Sep 21, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 71]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 71] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements DRIP seeks to assist States in the rehabilitation and improvement of large dams DHARMA is a web-based software package to support the effective collection and management of Dam Safety data in respect of all large dams Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) In the context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional protocol’ with the international Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’? The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA. The country will have the privilege to but uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards. Q.3) ‘Exercise Aviaindra’ is an Air Force level exercise between India and Russia France Japan United Kingdom Q.4) Consider the following statements about Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) Executive Council is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary Political Council is chaired by the Prime Minister The directives of the NCA are to be operationalised by the Strategic Forces Command under the control of a Commander-in-Chief of the rank of Air Marshal Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) ‘Urja Ganga’ is concerned with River Ganga Rejuvenation Hydro Electric Projects in Ganga Basin Gas Pipeline Project Mekong Ganga Cooperation To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Sep 21, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 20th September 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 20th September 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Triple Talaq is criminal offence Part of: Prelims and Mains II – Constitution and Governance In news Union Cabinet cleared an ordinance that makes talaq-e-biddat, or instant triple talaq, a criminal offence that will attract a maximum jail term of three years. Why ordinance is needed? The practice of triple talaq continues in spite of the Supreme Court having annulled it and the Lok Sabha having passed a Bill that is pending in the Rajya Sabha. 201 cases had been reported from across the country after the Supreme Court banned triple talaq in August 2017. Since January 2017, 430 cases had been reported until September 13 this year. Concerns Once husband is in jail, who will pay maintenance and/or subsistence allowance to the woman and children? Why should the woman and children not have a right to proceed against the estate i.e. movable and immovable property of the husband? Provisions and safeguards Magistrate could exercise discretion to grant bail “after hearing the wife”. The magistrate would also have power to decide the quantum of compensation and subsistence allowance for the victim and her minor children. Another safeguard that had been added is that the police can lodge an FIR (first information report) only if the complaint is filed by the wife (victim), her blood relations or her relatives by virtue of her marriage. Non-relatives or neighbours cannot lodge a complaint under the proposed law. The offence of instant triple talaq has also been “compoundable” or a provision that allows the wife to withdraw a complaint or approach the magistrate for a disputes. S. Korea wants to elevate ties with India Part of: Prelims and Mains III – International Relations In news One of the major foreign policy initiatives of President of South Korea is the government’s ‘New Southern Policy’, with a goal of deepening ties with South East Asian nations as well as India and building an inclusive regional architecture in Asia. Concerns about China India wants to be more vocal about maritime security in the region. There are increasing activities by China in the Indian Ocean region. There are concerns about the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) and the South China Sea. China is the largest trading partner of most countries in Asia. Whether we like China or not, we have to live with it but a confrontational approach is not good. South Korea's stand on US - China South Korea’s main policy objective is not to get subsumed into the U.S.-China rivalry in Asia. Korea wants an inclusive regional architecture in Asia. Therefore, it wants to build stronger ties with ASEAN and India on multiple fronts — economic, bilateral and strategic. South Korea and India Korea views India as a main partner to expand its economy in the South. India and South Korea have agreed to boost bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030 from $20 billion now. Seoul wants to elevate ties with India to the level of those with four other major powers around the Korean Peninsula — the U.S., China, Russia and Japan. India has huge potential to play a bigger role in international politics. Expert says Seoul wants to strengthen ties on economic and strategic fronts. South Korea on BRI South Korea welcomes BRI. But China is pursuing BRI projects unilaterally or bilaterally. South Korea wants BRI to be more open and transparent. Countries that are part of the BRI projects and borrow money from China should be cautious, referring to allegations of debt trap weaker countries get into while welcoming China to build big-ticket infrastructure projects. There has to be some kind of rules to deal with debt trap, etc. Rationalisation of CS schemes mooted Part of: Prelims and mains II – Government policies and issues arising due to their design and implementation In news Several Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) are just boutique in nature with ‘dubious’ outcomes, the 15th Finance Commission of the Union Government has noted while calling for urgent rationalisation of the CSSs. The pruning of such schemes would give the State governments greater measure of flexibility in financing. ‘High costs incurred’ There are far too many of these boutique schemes with dubious outcomes in the States. Even the ones which are operational do not justify the high establishment cost being incurred on them. The commission noted the general status of public financing in States remains ‘stressed’ owing to payments made towards the Seventh Pay Commission, loan waivers given to farmers and debt restructuring under the UDAY scheme. The commission is looking at ways to restrict some of these schemes even as the Reserve Bank of India has pointed towards the stress on State finances as result. State governments have already demanded an increased flow of untied fiscal resources in place of tied resources that come with CSS. Mergers in 2013 The proliferation of the CSSs was debatable until the Ninth Five-Year Plan, when the total number of schemes shot up to 360, accounting for about 60% of Central assistance. In 2013, the Planning Commission announced the merger of several CSSs, reducing the count to 66. These were further pruned to 27 following the report of a committee of CMs led by Shivrajsingh Chauhan recently. Do you know? Finance commission Article 280 of the Indian Constitution defines the scope and functions of the commission: The President will constitute a finance commission at the end of every fifth year or earlier, as the deemed necessary, which shall include a chairman and four other members. Article provides for, the President shall cause every recommendation made by the Finance Commission under the provisions of this Constitution together with an explanatory memorandum as to the action taken thereon to be laid before each House of Parliament Cabinet clears ₹3,466 crore dam improvement project Part of: Prelims and mains II – Governance and infrastructure In news The government has approved a 65% hike, and extended by two years, a project to improve the stability and working of dams in 11 States. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the Dam Rehabilitation Improvement Project (DRIP) project. Out of the ₹3,466 crore cleared, ₹2,628 crore would be funded by the World Bank and ₹747 crore by the States and Implementing Agencies (IAs), and the balance ₹91 crore by the Central Water Commission (CWC). Originally, the total cost of DRIP was scheduled closing on June 30, 2018. This has now been extended to June 2020. A dam safety Bill that sets directives on how the States and the Centre ought to have an institutional mechanism to better manage dams is still to be discussed in Parliament. Do you know? Dam Rehabilitation Improvement Project (DRIP) In April 2012, the Central Water Commission (CWC) under Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation with assistance from the World Bank, embarked upon the six year Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) at an estimated cost of Rs. 2100 crore. The project originally envisaged the rehabilitation and improvement of about 223 dams within four states namely, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu and later Karnataka, Uttarakhand (UNVNL) and Jharkhand (DVC) joined DRIP and total number of dams covered under DRIP increased to 250; due to the addition / deletion of dams during implementation by partner agencies, presently 223 dams are being rehabilitated. The project will also promote new technologies and improve Institutional capacities for dam safety evaluation and implementation at the Central and State levels and in some identified premier academic and research institutes of the Country. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3 Global economy and its impact on India Introduction There have been various economic crises in the past over which economists the world over have deliberated upon and have submitted their observations and analysis. The most notable crisis was that of the financial crisis of 2007. A look at the causes of the financial crisis of 2007 There were multiple causes to the crisis of 2007. Among them included; Global macroeconomic imbalances, A loose monetary policy system followed by the U.S., The housing bubble in the U.S. A misplaced belief in efficient markets, greedy bankers, and the existence of incompetent rating agencies. All of these factors played their part. However, a major causative factor for the implosion of the financial sector in 2007-08 was in the failure of regulation. The Failure of Regulation: Firstly, banks were allowed very high levels of debt in relation to equity capital. Secondly, banks in advanced economies moved away from the business of making loans to investing their funds instead in complex assets known as “securitised” assets. These securitised assets consisted of bundles of securities derived from sub-prime loans, i.e, housing loans of relatively higher risk. The switch which was made from loans to securitised assets had enormous implications for banks. It is important to note that with a loan, losses are recognised over time. As housing prices began falling and securitised assets lost value, it translated into enormous losses for the banks. As a consequence, these losses eroded bank capital and created panic among those who had lent funds to banks. The third element in the failure of regulation was allowing banks an excessive dependence on short-term funds. Besides this, there were other failures of regulation. These included: Banks had low standards for making housing loans. These were not confined only to the U.S. They were witnessed across banks in Europe and some in Asia as well. How did such a massive failure of regulation occur? Experts attribute this to two things a) ‘regulatory capture’ b) ‘revolving door’ syndrome. The term regulatory capture refers to the ability of financial institutions to influence policies of governments and regulators. These financial institutions are a big source of political funding. ‘Revolving door’ syndrome: This refers to the situation wherein we observe that bankers in the U.S. and Europe hop on to jobs in government and regulation. On the other hand, we also witness that government officials and regulators land lucrative jobs and assignments with banks. As a consequence of the ‘revolving door’, we witness havoc in matters concerning regulation. This also explains the lack of accountability of bankers for the havoc they created. No top banker has been prosecuted or jailed. As a matter of fact, banks have paid up massive fines for assorted violations- with the fines coming from the pockets of shareholders. The Indian Perspective: India hasn’t suffered much on account of the financial crisis. Although growth has slowed down to 7%, but these figures are in line with the trend rate over the past two decades. Many forward-looking policies have helped India. For example, she has not embraced full capital account convertibility. India has kept short-term foreign borrowings within stringent limits. Further, India did not open up to foreign banks despite pressure from the U.S. and the international agencies. In the wake of the crisis, foreign banks retreated from overseas markets- this caused a severe credit crunch in places such as Eastern Europe. India was insulated from this. Core Issues that need to be Addressed: Firstly, there has been a tradition wherein some banks, just by the virtue of them being large, are deemed to be such that they cannot be allowed to fail. This notion needs to be changed. The second aspect is the very size of debt itself in various forms in the world economy. As a matter of fact, the overhang of debt itself for the global economy as a whole, poses some serious challenges. The third aspect is that financial globalisation makes the world vulnerable to U.S. monetary and fiscal policy. Conclusion The present crisis in emerging economies highlights how vulnerable emerging markets are to the unpredictability of American economic policy. The world needs to be weaned away from its dependence on the dollar. An alternative global financial architecture is nowhere in sight. Economists are free to draw their lessons from financial crises but the world is ultimately shaped by political and business interests, not by economists. Connecting the dots: What were the reasons that Indian Economy survived the 2008 crisis, unhurt? Do you think that speedily falling currency values across the developing world is forecast of another global crisis? What is the probability, whether India will survive this crisis too? SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TOPIC: General Studies 3 Science and technology; Space research Celestial misfit: Debate on Pluto Introduction In the year, 2006 the International Astronomical Union (IAU) voted to remove Pluto’s planetary status. This decision ended years of debate on whether or not Pluto is a planet. The IAU, in 2006, designated Pluto as a ‘dwarf planet’. This designation was done along with Ceres in the asteroid belt and Xena, which is an object in the Kuiper belt. Some researchers are challenging the decision made by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in the year 2006. These researchers cite the manner in which scientific tradition has dealt with the taxonomy of planets. What is the Kuiper belt? The Kuiper belt is an icy ring of frozen objects that circle the solar system beyond Neptune’s orbit. The Kuiper Belt is a doughnut-shaped ring of icy objects around the Sun, extending just beyond the orbit of Neptune from about 30 to 55 AU. Short-period comets (which take less than 200 years to orbit the Sun) originate in the Kuiper Belt. Criteria for a celestial object to be called a planet: There are three conditions for a celestial object to be called a planet: It must orbit the Sun; It should be massive enough to acquire an approximately spherical shape; It has to ‘clear its orbit’, which means that the object that exerts the maximum gravitational pull within its orbit. Case of Pluto: Pluto is affected by Neptune’s gravity. Further, Pluto also shares its orbit with the frozen objects in the Kuiper belt. Based on this, the IAU deemed that Pluto did not ‘clear its orbit’. Dwarf planets, on the other hand, need only satisfy the first two conditions. A counter-narrative: The above rationale was questioned by Philip Metzger who is a planetary physicist. He and his team have come up with several exceptions to the third rule. In a paper published in the journal Icarus, they point out that the only work in history that used this rule to classify planets was an article by William Herschel in 1802. They further argue that this work was based on reasoning and observations that have since been disproved. Concluding Remarks: If Pluto were to be re-designated a planet, many more complications would arise. Charon, Pluto’s moon, is much too large to be called a satellite. Judging by this, the Charon-Pluto system should then rightly be called a binary planet system. This would then lead to classifying several other sets of bodies as binary planets. Recent research shows that both the Kuiper Belt and the Oort cloud, a shell of objects that surrounds the entire solar system far beyond the Kuiper belt, contain objects that can then be called planets, thereby complicating the issue. Denying planetary status to Pluto is then nothing less than a sweep of Occam’s razor, and Pluto remains a dwarf planet, albeit an exceptional one. Do you know? The Oort Cloud is essentially an extended shell of icy objects that exist in the outermost reaches of the solar system. It is a shell of objects that surrounds the entire solar system far beyond the Kuiper belt. This region of space is named after astronomer Jan Oort, who was the first who theorised its existence. The Oort Cloud is roughly spherical, and is thought to be the origin of most of the long-period comets that have been observed till date. Connecting the dots: What is the difference between a Planet and a Dwarf planet? What are the reasons behind declaring Pluto as dwarf planet? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Which article of Indian Constitution lays down that a Finance Commission (FC) should be constituted "...within two years from the commencement of this Constitution and thereafter at the expiration of every fifth year or at such earlier time as the President considers necessary..."? Article 180 (1) Article 280 (1) Article 380 (1) Article 80 (1) Q.2) Consider the following statements with reference to Finance Commission It is a quasi-judicial body. The chairman of the commission is not eligible for reappointment. The qualifications of the members of commission are not specified in the Constitution. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1,2 and 3 Q.3) China is bordered with which of the following countries? South Korea Afghanistan Vietnam Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.4) Which of the following is/are correctly matched? Radcliffe Line – India and Pakistan Durand Line – Afghanistan and Pakistan 38th Parallel – North Korea and South Korea Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Which of the following closely describes a Solar system? Sun and 9 planets Sun, 8 planets and satellites Sun, 8 planets, satellites and asteroids Sun, 8 planets, satellites, asteroids and meteoroids Q.6) One Astronomical Unit signifies Mean distance between Earth and Sun Mean distance between Earth and Moon Mean distance between Mercury and Pluto Mean distance between Venus and Earth MUST READ  Guilt by association and insinuation The Hindu Impatient move The Hindu Bringing data under the rule of law The Hindu New FPI norms: what Sebi is considering Indian Express The spy who wasn’t Indian Express For The Farmer’s Future Indian Express    Towards a Kuposhan Mukt Bharat Indian Express  The RCEP is a must for India LiveMint India’s ignored mental health challenge LiveMint What ails the Indian banking sector? LiveMint

Sep 21, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV - PIL Under Scrutiny

PIL Under Scrutiny Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Separation of powers between various organs , dispute redressal mechanisms and institution Structure, organization and functioning of Executive and Judiciary. In News: The Supreme Court of India on 10 September stated that Public Interest litigation are there for people who cannot afford to approach the courts. The SC also and dismissed a PIL filed by former Navy Chief Admiral Ramdas. According to media reports, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, who is slated to be the next Chief Justice of India, stated during the hearing that the Supreme Court is there to address everyone’s fears, but PILs are for the poor. Justice Gogoi was a part of the three-member bench including Justice Navin Sinha and Justice KM Joseph, which was hearing a PIL filed by former navy chief Admiral Ramdas. The bench reportedly dismissed the PIL stating that it was a case for the vigilance commissioner. PIL: Public Interest Litigation (PIL), means a legal action initiated in a court of law for the enforcement of public interest or general interest in which the public or class of the community have pecuniary interest or some interest by which their legal rights or liabilities are affected. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) can be filed in any High Court or directly in the Supreme Court. Public interest litigation (PIL) in India can serve as a vehicle for creating and enforcing rights and is critical to the sustenance of democracy. The PIL instrument serves to counter parliamentary inertia and governmental neglect. It has the effect of making judicial process little more democratic. Justice Bhagwati, in holding that social and economic conditions necessitate this model of standing, stated: “When a person or class of persons to whom legal injury is caused by violation of a fundamental right is unable to approach the Court for judicial redress on account of poverty or disability or socially or economically disadvantaged position, any member of the public acting bona fide can move the Court for relief under Article 32 ... so that the fundamental rights may become meaningful not only for the rich and the well-to do who have the means to approach the Court but also for the large masses of people who are living a life of want and destitution and who are by reasons of lack of awareness, assertiveness and resources unable to seek judicial redress.” Public Interest Litigation in India During the 1970s, a majority of Indians suffered from a severe lack of access to justice – Legal fees were prohibitively expensive to the extent that only the few could afford representation. Lack of education for many rural Indians meant that most people were unaware of their legal rights, and lawyers working on their behalf were few and far between. Compounding the dire situation of many of India's citizens, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi suspended elections and civil liberties in response to great political upheaval that threatened her premiership – Emergency Period. Many citizens were expecting the Supreme Court to intervene. The Court failed to do so and instead bend down to Indira Gandhi's autocratic tendencies. In fact the Court held in A.D.M. Jabalpur v. Shivakant Shukla, a severely criticized case, that certain fundamental rights, including the right to liberty, did not survive the executive's proclamation of emergency. DC Wadhwa vs State of Bihar AIR (1986), Supreme Court held that a petitioner, a professor of political science who had done substantial research and deeply interested in ensuring proper implementation of the constitutional provisions, challenged the practice followed by the state of Bihar in re-promulgating a number of ordinances without getting the approval of the legislature. The court held that the petitioner as a member of public has ‘sufficient interest’ to maintain a petition under Article 32. In the case of MC Mehta vs Union of India (1988) 1 SCC 471: In a Public Interest Litigation brought against Ganga water pollution so as to prevent any further pollution of Ganga water. Supreme Court held that petitioner although not a riparian owner is entitled to move the court for the enforcement of statutory provisions, as he is the person interested in protecting the lives of the people who make use of Ganga water. Shreya Singhal vs Union of India - The Landmark Sec. 66A Case:  In quashing Section 66A, in Shreya Singhal, the Supreme Court has not only given afresh lease of life to free speech in India, but has also performed its role as a constitutional court for Indians. Note: Amicus Curiae: Means “friend of the court”; used to assist in formulating a viewpoint and to make inquiries and reports in the PIL’s. Connecting the Dots: PIL serves a vital function in Indian democracy by redistributing justice and providing access to the courts. Comment. PIL is a weapon which has to be used with great care. Examine. Many times, a PIL becomes a 'Personal Interest Litigation.’ Do you agree? Discuss.

Sep 20, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 70]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 70] Archives Q.1) Which of the following statements regarding NASA’s Juno Spacecraft is/are correct? It is second spacecraft to orbit Uranus, after the Galileo probe. The previous mission had found evidence of subsurface saltwater on Uranus’s moons Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. Both (a) and (b) Neither (a) nor (b) Q.2) Consider the following statements about Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) It finds exoplanets that periodically block part of the light from their host stars It looks for dips in the visible light of stars, to determine the size of the exoplanet It is developed by European Space Agency (ESA) Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) ‘Nahargarh Biological Park’ is located in Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan Gujarat Maharashtra Q.4) ‘Kudumbashree’ is the women empowerment and poverty eradication program conceived by which of the following states? Kerala Tamil Nadu Karnataka Telangana Q.5) ‘Mangkhut Typhoon’ hot which of the following? Philippines Madagascar Florida, USA Malta To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Sep 20, 2018 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance: Book Review – The Sacred Wisdom of the Native Americans – Larry Zimmerman

The Sacred Wisdom of the Native Americans: Throughout the world, the indigenous population has suffered immense loss due to the rapid expanding modern landscape of reality. In this sense, modernization is both a boon and a curse. The merciless expansion of our horizons has pushed so many beautiful civilizations to go beneath the horizon, to never ever have the opportunity to surface again. The Native American story is probably the most painful story about the end of an era of people who called other animals their brothers and sisters. No other race will ever walk on this earth that has had such reverence for life all around it. In his book ‘The Sacred Wisdom of the Native Americans’ Larry Zimmerman explores the native American way of life. It is a beautiful textual and pictorial representation of the life of the Native American People. Once in a while it is important to take a break from our busy lifestyles to look at life from a new perspective. This book will help you to do just that. Immerse yourself in discovering a way of life that is so connected with nature, the pain of not being able to live that will trouble your soul. Explore this marvelous book to reconnect with nature, life and existence. Native American’s understand of life was so deep and mysterious that there is a lesson for every modern to learn from their experience of life. This book will surely transport you into a magical land; you would not wish to come back from.

Sep 19, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 19th September 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 19th September 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) India targets slight increase in 2018-19 foodgrain output Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Agriculture, food security In news: The Agriculture Ministry has set a foodgrain production target of 285.2 million tonnes for 2018-19, a marginal increase from the previous year’s harvest of 284.8 million tonnes. What is the expected increase? Pic: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.thehindu.com/business/agri-business/lucxno/article24980034.ece/alternates/FREE_615/TH19Foog%2520grainscol&source=gmail&ust=1537440276669000&usg=AFQjCNFAPaQz6CLPWOJCAXFWZ7Ja9jodBQ Issues and challenges Access to export markets in the case of high production In the years of normal monsoons and record harvests, prices of several commodities have crash, hurting many farmers. In case of government procurement, shortage of storage capacity. In States like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, there is no space left in the godowns. Steps taken by government The government has ramped up procurement of pulses and oilseeds in an effort to ensure that more farmers receive the minimum support price (MSP) for these crops even as the market rates fall. NAFED is holding 44 lakh tonnes of pulses, 57 lakh tonnes including oilseeds. Warehouse capacity is making some States consider the new Central scheme to pay oilseed farmers the cash differential between MSP and market prices. Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have expressed interest in opting for the scheme, which was approved by the Union Cabinet as part of a wider ₹15,053 crore procurement policy. ISRO to tap small cities for innovations Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and technology, Space research In news: ISRO launched a space technology incubation centre in Tripura capital Agartala. It is the first of six such centres planned nationally to build capacity in new locations. More such space research activities will be splashed in a big way across small cities to tap their talent and include them in the space footprint. Do you know? Incubation centre in Tripura capital Agartala will help in taking technology programmes to the remote northeast India. The space agency’s new Capacity Building Programme directorate will invest ₹2 crore in incubation facilities in Jalandhar, Bhubaneswar, Tiruchi, Nagpur and Indore. These are the locations that have a good presence of academia and industry but do not have activities related to space. Will help domestic industries to produce critical electronics items needed in space and other programmes, as 75% of it is now imported. Indian space market offers big opportunity to industry as it is estimated to grow to $1.6 billion by 2023. SEBI cuts expense ratio for MF schemes Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy In news: SEBI has broadly accepted the recommendations of the R. Khan Committee on Know-Your-Client (KYC) requirements for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), while lowering the Total Expense Ratio (TER) for open-ended equity schemes, thereby making it less expensive for investors to invest in mutual funds. SEBI has agreed to amend the circular [issued in April] and the new one is largely in line with Khan Committee recommendations. Do you know? Expense Ratio It is the annual fee charged by the mutual fund scheme to manage money on behalf of individuals. It covers the fund manager’s fee along with other expenses required to run the fund administration. Changes made by SEBI SEBI capped the total expense ratio (TER) for equity-oriented mutual fund schemes (close-ended and interval schemes) at 1.25% and for other schemes at 1%. However, it allowed an extra 30 basis points (bps) for selling in B-30 (beyond top 30) cities. One basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point. The TER cap for fund of funds will be 2.25% for equity-oriented schemes and 2% for other schemes. Additional expense The regulator has, however, allowed an additional expense ratio of 30 basis points for retail flows from beyond the top 30 cities. More importantly, the additional expense will not be allowed for flows from corporates and institutions. Laws managing losses in the Market The regulator has framed the SEBI (Settlement Proceedings) Regulations 2018 which bar offences that cause a marketwide impact, loss to investors or affects the integrity of the market, to be settled through the consent route. While serious offences like insider trading or front running can be settled through consent, the regulator has said that it would use a principle-based approach while deciding on such matters. The regulator will also not settle any proceedings wherein the applicant is a wilful defaulter or if an earlier application for the same offence has been rejected. Other Measures The board of the capital markets has also approved a framework for permitting foreign entities having an exposure in physical commodity market to hedge in the commodity derivatives segment. Sebi also reduced the time period for listing after an initial public offering to three days from six, freeing up locked investor funds faster. Significance The regulator is of the view that the lower expense ratio would lead to investors saving ₹1,300 crore to ₹1,500 crore in commissions. It will enhance returns for investors. However, the change in TER may impact profit margins of AMCs. Early listing and trading of shares will benefit both issuers and investors. Issuers will have faster access to the capital raised, thereby enhancing the ease of doing business and the investors will have early liquidity. New Akash missile gets green light Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Defence and security In news: Enhanced features The upgraded version will include the seeker technology and possess a 360-degree coverage, and will be of compact configuration. It is operationally critical equipment, which will provide protection to vital assets. The DAC also gave approval for the development of an individual under-water breathing apparatus for the T-90 tank. The apparatus is used by the tank crew for emergency escape. About Akash DRDO developed Akash as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme which was initiated in 1984. It is made by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Akash is a surface-to-air missile defense system Akash can fly at supersonic speeds, ranging from Mach 2.8 to 3.5 Akash has a range of 25 km and can engage multiple targets at a time in all-weather conditions. It has a large operational envelope, from 30 meter to a maximum of 20 km. Each regiment consists of six launchers, each having three missiles. Akash missile has an indigenous content of 96 per cent. UN Report: A child under 15 dies every 5 seconds around the world Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Health In news: According to the new mortality estimates released by UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Population Division and the World Bank Group, an estimated 6.3 million children under 15 years of age died in 2017, or 1 every 5 seconds, mostly of preventable causes. Statistics In 2017, 2.5 million newborns died in their first month while 5.4 million deaths — occur in the first five years of life, with newborns accounting for around half of the deaths. Globally, in 2017, half of all deaths under five years of age took place in sub-Saharan Africa, and another 30% in Southern Asia. Also, a baby born in sub-Saharan Africa or in South Asia was nine times more likely to die in the first month than a baby born in a high-income country The most risky period of child’s life is the first month. The estimates also said that the number of children dying under five has fallen dramatically from 12.6 million in 1990 to 5.4 million in 2017. The number of deaths in older children aged between 5 to 14 years dropped from 1.7 million to under a million in the same period. Disparities within countries Under-five mortality rates among children in rural areas are, on average, 50% higher than among children in urban areas. In addition, those born to uneducated mothers are more than twice more likely to die before turning five than those born to mothers with a secondary or higher education. Causes Most children under 5 die due to preventable or treatable causes such as complications during birth, pneumonia, diarrhea, neonatal sepsis and malaria. Among children between 5 and 14 years of age, injuries become a more prominent cause of death, especially from drowning and road traffic. Within this age group, regional differences exist, with the risk of dying for a child from sub-Saharan Africa 15 times higher than in Europe. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighbourhood Bilateral and multilateral agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Himalayan divide: India Nepal relationship Introduction Despite several attempts at a reset, ties between India and Nepal continue to be a cause for concern. The disconnect between the two governments was most visible at the seven-nation Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation military exercises that concluded recently. Why Nepal withdrew from military exercise? Officials from Nepal government said that they were upset with India’s “unilateral” announcement of the multilateral exercises during the BIMSTEC summit on August 30-31, without having formally proposed it to the host(Nepal was host). Even the contingent from Thailand did not join the counter-terror exercises because of lack of adequate notice. Concerns in India Nepal relations Nepal’s decision to join China for a 12-day Mt Everest Friendship Exercise, but refusing to participate in BIMSTEC military exercise, which is also focussed on anti-terrorism drills, drives the wedge in further. Despite New Delhi signalling its discomfiture with the volume of Chinese investment in hydropower and infrastructure and transport projects, Nepal went ahead recently and finalised an ambitious connectivity proposal. This connectivity agreement will eventually link Kathmandu to Shigatse by rail; this will give Nepali goods access to Chinese sea-ports at Tianjin, Shenzhen, Lianyungang and Zhanjiang, and land ports in Lanzhou, Lhasa and Shigatse. Much of Nepal's bitterness draws from the past. India is still blamed for the 2015 economic blockade against Nepal. It is also held responsible for attempts to destabilise Mr. Oli’s previous tenure as Prime Minister during 2015-2016. Way forward New Delhi cannot turn a blind eye to these negative developments, and must address them. New Delhi and Kathmandu must put an end to the unseemly controversy by renewing diplomatic efforts over the issue. India and Nepal don’t just share an open border; they have shared the deepest military links, with both countries traditionally awarding each other’s Army chiefs the honorary rank of General. Such unique ties must not be undermined due to lack of communication. India must fix its lines of communication with Nepal and arrest the drift in ties. At such a time, the Army chief’s statement on BIMSTEC, that “geography” will ensure that countries like Bhutan and Nepal “cannot delink themselves” from India, could have been avoided; such comments unnerve India’s smaller neighbours and are misleading. Modern technology and connectivity projects could well take away geography’s role as a guarantor of good relations. Connecting the dots: India’s neighbourhood first policy has more failures in its account than successes. Do you agree? NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Constitution: Directive Principle Governance and issues related to it The progressive way Introduction In a consultation paper released recently, the Law Commission of India has boldly said that a uniform civil code (UCC) is neither feasible nor necessary at this stage. There is a consensus that the state is not the only source of law. History has many instances of pluralistic legal systems where multiple sources of law existed. The Law Commission has rightly recognised the plurality of diverse personal laws and proposed internal reforms in personal laws to make them compatible with the constitutional provisions of equality and non-discrimination. Debate on UCC In the Constituent Assembly, there was division on the issue of putting a UCC in the fundamental rights chapter. The sub-committee on this was so sharply divided that the matter was eventually settled by vote. It finally held that the provision was outside the scope of fundamental rights and thus non-justiciable. We need to appreciate the distinction between justiciable and non-justiciable rights. R. Ambedkar explicitly said in the Assembly, “No government can use its provisions in a way that would force the Muslims to revolt. If a government acts thus [imposing a common civil code], such a government would be insane in my opinion.” In ABC v. State (2015), SC observed: “Our Directive Principles envision the existence of a uniform civil code, but this remains an unaddressed constitutional expectation.” Here, the court was not dealing with some religious or personal law but with a statutory provision of the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890. Thus the reference to a UCC was unwarranted. In Sarla Mudgal (2015), the Supreme Court made observations that those who stayed back after Partition knew that India believes in one nation and therefore no community can claim separate religious laws. Loyalty to the nation and uniformity in laws are not related to each other. Preserving legal diversity We need to appreciate that in Article 44, the framers of the Constitution have used the term ‘uniform’ and not ‘common’ because ‘common’ means one and same in all circumstances whatsoever and ‘uniform’ means ‘same in similar conditions’. It is an erroneous perception that we have different personal laws because of religious diversity. As a matter of fact, the law differs from region to region. It seems the framers of the Constitution did not intend total uniformity in the sense of one law for the whole country because ‘personal laws’ were included in the Concurrent List, with power to legislate being given to Parliament and State Assemblies. Preservation of legal diversity seems to be the reason of inclusion of Personal Law in the Concurrent list. The Law Commission has given due weightage to this diversity. It is a myth that we have uniform criminal laws. States have made amendments to the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. For example, Punjab recently introduced Section 295AA to the IPC — life term in all sacrilege cases. Another myth is that Hindus are governed by one homogenous law after the enactment of the Hindu Code Bill. It is also true of Muslims and Christians. The Constitution itself protects the local customs of Nagaland. It is repeatedly mentioned that Goa already has a uniform code. But Hindus there are still governed by the Portuguese Family and Succession Laws. The reformed Hindu Law of 1955-56 is still not applicable to them. In the case of Muslims, the Shariat Act 1937 has not been extended to Goa. Thus they are governed by Portuguese and Shastric Hindu law, and not by Muslim personal law. The Special Marriage Act (a progressive civil code) has not been extended to Goa. Even in Jammu and Kashmir, local Hindu law statutes do differ with the Central enactments. The Shariat Act is also not applicable and Muslims continue to be governed by customary law which is at variance with the Muslim personal law in the rest of the country. Forgotten issues It is distressing that no one talks about the non-implementation of other Directive Principles which are far more important than the enactment of a uniform code. Some of those important Directive Principles are, the right to work, living wages, distribution of community resources to sub-serve the common good, avoidance of concentration of wealth in few hands and the protection of monuments. Conclusion Amendments to a community’s personal law with a view to bringing about changes for its betterment is one thing; but to tinker with the enactment with the sole purpose of introducing ‘uniformity’ is quite another. Just laws are far more important than uniform law. Gradual reforms should be the way forward. Connecting the dots: Uniform civil code neither necessary nor desirable at this stage; critically comment on the Law panel's statement. (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) Khan Committee deals with - ‘One State-one vote’ BCCI should be represented by every State and Union Territory. No full membership to associations with no state entity. Foreign portfolio investors Q.2) Foreign exchange reserves of India are managed by SEBI Ministry of Finance Ministry of Commerce and Industry None of the above Q.3) Which among the following is/are Financial Regulator in the Indian Financial Market? NABARD SEBI SIDBI All of the above Q.4) Akash Missile was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Akash Missile? It is a medium range air to air missile. It can simultaneously engage multiple targets in all weather conditions It uses high energy solid propellant as the booster. Select the code from following: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) India has successfully test fired its surface to air missile ‘Akash’. Consider the following statements regarding Akash: It is the first surface to air missile with indigenous seeker that has been test fired. It has been developed by DRDO It has a strike range of about 25km and carries fragmentation warhead. Which of the above statements are correct? 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above MUST READ   Ten years on, in uncharted waters The Hindu ‘India’s challenge will be fighting non-communicable diseases’ The Hindu  Celestial misfit The Hindu Explained: Why Bank of Baroda, Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank are being merged Indian Express How India plans to address cooling needs Indian Express  The new corruption Indian Express    Dismantling the public university Indian Express  Plate to Plough: Drowning in sweetness Indian Express

Sep 19, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 69]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 69] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) It is part of the World Bank Group It was established in 1966 by the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States. India is not a member of the ICSID Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) The Draft ‘India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP)’ is released by International Energy Agency (IEA) The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) The Ozone Cell of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to Minimum Import Price (MIP) It is a form of quantitative restriction not seen as compliant with the WTO norms It can be seen as government’s policy of promoting domestic industry Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Which of the following statements with respect to ‘invasive species’ is/are correct? It can cause decline or extinction of a native species They have high reproduction rates Both (a) and (b) Neither (a) nor (b) Q.5) ‘Pension Adalats’ are organised by Ministry of Commerce and Industry Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Ministry of Corporate Affairs NITI Aayog To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Sep 18, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 18th September 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 18th September 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Public sector banking reforms: Unification of state-owned banks Part of: Prelims and mains GS III- Indian economy; Banking In news Public sector banking reforms The Centre proposed the unification of state-owned banks - Bank of Baroda, Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank - to create India’s third largest bank. Merger to provide total business of more than ₹14.82 trillion. After getting in-principle approval, the banks will take steps in accordance with the law and SEBI requirements. The final scheme will be notified by the Central government in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India. The merger will be based purely on commercial considerations. Why was the decision taken? India aspiring to be the fastest growing economy has to be supported by stronger and globally competitive banks with increased choices to the stakeholders. Dena Bank has been placed under the prompt corrective action framework (It is in a bad shape with higher NPAs, higher cost to income and falling profitability). So the idea is to merge the weaker bank with stronger bank (BoB and Vijaya Bank) so that it would be a strong competitive bank with economies of scale. The entity would also be positioned for substantial rise in customer base, market reach and operational efficiency. The amalgamation is aimed at catering the massive credit requirements of the growing economy, and cutting costs as well as dependence on the government for capital infusion in the longer term. Do you know? The proposal of fewer but stronger state-run lenders was originally mooted in 1991. Narasimhan report on banking reforms had recommended merger of public sector banks to make them stronger It had envisaged a three-tier banking structure with three large banks with international presence at the top, eight to 10 national banks at tier two, and a large number of regional and local banks at the bottom. Machines will rule workplace by 2025: “The Future of Jobs 2018” report by WEF Part of: Prelims and mains GS III- Indian economy; Employment In news “The Future of Jobs 2018” report by WEF predicts that the rise of robotics will result in machines performing more tasks on the job than humans by 2025. The trend could displace 75 million jobs globally by 2022. The report surveyed executives from different industries around the world, aiming to get a look at how new technologies, like artificial intelligence, will affect the global labor force. Pic: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/jx4v0t/article24970905.ece/alternates/FREE_615/th18machinescol Details of the report In 2018, humans performed an average of 71% of total task hours across the 12 industries spanning manufacturing, services and high tech. By 2025, that will drop to just 48%, according to the WEF. Machines will perform the remaining 52%. Globally, almost half of all companies expect automation to cut their full-time workforce in the next four years; However, new jobs will still lead to a net gain in employment opportunities if sufficient reskilling is done. In India, 54% of employees in these sectors will need reskilling by 2022 Of this 35% would need at least six months’ worth of reskilling, 10% would need more than a year of training in order to meet the demands of the new economy Significance Roles that rely on human skills, like sales, marketing and scientific-based positions, will likely see an increase in demand. The report calls on businesses and government leaders around the world to create a support system for their employees and ensure a smooth transition as the workforce evolves. Fluoride contamination in Odisha Part of: Prelims and mains GS II and  GS III- Health, Environment and Pollution In news School Children in Odisha’s Nuapada district are facing the brunt of Flouride Contamination with potable water sources in as many as 54 schools and anganwadi premises testing for fluoride presence beyond permissible limits. Laboratory tests found 5.25 mg per litre fluoride content in water. Consumption of water having fluoride content above 1.5 mg per litre is considered dangerous to health. In 2018-19, drinking water sources in eight schools in Nayagarh, seven in Balangir and eight in Kalahandi districts were found to be fluoride contaminated. Health Issues Prolonged consumption of fluoride-contaminated water leads to dental and skeletal fluorosis. Mottled Teeth and crippled backbone and limbs are manifestation of the disease. Bones in children are in formation stage while fluoride tends to damage bones. Maharashtra to set up cyber varsity Part of: Prelims and Mains GS III- Technology, Security issues: cyber security In news The Maharashtra Government has taken the first step towards setting up a varsity dedicated to mitigating cyber threats. It has set aside 80 crore for the first round of its funding. What was the need? A 2015 skill gap analysis for Maharashtra by the consultancy firm KPMG had pointed to a gap of 1.5 crore professionals in 10 sectors. Of these, there was a greater shortfall in the IoT and Cyber Forensics sectors. The new varsity will bridge this skill gap The current supply of cyber professionals in the country is about a lakh while the demand hovers around 30 lakh. A cyber-attack is taking place every 10 minutes as opposed to 12 minutes previously. The varsity will remedy this. Details The new Cyber University will train 3,000 professionals to fight online space cyber-attacks, internet crimes, and conduct cyber forensics. It will also impart training in 15 other Internet of Things (IoT) areas such as Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The government will provide different levels of training and enable affiliated colleges to impart certification for the 15 courses. The State will also supply infrastructure for training and education. Cost of courses The varsity will provide for and prepare internet professionals on the lines of the Microsoft Certified Professional Program. The courses will cost less than 5 lakh for courses in data analytics, cloud computing, blockchain, AI, cyber forensics and cyber investigations. Background Maharashtra is already in the process of setting up its version of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team to ward off external cyber threats. In 2016, the State had even appointed a consortium of M/s C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) and Railtel Corporation of India for the 838-crore project. The consortium in its analysis used the same technology as GARUDA, India’s national grid computing initiative, and the Graphics and Intelligence Based Script Technology. Do you know? GARUDA (Global Access to Resource Using Distributed Architecture) GARUDA initiative is a collaboration of the Scientific, Engineering and Academic Community to carry-out research and experimentation on a nationwide grid of computational nodes, mass storage that aims to provide the distributed data and compute intensive High Performance Computing solutions for the 21st century. It will deploy a distributed networked infrastructure for universities, research labs, industry and government throughout India. Department of Information Technology (DIT) has funded the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to deploy the nation-wide computational grid, GARUDA. It connects 45 institutions across 17 cities, with an aim to bring Grid computing to research labs, industries and academic institutions. GARUDA is part of the National Knowledge Network (NKN), an initiative to build a high-speed national network backbone with reliable quality of service (QoS) and security. Read more on: GARUDA India calling: 5G networks may be in place by 2020 Part of: Prelims and mains GS III – Economy and technology In news Having missed the bus for early adoption of latest technologies in the past, India — one of the fastest growing telecom markets in the world — is pushing for a timely roll-out of 5G technology in the country. The Indian government is aiming to commercially introduce 5G services in the country by the end of 2020, almost in line with rest of the world. The steering committee has recommended that the 5G spectrum allocation policy should be announced by the end of this year. The high-level panel has recommended that 5G programmes be also funded by the government. What is 5G? 5G is the next generation of mobile Internet connectivity that would offer much faster and more reliable networks, which would form the backbone for the emerging era of Internet of Things (IoT). Previous generations of mobile networks addressed consumers predominantly for voice and SMS in 2G, web browsing in 3G and higher speed data and video streaming in 4G. The transition from 4G to 5G will serve both consumers and multiple industries. Globally, over 150 pre-commercial 5G trials are under way around the world, including South Korea, China and the U.S., 5G trials are yet to begin in India. Challenges ahead Coverage in rural areas remains a challenge. Disrupting industries: Once commercialised, 5G is expected to disrupt not only telecom but other industries as well as. 5G is expected to see use beyond delivery of services just on “personal phone platforms.” It will also connect new devices to support a much larger range of applications and services. This comes at a time when the industry continues to reel under financial stress, weighed down by high debt. Advantages Next generation mobile Internet connectivity will offer faster, more reliable networks that will form the backbone for era of IoT. The next generation network will see usage in key government projects such as smart cities and Digital India, besides other business-to-business applications. Consumption in terms of using IoT (Internet of Things) devices such as connected refrigerators etc. It would enable revenue opportunity for Indian telecom operators by 2026. The largest opportunity would be seen in sectors like manufacturing, energy and utilities followed by public safety and health sectors. Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS): Smart fencing will end infiltration Part of: Prelims and mains GS III- Security and border management In news Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the first phase of hi-tech ‘smart fencing’ of 11 km stretch on the International Border (IB) in Jammu. CIBMS would provide for round-the-clock laser-guided surveillance of the borders. The smart fencing project will initially be implemented to cover gaps in the physical fencing. Eventually, this technology will be implemented across the entire border, The smart fencing is a web of surveillance, communication and data storage devices. It will enable surveillance during difficult weather conditions and reduce the need for physical patrolling of the borders. It will rely on thermal imaging, infra-red and laser-based intruder alarms to stop infiltration. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1 Role of women and women’s organization Social empowerment The power of Kudumbashree: A case study on Women participation Introduction: In the month of August 2018, Kerala faced the worst disaster in a century. Now, long and tedious process of relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction process is going on. There are many heroic stories coming to surface about how people are contributing to rebuild Kerala. One of them is of contribution of Kudumbashree. What Kudumbashree is doing in disaster relief? Kumari had contracted leptospirosis while doing relief work in Kerala after the floods, away from her own home which had not been affected. She was a health volunteer and prominent member of the Kudumbashree Mission. Volunteers Zarina and Sudha said: “We saw mounds of foul-smelling black mud piled outside the houses blocking the entrances and, in some cases, partially covering the houses. There were dead animals too..... We knew we could fall ill or be stung by poisonous insects or snakes, but we were not afraid. Tribal women and members of Kudumbashree from nearby areas also joined us.” Like Kumari, Zarina and Sudha, around 4,00,000 women of Kudumbashree self-mobilised across the State to do relief work. The Kudumbashree State Mission estimates that Kudumbashree groups cleaned up 11,300 public places and two lakh houses. They provided counselling and information assistance as well as shelter to families. They also donated Rs. 7.4 crore to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. This scale of voluntary relief work by women is quite unprecedented by any standard. United in relief work The attention is necessary not just to accord women relief helpers like Kumari recognition and appreciation, but also to understand how such an enormous, effective and well-planned intervention could be made across the State by women through their own initiatives. Women from working class families, women from the lower middle class and middle class, Muslim women and Dalit women were present. They were a microcosm of the 2.43 lakh groups functioning across the State. Within a day or two of the deluge, the Kudumbashree members started contacting each other to discuss what they should do. They divided themselves into squads of five to six members and started relief work. They were helped by the district coordination team of five women, who were on deputation to the Kudumbashree Mission from the government. Within a short span of time, there were 7,000 women volunteers engaged in various tasks. When the situation in their district improved, some of them set out to neighbouring districts to help. Many of these women have family responsibilities, but they convinced their families of the urgency of the work at hand and set off with all the equipment required for cleaning which they themselves had collected through sponsorships. A unique model Started in 1998, it was envisioned as a part of the People’s Plan Campaign and local self-governance, with women at the centre of it. In its conceptualisation, it was markedly different from the self-help group (SHG) movements in many parts of India. While the commonality with other States was in the thrift and credit activities at the grassroots level through the formations of saving groups, the structures differed. Kudumbashree has a three-tier structure. The first is the basic unit — the neighbourhood groups (NGs). There could be several such units within a ward and they are networked through the area development societies (ADS). All ADSs are federated through the community development societies (CDS). There are core committees of elected coordinators at all three levels. Each Kudumbashree member has a vote. Direct elections for the NG coordinators are held every three years. These people, in turn, elect the coordinators of the ADS who elect the members of the CDS. A majority of the members of the coordinator groups have to belong to women below the poverty line or from comparatively poorer sections. There is reservation for Dalit and Adivasi women. At the district and State levels, employees/officers of the government are appointed on deputation to help the Kudumbashree groups. Thus, there is a socially representative leadership. This secular composition acts as a facilitator for the secularisation of public spaces. The micro-enterprises undertaken by the women NGs in Kerala also strengthen community bonds. These include organic vegetable growing, poultry and dairy, catering and tailoring. The concepts and practices have expanded over the years. Today the community farms run by Kudumbashree groups are acknowledged as a critical avenue for the rejuvenation of agricultural production in Kerala. Kudumbashree training courses are quite comprehensive and include women’s rights, knowledge of constitutional and legal provisions, training in banking practices, and training in skills to set up micro-enterprises. The Kudumbashree groups are therefore often seen as a threat by those who would like women to adhere to socially conformist roles. Conclusion: In a modern democratic India, women are still suffering to prove their existence and abilities. This case study is a proof that women are equal half in pair of human. They can significantly contribute to the society as well as economy. This model of Kudumbashree can be implemented across India, if it is done with the same secular and gender-sensitive spirit. Connecting the dots: Historically, be it the disaster of world war or floods of Kerala, time and again women proved their abilities. Critically comment in context of role of women in modern society and economy. Note: Story of Kumari, Zarina and sudha, or story of Kudumbashree can be used in Essay as well as examples in ethics (Humanitarian behaviour in the event of crisis). AGRICULTURE TOPIC: General Studies 3 Biodiversity, Environment and Climate change Agriculture and related issues Transforming agriculture Introduction India is signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity. As four of the 35 biodiversity hotspots are located in India, it is biodiversity-rich. However, climate change and development without consideration for biodiversity are leading to loss of biodiversity. Some of the issues India gave the world crops such as rice, chickpea, pigeon pea, mango and eggplant. Most keepers of these crops genetic diversity are smallholder farmers, including women. With the focus on policies that cater to market demands, its reservoir of indigenous traditional crops has dwindled. Man-animal conflicts in the fringes of Protected Areas or animal corridors Conflicts over unsustainable procurement of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have been contentious, especially in Odisha and Uttarakhand. Green Agriculture project and its significance India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) recognises the importance of biodiversity for inclusive development. The Green Agriculture project implemented by the Indian government and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) takes a novel approach to support the NBAP and synergise biodiversity conservation, agriculture production and development. It is being implemented in five landscapes adjoining Protected Areas/Biosphere Reserves: Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. It envisages a transformation in Indian agriculture for global environmental benefits by addressing land degradation, climate change mitigation, sustainable forest management, and biodiversity conservation. The approach will be to strengthen their role as agrodiversity guardians by developing value chains for their indigenous crops such as traditional rice varieties in Odisha. Way forward A participatory and landscape approach can ensure sustainability of conservation efforts. Keeping the focus on initiatives for sustainable NTFP harvest, eradication of invasive alien species, and mitigation of wildlife conflicts is essential. Biodiversity conservation is a part of traditional wisdom. Examples include the Orans of Rajasthan and the village safety and supply reserves in Mizoram. Traditional farming systems such as jhum encouraged crop diversity. However, climate change and shortened fallow cycles are undermining jhum cultivation sustainability. The landscape approach will aim to restore traditional knowledge systems, such as the conservation of common property resources. Participatory learning tools will encourage farmers to adopt more sustainable indigenous soil conservation. Conclusion Environmental concerns are inadequately reflected in the development rhetoric. Thus, projects such as Green Agriculture are essential in equipping decision-makers with the necessary instruments to design effective and informed policies to underpin environmental concerns. Connecting the dots: Write a brief note on Green Agriculture project and India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP). (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) Narasimham Committee is associated with Banking Reforms Labour Reforms Taxation Extradition Q.2) Which one of the following is a major effect of long term consumption of drinking water containing little(less than 0.5 ppm) or no fluoride? Cavity of tooth Erosion of nail Deformation of bone Mottling of tooth Q.3) Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? Arsenic Fluoride Formaldehyde Sorbitol Uranium Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 1 and 2 only 2, 4 and 5 only 1, 2 and 5 only 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 MUST READ  2+2 is less than the sum of its parts? The Hindu Himalayan divide: on the drift in India-Nepal ties The Hindu Saving rivers The Hindu The progressive way The Hindu No land’s people The Hindu  Rupee in a global world Indian Express   Terrorised By Law Indian Express  Plate to Plough: Drowning in sweetness Indian Express  Raja Mandala: Two discourses on strategic autonomy Indian Express

Sep 18, 2018 Important Articles

TLP PHASE 2 UPSC MAINS 2018- COMPILATION

Hello Friends,  Here we present the compilation of TLP Mains 2018-Phase 2. Hope you find it useful :) UPSC GS PAPER 1 UPSC GS PAPER 2 UPSC GS PAPER 3 UPSC GS PAPER 4 UPSC GS CURRENT AFFAIRS You can also download Phase 1- Mains 2018 Compilation- Click Here

Sep 18, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 68]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 68] Archives Q.1) Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to Eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers Rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood Release the sex workers form their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood Release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them Q.2) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 None of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘EyeROV TUNA’ It is India's first underwater robotic drone It is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation. Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Boko Haram, an extremist group often in news is based in? Iraq Nigeria Lebanon Syria Q.5) ‘Mt Everest Friendship Exercise’ is held between India and Nepal Bhutan and Nepal Nepal and China BIMSTEC Members To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba