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Aug 9, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 41]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 41] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about Controller General of Accounts (CGA) CGA is responsible for exchequer control and internal audits CGA derives his/her mandate from Article 150 of the Constitution Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Global Nutrition Report is published by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) United Nations Development Programme World Economic Forum World Bank Q.3) When you travel in certain parts of India, you will notice red soil. What is the main reason for this colour? Presence of ferric oxides Abundance of magnesium Accumulated humus Abundance of phosphates Q.4) Kawad Bachana is a story telling tradition from Gujarat Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Q.5) The international crude oil price of Indian Basket is computed by Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba

Aug 9, 2018 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Rise in MSP and its Impact

Rise in MSP and its Impact ARCHIVES Listen to the Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. In News: Government's decision to hike MSP for kharif crops is expected to impact GDP by 0.1-0.2 per cent besides adding to inflationary pressures. Two significant announcements in the 2018-19 budget: Decided to keep MSPs at least 50 per cent above the sum of cost of production (A2) – A2 is a comprehensive cost and includes paid or imputed costs of all purchased or own inputs like seed, fertiliser, manure, bullock labour and machine labour, interest on working capital, irrigation expenses, depreciation, rent paid for the leased-in land, costs of repair and miscellaneous expenses. Imputed wages for the time spent by the farmer and his/her family (FL) in crop production. Was this hike required? This hike in MSPs was required, given the current adverse conditions of prices and operating conditions of the farm sector, and is a key component of the prime minister’s goal of doubling farm incomes by 2022, which, in itself, is a must for sustaining an 8–9% GDP growth for India. However, MSP increases are, largely, a short-term fix and must be viewed in conjunction with other legs of the strategy. If the other components of the strategy are not implemented with urgency, the associated macroeconomic costs will be a significant drag on overall economic growth. Immediate Costs: All set to impact international price of rice and cotton—items topping list of agricultural commodities exported from the country – hike is expected to firm up cotton prices in India, largest exporter of natural fibre, and reflect in global market soon The move is expected to lead to higher inflation and widen fiscal deficit because of increase in food subsidy bill to over Rs 2 trillion from Rs 1.70 trillion provided in the Budget for 2018-19. Higher MSPs will add to inflationary pressures, fiscal slippage and this might prompt the central bank to go for another rate hike. For RBI, MSP increase poses an additional risk to their inflation view, besides fiscal slippage worries and higher oil prices. At a time when godowns are bursting with rice stocks and acreages under this water-intensive crop ought to be brought down, the latest increase will compound problems as well as be environmentally unsustainable What is MSP? MSP is a direct market intervention by the government to check distress sale by guaranteeing a fixed price in event of fall in price in open market. In case the market price for the commodity falls below the announced minimum price due to bumper production and glut in the market, government agencies purchase the entire quantity offered by the farmers at the announced minimum price. Prices announced: Before each summer and winter cropping season On the basis of the recommendations of: Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) Determinants of MSP till now: Cultivation costs Demand-supply and market price dynamics Inter-crop price parities Terms of trade between agriculture and non-agriculture sectors Implications on consumer inflation Introduction of a single pre-determined principle: Henceforth, MSPs will be set at 1.5 times the production cost. The higher the cost, the more is the MSP. Farmers growing crops consuming more water and energy, with their production costs naturally higher, get rewarded through increased MSPs. And when there is assured procurement and payment as well, it results in more production of paddy and sugarcane — even if at increasingly uncompetitive prices globally. Effect on Crops Expected to firm up cotton prices in India, largest exporter of natural fibre, and reflect in global market Although MSP covers just normal rice, it will push up price of basmati rice as well The higher assured price under MSP for paddy will encourage farmers to grow normal rice instead of basmati from next year in the country MSP will check cotton exports from India and ensure domestic supply during current season – The substantial increase in the price of cotton is expected to activate multi- national companies in domestic market as exports of raw cotton will be unviable now The increase in MSP will increase acreage under paddy, a crop that require substantial quantity of groundwater for irrigation. Conclusion: The most critical reform to revolutionise Indian agriculture requires no money. It requires something far harder to acquire — learning to unlearn yesterday’s wisdom. It is time for India to switch from price policy to income policy approach to redress farmers’ distress. India needs to devise an income policy (DBT) for farmers. Rather than opting for big ticket reforms, the government needs to look at marginal improvements. These, if consistently implemented over time, will deliver the required change. The system lacks the skill to diagnose its own incompetence. An independent commission of farmers must be constituted to review government programmes, which are supposedly benefiting the farming community. There has been a lot of farm distress and measures have been taken to alleviate these problems, this being one of them. This move was something that was necessary, but needs to be implemented in the right way to ensure they get what they need, to be able to cover up for the costs. While it is desirable to intervene in the markets when they fail to deliver remunerative prices to producers, excessive intervention in prices can have serious implications for the functioning of market, fiscal resources and imports and exports. The best prices for farm produce can be realised from a competitive market. This requires regulatory reforms, institutional changes, and the development of appropriate infrastructure to promote evolution of agricultural market system. A tendency is developing in the country — to hold the Centre responsible for the problems, and solutions, related to agricultural prices. The stakeholders need to differentiate areas for action by the Centre and the states. There is a particular need to put pressure on the states to undertake the required reforms to make agricultural markets more efficient, competitive and responsive to the needs of producers and consumers. State government needs to strengthen the procurement infrastructure in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh where grain purchase is dominated by private players and remuneration is much less than the assured price. Refer: Mindmap

Aug 9, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 08th August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 08th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Sikh Referendum 2020 Part of: GS Mains II and III – India and the world; International Relations; Internal Security In news: We recently read about the controversial pro-Khalistan rally due to take place in London The rally is in support of a referendum for an independent Sikh homeland. This has heightened tensions between India and the U.K., after Britain said it wouldn’t ban the demonstration, despite concerns raised by India. Communist Party of India calls the proposed ‘Sikh Referendum 2020’ an attempt to disturb the hard-earned peace in Punjab. Concerns: Is India still a theocratic State? India faces challenges like - Hindutva idea of India; religion-based secessionist movement like that of Khalistan Health issue: Scrub typhus Part of: GS Prelims – Health issue; Science and Tech In news: About Scrub typhus (definition in pic below) Majority of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) patients have scrub typhus. Scrub typhus can be treated easily if detected early. Mites present in the soil carried Orientia tsutsugumashi, the bacterium which causes scrub typhus. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/08/08/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/ac7e44e3_2304601_101_mr.jpg Breast Feeding Part of: GS Prelims – Health issue About: As many as 6 out of 10 babies born in the country are not able to begin breastfeeding within one hour of birth. Despite an improvement in institutional deliveries, due to a lack of supportive work environment, inadequate skills of health care providers as well as caesarean deliveries, most babies not breastfed in their first hour. Do you know? Mother’s breast milk within one hour of birth ensures that the infant receives the colostrum or first milk, which is rich in protective factors. WHO and UNICEF also recommend exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to the age of six months and thereafter complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond. India has made some progress over the years, according to National Family Health Survey (NFHS). Early initiation of breastfeeding has improved. Banks hit due to frauds Part of: Mains II and III – Governance issues; Corruption; NPA issue In news: Indian banks reported a total loss of about ₹70,000 crore due to frauds during the last three fiscals up to March 2018. The extent of loss in fraud cases reported by scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) for 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 was ₹16,409 crore, ₹16,652 crore and ₹36,694 crore, respectively. Reasons: aggressive lending practices, wilful default, loan frauds, corruption in some cases and economic slowdown. RBI had issued directions to banks instructing them to file applications for initiation of corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). Person in news: M. Karunanidhi Karunanidhi – who was five-time Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president for nearly 50 years, died. He was also called as Kalaignar (artiste and man of letters) He was considered as the stalwart of the Dravidian movement Miscellaneous In news: 10 major ideologies have shaped the world: nationalism, democracy, liberalism, capitalism, evolutionary socialism, revolutionary socialism, feminism, environmentalism, nuclear pacifism and globalism. Try to know the definition of all the above terms. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 2 and 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. GST Council: GST Reforms for MSME Introduction: Latest GST Council meeting held on issues facing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Do you know? What are MSME? MSME are units producing goods and rendering services in terms of annual turnover as follows: A micro enterprise will be defined as a unit where the annual turnover does not exceed five crore rupees; A small enterprise will be defined as a unit where the annual turnover is more than five crore rupees but does not exceed Rs 75 crore; A medium enterprise will be defined as a unit where the annual turnover is more than seventy five crore rupees but does not exceed Rs 250 crore. What is GST Council? Goods & Services Tax Council is a constitutional body for making recommendations to the Union and State Government on issues related to Goods and Service Tax. The GST Council is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and other members are the Union State Minister of Revenue or Finance and Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the States. (For further details: http://www.gstcouncil.gov.in/gst-council) Recent GST meetings’ decisions (Regarding MSME): Firms with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 5 crore constitute 93% of the registered taxpayers under the GST. Such businesses need no longer file cumbersome returns every month, but only on a quarterly basis. GST Council returned to a consensual approach on decisions. There is a proposal to push digital payments by offering a cash-back to consumers using RuPay cards or the UPI platform, final decision will be taken after a detailed system-wide evaluation of such incentives. Way Forward: GST with respect to MSME Further easing of compliance for micro firms with turnover far below Rs. 5 crore is needed. There is a need to review the Rs. 50,000 threshold for mandatory use of e-way bills to track movement of taxable goods. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2: Governance; Law and order Constitution; Fundamental Rights Social Justice Dissent and Democracy Introduction: In context of recent student Protest; The Bangladesh government clamps down on dissent and democratic challenges. Dissent has been silenced in major democracies of the world including US and India. What is happening in Dhaka? Some students died in a road accident, students started protesting for traffic safety. Protests in Bangladesh became a routine; over electricity supply in Kansat; over open-pit coal mining in Phulbari; against a coal plant at the rim of the Sundarbans; against stock market scandals that defrauded millions of small investors; and against quotas in government jobs for the descendants of ‘freedom fighters’ in the 1971 war. A journalist from Bangladesh went on Air with an international media house, and opened the Pandora box of other public grievances; the looting of banks, the gagging of the media, extrajudicial killings, disappearances, bribery, and corruption. He took on to the social media and exposed brutality of Police and Government. He got arrested under Information and Communication Technology Act for “spreading imaginary propaganda against the government.” Government is not willing to accept that there is a problem. UN, human rights groups and PEN international condemned the Bangladesh Government's dealing in this regard. Why does the Story of Dhaka matters to India? India is facing similar but different situation. Gauri Lankesh and some other great journalists who expressed their concerns against either popular beliefs or against certain ideologies were brutally murdered. Lynching and Mobviolence became a new normal for petty things. Women are facing trolling and threats for expressing their views on social media platform. India is one of the largest democracies but freedom is under threat especially for vulnerable sections of the society. Sudden resignation of reputed journalists from their respective newsrooms and transfer and resignation of public servants are some of the examples which put a question: Does Democracy in India have place for dissent? Connecting the dots: Freedom should not be absolute but it should not become obsolete. Comment in the light of global examples. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) GST Council consist of which of the following members? Prime Minister Union Finance minister Union State Minister of Revenue or Finance Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the States or any other minister nominated by State Government Select the Code from the following: 1, 2 and 3 1, 2 and 4 2, 3 and 4 All of the above Q.2) Which of the following vector borne diseases are covered under National Vector Borne Disease Control Program? Malaria Yellow Fever Scrub typhus Dengue Select the correct answer using code below 1 and 4 1,3 and 4 1,2 and 4 1,2,3 and 4 Q.3) Health Ministry has recently launched a flagship program MAA to generate awareness for: Iron deficiency in mothers Reduce AIDS cases in new born Promote breast feeding Primary childcare MUST READ The nuances of 35A Indian Express The Upward Push Indian Express To bee or not to bee Indian Express Truth fears no trolls Indian Express Opinion: The need for digitizing land records in India Livemint Opinion: Make the global economy work for all Livemint Opinion: Digitally empowering women in rural India Livemint

Aug 8, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 40]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 40] Archives Q.1) Joint military exercise ‘Maitree’ is held between India and Bhutan Sri Lanka Bangladesh Thailand Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme’ It is initiated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology It is aimed at enhancing the number of PhDs in Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) and IT/IT Enabled Services (IT/ITES) sectors in the country Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) ‘Bhoomi Project’, which looks into the ‘Online Delivery of Land Records’ is implemented by which of the following states? Maharashtra Karnataka Gujarat Uttar Pradesh Q.4) The ‘8888 Uprising’ refers to The Burundian Civil War which began following the first multi-party elections in the country since independence from Belgium in 1962 The conflict between the central Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army An armed conflict in Libya fought between forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and those seeking to oust his government. None of the above Q.5) Which of the following correctly describes ‘Psyche’? Saturn’s biggest moon Largest metallic asteroid Kuiper belt object Rotavirus Vaccine To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba

Aug 7, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 07th August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 07th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Article 35A and Basic Structure Part of: GS Prelims and Mains – Indian Polity; Constitution; Role of Judiciary; Centre and State Relations In news: Supreme Court to study whether Article 35A is violative of the basic structure of the Constitution From previous article we know that, Article 35A deals with providing special status to the State and people of Jammu and Kashmir. The article empowers the Jammu and Kashmir state's legislature to define “permanent residents” of the state and confer on them special rights and privileges in public sector jobs, acquisition of property in the State, scholarships and other public aid and welfare. About Basic structure Basic structure is a collective term coined by a 13-judge Bench in the historic Keshavananda Bharati case (1973). The basic structure doctrine is an Indian judicial principle that the Constitution of India has certain basic features that cannot be altered or destroyed through amendments by the parliament. It includes a list of fundamental rights, including right to equality, non-discrimination, liberty, life and dignity, enshrined and preserved in the Constitution. The basic structure theory plays a useful part in our constitutional jurisprudence. District name changes and role of Home Ministry Part of: GS Prelims and Mains – Indian Polity; Centre and State relations; Secularism In news: Rajasthan village name - Miyon ka Bara – was changed to ‘Mahesh Nagar’ Reason: Residents complained that they were not getting matrimonial matches as the name gave an impression that the village was inhabited by Muslims. Reflects there is no unity in diversity. Important value addition The Home Ministry examines the proposal for changing the names of villages, cities and railway stations once the proposal is received from the State government. In other words, Union Home Ministry approves the change of name and conveys the decision to the State government. Do you know? Between January 2017 and February 2018, Home Ministry has received 27 proposals from States requesting a change of names of villages, towns and railway stations. Earlier, we had read about West Bengal Assembly passing a resolution to change the name of the State as ‘Bangla’. Process for changing the name of a state can be initiated by state itself. However, by virtue of article 3, the parliament has power to change the name of a state even if such proposal does not come from the concerned state. For more details – 27th July DNA Three northeastern States emerge as new HIV hotspots Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Health issue In news: Rise of HIV incidence in Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura. Reasons: attributed to injecting drug users and unsafe sexual practices Do you know? There has been a steady decline in the number of HIV cases in India. The bad news is that Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura have emerged as the new hotspots for HIV, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The HIV Sentinel Surveillance (HSS), a biennial study conducted by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), is one of the largest regular studies in the world dealing with HIV in high risk groups of the population. Important value addition: Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) - leads to effectively suppressing the virus and reducing the transmission of HIV from the infected person. National AIDS Research Institute (NARI) target is to bring 90% of the 21 lakh people living with the HIV infection in India under ART. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="648"] Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/08/07/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/b3e32ce2_2302538_101_mr.jpg[/caption] India-UK Concerns: Khalistan movement Part of: GS Mains II and III – India and the world; International Relations; Internal Security In news: Britain’s Green Party supports controversial pro-Khalistan rally due to take place in London The rally is in support of a referendum for an independent Sikh homeland. This has heightened tensions between India and the U.K., after Britain said it wouldn’t ban the demonstration, despite concerns raised by India, and the issuance of a demarche to take action. India had earlier raised concerns about the flag-tearing during such pro-Khalistan rally and received an apology from the British government. Sikh Federation U.K. has accused Indian authorities of “overreacting” to the Sikh diaspora and described the “re-establishment of a Sikh homeland” as “inevitable”. Person in news: Vijay Maruti Pingale Part of: GS Mains: Good Governance; Role-model or inspiration; Corruption In news: Vijay Maruti Pingale, a 2004 batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, joined the civil services because he wanted to reform governance from within the system. But after 14 years of trying, he has now decided to resign and hopes to pursue his goal of governance reform by joining an NGO. Despite cracking down on corrupt road contractors, Vijay Pingale was shifted from Chennai Corporation. Pingale had also unearthed a scam in the maintenance of public toilets in Chennai and initiated action against those who had illegally collected money from residents. With his departure, the TN state and the nation will lose a very good IAS officer. Person in news: Indra Nooyi Part of: GS Mains – Example of women empowerment; Role-model or inspiration In news: Indra Nooyi to step down as PepsiCo CEO after 12 years She is considered one of the most powerful women in the world Miscellaneous: World’s largest bird sculpture, Jatayu sculpture, will be inaugurated in Kollam, Kerala. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/08/07/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_06/9be98ee5_2302554_1_mr.jpg Do you know? Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre (JCBC), Pinjore, Haryana One-third of public sector banks remain headless as a Prime Minister-headed panel is yet to clear the CEO appointments. Vigyan Prasar launches Internet-based channel to highlight India’s achievements - under the guidance of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched India Science (indiascience.in) Here after we are supposed to keep track of this channel too :D UPSC might pick questions from here :P (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 2 and 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Human Resource Development Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Rebooting the system for a skills upgrade Introduction: The report of the Standing Committee on Labour (2017-18) headed by Kirit Somaiya, on the “Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Skill Development Initiative Scheme” presents the grim condition of India’s Vocational Education System (ITIs). History and some facts about vocational education in India: ITIs were initiated in the 1950s. In a span of 60 years, approx. 1,896 public and 2,000 private ITIs were set up. In a 10-year period from 2007, more than 9,000 additional private ITIs were accredited. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) today has more than 6,000 private training centres. Concerns and Findings of Somiya Committee: Number of ITIs increasing rapidly abut they disregard norms and standards. Due to short-term courses, vocational training centres open and close frequently they are more prone to a dilution of standards. With the increase in number of institutes, government has been unable to regulate private institutions for quality. Placement in NSDC training has been less than 15%. Private sector engagement in skill development has been taken up by private training partners and not employers. The employers could have made the system demand-driven. The lack of a regulator for skill development has led to poor quality affiliation, assessment and certification. There are instances of responsibility outsourcing, no supervision, illegal activities and an ownership tussle between the Central and State governments. The QCI did not follow accreditation norms created by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). The NCVT is just a stamp with no role in actually assessing quality. The future of 13.8 lakh students in these substandard ITIs is at risk. If the same exercise were extended to other skill development schemes, the picture would be grimmer. Lax provisions of vocational training programs and no scrutiny is a major concern. For example the Standard Training Assessment and Reward scheme spent Rs. 850 crore in 2013-14 with no norms for quality. The report also reinforces disturbing findings of a national survey by the research institute (NILERD) of the Planning Commission in 2011 about private ITIs: had fewer classrooms and workshops for practice; and their teachers were very poorly paid. Way forward: Recommendations of the Sharada Prasad Committee to rationalise the Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) should be implemented. There is a need to establish a national board for all skill development programmes. The core work (accreditation, assessment, certification and course standards) cannot be outsourced. Like every other education board (such as the CBSE), a board is required in vocational training that is accountable. We should also have a mandatory rating system for the ITIs, published periodically. A ranking of the ITIs on several parameters such as the one done by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council in tertiary education. Talent from the open market should be encouraged to fill up higher posts in skill development. There should be one system, with one law (as recommended in the 12th Five Year Plan) and one national vocational education and training system, so that all the concerned partners of the sector can work seamlessly and can learn from, and work with each other. The ITIs have internal issues such as staffing and salaries that need attention. There is also a critical need to reskill ITI teachers and maintain the student-teacher ratio. Financial support from NSDC can be used to upgrade the technology. Financing from corporate social responsibility, multilateral organisations such as the World Bank and the government can meet the financial needs for skill development. As recommended by 12th Plan Reimbursable industry contribution (RIC) — a 1-2% payroll tax that will be reimbursed when employers train using public/private infrastructure and provide data. Conclusion: With the rise of 4th Industrial revolution, and on-going debates on Artificial Intelligence and automation, there is an urgent need to reboot the vocational education system of India. Also there is need to establish a system which is based on demand and supply rather than present out dated and archaic syllabus of vocational education. Connecting the dots: Skill India mission, to be successful, needs a overhaul of Vocational Education System in India. Examine. INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1 and 2: History of World and Society India and its neighbourhood Thirty years after the 8888 uprising Introduction: August 8 marks the 30th anniversary of the people’s uprising in Myanmar. The ‘8888’ uprising (or the eighth day of August 1988) is one of Myanmar’s most important historic days in the context of the pro-democracy movement. About 8888 Uprising: ‘8888’ was a people’s movement that challenged the then ruling Burma Socialist Programme Party’s grip on political, economic and social affairs which led the country into extreme poverty. The protests and the bloody crackdown gave rise to the National League for Democracy (NLD), a political party which paved the way for the current Myanmar State Counsellor, Aung San Suu Kyi’s entry into politics and for the pro-democracy movement to continue. Myanmar’s President Win Myint and Ms. Suu Kyi were political prisoners in the aftermath of the 1988 uprising. The objective of ‘8888’ was two-fold: to push for the transfer of power from the military to a civilian leadership and a change in the political system from an authoritarian regime to a multi-party democracy. Significance of 8888 Uprising: The past 30 years have seen a change in leadership — from military dictatorship to a military-backed semi-democracy in 2011 and then to a negotiated hybrid regime with power being shared between unelected military personnel and an elected civilian leadership in 2016. It keeps alive the spirit of democracy; underscores the need for equality and federalism; and builds an awareness campaign on the role of military. But for the country’s ethnic minorities, their struggle and political demands still continue. The kind of federalism the ethnic minorities want, based on equality of rights to all citizens, has been denied by the military leadership and the government. Myanmar in Transition: The democratic transition in Myanmar so far has been meticulously designed by the military. The primary objective, which is laid out in the country’s 2008 Constitution, is to give the military a dominant role in politics. Currently, Myanmar practices ‘Burmese way to democracy’, parallel to ‘Burmese way to socialism’ Equality and federalism, these issues are today the most discussed in the on-going peace talks between the civilian government, the military and the ethnic armed groups. The success or failure of the peace talks will largely depend on how these two issues are handled and also depends Myanmar’s peace, stability and development. Way Forward for Mayanmar: In political discussions, the ‘8888’ leaders should look at democratic transitions in other countries. They should share their findings to civil as well as military leadership of Myanmar. It should be noted that no democracy can succeed when the military holds the reins and is unaccountable to an elected civilian leadership. For democracy to strike deep roots in Myanmar, the role of the ‘8888’ leaders remains important. The people of Myanmar as well as members of the international community want a democracy that respects the rights of all its people, including the minorities Connecting the dots: Do you think, 8888 Uprising has achieved its purpose? In the light of current events in Myanmar explain the significance of such uprisings. (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 within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Supreme Court for the first time laid down a new doctrine of the ‘basic structure’ (or ‘basic features’) of the Constitution in - Shankari Prasad case Golak Nath case Kesavananda Bharati case Minerva Mills case Q.2) Which of the following are the elements of ‘Basic Structure’ of Constitution Judicial review Freedom and dignity of the individual Unity and integrity of the nation Effective access to justice Principle of reasonableness Select the correct code given below: 1, 3, and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.3) In which of the following landmark judgements was it declared that Preamble is a part of the Constitution? Keshavananda bharti case Vishakha Vs State of Rajasthan Menaka Gandhi Vs Union of India Minerva mills case Q.4) Consider the following statements: Process for changing the name of a state or its district/viallges can be initiated by state only. Formation of new states, altering boundary and name is not considered as Constitutional Amendment under Art 368. Parliament has power to change the name of a state or its districts and villages. Which of the statements provided above is/are correct? 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.5) Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is concerned with AIDS/HIV Virus Tuberculosis Blood Cancer Leprosy Q.6) Viral Load Testing is available for which of the following? HIV Hepatitis B Cytomegalovirus Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 Only 1, 2 and 3 Q.7) Government has recently announced National Strategic Plan on HIV/AIDS and Sexually transmitted infections. Which of the following are the aims of this program? To eliminate mother to child transmission of HIV and Syphilis by 2020 To eliminate HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination by 2020 To eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030 Select the code from following: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above MUST READ Our privacy’s worth The Hindu The essentiality of mosques The Hindu Dangerous rhetoric The Hindu How is seniority decided in the SC? Indian Express Dealing With PM Imran Indian Express Don’t destroy my university Indian Express Raja Mandala: South Pacific Silk Roads Indian Express Please don’t #TalkToAMuslim Indian Express

Aug 7, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV- Right to be forgotten

Right to be forgotten Archives In News: A government-appointed panel on the data protection law has pointed to the need to have a balanced approach on right to be forgotten. Recommendation by: Justice BN Srikrishna Committee The appropriateness of a right to be forgotten in specific circumstances would require that the right to privacy be balanced with the freedom of speech It called right to confirmation, access and correction to be included in the data protection law. Proposed Data Protection Authority (DPA) to deal with such complaints So what is the right to be forgotten? It refers to the ability of individuals to limit, de-link, delete, or correct the disclosure of personal information on the internet that is misleading, embarrassing, irrelevant, or outdated. Such disclosure, may or may not be a consequence of unlawful processing by the data fiduciary. As it was envisioned in the European Union (EU) after a landmark 2014 ruling by the European Court of Justice, the right to be forgotten allows a person to demand that links to online information about them be removed from search engine results if the data are outdated or irrelevant. India: In a recent case, the Karnataka High Court had upheld the right to be forgotten in a petition filed by a woman saying an internet search should not reflect her name in a previous criminal order passed by it. India and Right to be Forgotten First step really as far as this issue is concerned to get the law in place first and only then will everything else fall into place - the pieces will come together. There should not only be a right to be forgotten but there should be a right to get the data deleted. The search engines might not show results but one should have the right to object for the processing of data. The right to get the data deleted needs to be put in place. There is a need to have enabling provisions in the law to go through this process which will make the process more simplified; free of lengthy procedures and time taking and money minting legal help. This right should not be confused with two things: It shouldn't be confused with the ability to take down illegal data which already exists – anything that is obscene or definitely can already be taken down The right to be forgotten should be interpreted narrowly so that it doesn't become a shortcut to defamation law. Defamation is used in India to stifle free speech from powerful interests and by people who have unlimited funds. Connecting the Dots: In today’s age of cloud computing is it truly possible to implement the Right to be forgotten clause in the Srikrishna committee's draft data protection bill? Discuss.

Aug 7, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 39]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 39] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about recently launched ‘SPARK initiative’. It is aimed at skilling engineering graduates from IITs in Defence technology. It was jointly launched by DRDO and the Defence Ministry Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) An interim mechanism called the ‘Peace Clause’ is available for developing nations. It is concerned with World Trade Organisation (WTO) International Solar Alliance (ISA) International Monetary Fund (IMF) UNFCC Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to Organisation of American States (OAS) It is a continental organization formed in the wake of 2008 Financial Crisis India is an observer state of the OAS Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) ‘Innocenti Declaration’ is associated with Breastfeeding Differently abled Diplomatic Immunity Polio Eradication Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Cabotage’ It refers to the practice of imposing restrictions for movement of domestic cargo by foreign flag vessels. The policy of cabotage restriction is governed as per the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. 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

Aug 7, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 06th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Controversy over Article 35A Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Indian polity; Indian Constitution About: We had dealt about Article 35A and controversy surrounding it during June, 2018. The Article, which was unknown to the public domain till recent times, has raked up an intense debate in the country when a Kashmiri woman, Charu Wali Khan filed a petition to change the constitutional provision as she wanted succession rights in the state though she is settled outside the state. An NGO, ‘We the Citizens’ had also filed a writ petition to strike down Article 35A. The NDA Government wants to have a larger debate over the Article 35A challenging the constitutional validity of the clause. What is Article 35A? Article 35A of the Indian Constitution is an article that empowers the Jammu and Kashmir state's legislature to define “permanent residents” of the state and confer on them special rights and privileges in public sector jobs, acquisition of property in the State, scholarships and other public aid and welfare. The provision mandates that no act of the legislature coming under it can be challenged for violating the Constitution or any other law of the land. It was added to the constitution through a presidential order of 1954 with the then J&K government's concurrence. Article 35A does not allow people from outside the state of Jammu & Kashmir to work, settle or own property in the state. In news: J&K tense ahead of SC hearing on question of Article 35A. Complete shutdown in Kashmir Valley to defend Article 35A. (For time being, let us remember only this. Analysis part will be dealt in future once we come across any editorials or op-eds after the apex court hearing) Pic courtesy: The Hindu RISECREEK: Project Shakti Part of: GS Prelims – Science and Tech; Indigenous Technology In news: RISC-V Workshop in Chennai, India, hosted by IIT Madras, achieved a significant milestone by booting Linux on its first ever RISC-V based silicon chip processor named Shakti. The team (which is partly funded by MeiTY, GOI as part of the India Microprocessor development project) aims to create a critical mass of CPU architects in India. According to industry analysts, RISC-V based chips such as Shakti could be major players in IoT, and AI with an extensive ecosystem is in place. The initial batch of 300 chips named RISECREEK, produced under Project Shakti, have been fabricated free at Intel’s facility at Oregon, U.S., to run the Linux operating system. About MeiTY Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) To promote e-Governance for empowering citizens, promoting the inclusive and sustainable growth of the Electronics, IT & ITeS industries, enhancing India’s role in Internet Governance, adopting a multipronged approach that includes development of human resources, promoting R&D and innovation, enhancing efficiency through digital services and ensuring a secure cyber space. Animal in news: Indian star tortoise Part of: Prelims - Environment and Biodiversity; Animal Conservation In news: 1,125 Indian star tortoises seized from train passengers. They were to be smuggled to Bangladesh. IUCN: Vulnerable The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a threatened species of tortoise found in dry areas and scrub forest in India and Sri Lanka. This species is quite popular in the exotic pet trade, which is the main reason it is endangered. The species is listed in the Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and prohibited from export under the Foreign Trade Policy. The species are liable for confiscation under the Customs Act, 1962. Chandrayaan-2 proposed Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Tech; Space programmes In news: Chandrayaan-2: India’s second moon mission Chandrayaan-2 to be delayed till January 2019 It will be ISRO’s first time attempt to land a rover Recent launches by ISRO Earlier this year, the ISRO had launched GSAT-6A, a military communication satellite. Launch of GSAT-11 from Kourou, French Guiana PSLV- C39 mission, carrying the IRNSS-1H navigation satellite - failed after the heat shield refused to open and release the satellite. Do you know? GSAT-6A, the second predominantly S-band communications satellite, was launched. It will complement GSAT-6, which has been orbiting since August 2015 at 83 degrees East longitude. Miscellaneous Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is in Karnataka ‘Tebori’ is a century-old Japanese method of tattooing by hand with a needled rod, is gaining ground Government-backed mass breastfeeding event organised in Philippines. The World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children’s Fund recommend that children be given breast milk within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for their first six months. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL/ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 2 and 3: Important International institutions, agencies and forums, their structure, mandate. Economic Developments The Problem at the WTO Introduction: After Second World War, World economy was completely shaken. With the aims to help rebuild the shattered post-war economy and to promote international economic cooperation, Bretton Woods conference was held. This created institutions like World Bank and IMF. And paved way for establishment of WTO in 1994. History and Evolution of WTO: World Bank and IMF are called Bretton Wood institutions; they were established at Bretton Wood Conference in 1944. The original Bretton Woods agreement also included plans for an International Trade Organisation (ITO) International Trade Organisation (ITO) was to be created to establish multilateral rules for the settlement of trade disputes and to resist protectionist demands and provide for greater legal certainty. The ITO never came into existence as it was eventually rejected by the U.S. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) came to replace the ITO. This ad hoc and provisional mechanism (GATT) was replaced by WTO in 1994. U.S.’s ire S. rejected the idea of ITO, and four decades later herself drove the agenda to establish World Trade Organisation (WTO). S. has been proven isolationist and protectionist. It doesn’t embrace those ideas which challenge her leadership. At the Doha round of trade negotiations the U.S. destroyed the negotiation process in formulating excessive demands that no country was prepared to meet. Most recent examples of U.S. ire against its very creations NAFTA and TPP, also against NATO and UNESCO are proof of her hard-headed wish for uncontested leadership against multilateralism. Dispute Settlement Crisis at WTO: The U.S. has systematically blocked the appointment of new Appellate Body members (“judges”) and de facto impeded the work of the WTO appeal mechanism. With only four working members out of seven normally serving office in July 2018, the institution is under great stress. If no appointment is made, it will simply be destroyed by December 2019, since the Appellate Body requires a core of three members to decide a dispute. The U.S. is not willing to be judged by an independent multilateral quasi-judicial institution. Other Concerns Related to Dispute Settlement at WTO: Over the politicisation of the Appellate Body appointment and reappointment process The quasi-attribution of permanent Appellate Body seats to the U.S. and the European Union (EU). There is concern that China may be on its way to having a permanent seat. The “Overreaching” or judicial activism of United States. The WTO dispute settlement mechanism is not a world trade court. The process remains political and diplomatic. In trade wars, the objective is not to settle a dispute; it is to win the battle. The very existence of an appeal mechanism is now paradoxically questioned at a time the global community criticises the absence of the same mechanism in Investor-State Dispute Settlement. Who could be WTO’s saviour? China is trying to establish herself by its assertiveness in rule based WTO system. China, EU, and to some extent India, and a few others, is now the main supporter of multilateralism. The recent EU-China proposal to promote the reform of the WTO is said to combat “unilateralism and protectionism” but might well fail to address unfair trade issues raised against China itself. Conclusion: The world has changed and multilateral institutions now have to embed these changes. This WTO crisis might well be the final battle to retain control over a Western-centric organisation. The time has come for the emerging economies and the developing world to have a greater say in how to shape multilateralism and its institutions. Connecting the dots: The Protectionist stand of Developed nations and assertiveness of Developing countries has left the WTO ineffective, Comment. NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1, 2 and 4 Ethics History of the Society Women issues Governance and polity Social justice Religion versus Ethics Introduction: In the light of recent incidences such as Sabrimala Temple entry, child trade by missionaries and observance of practices like Triple Talaq, Nikah Halala or Confession before priest, question arises, whether religion and morality goes hand in hand? Recent Observations: Temple washed by Ganga Jal after visit by a Dalit woman leader Women raped by church priest, when she confessed her past in front of him as a religious practice Muslim woman got death threats when she filed a case against Nikah halala and instant triple talaq. Judicial Interventions: Ban on instant triple talaq Reserves the order that the bar on entry of women aged between 10 and 51 in Sabrimala temple was a violation of their fundamental right. Government enactments: Hindu marriage Act Hindu Succession Act Triple Talaq Bill Debate: whether government should interfere in religious customs and matters? Article25 (1) of the constitution of India provides for freedom of religion and Conscience. Article 25 (2) of the Indian constitution provides for regulation (by the government) of secular activities related to religious practices. Government can enact rules and regulations to protect the religious and conscience freedom of vulnerable section of the society (women, SC/ST, etc) as well as under provisions of Article 25 (2). Why Religion should be regulated? Empirical evidences suggest that, with the passage of time, religious practices become biased and unfavourable towards vulnerable section of the society. In India too, sati, child marriage, deprivation of education for women and specific castes of the society were some of the evils which were evicted from the society with the help of government legislation and various schemes and policies. Bhakti Movement in medieval and socio-religious reform movements in modern Indian history are evident that religions need reforms with the change in society. Current events (mentioned above) also push hard for government intervention and reforms from within society. Conclusion: Historically, it may be true that religions were created to regulate the society, but the rising radicalisation, exploitation and crime in the name of religion concludes, time has come that society needs to regulate religion. Connecting the dots: Religion and Morality does not necessarily go hand in hand. Comment citing examples. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Article 35A It is a part of original constitution. The provision discriminates against a woman’s right to property. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements Article 35A was added to the Constitution as a testimony of the special consideration the Indian government accorded to the ‘permanent residents’ of Jammu and Kashmir Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is a 'temporary provision' which grants special autonomous status to Jammu & Kashmir Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the below statements with regard to Indian star tortoise: The species is listed in the Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and prohibited from export under the Foreign Trade Policy. IUCN status is Vulnerable Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Which of the following is/are INCORRECTLY matched? Navigation Satellites- INSAT Series and GSAT series Earth Observation Satellites- CARTOSAT, RESOURCESAT, OCEANSAT Geostationary Satellites- GAGAN and IRNSS Select from the given code: 1 and 2 2 only 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.5) Aditya L-1 mission is associated with Sun Moon Mars Jupiter Q.6) Consider the following statements about Mangalyaan, launched by ISRO: It is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission It made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA It made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.7) Consider the following statements regarding Bretton Woods Conference It was held in 1944 formally known as United nations monetary and financial order. It created IBRD in order to promote stability of exchange rates and financial flows. It created IMF to speedup reconstruction after second world war and to lend for building infrastructure. It recommended for International Economic cooperation. Choose the correct statement/s 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 4 All of the above Q.8) Bretton Woods Conference is one of the most historic event post Second World War. Which of the following is correct? The UN Monetary and Financial Conference held post Second World War established the international trading regime called General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs. WTO is part of whole set up of UNO and thus is guided by the actions its member bodies. IMF follow voting by consensus pattern by which each member gets to ensure their idea is considered. WTO doesn’t have weighted voting as the World Bank or the IMF and goes by the system of one member one vote. MUST READ Citizenship and compassion The Hindu Anatomy of an outbreak The Hindu Change gears: amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act The Hindu Clarifying asylum The Hindu From Plate to Plough: Timidity and technology Indian Express Dear IIT students Indian Express Trump’s foreign policy: An unlovely triangle Indian Express Plato and Sophists: Arguments for the weak Indian Express

Aug 6, 2018 PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 22nd July to 4th Aug, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 22nd July to 4th August, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 Launch of National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Goal: Ending viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 in the country Aim of the initiative: To reduce morbidity and mortality due to viral hepatitis Key strategies include: Preventive and promotive interventions with focus on awareness generation Safe injection practices and socio-cultural practices Sanitation and hygiene Safe drinking water supply Infection control and immunization Co-ordination and collaboration with different Ministries and departments Increasing access to testing and management of viral hepatitis Promoting diagnosis and providing treatment support for patients of hepatitis B &C through standardized testing and management protocols with focus on treatment of hepatitis B and C Building capacities at national, state, district levels and sub-district level up to Primary Health Centres (PHC) and health and wellness centres such that the program can be scaled up till the lowest level of the healthcare facility in a phased manner Launch of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Flagship programme of: Ministry of HRD Aims: To link the Higher Education Institutions with set of atleast (5) villages, so that these institutions can contribute to the economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base To create a virtuous cycle between the society and an inclusive university system, with the latter providing knowledge base; practices for emerging livelihoods and to upgrade the capabilities of both the public and private sectors Inspired by: The vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to help build the architecture of an Inclusive India Objective of the scheme are: To engage the faculty and students of Higher Educational Institutions in understanding rural realities Identify and select existing innovative technologies, enable customization of technologies, or devise implementation methods for innovative solutions, as required by people To allow Higher Educational Institutions to contribute to devising systems for smooth implementation of various Government Programs. Proposed National Policy for Domestic Workers (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Inclusion of Domestic Workers in the existing legislations Registration of Domestic workers Right to form their own associations, trade unions Right to have minimum wages, access to social security, protection from abuse, harassment, violence Right to enhance their professional skills Protection of Domestic Workers from abuse and exploitation Domestic Workers to have access to courts, tribunals, etc. Establishment of a mechanism for regulation of placement agencies Cabinet approves Extension of Concessional Financing Scheme (CFS) to support Indian Entities bidding for strategically important infrastructure projects abroad Prior to the introduction of CFS, Indian entities were not able to bid for large projects abroad since the cost of financing was very high for them and bidders from other countries such as China, Japan, Europe and US were able to provide credit at superior terms, i.e., lower interest rate and longer tenures which works to the advantage of bidders from those countries. Also, by having projects of strategic interest to India executed by Indian entities, the CFS enables India to generate substantial backward linkage induced jobs, demand for material and machinery in India and also a lot of goodwill for India. Re-structuring of the Agricultural Scientists' Recruitment Board (ASRB) It would support in expediting the recruitment process which would be beneficial for the agrarian community and agriculture at large. It will ensure more transparency and efficiency in recruitment of meritorious scientists to various scientific positions in lCAR, the premier agency for agricultural research and education in the country. Policy Framework for exploration and exploitation of Unconventional Hydrocarbons This policy will enable the realization of prospective hydrocarbon reserves in the existing Contract Areas which otherwise would remain unexplored and unexploited. With this policy dispensation, new investment in Exploration and Production (E&P) activities and chances of finding new hydrocarbon discoveries and resultant increased domestic production thereof is expected. Exploration and exploitation of additional hydrocarbon resources is expected to spur new investment, impetus to economic activities, additional employment generation and thus benefitting various sections of society. This will lead to induction of new, innovative and cutting-edge technology and forging new technological collaboration to exploit unconventional hydrocarbons. National Policy on Biofuels-2018 (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Awareness in the field of bio-technology) The policy categorizes biofuels as “Basic Biofuels”,i.e., such as bio ethanol & biodiesel and “Advanced Biofuels” such as Second Generation (2G) ethanol, bio-CNG, Third Generation Biofuels, etc. to enable extension of appropriate financial and fiscal incentives under each category. It also includes promotion of advanced biofuels through various incentives, off-take assurance and viability gap funding. Objective Ensuring adequate and sustained availability of domestic feedstock for biofuel production Increasing Farmers Income Import Reduction Employment Generation Waste to Wealth Creation The Policy Allows production of ethanol from damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice etc. which are unfit for human consumption Additionally, during an agriculture crop year, when there is projected over supply of food grains as anticipated by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the policy allows conversion of surplus quantities of food grains to ethanol, based on the approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee. Use of damaged food grains and surplus food grains for production of ethanol will increase its availability for Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, resulting in increasing the blending percentage, increasing farmer’s income, saving of foreign exchange and addressing environmental issues. GS-3 Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (Topic: Infrastructure: Roads) Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved US $631 million, in loans and grants, for VCIC, comprising a Multi-tranche Financing Facility as follows: US $500 million two-tranche MFF to build key infrastructure US $125 million two-tranche Policy Based Loan (PBL) to support policy reforms and institutional development in the state US $5 million grant from the multi-donor Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund (UCCRTF) to build climate change resilient infrastructure in Visakhapatnam US $1 million technical assistance to help the Andhra Pradesh Government implement policy reforms Four nodes namely: Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Kankipadu-Gannavaram and Yerpedu-Srikalahasti of Andhra Pradesh, have been identified for development in Vishakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) on the basis of Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) prepared by ADB. Recommendations of Shekatkar Committee (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Defence) For: To enhance combat capability and rebalance defence expenditure Measures as recommended by the Committee and taken up for implementation include: Optimization of Signals Establishments to include Radio Monitoring Companies, Corps Air Support Signal Regiments, Air Formation Signal Regiments, Composite Signal Regiments and merger of Corps Operating and Engineering Signal Regiments Restructuring of repair echelons in the Army to include Base Workshops, Advance Base Workshops and Static / Station Workshops in the field Army Redeployment of Ordnance echelons to include Vehicle Depots, Ordnance Depots and Central Ordnance Depots apart from streamlining inventory control mechanisms. Better utilization of Supply and Transportation echelons and Animal Transport Units. Closure of Military Farms and Army Postal Establishments in peace locations Enhancement in standards for recruitment of clerical staff and drivers in the Army Improving the efficiency of the National Cadet Corps Please Note: ‘Yobin’ community: State of Arunachal Pradesh The Committee to Draft National Education Policy: Constituted under Dr. K. Kasturirangan to prepare the Draft National Education Policy IRNSS-1A: Provide messaging services like disaster alerts and other societal applications Reusable Launch Vehicle: India became the fifth nation to successfully conduct the flight demonstration of a scaled down version of a winged-body reusable launch vehicle, thereby validating the critical technologies such as autonomous navigation, guidance & control, reusable thermal protection system and re-entry mission management. This flight represented the first baby step towards the realisation of a future fully reusable Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO) space transportation system. Making of Green Propellant: ISRO is developing green propellants for use in future rocket & satellite propulsion systems To minimise environmental impact while improving overall efficiency and economy ISRO has made a beginning by developing an eco-friendly solid propellant based on Glycidyl Azide Polymer (GAP) as fuel and Ammonium Di-Nitramide (ADN) as oxidizer at the laboratory level, which will eliminate the emission of chlorinated exhaust products from rocket motors ISRO is also carrying out various technology demonstration projects involving green propellant combinations such as Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2), Kerosene, Liquid Oxygen (LOX), Liquid Methane, ADN-Methanol-water, ADN-Glycerol-water etc. 'Police' and 'Public Order': State subjects State Governments are responsible for controlling crime, maintaining law and order, and protecting the life and property of the citizens. They are empowered to enact and enforce laws to curb crime in their jurisdiction. KHELO INDIA launches unique programme to nurture sporting talent: 734 youngsters shortlisted for complete scholarship under the KHELO INDIA TALENT DEVELOPMENT Scheme National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM): Digitized 283 lakh pages of 2.96 lakh manuscripts Launched by the Ministry of Culture for documentation, conservation, preservation and digitization of manuscripts To establish a Digital Manuscripts Repository at IGNCA in which researchers and scholars can view and consult the manuscripts to understand our past in its totality. ‘Study in India’: To make India an education hub for foreign students Improve the soft power of India with focus on the neighbouring countries and use it as a tool in diplomacy To rapidly increase the inflow of inbound International Students in India through a systematic brand-building, marketing, social media and digital marketing campaigns To increase India’s market share of global education exports Improvement in overall quality of higher education To reduce the export-import imbalance in the number of international students Growth in India’s global market share of International students Increase in global ranking of India etc. e-pathshala: Developed by NCERT (National Council for Educational Research and Training) For showcasing and disseminating all educational e-resources including textbooks, audio, video, periodicals and a variety of other print and non-print materials. SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active learning for Young Aspiring Minds): A Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) platform The portal is offering various online courses for school education and higher education SWAYAM PRABHA: A programme for utilization of satellite communication technologies for transmission of educational e-contents through 32 National Channels i.e. SWAYAM PRABHA DTH-TV SARANSH: Tool for comprehensive self-review and analysis for CBSE affiliated schools and parents. Enables them to analyse students’ performance in order to take remedial measures SARANSH brings schools, teachers and parents closer, so that they can monitor the progress of students and help them improve their performance. Samagra Siksha: To treat school education holistically without segmentation from pre-school to Class XII To ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels of school education It envisages the ‘school’ as a continuum from pre-school, primary, upper primary, secondary to senior secondary levels. Innovate India Platform: Collaboration between the Atal Innovation Mission and MyGov, a citizen centric platform of the Government of India. The #InnovateIndia portal will serve as the common point for all the innovation happening across the nation. National Career Service (NCS) Project: A plan scheme for transformation of the National Employment Service to provide a variety of employment related services like job matching, career counselling, vocational guidance, information on skill development courses, etc. Mission Satyanishtha: Program on Ethics in Public Governance by Indian Railways Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA): By the Ministry of Human Resource Development with the aim of promoting access, equity and quality, central assistance to States for creation of one Model Degree College each in 60 Educationally Backward Districts (EBDs) SAATHI (Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient Textile technologies to Help Small Industries): To sustain and accelerate the adoption of energy efficient textile technologies in the powerloom sector and cost savings due to use of such technology Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY): For sustainable management of ground water New Nuclear Power Plants Nuclear Power Reactors under Construction: State Location Gujarat Kakrapar Rajasthan Rawatbhata Tamil Nadu Kudankulam Kalpakkam Haryana Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Reactors accorded administrative approval and financial sanction: State Location Haryana Gorakhpur Rajasthan Mahi-Banswara Karnataka Kaiga Madhya Pradesh Chutka Tamil Nadu Kudankulam Sites accorded ‘in principle’ approval for setting up more reactors in future: State Site In Cooperation with Maharashtra Jaitapur France Andhra Pradesh Kovvada United States of America Gujarat Chhaya Mithi Virdi West Bengal Haripur Russian Federation Madhya Pradesh Bhimpur Indigenous PHWR *Nominal Capacity The names of the countries with whom negotiations have been held for the supply of fuel for the Atomic Power Plants are Russia, Kazakhstan, Canada, Uzbekistan, France and Australia. Quotes: Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu On Culture Culture is a way of life and Religion is a way of worship. One should remember five things in their life – Mother, Mother tongue, Birth place, Motherland and Teacher who gave knowledge. On Information Technology It must focus on Agri-Business and Agri-Markets Upgradation of skills and innovative new skills are needed Urban-rural divide must be bridged The only way to stay on top of the tech wave is to constantly innovate and develop new technologies and solve business problems in multiple verticals using these newer technologies. This requires regular upgradation of skills. On Insurance Industry Insurance Industry must play a pivotal role in India’s growth story by offering innovative risk covers, policies and schemes. The overall insurance penetration reached only 3.69 per cent in 2017. The Insurance Industry that is projected to grow to US $ 280 billion by 2020 must take the responsibility and make India fully insured. Insurers must develop products that are effective and efficient on both covers and the claims Asked the insurance companies to leverage demographic dividend to impart employable skills to the youth. Long-term and constant skill development and enhancement is imperative for India so that it can keep up with the best in the world

Aug 6, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV- CAATSA: Waiver for India?

CAATSA: Waiver for India? Archives In News: A US congressional conference report paved the way for waiver to countries such as India from the punitive Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA, which is primarily aimed at targeting Russian intelligence agencies and other entities engaged in cyberattacks. The Senate and House Armed Services Committee in a joint conference report to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)-2019 provided a modified waiver to section 231 of CAATSA. The proposed modified waiver requires presidential certifications designed to protect US alliances, military operations, and sensitive technology. What is CATSA? CATSA was signed into law in August 2017 and went into effect in January this year; mandates the Trump administration to punish entities engaging in significant transaction with the defence or intelligence sectors of Russia. India uses a large amount of Russian military equipment, from combat planes to ships and submarines, and is in the final stages of negotiating a $6 billion deal to buy S-400 long range surface to air missile systems from Russia. The law is designed to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin for the 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine Involvement in the Syrian civil war Meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election Conditions under which Trump can seek a waiver for allies: The administration has to certify that A country is reducing arms imports from Russia Is expanding defense cooperation with the United States. Conclusion The waiver should make for some happy talk during the India-US 2+2 dialogue on September 6 in New Delhi. It should also create momentum for forward movement on pending issues. There are certain areas in advanced technologies where India and the US should now push forward – the Defense technology trade initiative; as what is lacking is a strong leadership. One of the biggest factors which we need to understand is that the Indian diaspora has actually come of age. There is a rise in the number as well as influence of Indian diaspora, which will ensure the rise in Indo-US relations.

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