Nov 22, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 114]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 114] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements The epistemology of Vaiśeṣika school of Hinduism accepted only two reliable means to knowledge - perception and inference Samkhya is the ancient school of Indian materialism Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) ‘Green Growth Equity Fund’ is a joint fund between BRICS Countries Quad Countries Member of International Solar Alliance None of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) It is an intergovernmental, binding, permanent framework and a structured process to gradually deepen defence cooperation within European Union framework It is formed to counter the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) 'Project C.A.T’ is A trap-neuter-return initiative for community cats in Mumbai A project aimed at conserving the wild tiger population, by Discovery Communications and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) A concept for a unmanned single-stage reusable spaceplane capable of horizontal take-off and landing by HAL None of the above Q.5) ‘Aghanashini Lion Tailed Macaque Conservation Reserve’ is located in Kerala Karnataka Tamil Nadu Goa To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Nov 22, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 21st November 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 21st November 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Impact of demonetization on famers  Part of: GS Mains III – Indian Economy and issues related to it; Social/Welfare issue In news: According to a report submitted by the Union Agriculture Ministry to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance – Farmers were badly hit by demonetization, as many were unable to buy seeds without enough money. Demonetisation came at a time when farmers were engaged in either selling their Kharif crops or sowing the Rabi crops. Both these operations needed huge amounts of cash, which demonetisation removed from the market. Even bigger landlords faced a problem such as paying daily wages to the farmers and purchasing agriculture needs for growing crops. India, Russia to build stealth frigates Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – India and the world; International Relations; Defence deal In news: Goa Shipyard Ltd. signs ₹500 mn deal with Russia’s Rosoboronexport to locally manufacture two stealth frigates with technology transfer. While the ships are built by Russia, the engines are supplied by Zorya Nashproekt of Ukraine. Do you know? In October 2016, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for four Krivak or Talwar stealth frigates — two to be procured directly from Russia and two to be built by GSL. Of late, GSL has maintained a good track record. It has delivered 28 ships ahead of schedule in the past four years. India recently signed a $1 bn deal with Russia for direct purchase of two frigates. The basic structures of the two frigates are already ready at the Yantar shipyard in Russia and will be finished now. Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana or “Saubhagya” scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Government schemes and Policies; Rural development In news: International Energy Agency finds India's rural electrification one of the greatest success stories this year. Saubhagya Scheme aims to achieve universal household electrification in all parts of the country. The scheme primarily benefits rural areas, which have vast majority of households without power connections. The beneficiaries for free electricity connection would be identified using Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. The expected outcome of the Scheme is as follows: Environmental upgradation by substitution of Kerosene for lighting purposes Improvement education services Better health services Enhanced connectivity through radio, television, mobiles, etc. Increased economic activities and jobs Improved quality of life especially for women Persons in news: Justice Kuldip Singh Award to former Supreme Court Judge Vikramjit Sen In news: Former Supreme Court Judge Vikramjit Sen was awarded Justice Kuldip Singh Award by Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu. The award was given to Sen during the 104th birth anniversary celebrations of former Supreme Court Justice Judge V.R. Krishna Iyer. Do you know? Justice Iyer (former Supreme Court Judge) had also served as a Cabinet Minister in the first Communist government led by E.M.S Namboodiripad in Kerala. Miscellaneous: Bhudhaar scheme – Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched ‘Bhudhaar’, which will consist of an 11-digit unique figure aimed at enabling easy identification of details of the land parcel. 33% reservation for women – Odisha House passes 33% reservation for women in Legislative Assemblies and Parliament. India and Vietnam ties – India and Vietnam to launch their first “Bilateral Maritime Security Dialogue”. Both the countries “share a vision for the Indo-Pacific”. (MAINS FOCUS) HISTORY/NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 1 History of the world and India: World war I Indian economy: Industrialization World War I: a turning point for the Indian economy Introduction The centenary celebration of the end of World War I has mostly focused on its political impact on India and the world. Less attention has been lavished on the economic impact of the conflagration. World War I ended the first era of globalization. Political impacts of World War I Some of the political impacts were; the implosion of multinational empires that led to the creation of new ethnic nations in Europe, as well as the communist capture of power in Russia. In India, the return of Punjabi soldiers after the end of the war also galvanised political activity against colonial rule in that province, which became the spark for wider protests. Economic impacts of World War I World War I also proved to be a turning point for the Indian economy. The economic historian Tirthankar Roy has explained in his work how the British engagement in World War I had a complicated impact on India. There was a sharp increase in demand for Indian goods in Britain as production capabilities in Britain itself were diverted to the war effort. However, the disruption in shipping lanes because of the war also meant that Indian industry faced dislocations because of the shortage of inputs that were earlier imported from Britain and Germany. There was excess demand as well as supply bottlenecks. Another result was inflation. Industrial prices nearly doubled in the six years after 1914. Accelerating prices benefitted Indian industry, as was also the case during World War II a few decades later. Farm prices rose as well, but at a slower pace than industrial prices. The internal terms of trade moved against agriculture. This trend continued for most of the next few decades, and especially during the collapse in global commodity prices during the Great Depression. The rapid rise in industrial prices as well as improving internal terms of trade for Indian industry benefitted industrial enterprises. Shift in British Policy towards India The war years also saw a shift in colonial policy away from laissez faire to a more interventionist approach—a shift that had a profound effect on the subsequent policy framework. There were two primary forces driving this shift. First, the British realised that their most important colony needed strategic industrial depth if it had to be successfully held during disruptions such as a world war. Second, the long nationalist campaign for the state to support Indian industrialization began to bear fruit. The colonial state finally accepted the need for a specific policy framework to support industrial investment in India. Indian Industrial Report 1918 In March 1916, Ibrahim Rahimtoola proposed in the Imperial Legislative Council that a committee should be appointed to examine what policies were needed to promote industrial development in India. The Viceroy accepted the proposal. There were four Indian members in the group that wrote the Indian Industrial Report that was made public in 1918, or 100 years ago. These Indian members were Fazulbhoy Currimbhoy, R.N. Mookerjee, D.J. Tata and Madan Mohan Malaviya. Key Points of the report The Indian Industrial Report recognised the need of state support for industrial growth. It did not include the original demand by Rahimtoola that the power to impose import, export and excise duties to promote domestic industrial investment should be shifted from London to New Delhi. Fiscal autonomy was rejected. The conclusion of the report was: “A powerful and well-directed stimulus is needed to start the economic development of India along the path of progress. Such a stimulus can only be supplied by an organised system of technical, financial and administrative assistance.” The dissent note More powerful than the official report itself was the scholarly dissent note written by Malaviya. He marshalled data from Indian economic history as well as the recent experience of late industrializers such as Germany and Japan to argue for a more meaningful government support for Indian industrial growth. This was at a time when mainstream Indian nationalism was enthusiastic about rapid industrialisation, and a few years before the Gandhian idea of village self-sufficiency took hold of the public imagination. The dissent note written by Malaviya is a treat to read even 100 years later. His protest was not wasted. The next few years after 1918 would see the setting up of a Fiscal Commission to provide some element of fiscal autonomy for India as well as a Tariffs Commission that would offer temporary protection for a handful of industries that had been carefully identified based on the comparative advantage. Conclusion What happened in the six years after 1914 had an impact over the longer term. The extraordinary profits earned during World War I provided the initial capital for several Indian industrial groups that would become dominant in the years to independence. The acceptance of state support for industrial development should be seen as the precursor of the more structured calls for national planning from political leaders as diverse as Jawaharlal Nehru, B.R. Ambedkar, V.D. Savarkar and Subhas Chandra Bose. Connecting the dots: What were the social, economic and political impacts of the World War I on India? Examine briefly. NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 and 3 Social justice and empowerment of vulnerable sections of the society Inclusive growth Issues related to employment Quota math: on Maharashtra's Maratha reservation proposal Introduction The Maharashtra Cabinet has cleared the proposal to grant reservation to Marathas, though it is yet to be passed in the State Assembly. Rationale behind reservation According to the cabinet the decision is in line with the recommendations of a State Backward Class Commission (SBCC) report which is yet to be made public. According to the cabinet, the SBCC report recommends reserving seats for Marathas under a new, separate Socially and Educationally Backward Class category as Marathas are socially and educationally backward, with minuscule representation in government services, and the State is liable to take action considering the “extraordinary and exceptional conditions”. Is this reservation justified? Earlier also in 2014, a move to reserve 16% of seats in government jobs and educational institution was stayed by the Bombay High Court. Creating a separate category now would increase the overall quota beyond the 50% limit set by Supreme Court. According to critics the Cabinet’s decision is not for socio -economic reason but as a political exigency. The SBCC’s findings that a significant proportion of Marathas constitute a socially and educationally backward class do not match with available data. Like the Jats in Rajasthan and Patels in Gujarat, Marathas enjoy a socio-economic status similar to that of the forward classes (and castes) in Maharashtra. There is no reason to argue that Marathas face any social stigma that calls for affirmative action. Thus their demand for reservations is only to avail welfare benefits. Dominant communities only ask for reservation because they are unable to move up the economic ladder and don’t have adequate employment opportunities amid a sluggish agrarian economy. Conclusion As judicial scrutiny is bound to be brought to bear on the government’s decision, it will be well-advised to look at measures to alleviate the State’s prolonged agrarian distress and the lack of adequate jobs, problems that affect all sections of society. Connecting the dots: What was the motive behind reservation policy designed by makers of the constitution? Critically examine the rising demands of reservation from forward classes. (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) Dongria Kondh tribe are indigenous community located in - Odisha Andhra Pradesh West Bengal Telangana Q.2) ‘Saubhagya Web Portal’ has been launched by government of India to track Gas connections in rural and urban households Electrification of rural and urban households Domestic violence in urban areas Swachch Bharat Abhiyan Q.3) Consider the following statement about VINBAX VINBAX is joint military exercise between India and Vietnam. VINBAX will be the first Bilateral Maritime Security Dialogue. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements about Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana –“Saubhagya” Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) is the nodal agency for the operationalisation of the scheme. Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) have been subsumed under the ‘Saubhagya’ scheme. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) 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 MUST READ  Make it the Indian way: Why the country must adapt to additive technologies The Hindu  Amid institutional decline The Hindu  Pollution is now a political subject, that's its big success: TERI chief Ajay Mathur The Hindu  Urban Only In Name Indian Express  Reconciliation, above all Indian Express

Nov 21, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 113]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 113] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Ease of Doing Business Grand Challenge’ The objective of this challenge is to invite innovative ideas based on cutting edge technology to reform Government processes. The platform for the Grand Challenge is the Startup India Portal. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to a ‘Decision Support System (DSS)’ It is a computer programme that helps in making sound rational decisions using mathematical programming and operation research techniques. It can be used for effective implementation of government schemes Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Capital Adequacy ratio (CAR)’ It measures a bank's capital in relation to its risk-weighted assets. CAR of 9% is prescribed under the Basel III norms Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Which of the following are examples of ‘slash and burn’ agriculture? Conuco Roca Masole Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) The term ‘Economic Capital Framework (ECF)’ was in news recently in the context of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ease of Doing Business MSMEs To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Nov 21, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 20th November 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Witness protection scheme to be a reality soon Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Polity and Governance; Government policies and schemes In news: The Supreme Court recently said that it would direct all the states to implement the draft witness protection scheme framed by the Centre in consultation with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The issue of witness protection scheme had cropped up earlier when the top court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking protection for witnesses in rape cases involving self-styled preacher Asaram Bapu. The scheme aims to promote law enforcement by facilitating the protection of persons who are involved directly or indirectly in providing assistance to criminal law enforcement agencies and overall administration of Justice. Need for such scheme Jeremy Bentham has said that “Witnesses are the eyes and ears of justice.” In a society governed by a Rule of Law, it is imperative to ensure that investigation, prosecution and trial of criminal offences is not prejudiced because of threats or intimidation to witnesses. In cases involving influential people, witnesses turn hostile because of threat to life and property. Witnesses find that there is no legal obligation by the state for extending any security. As such witnesses should be entitled to the following rights: Right to give evidence anonymously Right to protection from intimidation and harm Right to be treated with dignity and compassion and respect of privacy Right to information of the status of the investigation and prosecution of the crime Right to secure waiting place while at Court proceedings Right to transportation and lodging arrangements Do you know? A witness is a person who possesses with him some secret information to criminal proceedings about which he or she has given or is about to give testimony. In Neelam Katara vs. Union of India case, SC observed that the edifice of administration of justice is based upon witnesses coming forward and deposing without fear or favour, without intimidation or allurements in the court of law. If witnesses are intimidated or allured, the foundation of the administration of justice gets weakened and even obliterated. Similarly, in Himanshu Singh Sabharwal vs State of Madhya Pradesh and Ors 2008 case, the court observed that witnesses are the eyes and ears of the justice system and when a witness is threatened or killed or harassed, it is not only the witness who is threatened but also the fundamental right of a citizen to a free and fair trial is vindicated. Make elephant corridors eco-sensitive zones: NGT Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Ecology; Protected areas - Eco-Sensitive Zones In news: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to consider declaring all elephant corridors in India as eco-sensitive zones. About Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)  Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)  are areas notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India around Protected Areas , National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas. They also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection. The new ESZ guidelines include a broad list of activities that could be allowed, promoted, regulated or promoted. The guidelines said activities, including commercial mining, setting of saw mills and industries causing pollution, commercial use of firewood and major hydro-power projects, are prohibited in such areas. It also prohibits tourism activities like flying over protected areas in an aircraft or hot air balloon, and discharge of effluents and solid waste in natural water bodies or terrestrial areas. Felling of trees, drastic change in agriculture systems and commercial use of natural water resources, including groundwater harvesting and setting up of hotels and resorts, are the activities regulated in the areas. Activities permitted in the areas include ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local communities, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, adoption of green technology and use of renewable energy sources. The width of the ESZ and type of regulation may vary from protected area to area. However, as a general principle, the width of the ESZ could go up to 10 kms around the protected area. Do you know? The rules for the ESZ or the Eco-Fragile Zones are based on the Environment Protection Act, 1986. However, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does not mention the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”. The Act says that Central Government can restrict areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall not be carried out or shall be carried out subject to certain safeguards. Role of non-state actors and women's movement against the felling of trees in Jhinkargadi forest Part of: GS Mains III – Environment and Ecology concerns; Deforestation; Role of Non-State Actors In news: Odisha Chief Minister cancelled the setting up of a brewery plant in Dhenkanal district where hundreds of trees were felled despite strong protests by the villagers. The government took the decision following a massive public outcry against the felling of trees and maintaining the ecological balance. The brewery plant (₹102-crore project, which was to be set up by P&A Bottlers Private Limited) was to come up on 12 acres of forestland in Jhinkargadi. Do you know? The movement is in same lines of Chipko movement, a non-violent agitation in 1973 that was aimed at protection and conservation of trees. UNESCO global education monitoring report 2019 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Social issue; Education or Literacy; Human Economy In news: UNESCO report says that – Literacy levels in rural households of India dip with seasonal migration. 80% of seasonal migrant children in seven cities lacked access to education and 40% were likely to end up in work. Construction sector absorbs the majority of short-term migrants. Inter-State migration rates have doubled between 2001 and 2011. It also warns of the negative impact on education for children who are left behind as their parents migrate: “Test scores were lower among left-behind children aged 5 to 8.” What steps India has taken to address the issue? Right to Education Act in 2009 made it mandatory for local authorities to admit migrant children. National-level guidelines are issued to allow for flexible admission of children; to provide transport and volunteers to support with mobile education; create seasonal hostels and aiming to improve coordination between sending and receiving districts and states. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/11/20/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/f8427371_2537999_101_mr.jpg Solar Bubble Dryer Part of: GS Mains III – Role of Technology in Agriculture sector In news: Innovative crop drying technology – Solar Bubble Dryer – was demonstrated for the first time in Odisha. Solar Bubble Dryer - developed jointly by International Rice Research Institute, Philippines; Grainpro, a leading post-harvest solution providing company; and University of Hohenheim, Germany. The SBD is a low-cost drying technology that aims to provide a simple and flexible alternative to sun-drying, while protecting from spillage, animals, weather and vehicles running over the grains. The quantitative loss in traditional sun-drying method is estimated to be in the range of 15 to 30% between harvesting and milling. Due to quality loss, farmer do not get proper price of their produce. Pic: http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/images/stories/grainpro-solar-bubble-dryer.jpg (MAINS FOCUS) ENVIRONMENT TOPIC:General studies 3 Environmental degradation and Environment Impact assessment  Further stressed by thermal power: Water stress in India Introduction In pursuit of cooperative and competitive federalism, NITI Aayog has been laying emphasis on developing indicators on various social sectors. As a step further in direction and keeping in view the criticality of water for life, NITI Aayog has prepared a report on Composite Water Management Index (CWMI). Since India is one of the most vulnerable countries to water scarsity, it is important to discuss factors involved in aggravating the stress situation. Do you know? Water Stress Water stress occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period or when poor quality restricts its use. Water stress causes deterioration of fresh water resources in terms of quantity (aquifer over-exploitation, dry rivers, etc.) and quality (eutrophication, organic matter pollution, saline intrusion, etc.) The Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) CWMI has been developed by NITI Aayog and published in association with the Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and the Ministry of Rural Development. It is comprised of 9 broad sectors with 28 different indicators covering various aspects of ground water, restoration of water bodies, irrigation, farm practices, drinking water, policy and governance. For the purposes of analysis, the reporting states were divided into two special groups – ‘North Eastern and Himalayan states’ and ‘Other States’, to account for the different hydrological conditions across these groups. Purpose of the CWMI: The NITI Aayog alludes to this while describing the CWMI: “This Index is expected to establish a public, national platform providing information on key water indicators across states. This platform will help in monitoring performance, improving transparency, and encouraging competition, thereby boosting the country’s water achievements by fostering the spirit of ‘competitive and cooperative federalism’ among the states. Findings of the report: The Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) by the NITI Aayog, which was released in June 2018, shows that 600 million people face high to extreme water stress in India. It places India at a dismal 120 among 122 countries in the water quality index. It predicts that a persistent water crisis will lead to an eventual 6% loss in the country’s Gross Domestic Product by 2030. A vast gulf has been predicted between the demand and supply of fresh water, by 2030. In the projections that the Central Water Commission (CWC) released in 2015, the sector-wise requirement of water (that is, for drinking and domestic use, industry and energy) will rise steeply between 2030 and 2050. Impact of Energy sector on water stress levels in India As per the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), March 2018, thermal electricity accounts for more than 86% of India’s total power generation. About 77% of India’s total electricity comes from thermal power plants that are dependent on freshwater sources. Of all the freshwater-cooled thermal plants, 38.9% of generation capacity is installed in areas with high or extremely high water-stress. The share of water consumed by power sector was 0.62% in 2010, which is pegged to rise upto 1.37% in 2030 and 8.98% in 2050. By 2030, more than 70% of India's existing thermal power utilities are likely to experience an increased level of water competition from agricultural, urban and other industrial demands. Issues related to data The CWMI raised three main issues related to data: limited coverage, unreliable data and limited coordination and sharing. Measuring water consumption by power plants has been a challenge for long. Way forward Issue of data can easily be tackled by using the existing CEA reporting mechanism for daily generation. To do so, daily water withdrawal and consumption reporting should be mandated. Information about water stress, power plant siting (location) and so on must be shared seamlessly across departments — a service that the CWMI could perform. The mounting rise in water demand is starkly evident in the energy sector, which is key to India’s ambitious developmental plan. The projected water demand of the energy sector makes it an important point for the NITI Aayog to consider while bringing out future iterations of the CWMI. As the power sector consumes more water, competition between power and the other thirsty players is only likely to increase — a factor that future editions of the CWMI will have to consider. Conclusion The CWMI is an important tool to assess and improve the performance of States/ Union Territories in efficient management of water resources. The water-scarce States such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana are leaders in the CWMI Index. This is likely driven by necessity in the face of looming water shortages. Factoring in the water-energy nexus linkages will only help make the Index better and the States better prepared to manage their water and power resources. Connecting the dots: Explain briefly, the water stress in India. Examine the major contributors to this stress. DISASTER  TOPIC:General studies 3 Disaster management  Cyclone Gaja: Being prepared against extreme events Introduction Tamil Nadu was more prepared than before to deal with Cyclone Gaja, but it still took a toll of at least 45 lives. The severe cyclonic storm damaged infrastructure, property and agriculture. Role played by the government machineries before, during and after Gaja Cyclone The lead taken by the State Disaster Management Authority in issuing a stream of alerts ahead of Gaja helped coastal residents move to camps and adopt safety measures. The active measures taken by the State after the cyclone, notably to clear roads, remove fallen trees and repair power infrastructure and communications, helped restore some stability. In its destructive exit path, the cyclone has affected some southern districts, felling tens of thousands of trees and also 30,000 electricity poles along the coast. Tamil Nadu’s political parties have acted in a mature manner and kept partisan criticism from getting in the way of relief and rehabilitation after Gaja. This is in contrast to some earlier instances, such as the Chennai flood of 2015, when the distribution of relief became politicised. What needs to be done urgently? There is need to secure without delay the financial relief of ₹10 lakh that has been promised for families of the dead, compensation for lost crops, trees and livestock, provision of emergency health intervention and rehabilitation assistance to rebuild lives. Preparedness The effort to professionalise disaster management through a dedicated national and State organisation initiated more than 15 years ago appears to be paying off, with bureaucracies acquiring higher efficiency in providing early warning and in mitigating the impact of cyclones. The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project started by the Ministry of Home Affairs has been working to reduce the impact of such catastrophic events on Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, classified as States with higher vulnerability; most western coastal States are in the next category. However, there is a lot to be done to upgrade infrastructure and housing in coastal districts to meet higher standards of resilience in an era of extreme weather events. Concerns remains The larger question, of course, is whether the coastal States have equipped themselves for an even bigger event, such as the super cyclone that hit Odisha in 1999 that killed about 10,000 people. Even with far fewer casualties, Cyclone Phailin in 2013 required reconstruction estimated at $1.5 billion. Conclusion India’s coastline experiences a lower frequency of tropical cyclones compared to many other regions, but the loss of life and destruction is much higher. Therefore Coastal States must focus on reducing the hazard through policies that expand resilient housing, build better storm shelters and create financial mechanisms for insurance and compensation. Connecting the dots: India’s coastline experiences a lower frequency of tropical cyclones compared to many other regions, but the loss of life and destruction is much higher. Analyse the causes of such destruction, and suggest some measures to mitigate them. Coastal districts must continue to strengthen resilience against extreme weather events. Elucidate. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements As per 2011 census, the literacy rate among Indians is 74% During 2001-2011, more number of women obtained education than males  Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements regarding the census of India 2011 Lakshadweep has the highest literacy rate among the Union Territories Bihar has the lowest literacy rates among the states  Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Which of the following is considered while measuring 'Literacy rate' in India? Age Ability to do arithmetic calculations Ability to read and write Choose the appropriate option from code given below 1 only 3 only 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.4) Neelam Katara vs. Union of India case and Himanshu Singh Sabharwal vs. State of Madhya Pradesh & Ors. 2008 case are two famous cases associated with which of the following? India’s Acceptance of “third gender” Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act Witness Protection Law in India Provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act Q.5) Consider the following statements Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are declared under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 The government can prohibit industrial operations such as mining, sand quarrying and building thermal power plants in these areas Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.6) Which of the following statements are correct regarding Eco – Sensitive Zones in India? Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC). They act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does not mention the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”. Select the code from following: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above MUST READ Criteria for the courts: on the appointment of judges The Hindu  Science outside labs The Hindu  A 21st century revolution: on Bill Gates' move to scale up sanitation The Hindu #MeToo: A gender curriculum The Hindu A different way to fight Indian Express  Raja Mandala: Battle for islands Indian Express

Nov 20, 2018 PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 12th Nov to 18th Nov, 2018

IASbaba PIB Weekly: Press Information Bureau – 12th to 18th November, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 Maternity Leave Incentive Scheme (Topic: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.) Purpose of this Act: To regulate the employment of women in certain establishments for certain period before and after child birth To provide maternity benefit and certain other benefits Act amended through the: Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 which, inter alia, has increased the paid maternity leave to women employees from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. The Ministry of Labour & Employment is working on an incentive scheme wherein 7 weeks’ wages would be reimbursed to employers who employ women workers with wage ceiling upto Rs. 15000/- and provide the maternity benefit of 26 weeks paid leave, subject to certain conditions. It is estimated that approximately an amount of Rs. 400 crores would be the financial implication for Government of India, Ministry of Labour & Employment for implementing the proposed incentive scheme. Major Impact: The proposed Scheme, if approved and implemented, shall ensure the women in this country an equal access to employment and other approved benefits along with adequate safety and secure environment. Also, the women shall continue to bear the major share of household work as well as child care. The work places will be more and more responsive to the family needs of the working women. NITI Aayog Constitutes Himalayan State Regional Council (Topic: Governance, Organisations; Federalism; Government policies and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Purpose: To ensure sustainable development of the Indian Himalayan region The Council has been constituted to review and implement identified action points based on the Reports of five Working Groups, which were established along thematic areas to prepare a roadmap for action. Recognizing the uniqueness of the Himalayas and the challenges for sustainable development, Five Working Groups were constituted by NITI Aayog in 2017. These Working Groups were tasked with preparing a roadmap for action across five thematic areas namely, Inventory and Revival of Springs in Himalayas for Water Security, Sustainable Tourism in Indian Himalayan Region, Shifting Cultivation: Towards Transformation Approach, Strengthening Skill & Entrepreneurship (E&S) Landscape in Himalayas, and Data/Information for Informed Decision Making. Nodal agency for the Sustainable development in the Himalayan Region: The Himalayan States Regional Council will be the which consists of the twelve States namely Jammu &Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, two districts of Assam namely Dima Hasao and KarbiAnglong and Darjeeling and Kalimpong in West Bengal. Action points include: river basin development and regional cooperation, spring mapping and revival across Himalayas in phased manner for water security; develop, implement and monitor tourism sector standards as well as bring policy coherence, strengthen skill & entrepreneurship with focus on identified priority sectors, among other action points. Launch of Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP) and Annual Refresher Programme in Teaching (ARPIT) (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation + Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources) Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP) is a three weeks Flagship leadership development training programme (2 weeks domestic and one week foreign training) for second level academic functionaries in public funded higher education institutions. The main objective is to prepare second tier academic heads who are potentially likely to assume leadership roles in the future. The programme would provide senior faculty, with high academic credentials, the required leadership and managerial skills including skills of problem-solving, handling stress, team building work, conflict management, developing communication skills, understanding and coping with the complexity and challenges of governance in HEIs, financial & general administration. The implementation of LEAP Programme will be through 15 NIRF top ranked Indian Institutions. The foreign Universities identified for the training are also within the top 100 in the world global rankings. LEAP will fulfill the critical need to combine academic and administrative leadership which will make higher education institutions perform their roles of developing better students who will be future torch bearers. Annual Refresher Programme in Teaching (ARPIT), a major and unique initiative of online professional development of 15 lakh higher education faculty using the MOOCs platform SWAYAM. For implementing ARPIT, 75 discipline-specific institutions have been identified and notified as National Resource Centres (NRCs) in the first phase, which are tasked to prepare online training material with focus on latest developments in the discipline, new & emerging trends, pedagogical improvements and methodologies for transacting revised curriculum. Must solve: Combining the qualities of a good teacher and an effective leader is still more daunting task but not an impossible task. Do you agree? Comment. A leader must talk for all generations, present and future; only then institutional growth can be achieved. Discuss. Agreements Signed with India India and Morocco sign Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters: The Agreement will strengthen bilateral cooperation with Morocco and enhance effectiveness and provide a broad legal framework for prevention, investigation and prosecution of crimes; as well as in tracing, restraint and confiscation of funds meant to finance terrorist acts. Morocco & India agree to assist in Legal & Commercial Matters: The agreement will enhance co-operation in the service of summons, judicial documents, letters of request and the execution of judgments decrees and arbitral awards. Service of summons and other judicial documents or processes; Taking of evidence in civil matters; Production, identification or examination of documents, recordings; The execution of a Letter of Request for taking of evidence in civil matters; Recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards. Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Sign $105 Million Loan to Support Hydropower Transmission in Himachal Pradesh: The program is aimed at developing and expanding the transmission network to evacuate clean and renewable power generated from the State’s hydropower sources to load centers within and outside the State. It also supports the institutional capacity development of the state transmission utility, Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (HPPTCL), as the executing agency for this project. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members—48 from the region. Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) sign $300 Million Loan to support India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) in India: The Project will enhance availability of long-term finance for PPP projects, improve operational capacity of IIFCL, and expand the portfolio of infrastructure financing instruments available to IIFCL. The Project supports the renewed effort of the Government of India in accelerating infrastructure growth through increased Private Sector investment. The Project is relevant and responsive to the constraints to bank based infrastructure financing, fiscal space creation, and repercussions on GDP growth. Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (Adb) Sign $ 169 Million Loan to Provide Water and Sanitation Services in Tamil Nadu: The State has faced recurring droughts and erratic monsoons in the recent past resulting in severe water scarcity and urban flooding. With ADB’s support the State will be able to address these complex urban challenges through innovative and climate-resilient investment and deeper institutional support. Though Tamil Nadu is the most urbanized of India’s large States, urban service levels remain low, with less than half of households served by piped water, only 42% of households are covered by a sewerage network, with 43% of sewage disposed directly into waterways untreated. The program will develop climate-resilient sewerage collection and treatment and drainage systems in 10 cities, and install the country’s first solar-powered sewage treatment plant. Introduction of smart water management systems will help reduce non-revenue water and strengthen operational efficiency. Around 4 million people will benefit from piped water and sewerage connections and improved drainage. The program will boost institutional capacity, public awareness, and urban governance as part of a comprehensive approach for developing livable cities. Prelims oriented News: World Toilet Day: 19th November Rural Jharkhand: Declared ODF Severe Cyclonic storm which created havoc over Southwest Bay of Bengal: ‘GAJA’ Bhoomi Rashi Portal: The portal allows for totally digital and paper-less processing of land acquisition cases, and has resulted in transparent, quick, corruption-free and error-free handling of land acquisition cases. It has also made the possible real-time tracking of activities and generation of reports relating to land acquisition. SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): ‘SAGAR’ is in consonance with India’s ‘Act East’ policy and the nation’s diplomatic, economic and military outreach in the region. Samudra Shakti: Between Indian Navy – Indonesian Navy Bilateral Exercise; The aim of the exercise is to strengthen bilateral relations, expand maritime co-operation, enhance interoperability and exchange best practices. Two important projects under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism inaugurated: Development of North East Circuits: Bhalukpong- Bomdila - Tawang Project Nafra- Seppa- Pappu, Pasa, Pakke Valleys- Sangdupota- New Sagalee- Ziro- Yomcha Project 7th RCEP Inter-Sessional Ministerial Meeting in Singapore The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a mega regional free trade agreement being negotiated amongst 16 countries, comprising 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) plus six ASEAN FTA partners, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea and New Zealand. Both in STRACAP and SPS negotiations, India managed to obtain balanced outcomes in the application of the Dispute Settlement Mechanism. India showed flexibility on the principle of ‘consensus’ in the Institutional Provisions Chapter which helped in its successful conclusion during the meeting. Global Digital Content Market (GDCM) 2018 India has been chosen as a host nation for the conference by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) due to the strong creative industry in the country in films, music and media. Focus for this year’s conference: Asia Pacific region Aim of GDCM 2018: To give industry stakeholders a platform to come together and discuss new avenues in the films, music, gaming and creative industry along with points of challenge that is presented due to the changing creative landscape because of the disruption brought about by digital technologies. Successful launch of GSLV MK III-D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite India’s GSAT-29 communication satellite was successfully launched by the second developmental flight of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MarkIII (GSLV MkIII-D2) GSLV Mk III is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Two massive boosters with solid propellant constitute the first stage, the core with liquid propellant form the second stage and the cryogenic engine completes the final stage. GSAT-29 is a multiband, multi-beam communication satellite, intended to serve as test bed for several new and critical technologies. Its Ku-band and Ka-band payloads are configured to cater to the communication requirements of users including those from remote areas especially from Jammu & Kashmir and North-Eastern regions of India. RERA is bringing positive transformative changes in the industry 33,750 Projects & 26,018 Agents have been registered under RERA so far Maharashtra leads with 18,392 Projects & 17,188 Agents Registrations 3rd Regional Workshop on “RERA-a new era of transparency & accountability in Real Estate Must Read: Link Chhath Pooja An ancient Hindu Vedic festival historically native to the Indian subcontinent, more specifically, the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh as well as the Madhesh region of Nepal. The Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun and his Sister [Chhathi maiya (goddess)] in order to thank them for bestowing the bounties of life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. Chhath does not involve any idol worship + not a gender-specific festival. This is the only festival which signifies both the rising and setting sun Quotes Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind On Biotechnology, S&T Life sciences today offer a frontier that is still largely unexplored. It is worth noting that while textbooks of the foundations of physics change little from year to year, textbooks of biology and medicine are a work in progress even at fundamental levels. The sciences of genetics, of evolution and of human development have yielded enormous knowledge in recent years, but we are only at the beginnings of a new age of exploration. Today, through science and technology, humans wield unimaginable power over the future of our planet. We therefore have a responsibility like never before. And scientists, particularly bio-scientists, are our soldiers and generals in the battle to safeguard our planet, our species and our future. To my mind, there are four frontlines in this battle. The first is the environment. Our air, water and soil must be cleaned. While we do so, we must mitigate the consequences on human and livestock health. An enhanced thrust on studying human and animal health in real environments and finding solutions to problems such as asthma, respiratory disorders and cancers is needed. The second frontline is that of lifestyle diseases. Diabetes, hypertension and cardiac diseases are on the rise. In the quarter-century since 1990, the number of Indians living with diabetes grew from 26 million to 65 million. In the same period, the incidence of all cancers increased by almost 30 per cent. Diet and lifestyle are key factors, as also maternal, foetal and neonatal health. Both prevention and treatment are vital. The third frontline is infectious disease. While we take on known infectious diseases, lesser-known ones threaten to expand. Here too we must study the disease in the context of its environment and all its hosts. For example, how does Nipah virus reside in bats? How may its infection spread? How do we test candidate vaccines for humans? These are global challenges. Disease, like science, knows no boundaries. Pandemic influenza viruses don’t need passports and visas to spread. On the other hand, the shrinking of animal habitats is creating room for zoonotic diseases and diseases that jump species. The final frontline is diseases of the brain. Factors that include urban stress and a significant elderly population have left India facing a mental health epidemic. Preventive measures, relevant to our genetics and our lifestyle, are in the realm of theory, waiting to be discovered. We must discover these if our people are to age well, with full mental capacities. If this is not researched by us in our population, ailments such as dementia will be a major problem – and solutions from elsewhere will not fit here. Vice President of India, Shri. M. Venkaiah Naidu On Multilateralism Multilateralism has emerged as the most effective modality for decision-making and conflict resolution India has always believed in the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which means the World is one family- collective endeavor for collective benefit. We need united efforts of the world to deal with global development priorities such as eradication of poverty, providing education, health care, employment and gender parity Thousands of brave Indian soldiers had sacrificed their lives 100 years ago fighting for the cause of righteousness and in the interest of peace, human liberty and freedom At International Conference ‘Asian Patent Attorneys Association’ “Knowledge is a treasure that cannot be stolen, neither can it be confiscated by the State, nor can it be divided among siblings. It is not burdensome to carry. It increases when we share it with others sharing. Knowledge is a treasure that is better than other riches.” Innovation is for the betterment of mankind and India is encouraging the spirit of innovation among the educated enterprising youth. Intellectual Property Rights hold special importance in the knowledge economy. The new regime of intellectual Property Rights bring a paradigm shift in social exchanges and cultural ethos in communities especially at a time when the world had moved away from viewing knowledge as a mere community asset started treating it as intellectual property. Emphasis on tangible hard assets is being shifted to intangible soft assets and intellectual properties. India fully recognizes that an effective and robust intellectual property protection regime is essential to attract technology, investment, incentivise innovation and creation of IP assets As the communities’ transit to new phase of Intellectual Property based economy, no conversation on intellectual property rights can be complete without considering the balance of the rights and obligations of IP holders and define what constitutes a genuine, path-breaking intellectual property?

Nov 20, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 112]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 112] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Bacteriophage’ It is a type of virus that infects bacteria. It is composed of a nucleic acid molecule that is surrounded by a protein structure. Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) The terms ‘Letter of comfort’ and ‘Sovereign Guarantee’ were in news recently in the context of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Crisis Punjab National Bank Scam Extradition Treaty between India and Indonesia Rafale Deal Q.3) ‘Banihal Qazigund Tunnel’ is a tunnel in which of the following ranges? Karakoram Range Pir Panjal Range Ladakh Range Zanskar Range Q.4) In economics parlance the term, ‘Side Pocket’ refers to Back Series GDP Data Headline Inflation Core Inflation None of the above Q.5) ‘Mitakshara’ and ‘Dayabhaga’ is associated with A work on astronomy A treatise on ancient Hindu law of inheritance An Agamic text A compendium on medicine To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Nov 20, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 19th November 2018 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) National Park/Tiger reserves in news: Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Ecology; Biodiversity; Animal Conservation; Protected Areas Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in M.P. Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in Kerala Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala Why in news? National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has hinted at first-ever inter-State tiger translocation project in Odisha’s Satkosia Tiger Reserve. Odisha’s Satkosia Tiger Reserve planned to get 6 tigers from MP’s Kanha Tiger Reserve. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve was in news for its forest filled with 221 varieties of butterflies (11 of which are endemic to the area). Survey team spotted - Red-disc Bushbrown, a high-altitude species endemic to Western Ghats; rare species — Dark Blue Tiger and Common Crow and also Budha Peacock or Budha Mayoori, which was recently declared as State butterfly of Kerala. Rare bird - Sri Lankan Frogmouth - was sighted in Kerala’s Chinnar sanctuary. About Sri Lankan Frogmouth Sri Lankan Frogmouth (Batrachostomus moniliger) is a relative of Nightjar, a crepuscular and nocturnal bird breeding in Europe and temperate Asia. Its preferred habitat is a dry and open area with some small trees or bushes. It is usually found on the western side of the Ghats but its presence was noticed on the eastern side of the Western Ghats for the first time. (This has sparked much interest among ornithologists) The Sri Lankan Frogmouth, like the Nightjar, eats insects and mainly seeks prey during night time. The main feature is that it lays only one egg a year after the mating season in April-May. The nest is made using moss or leaves of soft plants and the bark of the trees. The male bird destroys the nest and flies away with the new born bird. The bird has a unique habitat in Sri Lanka and is also believed to be present in the Thattekad bird sanctuary. It is also found in Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. It was believed that the species had gone extinct in the State after its presence was not noticed for a long period. IUCN status: Least Concern National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Disaster Management; Government schemes and policies In news: NCRMP was started by the Ministry of Home Affairs to mitigate vulnerability to the cyclone and hazards prone coastal communities. After the formation of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), management of the project was transferred to NDMA in September, 2006. NCRMP-I covers States of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. NCRMP-II covers States of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal. The project is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs through National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and executed by the respective State Disaster Management Authorities at the State level. The project is partly funded by the World Bank. Objectives of NCRMP The overall objective of the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project ('NCRMP') is to minimize vulnerability to cyclones and make people and infrastructure disaster resilient in harmony with conservation of the coastal eco-system in the cyclone hazard prone States and Union Territories of India. For more details - https://ncrmp.gov.in/about-ncrmp India steps up agro-diplomacy with China Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – India and its neighbours; Bilateral economic ties In news: As the trade war with the United States continues to impact, China appears to be opening up to non-U.S. imports. India has stepped up its agro-diplomacy with China, as China would look first at its food security by diversifying imports in view of the trade war. India has started exporting soya bean, sugar, black tea, non-Basmati rice etc. after China has imposed more levy on U.S. imports. Quotes: ‘Freedom is that which helps us to break out of the confines of fear and hate, of chauvinism and obscurantism and the shackles of dead habit. Freedom is the atmosphere which enables each individual to grow to his full height. This is the freedom for which we must strive.’ – Indira Gandhi Miscellaneous F1H2O Grand Prix : : Team Abu Dhabi wins powerboat grand prix at Amaravati Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) is released by the NITI Aayog and is published in association with the Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and the Ministry of Rural Development. CWMI has placed India at a dismal 120 among 122 countries in the water quality index. The CWMI report covers these broad themes — ground water and surface-water restoration; major and medium irrigation; watershed development; participatory irrigation management; on-farm water use; rural and urban water supply; and policy and governance. The CWMI noted that water-scarce States such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana are leaders in the Index. Rohingya relocation plan pushed to 2019 - Bangladesh’s plans to tackle the Rohingya refugee crisis have been stalled until the new year with repatriation and relocation programmes only likely to be revisited following the year-end general election. A small Japanese company founded in 2013, Astroscale, is developing a system to approach and capture space debris and broken satellites. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Judiciary: Functions and appointments A crippling shortage: on vacancies in courts Introduction Other than slow judicial processes, the important reason behind rising number of pending cases in lower judiciary is the chronic shortage of judges and severe understaffing of the courts they preside over. More than a decade after the Supreme Court laid down guidelines in 2007 for making appointments in the lower judiciary within a set time frame, a similar issue is back before the highest court. Current situation There are more than 5,000 vacancies in the subordinate courts. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has pulled up State governments and the administration of various High Courts for the delay in filling these vacancies. Answers provided in the Rajya Sabha reveal that as on March 31, 2018, nearly a quarter of the total number of posts in the subordinate courts remained vacant. The court has put the actual figure at 5,133 out 22,036 sanctioned posts. The State-wise figures are quite alarming, with Uttar Pradesh having a vacancy of 42.18% and Bihar 37.23%. Among the smaller States, Meghalaya has a vacancy level of 59.79%. Reasons behind vacancies Utter tardiness in the process of calling for applications, holding recruitment examinations and declaring the results. A study revealed that the recruitment cycle in most States far exceeded the time limit prescribed by the Supreme Court. This time limit is 153 days for a two-tier recruitment process and 273 days for a three-tier process. Most States took longer to appoint junior civil judges as well as district judges by direct recruitment. Delayed funds to pay and accommodate the newly appointed judges and magistrates. Process of appointments According to the Constitution, district judges are appointed by the Governor in consultation with the High Court. Other subordinate judicial officers are appointed as per rules framed by the Governor in consultation with the High Court and the State Public Service Commission. In effect, the High Courts have a significant role to play. A smooth and time-bound process of making appointments would, therefore, require close coordination between the High Courts and the State Public Service Commissions. Why, vacancies in lower courts, is serious cause of concern? Subordinate courts perform the most critical judicial functions that affect the life of the common man: conducting trials, settling civil disputes, and implementing the bare bones of the law. Any failure to allocate the required human and financial resources may lead to the crippling of judicial work in the subordinate courts. It will also amount to letting down poor litigants and under-trials, who stand to suffer the most due to judicial delay. Way forward The situation demands a massive infusion of both manpower and resources. Public Service Commissions should recruit the staff to assist these judges, while State governments build courts or identify space for them. Connecting the dots: Large number of vacancies in lower courts is one of the important reasons behind the burgeoning burden of pending cases. Comment. INTERNATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests New ripples in Andaman Sea Introduction: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second visit to Singapore this year is nicely framed by the largest ever naval exercise between the two nations (India and Singapore) in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The exercises, called the Simbex, began 25 years ago as India embarked on the so-called Look East Policy that sought a renewed economic, political and military engagement with South East Asia. The two sides hope that these bilateral exercises will eventually involve the participation of other South East Asian nations and form the basis for a cooperative security framework in the heart of the Indo-Pacific. Indo-Pacific Region: Indo-Pacific is also a sum of its many sub-regions that include the East China Sea, South China Sea and South Pacific to the east of the Malacca Straits as well as the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the waters of Africa to the west. PM Modi outlined India’s broad vision for the Indo-Pacific in his address to the Shangri La Dialogue, an annual forum that brings the region’s defence establishments together. The PM’s speech on the Indo-Pacific helped bring the new geopolitical construct to the centre of India’s worldview. A “stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region” is an “important pillar” of India’s strategic partnership with the United States. The emphasis shown by the US on the ‘Indo-Pacific’ can be termed as its strategic initiative towards India. ASEAN is one of the crucial building blocks of the Indo-Pacific. United States, India, Japan, and Australia the “Quad” group is emphasizing “Indo-Pacific” as a new strategic space. Brief History about Andaman Sea: The consolidation of British hegemony in the Indian Ocean at the dawn of the 19th century and its accommodation with France (in Indo-China) and the Netherlands (in the East Indies, now known as Indonesia) left the Andaman Sea in a tranquil state. The extended peace was shattered during the Second World War when Japan occupied large parts of East Asia, ousted Great Britain from Singapore and raced towards Northeast India through Burma. Imperial Japan also occupied the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It needed a massive collaborative effort to reverse the aggression. After the Second World War, the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal became marginal to the power play between Washington and Moscow during the Cold War. Now, the rise of China and Beijing’s projection of naval power way beyond its home waters is beginning to put the Andaman Sea back in play. Importance of Sub-region of the Andaman Sea: The Andaman Sea is flanked by the Andaman and Nicobar chain of islands in the West, Myanmar to the north, the Thai-Malay peninsula to the east, and the Sumatra island to the south. It funnels into the Straits of Malacca that connects the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The large amount of shipping that enters the Andaman Sea from the east heads to Singapore, from where it turns the Pacific Ocean. Andaman Sea is rapidly regaining its strategic salience. At the dawn of the modern era, many of the geopolitical contestations involving the Portuguese, Dutch, French and the British took place in the waters of the Andaman Sea. Recent Actions by China in Sub-region of Andaman Sea: Beijing signed an agreement with Myanmar on building a deep-water port at Kyaukpyu. It will be an important part of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, which would connect Kyaukpyu to the Yunnan Province through rail and highways. China already built an oil and gas pipeline system that moves hydrocarbons from Kyaukpyu to inland China. Thailand ordered a feasibility study of the Kra Canal, which will cut through the Kra Isthmus and link the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand. There is a push from china to launch the Project. Beijing has sold submarines to Thailand and Bangladesh and its military cooperation with other littoral states of the Andaman Sea has grown steadily. Recently, China conducted naval exercises with Thailand and Malaysia. Building strategic infrastructure, like China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and the Kra Canal allows Beijing reduce its current dependence on the Malacca Straits and access the Indian Ocean directly. Conclusion: As the waters of the Andaman Sea turn turbulent, India too has begun to accelerate the development of civilian and military infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Island Chain. It has also stepped up political engagement with the Andaman littoral states. But Delhi’s pace might turn out to be too slow to cope with the rapid strategic transformation of the Andaman Sea. Therefore, ASEAN must form the geographic core to any Indo-Pacific architecture. India must increase its strategic alignment with the other countries in Indo-Pacific region in order to balance the security concerns emanating from China’s aggressive stance. Freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce, and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law will make our sea lanes the pathway to prosperity. Connecting the dots: Briefly examine the geopolitical significance of Andaman Sea for India. (Note: look for Kra Canal, Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. And study the map surrounding this region from prelims point of view.) (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) Budha Peacock or Budha Mayoori was recently declared as – State bird of Kerala State bird of Karnataka State butterfly of Kerala State butterfly of Karnataka Q.2) Arrange the following Tiger Reserves of India from North to South direction: Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Satkosia Tiger Reserve Kanha Tiger Reserve Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1,4,3,2 3,1,4,2 3,4,1,2 1,3,4,2 Q.3) Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in – Tamil Nadu Kerala Andhra Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Q.4) Consider the following statements about National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) The project is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The project covers only coastal states on eastern side of the country which are prone to cyclones. Select the correct statements 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements: Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) is developed by NITI Aayog. Mihir Shah Committee deals with restructuring the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Centre-RBI tussle: Balance of power, in the balance The Hindu The Trinity Of Power Indian Express Gender of justice Indian Express A thin line divides RBI autonomy, alignment Livemint Heat is an invisible climate risk Livemint

Nov 19, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 111]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 111] Archives Q.1) Which of the following countries do not have a coast on the Adriatic Sea? Italy Albania Croatia Austria Q.2) Where is ‘Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary’ located? Kerala Odisha Karnataka Tamil Nadu Q.3) ‘Hiawatha Glacier’ was recently in news. Where is it located? Greenland Argentina Iceland New Zealand Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Tissue Chips in Space’ initiative It is an initiative by European Space Agency (ESA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) It seeks to better understand the role of microgravity on human health and disease Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘GROWTH-India’ It is a part of the international Global Relay of Observatories Watching Transients Happen) network. It is India’s first robotic telescope jointly constructed by Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, and IIT Bombay It is located at the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) at Hanle in Ladakh Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Nov 18, 2018

UPSC PRELIMS TEST SERIES (OFFLINE) -2019 (Starting on 24th November at Vijayanagar Center)

UPSC PRELIMS TEST SERIES (OFFLINE) -2019 “The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in the battle.” Hello Friends,  Although to call UPSC PRELIMS a battle would be full of cliche and loaded rhetoric, it won’t be an overstatement to say that it is the most important stage of Civil Services Examination (CSE). Unlike the hand to hand combat between Mountain and Oberyn, it is more like the army of Ramsay Bolton marching towards the lone John Snow! The stakes are really high and of course the competition commensurate to the demographic profile of India! You need the grit and temperament of John Snow and not the misplaced exuberance of Oberyn. Perhaps the years spent protecting the wall had this effect on John Snow. You need something similar. We don’t have a wall for you to protect but we do have seething similar!  Yes! The excellence of our online test series will now be available in its offline avatar this year also. For those, who like the smell of ink and intend to sweat in exam-like conditions, not self-induced but pushed externally, the IASbaba All India Prelims Test Series (AIPTS) -2019 is the elixir for them. While there are many such series available in the market, our quality and consistency in hitting the right areas, providing the right guidance and steering your preparation in the right direction make it stand way ahead of others. We are not going to elaborate too much upon the quality of our initiatives as they speak for themselves and you can know that by having a look on the feedback and testimonials on our initiatives like ILP, C2C, online prelims test series etc. However, we want to assure you that the efforts invested in AIPTS would be worth your time and energy. AIPTS will give you the chance to attempt hundreds of high-quality questions (maybe a few notches above UPSC standard), compare your performance with several other sincere aspirants, get high-quality synopsis to rectify your mistakes and forge a capital with your fellow campaigners to achieve your goals. Throughout this journey, Team IASbaba will be there to guide you and let you grow in an ecosystem of quality and excellence. If you have realised that practice does make a man perfect, then IASbaba All India Prelims Test Series-2019 is for YOU. No matter what your level of preparation is, once you begin attempting the questions in simulated exam conditions, you start getting tougher, smarter and better with time. Answering MCQs is an art and it can’t be taught. It comes from the realisation of your mistakes, strong areas and weak spots. To know them you need the only thing- PRACTICE; again a cliche term but true to its core. We have seen brilliant students faltering in UPSC Civil Services Examination because of lack of practice. You might have the sword forged out of Valyrian steel but you must know how to wield it! Right knowledge supplemented with rigorous practice ensures success in CSE and more importantly so in the preliminary stage. So, the stage is set for you! Just go ahead and begin your journey towards success! PROGRAMME DETAILS There will be a total of 35 Tests- 25 General Studies and 10 CSAT (5 Takeaways for practice) 25 General Studies-Paper 1, (5 Full Mocks included) and 5 CSAT-Paper 2 will be conducted at our centre and 5 CSAT tests will be given for practice in the end. First Test is scheduled on 24th November 2018.  The Tests will be conducted at our Vijayanagar Center (address is given below) Test timing is 9-11 AM and  11:15 AM-1:15 PM Saturday (Two slots) DOWNLOAD OFFLINE PRELIMS TEST SERIES 2019- SCHEDULE  MODE OF ADMISSION AND FEE STRUCTURE Select the Programme named- Offline Prelims Test Series 2019- 25 GS Tests+10 CSAT from the given payment link and subscribe.  Payment Link- Click Here Fee is Rs 3600+Tax Send the acknowledgement of payment receipt to offline@iasbaba.com with subject "Offline Prelims Test Series-2019 Payment Made" Bring two passport size photograph and a print out of Identity Card on 25th November (1st Test) Carry your Payment Receipt also.  Office Address IASbaba, 1737, MRCR Layout, Vijayanagar Service Road, Vijayanagar, Bangalore - 560040 Near Vijayanagar Metro Station. Email : offline@iasbaba.com Mobile No.: 9035077800   All the Best IASbaba Team

Nov 18, 2018 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Liberation of the individual – Inspirational Educative Articles

Liberation of the individual: Spirituality is not an ideology, it is not a concept, and it is not a manmade dream. Spirituality is an existential longing to know who you are. That is why there is no other force more powerful than an individual’s longing. It is more powerful than all of the atomic bombs that man has ever created, because this force, once it takes over an individual, can remove everything out of their path and simply allow them to focus: Who am I? What am I? Why am I? Why am I eating? Why am I breathing? Why am I walking? Why am I dreaming? Until an individual comes to a fundamental questioning of who he is, he is simply lost in the collectivity. A further example of this collectivity is religion. In religion, you cannot recognize an individual because it is just another collective ideology. If you are a Hindu, a Muslim, or a Christian, does it say anything at all about you? No. It can only say something about where you grew up. In fact, everything about you, from the way you look to the language that you use, has been acquired from the outside. And all the accumulation has submerged and hidden the real you. Now, more than ever, the world is moving towards the liberation of the individual. There was a time for kings, there was a time for priests, and there was a time for governments, but now the force is the individual. If you look at what is happening, our innovations and developments are constantly giving the individual the power to express himself. Not too long ago, even to share this simple existential process would have required me to get permission from my religious community. They would have decided whether it made sense or not. Then I would have needed the permission from my country. They would have decided whether what I said was helpful to people or not. Under those circumstances, individuality was completely drowned. Throughout human history, if an individual saw something that sparked his curiosity he would want to express himself, no matter the circumstances. For example, when Galileo figured out that we live on a round planet and that the Earth rotates around the sun, the church considered this to be an absolute heresy. During the time of Galileo, if you were not following the orders of the church you were a heretic, which literally means “one who goes their own way”. Galileo was also considered to be a danger to the church because the church always believed that the earth was flat and that it was created in six days. So the church branded Galileo as a heretic and his papers were not allowed to be published. They went back and forth and finally the church forced Galileo to write at the end of his papers that his findings were only a speculation, not the truth. Only by adding that condition could Galileo publish his papers. In a way, we have come very far. Now an individual is free, theoretically. Psychologically he is still bound by a suppression that has kept him in bondage for so many centuries. Since man comes from this collective consciousness, whether he knows it or not, there is a part of him that knows that his ideas were subjugated at one point in time. At that point in time, man had the fear of expressing himself freely. So in a subtle form, that suppression has continued to this day in the form of the family, the community, the religion, and the ideologies of the country Therefore, an individual is still bound, but he is more bound psychologically than in any other way. He is more bound by his own mental process than by anything else. If an individual can step away from his psychological burden, if he can explore life from the pristine purity of his own consciousness, then the answers he will get will simply astound him. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”