two parts of the same thing. Memory is the visible part of a belief that is hidden underneath it. We can look at it with an example of a ball. The surface of the ball that is visible on the outside is memory and the inner space that gives a ball its shape and identity is belief. A ball cannot exist if it is only made up of the outer. The inner emptiness is what gives its true identity. In the same way, our memories are nothing without the supporting belief system. It is our belief systems that give shape, size and structure to our memory. What we remember is simply a result of what we already believe. This might sound a bit difficult to grasp initially but eventually we can see the connection. Let us take an example. Let us say we decide to take a vacation and travel to some far away unknown place. Let us decide to keep a diary to describe the experiences of this trip. If we all were to come back and read from our individual diaries, obviously we will find totally different interpretation of seemingly same experiences. This might not surprise us much, but it should. When we have all gone on the same trip, visiting similar places, eating similar food and staying in similar places, what is it that is separating our narrations? What is the differentiating factor of our experiences? The differentiating factor is Belief. We have all had similar memories of the experience, but our underlying belief system has made us to interpret the events differently. Another very important thing we can notice is that each one of us will be able to recollect certain aspects of the trip better than the other. One of us might remember the food better than the accommodations; the other might remember people and faces better. What we remember is again simply a result of our underlying belief systems. If just a few days of a trip are subjected to the influence of our beliefs, then how much influence does belief have on the process of learning and preparing for an examination? At the end of a few months or a few years of preparation our mind is only filled with the memory of those things that we have chosen to remember. Rest is simply forgotten. The implication of this understanding is very deep. If you can pay close attention to your belief systems, you will get a better understanding of how you remember things. By changing a few belief systems you can drastically improve your ability to remember things. A small shift in our core belief systems can bring about a sea change in our memory and in our ability to record, store and recollect information. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 05th October 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 05th October 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) “Digi Yatra” facility Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Infrastructure; Role of Digital Technology In news: The government unveiled the Digi Yatra initiative under which the flyers can soon use facial recognition technology to enter the airport. Travellers can skip long queues and zip through various check points at airports. Digi Yatra initiative also has biometric-enabled digital processing technique that would enable travellers to enter the airport building by scanning a QR code on their mobile phones, after undergoing facial recognition. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/10/05/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/16a69a38_2436748_101_mr.jpg Sensex tumbles Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian economy and issues related to it In news: The bears continue to tighten their grip on the markets, and the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty both opened with heavy losses. Below are some of the factors that are spurring on market volatility: Fall in the rupee Surging oil prices Rising bond yields Foreign capital outflows - Overseas investors pulling out Highly fragile investor sentiment Rohingya handed over to Myanmar Part of: GS Mains II and III – International relations and Internal Security; India and its neighbours; Refugee issues In news: Seven Rohingya Muslim men, arrested in 2012 for illegally entering Assam, were officially handed over to Myanmar authorities at Manipur’s border town Moreh. The Centre told the Supreme Court that the action to repatriate the seven Rohingya Muslims was taken in due course of law and in the interest of the country. The Assam government had made the arrangements for their repatriation through an immigration check point in Manipur. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/10/05/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_11/f73179ba_282083_13_mr.jpg Saudi Arabia to invest in oil refinery in Gwadar Part of: GS Mains II and III – International relations In news: Saudi Arabia to invest in a new oil refinery in Pakistan’s growing deep-sea port of Gwadar Gwadar’s port is being developed as part of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an ambitious plan to build energy and transport links connecting the western Chinese region of Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea via Pakistan, as part of Beijing’s broader Belt and Road initiative. Gwadar is part of Pakistan’s mineral rich southwestern Balochistan province. India ranked 5th in pictorial warning on tobacco products Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Health issue In news: India has been ranked fifth in the listing of countries that have pictorial health warning on tobacco products. à (According to ‘the Cigarette Package Health Warnings: International Status Report’, released recently by the Canadian Cancer Society) Country is making tremendous progress towards creating public awareness on the health hazards of tobacco abuse. The current pictorial warnings on both sides of all packets of cigarettes, bidis and all forms of chewing tobacco products in India came into effect in April 2016 on the direction of the Rajasthan High Court and, subsequently, the Supreme Court of India. Do you know? East Timor is ranked first with 85% of the front and 100% of the back of the packaging being used for pictorial warnings. Nepal follows with 90% coverage on both sides. Indian packaging has the warning on 85% of both sides. The report found that 118 countries and territories have now made picture health warnings on cigarette packages mandatory, up from 100 in 2016. Canada was the first to insist on picture health warnings in 2001. India is the only SAARC country to have a Quit-Line number on tobacco products and the fourth in Asia after Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Government of India for the first time introduced Quit-Line number to be printed on all tobacco products. (MAINS FOCUS) ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General Studies 3 Environment protection and Bio diversity conservation  National parks, wild life sanctuaries, etc. Next steps at Gir: On deaths of lions Introduction The magnificent Asiatic lion is under threat. Twenty-three lions have died in as many days in the eastern part of Gujarat’s Gir sanctuary. Preliminary reports said that the cats have been killed by disease, most likely to be infectious. Some others have died due to poisoning and infighting. While mass mortalities in wildlife are always a cause for concern, this case is even more worrisome as the big cat population in Gujarat is the last of the Asiatic lions in the wild. In 2013, the Supreme Court had issued an order that lions from Gujarat be relocated to the Kuno sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh as a check against the threat of epidemic. The Supreme Court, noting that the death of so many lions was a serious matter, asked the Central government to look into it. Why SC asked for relocation? Asiatic lion has been restricted to only one single habitat, i.e. the Gir National Forest and its surrounding areas and an outbreak of possible epidemic or natural calamity might wipe off the entire species. A smaller population with limited genetic strength are more vulnerable to diseases and other catastrophes in comparison to large and widespread population. 30% of the lion population in Tanzania’s Serengeti was killed due to an outbreak of canine distemper, a viral disease that affects animals. Why relocation not done yet? Gujarat’s response to this was that lions are now spread over the Greater Gir region and this reduces the threat. It has also had an intense, managerial response to the disease — when ill, lions are routinely picked up, medically treated, and then released. Even wild animals are subject to State politics. Gujarat has been unwilling to part with its lions, calling them “its pride” in an affidavit. Debate: natural or artificial conservation? Wildlife conservation concerns itself with maintaining ecological processes and reducing threats to endangered species. It does not entail treating wild animals for disease (in the way domestic animals are) as this can go against the processes of natural selection. Treating wild animals appears to be a caring thing to do. But it is not conducive to the ‘natural’ process of life and death, and ultimately compromises immunity. Another celebrity example of this kind of management was Machli, the tigress from Ranthambhore in Rajasthan. Known as the world’s most photographed tigress. She lived for 20 years before her death in 2016. This is because she was treated medically, and often fed artificially. When wild animals go extinct locally, they are reintroduced — as in the case of tigers in Sariska, Rajasthan. When hungry, they are fed artificially, and even provided salts as supplements, an example being the Hangul (Red deer) population in Dachigam, Jammu and Kashmir. In other parts of India, wild animals are funnelled through artificial trenches, barriers and fences. This is wildlife conservation in the age of man, where protected areas sometimes resemble zoos. Yet even the most flexible of conservationists would agree that intensive artificial medical treatment of wild animals does not augur well for long-term sustainability. The role of wildlife managers should be to reduce unnatural threats, not unnaturally prolong life. While Gujarat has done a good job of conserving its lions, it should also turn its attention to reducing the drivers of disease, which includes controlling feral dog populations. On metapopulations Gujarat submitted before the Supreme Court that one of the reasons it did not want to part with the lions was because there are metapopulations in the State. Metapopulations may be geographically separate but have interactions and an exchange of individuals. Gujarat had said to the Supreme Court that the current Asiatic lion population is not a single population confined to one place. It consists of “metapopulation" spread over several locations within the Greater Gir Region. Crucially though, these areas are connected to each other and this does not address the main concern of creating geographically distant populations. Way forward Gujarat should work towards colonising new habitats outside the Gir landscape within the State. However, there are spatial limitations in this industrialised State. An option is the Barda wildlife sanctuary. But Barda is close to Gir, and this cannot be confused with creating isolated populations. It would simply mean increasing suitable lion range from its present, much smaller area. There is no getting around the fact that a geographically separate population of Asiatic lions needs to be created. A good track record for lion conservation does not in any way preclude a good long-term strategy. Connecting the dots: The recent lion deaths in Gir sanctuary are more worrisome as the big cat population in Gujarat is the last of the Asiatic lions in the wild. What are the possible steps you would suggest for conservation of Asiatic lion population? NATIONAL/AGRICULTURE TOPIC:  General Studies 3 Agriculture and issues related to it Indian economy Fields of concern — on MSP for kharif crops Introduction The government approved an increase in the MSP offered for rabi crops. The latest hikes are generous, even if they are moderate compared to those fixed for the kharif crop. The hikes were announced a day after thousands of angry farmers descended on New Delhi, stopped only by the use of water cannons and teargas. This is the latest in a long string of instances that signals the existence of underlying agrarian distress. Some stats By way of comparison, the highest increase over the previous kharif season’s MSP was 52.5% for the cereal ragi. Now the highest season-on-season hike for the rabi crops is 20.6% for safflower. The MSP for wheat has been raised 6.1%, or ₹105 a quintal. For mustard, gram and masur dal, the increases are between 5% and 5.3%. The government says that with these prices, it has delivered on its promise that farmers will get a price at least 150% above their cost of production, and that their incomes will be doubled over time. Concerns It is not merely the lack of adequate prices for farm output that has led to restiveness — the rise in costs of inputs such as fertilizers and diesel is also a reason for this. India’s farm sector has multiple stress points, and ground-level procurement often does not take place at stipulated support prices. Barring paddy and, to a lesser extent, wheat, the MSP formula doesn’t work for most crops in the absence of substantial direct procurement by the government. Market prices for cotton are currently close to the MSP, but this is largely because of traders betting that export demand will rise due to the U.S.-China trade war. Way forward A robust mechanism that actually helps farmers get the declared MSP for a crop is being pursued through a price deficiency payment scheme and a private procurement plan. This mechanism is still in a nascent stage and is not adequate. There needs to be a holistic reboot of the agriculture sector, particularly to address the restrictive trading policies and excessive government interventions that deter productivity enhancements. Connecting the dots: Higher minimum support prices often do not translate into better returns for farmers. Elucidate. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Chabahar Port is considered to be of utmost strategic importance for India. Which of the statements are correct regarding Chabahar Port? It is being developed by India in Afghanistan. Once the Chabahar Port is operational, India can bypass Pakistan to reach Central Asian Market. India is also developing 500 km railway link connecting Chabahar to Zahedan (Iran – Afghanistan border). Select the code from below: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Consider the following: Gwadar port is the only port in Iran that has the direct access to ocean located in close proximity to Gulf of Oman The Gwadar port will help India to bypass Pakistan and open up a route to land-locked Afghanistan and Central Asia With Gwadar port India hopes to compete with the Chinese, who are building Chabahar port, in Pakistani Baluchistan. Select the correct answer 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only None of the above Q.3) Brent index is concerned with Eco-friendly status of processed foods Crude oil prices Energy efficiency status of electrical goods Gold future prices Q.4) Which of the following activities have been prohibited by ‘The Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products act 2003’? Smoking in all public places Direct and indirect advertisement Sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors Sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products within 100 yards of any educational institution. Select the code from following: 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 4 All of the above Q.5) Which of the following states has recently become the first state of the country to bar sellers from displaying tobacco products in the open? Haryana Punjab Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh MUST READ A manifesto of dissent The Hindu   Eyes on India The Hindu  Unjoined dots of a scheme Indian Express   The price is wrong Indian Express Structural defects in the financial system and real economy Livemint Testing times for Indian policymakers Livemint Data privacy can aid innovation Livemint 

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 81]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 81] Archives Q.1) ‘Sahyog HOP TAC -2018’, is a joint exercise of Coast Guards of India and Laos Vietnam Thailand Singapore Q.2) ‘RE-INVEST’ is a global platform to explore strategies for development and deployment of Dam Safety Zero Budget Natural Farming Renewables Desalination of seawater Q.3) ‘De-notified tribes' refers to Tribes which were earlier classified as criminal tribes Tribes which are aboriginals Nomadic tribes Tribes practising shifting cultivation Q.4) In the parlance of financial investments, which of the following statements is/are correct? A bull market is one where prices are rising A bear market is one where prices are falling Both A and B Neither A nor B Q.5) Which of the following are correct with respect to election of Vice president in India? He is elected by people directly He is elected by the members of Rajya Sabha only He is elected by the members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha He is elected by the members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and State Legislatures To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 04th October 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 04th October 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Rafale and the S-400 air defence system deal Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Defence and Security; International Relations In news: The acquisition of the Rafale fighter jets and the S-400 air defence system will go a long way in addressing the depleting squadron strength of the Indian Air Force (IAF). India and Russia are expected to conclude an agreement for five regiments of the S-400 Triumf air defence system. However, the US has urged India to forgo S-400 missile deal with Russia, warning that the deal could attract American sanctions. We have already read that, US’s domestic law requires its administration to impose CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act) sanctions on any country that has “significant transactions” with Iran, North Korea or Russia. Will President Trump waive these sanctions? Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/10/04/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_11/9f3264f5_5861d707_101_mr.jpg Lagoon villas for Lakshadweep soon Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I and III – Geography; Tourism and Infrastructure In news: NITI Aayog plans to boost island tourism (especially Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands) Government plans to make Lakshadweep - a popular alternative to leading destinations such as Mauritius and Maldives Government to grant licenses to build villas and attract tourists from across the globe. These will mainly be eco-cottages, for which private players can bid to build. NITI Aayog, along with other stakeholders, including the Island Development Agency (IDA), which is chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, is conducting a technical feasibility study. Persons in news: Frances H Arnold, George P Smith and Gregory P Winter In news: Frances H Arnold, George P Smith and Gregory P Winter win Nobel prize in chemistry. Briton and two Americans honoured for using evolutionary principles to develop proteins that have been used in new drugs and medical treatments. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/10/04/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_12/ab791998_2f705151_101_mr.jpg ‘Jewel of Roman Empire’ faces danger In news: UNESCO declared Sabratha to be at risk in 2016, mainly due to damage caused by armed groups The world heritage site is classified as “endangered” by UNESCO. Locals say snipers positioned themselves at the top of the amphitheatre, once a jewel of the Roman Empire. About Sabratha Sabratha is one of three former cities that constituted Roman Tripolitania. (The others are Oea — modern-day Tripoli — and Leptis Magna in western Libya that was one of the sites categorised as endangered by UNESCO two years ago.) It is located west of Tripoli, in Libya. It was an ancient Carthaginian city on the coast of north Africa. It lies on the Mediterranean coast about 70 km west of modern Tripoli. The extant archaeological site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Do you know? Since the toppling and killing of Libya’s dictator Muammar Qadhafi in a 2011 uprising, Sabratha has become a key departure point for illegal migration. Smugglers and militias have profited amply from a chronic security vacuum. It is from the long and deserted shores a few km from ancient Sabratha that most migrants start their perilous boat journeys towards Europe. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:   General Studies 2  Governance Government policies and issues arising out of their design and implementation   General studies 3 Security issues Economy and technological advances A flight path with obstacles Introduction Up until the end of August, flying a drone was mostly illegal in India. With the publication of the drone regulations in late August, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has attempted to give some structure to the development of drone infrastructure in India. Potential benefits of drone tech Drones can be used in various sectors, especially in Agriculture for observing soil condition, weather, time of the year and other information helps analyse and to take corrective measures where necessary. A successful example of this is, Sensefly, a Swiss drone manufacturer, has customers around the world whose use of drones has resulted in higher yield and significantly lower usage of fertilizers and herbicides. China’s drone economy — manufacturing and development — will be worth $9 billion in 2020, while the U.S’s commercial drone market is expected to be $2.05 billion by 2023. There is much potential for India to tap in terms of economic value on the use of drones in areas such as transport management, disaster management, agriculture, etc. The drone policy India’s regulations separate drones into five categories — nano, micro, small, medium and large. There is very little regulation for flying a nano up to 50 metres height, except for not flying near airports, military sites or in segregated airspace. From the micro category onwards a unique identification number (UIN) is mandatory for each drone Once the UIN is obtained, operators have to apply for an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP). Air space has been partitioned into Red Zone (flying not permitted), Yellow Zone (controlled airspace), and Green Zone (automatic permission). (Note: For more details on drone policy click here: Regulations for Drones) Policy contradictions While announcing the publication of drone guidelines, Civil Aviation Minister made two contradicting statements. For one, he estimated the potential of the “drone market” in India to be $1 trillion. And in the next he said India’s security environment necessitated extra precautions. It is with such a heavy eye on the precautions that the regulations have been drafted, that flying a drone is a task wrapped tightly in immense paperwork. There is a long list of documentation including security clearances from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in several cases. To fly a micro drone below 200 ft, users have to intimate the local police station 24 hours prior. Manufacturers of drones as well as technologists and researchers making applications using drones have to test fly these frequently, often several times a day. In an effort to make things slightly easy, the regulation provides a list of identified areas for testing and demonstration. Flying drones in these areas comes with less paperwork. However, the locations provided are so far from technology and development hubs that it is unclear how practical these will be. In Karnataka, for example, the identified areas are Chitradurga, Coorg and Ganimangala village (which does not even appear on Google maps), all of which are around 200 km from Bengaluru entailing nearly four hours of travel one way. With so many government authorities involved in allowing permission and keeping an eye, it is inevitable that operators could be slapped easily with real and perceived violations. The structure of these regulations makes the possibility of a red tape-free flight very slim. Way forward The security and privacy risks of allowing drones to fly in an unregulated manner are high. It may be recalled that in August, a drone was used in an attack on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a public meeting. However, if India is to reach even the fraction of the $1 trillion potential, it needs to figure out a more balanced manner of regulation. The current rules are a start, but only in the sense that they free all drones from their previous illegality. The real impact of drones will be in the many applications they will be put to, Agriculture is just one such. They are likely to be the disaster prevention systems, rescue operation leaders, and even public transport providers in the not too distant future. Missing out on working on these applications early enough will likely have serious repercussions to India’s future competitiveness in the field. Filing a series of applications in multiple copies and waiting for various government departments to respond is not the best way to get started. Connecting the dots: India’s drone use policy makes the possibility of a red tape-free flight very slim. Critically comment. ENVIRONMENT TOPIC:  General Studies 3 Environment protection and conservation Indian traditional practices for conservation of environment In harmony with Mother Nature Introduction The United Nations honoured PM Narendra Modi with the Champions of the Earth Award. He feels that this award is not for an individual. Instead, it is recognition of the Indian culture and values, which have always placed emphasis on living in harmony with Mother Nature. It was a proud moment for every Indian to see India’s proactive role in mitigating climate change being acknowledged and appreciated by the United Nations. Human and Nature Human beings and nature have a very special relationship. Mother Nature has nurtured and nourished us. The first civilisations were established on the banks of rivers. Societies that live in harmony with nature flourish and prosper. Today, human society stands at an important crossroads. The path that we take hereon will not only determine our well-being but also that of the generations who will inhabit our planet after us. The imbalances between our greed and necessities have led to grave ecological imbalances. We can either accept this, go ahead with things as if it is business as usual, or we can take corrective actions. Positive change: Three things will determine how we as a society can bring a positive change. The first is internal consciousness. For that, there is no better place to look than our glorious past. Respect for nature is at the core of India’s traditions. The Atharvaveda contains the Prithvi Sukta, which contains unparalleled knowledge about nature and the environment. It is beautifully written in Atharvaveda: Salutations to Mother Earth. In Her is woven together Ocean and River Waters; in Her is contained Food which She manifests when ploughed; In Her indeed is alive all Lives; May She bestow us with that Life. The ancients write about the Panch Tatvas – Prithvi (Earth), Vayu (Air), Jal (Water), Agni (Fire), Akash (Sky) – and how our life systems are based on the harmonious functioning of these elements. The elements of nature are manifestations of divinity. Mahatma Gandhi wrote extensively on the environment and even practised a lifestyle where compassion towards the environment was essential. He propounded the Doctrine of Trusteeship, which places the onus on us, the present generation, to ensure that our coming generations inherit a clean planet. He called for sustainable consumption so that the world does not face a resource crunch. Leading lifestyles that are harmonious and sustainable are a part of our ethos. Once we realise how we are flag bearers of a rich tradition, it will automatically have a positive impact on our actions. The second aspect is public awareness. We need to talk, write, debate, discuss and deliberate as much as possible on questions relating to the environment. At the same time, it is vital to encourage research and innovation on subjects relating to the environment. This is when more people will know about the pressing challenges of our times and ways to mitigate them. When we as a society are aware of our strong links with environmental conservation and talk about it regularly, we will automatically be proactive in working towards a sustainable environment. Proactiveness is the third facet of bringing a positive change. We see this proactiveness in the Swachh Bharat Mission, which is directly linked to a sustainable future. With the blessings of the people of India, over 85 million households now have access to toilets for the first time. Over 400 million Indians no longer have to defecate in the open. Sanitation coverage is up from 39% to 95%. These are landmark efforts in the quest of reducing the strain on our natural surroundings. We see this proactiveness in the success of the Ujjwala Yojana, which has significantly reduced indoor air pollution due to unhealthy cooking practices that were causing respiratory diseases. Till date, over five crore Ujjwala connections have been distributed, thus ensuring a better and cleaner life for the women and their families. India is moving at a quick pace in cleaning its rivers. The Ganga, which is India’s lifeline, had become polluted in several parts. The Namami Gange Mission is changing this historical wrong. Emphasis is being given to proper treatment of sewage. At the core of our urban development initiatives such as AMRUT and the Smart Cities Mission is the need to balance urban growth with environmental care. The over 13 crore soil health cards distributed to farmers are helping them make informed decisions that will boost their productivity and improve the health of our land, which helps the coming generations. We have integrated objectives of Skill India in the environment sector and launched the schemes, including Green Skill Development Programme for skilling about seven million youth in environment, forestry, wildlife and climate change sectors by 2021. This will go a long way in creating numerous opportunities for skilled jobs and entrepreneurships in the environment sector. Our country is devoting unparalleled attention to new and renewable sources of energy. Over the last four years, this sector has become more accessible and affordable. The Ujala Yojana has led to the distribution of nearly 31 crore LED bulbs. The costs of LED bulbs have reduced and so have the electricity bills and the CO2 emissions. India’s proactiveness is seen internationally. India remained at the forefront of the COP-21 negotiations in Paris in 2015. In March 2018, world leaders of several countries converged in New Delhi to mark the start of the International Solar Alliance, an endeavour to harness the rich potential of solar energy and bring together all nations that are blessed with solar power. Climate justice While the world is talking about climate change, the call for climate justice has also reverberated from India. Climate justice is about safeguarding the rights and interests of the poor and marginalised sections of society, who are often the biggest sufferers from the menace of climate change. Conclusion Our actions today will have an impact on human civilisation much beyond our time. It is up to us to take on the mantle of global responsibility towards a sustainable future. The world needs to shift to a paradigm of environmental philosophy that is anchored in environmental consciousness rather than merely in government regulations. All those individuals and organisations who are working assiduously in this direction, deserve compliments. They have become the harbingers of a monumental change in our society. Connecting the dots: Indian culture and values have always placed emphasis on living in harmony with Mother Nature. Elucidate. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Oil and natural gas is not found in Andaman and Nicobar basin Lakshadweep basin Saurashtra Kachh basin Ganga basin Q.2) Which of the following statements are correct differences between Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep Islands? Lakshadweep islands are of coral origin only while Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Islands are of volcanic origin only. The average height of Lakshadweep islands above sea level is much lesser than A&N islands. Andaman and Nicobar islands have higher biodiversity than Lakshadweep islands. Select the code from below: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements: 15th Finance Commission have the mandate to recommend grant of special category status (SCS) to States. Article 280 of the Indian Constitution defines the scope and functions of the commission. The qualifications of the members of commission are not specified in the Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.4) Sabratha, one of three former cities that constituted Roman Tripolitania is located in - Libya Syria Lebanon Albania Q.5) Fifteenth Finance Commission (FCC) is headed by – Preetham Reddy Y V Reddy NK Singh Mihir Shah MUST READ The scope of constitutional morality The Hindu  The creamy layer of social justice The Hindu  No sweeping change — on Swachh Bharat Mission The Hindu   The Uncovered Last Mile Indian Express  The green state of mind Indian Express What the majority missed  Indian Express   When a woman points a finger at the powerful man Livemint  Second Brexit referendum: a double-edged sword? Livemint 

RSTV Video

RSTV - Pending Cases: Way Forward

Pending Cases: Way Forward Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary In News: According to the National Judicial Data Grid, around 23 lakh cases, which are over a decade old, are pending in various subordinate courts of the country. These cases constitute 8.29 per cent of the total nearly 2.50 crore cases pending in the lower courts. Of these, nearly 6 lakh cases are civil in nature and nearly 17 lakh are criminal in nature. According to National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), the five states which account for the highest pendency are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar and Gujarat India has only 15 judges per million people, then Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir said in 2013. That is a far cry from the 50 judges per million population recommended by the Law Commission in 2008 in its 120th report. It also pales in comparison to per capita judge availability in developed countries. The National Judicial Data Grid By: The e-Committee of the Supreme Court Aim: To provide data on cases pending in the district courts across the country It is a part of the on-going e-Courts Integrated Mission Mode Project, and the NJDG works as a monitoring tool to identify, manage and reduce pendency of cases. The burden of pending cases Citizens are poorly served by the state twice over: once when their access to the law exists more in name than in fact, and the second time when they are deprived of the benefits of economic growth that has been hamstrung by clogged courts. Not enough Judges: The present judge strength is insufficient to deal with a huge figure of pendency of cases – 4,954 judges’ posts vacant when the sanctioned strength of judicial officers was 21,324 Archaic laws: The archaic laws that fill up the statute books, faulty or vague drafting of laws and their multiple interpretations by various courts An increase in certain crimes such as crimes against women and increase in the reporting of criminal activities, have both contributed to rise in the workload of the judiciary. Poor manpower and crumbling infrastructure, coupled with a boom in litigation Lack of modernisation and digitisation Judges are paid little compared with lawyers, which has led to a steady decline in the calibre of those hearing cases. To add to the burden, lawyers frequently use delaying tactics such as routinely appealing against verdicts, or saying they are sick or failing to show up in court. The legal logjam has led to overcrowded prisons, with more than 68% of the prison population still on remand. Some prisons are more than two or three times over capacity. What could be the possible solutions? CJIs Letter A framework be put in place whereby each High Court every month takes stock of cases filed and disposed there as well as in subordinate courts. The CJI has requested the HC to prepare an action plan with cut-off dates for disposal of 10 and five year-old cases and such plans have to be continuously monitored by the committee at the level of HC and subordinate courts in the light of experience and new ideas. At the same time efforts must be made to ensure that at least the overall disposal matches with the overall institution (filing) of cases. The new mechanism must be put in place in addition to the arrears committees set up earlier to formulate steps to reduce pendency at high and district courts. Continuing formative assessment is the key to strengthen and reinforce the justice delivery system. It is essential to align a process-oriented approach with a result-oriented approach in an effort to build core processes into strength and achieve the desired goal Other Reforms Judicial case management: Here, the court sets a timetable for the case and the judge actively monitors progress. This marks a fundamental shift in the management of cases—the responsibility for which moves from the litigants and their lawyers to the court. Strict guidelines for the grant of adjournments, curtailing vacation time in the higher judiciary, reducing the time for oral arguments unless the case involves a complicated question of law, and framing clear and decisive judgements to avoid further litigation The courts should also seriously consider incorporating technology into the system; digitizing courts records, leveraging Artificial Intelligence to assist judges and lawyers. Better pay and services for the Judges are also important Unlike a bureaucrat or politician, whose work is primarily to sanction or implement government policy through an army of officers, judicial decision-making is a complex, time-consuming process. It directly affects the rights and livelihoods of persons, which in turn requires hearings on facts, legal precedent and the arguments of lawyers of both parties. Therefore, the problems that judiciary is facing needs to be taken up in an urgent manner. Please Note: Civil cases: Usually involves private disputes between persons or organisations Criminal cases: Involves an action that is considered to be harmful to society as a whole. In criminal trials, the process itself is a punishment. Many under-trial prisoners end up doing their entire sentence without getting a full trial Connecting the Dots: The role of a robust judiciary in a nation’s development is pivotal. Discuss. The result of these never-ending cases is a crisis of faith in the legal system. Do you agree? Discuss. In the absence of speedy justice, vigilantism thrives. Examine.

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 80]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 80] Archives Q.1) The ‘São Paulo Round’ is associated with Asia Pacific Trade Agreement Global System of Trade Preferences Broad based Trade and Investment Agreement Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Q.2) Which of the following statements is/are correct? India and Pakistan have no formal trade agreement.   India has granted Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Status to Pakistan Both (a) and (b) Neither (a) nor (b) Q.3) MERCOSUR is a trading bloc in East Africa South America West Africa Scandinavia Q.4) ‘South African Customs Union (SACU)’ comprises of Lesotho Swaziland Botswana Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Which of the following countries is part of European Free Trade Association (EFTA)? Liechtenstein Monaco Luxembourg Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 1 Only To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

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