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IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 6th July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 6th July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Legalising Gambling? Part of: GS Mains II – Polity and governance In news: Law Commission of India (headed by Supreme Court judge B.S. Chauhan) report to the government – Allow gambling in sports but regulate it. Since it is impossible to stop illegal gambling, the only viable option left is to “regulate” gambling in sports. Recommended “cashless” gambling in sports as a means to increase revenue and deal a blow to unlawful gambling. Revenue from gambling should be taxable under laws such as the Income Tax Act and the Goods and Services Tax Act. Suggested that the revenue generated can be used for public welfare measures. Transactions between gamblers and operators should be linked to their Aadhaar and PAN cards so that the government could keep an eye on them. According to the Commission, foreign exchange management and foreign direct investment laws and policies should be amended to encourage investment in the casino/online gaming industry. This would propel tourism and employment. The Commission said regulations should protect vulnerable groups, minors and those below the poverty line, those who draw their sustenance from social welfare measures, subsidies and Jan Dhan account-holders from exploitation through gambling.   Pic link: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/07/06/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_01/76bf3bf4_2224597_101_mr.jpg Article link: Allow gambling in sports but regulate it, says law panel National Park in news: Bhitarkanika National Park Part of: Prelims - Environment and Biodiversity; Animal Conservation; Mapping Key points: Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha The Bhitarkanika National Park is one of the largest habitats of endangered estuarine crocodiles in the country . It is a prominent heronry (breeding ground for migratory birds) of the State. About Saltwater crocodile The saltwater crocodile, also known as the estuarine crocodile,  is the largest of all living reptiles, as well as the largest riparian predator in the world. As its name implies, this species of crocodile can live in marine environments, but usually resides in saline and brackish mangrove swamps, estuaries, deltas, lagoons, and lower stretches of rivers. They have the broadest distribution of any modern crocodile, ranging from the eastern coast of India throughout most of Southeast Asia and northern Australia. IUCN status: Least Concerned Human Space Flight Programme (HSP): success of PAT Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Science and Technology; Space Missions In news: In previous article we read that - ISRO is developing its ambitious Human Space Flight Programme (HSP). Since the ISRO does not have a human-rated launch vehicle or the budget from the government to undertake such a flight, it will not happen before 2024. Mission will be carried out on board a home-grown GSLV-III rocket. ISRO succeeded in conducting the first ‘pad abort’ test (PAT) PAT is crew escape system and with its success ISRO is a small step closer to sending Indians to space. Pad Abort Test [PAT] is for safe recovery of the crew in case of any exigency at the launch pad and are necessary for a future manned mission. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/07/06/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/8a3af5bd_2224608_101_mr.jpg Create leprosy awareness: SC Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Health and Social issue Leprosy on rise: India earned an honourable mention in a new WHO report on neglected tropical diseases (NTD), it is also one of the handful of countries around the world that have shown an increase in leprosy cases. The number of leprosy cases in India went up from 1,25,785 to 1,27,326 between 2014 and 2015. About Leprosy: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast, rod-shaped bacillus. The disease mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes. Leprosy is curable and treatment in the early stages can prevent disability. Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT). Leprosy is transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contacts with untreated cases. In news: Recently, Supreme Court directed the government to create awareness that leprosy is curable and not contagious. SC ordered All India Radio and Doordarshan to air programmes nationally as well as regionally in the States. Persons suffering from leprosy deserved the empathy from authorities as well as the society at large. They deserved to be treated with equality. National Leprosy Eradication Programme It is a centrally sponsored Health Scheme of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India with the objective to arrest the disease activity in all the known cases of leprosy through early diagnosis and treatment. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNAL SECURITY TOPIC: General Studies 3: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. Challenges to internal security through communication networks. Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism. Tackling Lynching Introduction: India has witnessed killing of over 27 people in 15 cases of lynchings by frenzied mobs blinded by viral rumours of child-kidnappers on the prowl across nine states — from Assam to Tamil Nadu — in the last one year. The Central government has finally moved to react to the lynchings reported from across the length and breadth of the country, but its line of action is bafflingly weak. With over 200 million active WhatsApp users in India, the country seems to have a serious problem with the spread of fake news, and nothing is being done about it. On the contrary, India told Facebook-owned WhatsApp to take "immediate action" after a spate of these horrific lynchings sparked by false rumours was shared on the messaging service. Unfortunately, we cannot blame a messaging app which is used worldwide, if the government itself fails to address the issues which are largely at play in the country. Why political messaging and administrative alerts are key to stopping the string of lynchings? WhatsApp alone cannot stop the lynchings. It is not clear how such a platform can take measures to limit the spread of motivated or sensational messages. Also, whether such checks would amount to legitimising surveillance and a loss of privacy — a rare commodity in this digital age. Even if it can do so without compromising privacy, the problem is not the medium. Rumour has historically found its way around communication walls, and it can only be effectively blocked through old-fashioned information campaigns and administrative alertness. Rumour’s potency predates mobile phones, even if there is no denying that smartphones, with their ability to instantly transmit text and images, have a tendency, in this era of fake news, to rapidly spread panic and anger. (One such example was unrelated video of an act of violence that went viral was responsible for fuelling communal hatred in Muzaffarnagar in 2013.) Concerns: It is puzzling that district administrations and gram panchayats have not been asked to reach out to locals to persuade them against falling for rumours, and to come to the authorities if they have any fears. One more key finding is that the proximity or distance of police from the scene of the crime doesn’t make a difference. In all 27 killings, the nearest station was 2-20 km from the spot — on an average, within 10 km. Yet, police were unable to reach in time. In the handful of cases that they did, they were heavily outnumbered. Clearly, the rumour and the mob moves faster than the police. Conclusion: WhatsApp in India can do everything it can, but at the end, it is the responsibility of the government to find a solution and stop the spread of fake messages. New rules need to be implemented and the police in the country need better tools to cope with false content being spread as well. India needs to take this up as a challenge and find a solution, as soon as possible. The messaging needs to be amplified — merely appealing to WhatsApp is hardly the solution. Connecting the dots: Mob violence and lynching are emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable example, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. The State’s legitimacy to govern is at risk with increase in incidents like lynching and mob violence. Discuss. A draft anti-lynching law has been proposed. Discuss the need of such a law and apprehensions associated with the provisions of the draft law. Further also analyze how making law would not be enough, an effective enforcement machinery is the need of the hour. INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Current India’s Foreign Policy status Introduction: For India, it is very vital to maintain equilibrium with the U.S., China, Russia, the European Union and members of the ASEAN. With U.S., China, Russia – because, they carry geostrategic heft, with the U.S. still being the number one outside power balancer in almost every region of the world. With EU and ASEAN, as they two are economic powerhouses. India needs all of them, not one at the cost of the other. Losing its eminent position India has lost its eminent position in South Asia as a consequence of reckless adventurism in its neighbourhood. Today, the neighbourhood is bending towards China, with India looking on like a hapless bystander. For instance, India’s monopoly over geopolitics in Nepal is over, and there is another relationship that Nepal is nurturing. Even in Afghanistan, where the attention of what remains of the ‘Western Alliance’ is focussed, India is a non-player. (We can consider the case of Sri Lanka and Maldives too) India has also lost its pre-eminent position in the developing world as a consequence of its wilful abandonment of the leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and other such institutions of the postcolonial world order. (PM Modi obtusely skipped NAM in 2016) Background: India emerged as the natural leader of the newly liberated nations emerging from the ravages of imperialism and neocolonialism in the late 1940s and early ’50s, a position it maintained with great care and perseverance even after the collapse of the Soviet Union when strategic thinkers were characterising the victory of the West as the end of history. The below article examines the cardinal errors one by one – India’s strained relations Neither during the Obama years nor during the current term of Trump administration has a single “big” idea emerged that could take the India-U.S. relationship forward. India has failed to clearly understand the Donald Trump phenomenon and India does not fit into the calculus of Trump’s new paradigm. The mimicry of Mr. Modi by Mr. Trump, the snub on the ‘2+2’ dialogue, and U.S. envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley’s aggressive speech on Iran should therefore come as no surprise. NDA government had also failed to foster good ties with Russia and China. Russia holding anti-terror exercises with Pakistan in DRUZBA-2017 the ill-conceived boycott of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing in 2017 invited the wrath of China via the Doklam standoff Prime Minister had to travel to Wuhan and Sochi to effectively pay ‘court’ to Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, respectively. The worst casualty has, however, been India’s neighbourhood. In the past four years, the BJP government has swung from the sublime to the ridiculous on Pakistan, blockaded Nepal for not declaring itself as a Hindu Rashtra, lost Sri Lanka to the Chinese, been belittled by the Maldives and even Seychelles. Europe, Africa, Latin and South America have fallen off the map. The list is interminable. India’s foreign policy is up a creek without a paddle. Arguments in favour of present government under PM Modi Under PM Modi, India’s foreign policy has been on an upward trajectory. Country’s stature has grown significantly due to his leadership in the foreign policymaking process and charismatic role as India’s diplomat number one. PM’s vision is to turn India into a leading power and a net provider of security and prosperity. India is now widely acknowledged as an actor living up to its true potential, reflecting the aspirations of contemporary Indians. Two areas where Indian foreign policy has leapfrogged under Mr. Modi are cultural and commercial diplomacy. Well-thought-out policy reforms and emotional engagements with the Indian diaspora have added a force multiplier to nation’s soft power. By tapping into the transnational Hindu and Buddhist civilisational linkages and harnessing them for strategic benefits in our extended neighbourhood, Mr. Modi has reified India’s image as a repository of ancient wisdom that generates global public goods. Record levels of inward FDI flows and improvements in a range of global ranking indices bear testament to Mr. Modi’s success in economic diplomacy. In geopolitics, Mr. Modi has made decisive choices – He has broken free of taboos that restrained India from capitalising on closer defence and strategic cooperation with the U.S., Japan and Israel. Casting aside the obsolete concept of non-alignment and entering into deeper circumstantial partnerships to expand India’s geostrategic footprint are no minor accomplishments. India is working its way to becoming a third power centre in the world alongside the U.S. and China. India under Modi also challenged the U.S. whenever it has hampered Indian interests through trade barriers and economic sanctions. Challenges: India is facing a unique combination of diplomatic, security and strategic challenges today. The growing economic, defence and strategic partnership with the U.S. is being questioned on account of the transactional nature of the Trump administration, its unreasonable trade demands, its focus on other issues such as North Korea, and its sanctions related to Iran and Russia that are unmindful of India’s interests and costs. India’s hitherto reliable and largest defence partner, Russia, is becoming increasingly enmeshed with China and Pakistan. India’s neighbours, including the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, are exploiting new opportunities to leverage their possibilities with China vis-à-vis India. The picture is complicated. There are strong sui generis challenges and headwinds, requiring course modulation and adaptation. Conclusion: Foreign policymaking always faces challenges in an evolving world. India will also need to strengthen itself further economically and in its defence capacity, including in technology and production. It will also need to improve its capacity for implementation of agreed upon cooperation projects. Connecting the dots: What is your assessment of the foreign policy being pursued by the Indian government? Do you perceive any ideological shift? Examine. Discuss the paradigm shift in India’s foreign policy with reference to the changes brought by the new government. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) Consider the following statements about Leprosy It is a viral infection Loss of sensations over the affected skin is a typical feature associated with skin patches caused due to leprosy Select the correct statements 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Which of the following statements are correct regarding Leprosy? The disease mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes. A cure for leprosy is still not discovered and once infected a person can’t be treated. Leprosy is communicable and can be transmitted by droplets from nose and mouth. Select the code from below: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about Bhitarkanika National Park It is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites It is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation Select the correct statements 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) The salt-water crocodile is found along the: Eastern coast and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Western coast and Lakshadweep islands Gulf of Kutch and Gulf of Khambhat along with some areas near Gulf of Mannar All the Above Q.5) Consider the following statements regarding Bhitarkanika National Park It is surrounded by Gahirmatha Beach It is known for salt water crocodiles It is located in the mouth of Mahanadi Delta Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 MUST READ Why we need Governors The Hindu A legend, a demystifier: on Balamuralikrishna The Hindu How to rule Delhi The Hindu Insecurity in cyberspace: on sharing data online The Hindu The price is right Indian Express A political price Indian Express The growth and inflation prospects for the current year Livemint

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 17]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 17] Archives Q.1) Mekedatu dispute is concerned with Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Karnataka and Goa Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant’ It has a pressurized heavy-water reactor (PHWR) type of nuclear reactor It is the first in the world to have post-Fukushima safety enhancement requirements implemented and operated successfully Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) It acts as a Non-Statutory body of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment The Chairman and the Members of the Commission are appointed by the President Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements with regard to Bharat stage emission standards (BSES) The standards and the timeline for implementation are set by Central Pollution Control Board India will be skipping BS-V and directly move to BS-VI from BS-IV Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Uruguay is bordered by Brazil Paraguay Argentina 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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 5th July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 5th July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Increased MSP to Farmers Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Government policies and schemes; Social Reforms; Farmer issue About: We kept reading - farmers’ groups agitating on the lack of announcement on MSP rates. Government had decided to offer a minimum support price (MSP) of at least 1.5 times the expenses borne by farmers for all crops. (Union Budget 2018) So finally the Union Cabinet has approved a hike in MSPs for kharif crops so that they are 50% higher than the cost of production, not including land costs. The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Do you know? The minimum support prices are announced by the Government of India at the beginning of the sowing season for certain crops on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). Outcomes: Increase in MSP is likely to inflate the food subsidy bill hike would boost farmers’ income and purchasing capacity inflation might rise due to higher food prices It could push domestic prices out of sync with global prices and destroy market discipline in crop choice, cost control and efficiency For more: visit - Why inflated MSP can’t lead to Farm prosperity? Bru people to get voting rights Part of: GS Prelims - Geography In news: More than 30,000 people belonging to the Bru community, who fled from Mizoram to Tripura in 1997 in the wake of inter-community violence, will be given voting rights. Remember tribe/community name - Reang tribe (known in Mizoram as Brus) Human Space Flight Programme (HSP) ISRO is developing its ambitious Human Space Flight Programme (HSP). Since the ISRO does not have a human-rated launch vehicle or the budget from the government to undertake such a flight, it will not happen before 2024. Mission will be carried out on board a home-grown GSLV-III rocket. Cashew processing units feel the crunch Part of: GS mains III – Food processing units and related challenges In news: The cashew processing industry in Andhra Pradesh may soon face a threat like in Kerala if the government fails to come to its rescue by offering subsidy on purchase of machinery for modernisation and other slew of incentives to increase crop production. In Kerala, almost 95% of units have been forced to shut shop due to high labour costs and denial of permission for modernisation. The main problem in the in Andhra Pradesh is the ageing of the crop – which is around 50 to 100 year-old — causing abysmally low yield. Key facts: The annual growth since 2004 has remained at 14 to 15%. To overcome raw material shortage, the processing units import eight to 10 lakh tonnes cashew nuts from Indonesia, Tanzania, Cambodia, Senegal, Ivory Cost, and parts of West Africa. Of three-lakh tonne crunchy cashew produced in India, one lakh is exported to the United States, the Europe, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore and neighbouring countries. In a recent representation, cashew manufacturers asked the government to remove 1 % cess proposed on cashew nuts by the Agriculture Market Committee and allot a site to open the office of the Cashew Export Promotion Council in Visakhapatnam. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC:General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests INDIA-NEPAL: Time for India to play its cards right Background: In the year 2015, India-Nepal relations hit a low over the promulgation of the constitution and the Madhesi agitation. Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who assumed power in October 2015, accused Delhi of enforcing a nearly six-month-long ‘blockade’ between end 2015 and early 2016, in support of Madhesis. An entire generation of young Nepalis, who were already alienated from India due to the opening of newer education destinations, saw the blockade as a move against a neighbour which had not got its act right. Nepal decides to get freedom from being ‘India-locked’ Nepal had historically remained ‘India-locked’, rather than being termed landlocked, as it is dependent on India for transit to the seas. Being landlocked is not much of an issue as one can get sea-locked, like the Maldives, but to be completely dependent on a single country for transit rights (especially after blockade) became an issue to resolve. Therefore, Nepal government set vision to transform their land-locked Himalayan nation into a land-and-water-linked country and looks up to both China and India to meet that vision. Nepal-China Nexus In 2016 visit, Oli (for the first time) managed to push the agenda of a trade and transit agreement with China on the lines with special agreements with India. With the U.S. influence decreasing, globalisation on the world stage was captured well by China in 2017. China became the enabler of connectivity, world trade and dependency as it pushed its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With Southeast Asia well covered and inroads made in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, for China, Nepal is the obvious next country for engagement. Nepal continues to remain the best conduit for Indian markets for China. Therefore, Nepal will be connected with China through a railway network in addition to roads. While optical fibre cables already connect Nepal and China, transmission lines will connect the two countries, providing Nepal a much needed alternative to sell excess power. Rail and road networks will also provide Nepal an alternative for petroleum products that continue to remain the highest imported product. For Nepal, nurturing the relationship with China is more out of compulsion than choice. The way ahead for India Therefore, now the onus is on India to rethink on a long-term basis how to recalibrate its relationship with Nepal. Nepal is a place of opportunity for people from the border towns of India. The impact of the Nepal blockade in Indian border towns was so intense that it forced Indian traders to tap their own channels to end it. The perspective has to change in New Delhi to factor in Nepal’s concerns on the open border. India needs to also realise the new reality that its monopoly over geopolitics in Nepal is over, and there is another relationship that Nepal is nurturing. It is time for India to be proactive and redefine its engagement rather than continue to be reactive. Connecting the dots: India’s approach to its ties with Nepal needs recalibration keeping in mind the geostrategic significance of the landlocked nation. Examine. The current state of India’s relations with Nepal is unhealthy. The initiative to reduce suspicion and generate political comfort must come from the larger nation, which is India in this case. Discuss. NATIONAL/SOCIAL ISSUE TOPIC: General Studies 2: 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. Internationalizing higher education Introduction: Since Independence, higher education system in India has witnessed various challenges – inadequate government funding poor quality increasing privatization and politicisation Only IITs and IIMs (which constitutes a tiny segment of a system that enrolls 35 million students) have shown some excellence. However, things are changing now, at least at the Central government level and at the top of the higher education system. Towards innovation The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), implemented in 2016, is India’s first government-supported ranking of colleges and universities. It may in the future guide government financial support for higher education. It will provide the basis for differentiating among colleges and universities. It will force participating institutions to submit data on critical areas, permitting government to make key decisions. What needs to be done to create elite, globally competitive world-class universities in India? Apart from NIRF, two additional initiatives try to create world-class universities – Institutions of Eminence (IoE) project; and Graded Autonomy project Institutions of Eminence (IoE) project IOE project will recognise 20 universities, 10 public and 10 private, and provide significant government funds to the public institutions (no extra money to the privates) and give enhanced autonomy for them. It is similar to many of the “excellence initiatives” common worldwide in providing extra funding in return for innovative ideas to the winners. Graded Autonomy project The Graded Autonomy programme provides considerable freedom for academic, financial and administrative innovation to the colleges and universities participating. Given the often stifling bureaucracy of higher education, it will be a significant stimulus for innovation. Both public and private institutions are involved. The Graded Autonomy programme makes it easier to hire international faculty, traditionally very difficult to do. Do you know? Traditionally, colleges and universities have been restricted from deep international collaboration. There has been little emphasis on attracting international students — only 47,575 international students study in India compared to the almost 400,000 in China. Other initiatives: Study in India initiative It seeks to attract international students mainly from a group of African and Asian countries. It aims at doubling India’s tiny share of global student mobility from 1% to 2%. Government-to-government MoU India is moving towards signing a pact on mutual recognition of academic qualifications with 30 countries. Recently a government-to-government MoU was signed between India and France to mutually recognise academic qualifications, a historic development. Challenges India’s plan to upgrade 20 or more Indian universities to world-class quality will be complex. It will also take time and consistent funding, probably at a scale beyond what is envisaged in current plans. Universities should be granted with increased autonomy and freedom from the bureaucratic shackles of government. Innovative ideas from the top universities has been little evident. Internationalisation is central to academic success in the 21st century — and India has been notably weak. The inability in recent years to pass legislation relating to foreign branch campuses and other relationships with overseas universities is an indication of the problem. Carefully studying what has worked abroad may also provide useful ideas. India has shown academic innovations over the years, but on a limited scale and never in the comprehensive universities. Several Indian universities are finally awakening to the challenges of the 21st century. At least several innovative programmes, backed by government, are in the works. Implementing them effectively remains the key challenge. Connecting the dots: Why Indian universities faring so poorly? How can Indian Universities Improve their Global Standing? Why autonomy is important for universities? Analyse. Also discuss the emerging trends in higher education in India as far as autonomy of universities is concerned. Why doesn’t India have globally competitive institutions of education? Examine. What would it take to transform higher education in India? Analyse. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) The Reang tribe also known as 'Bru' is found in which of the following states in India – Chhattisgarh Andaman and Nicobar Tripura Odisha Q.2) Which of the following are correctly matched?               Tribe             State Reang              Tripura Bhutia              Sikkim Lepcha            Arunachal Pradesh Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 MUST READ The paradox of job growth The Hindu Fuel: getting the mix right The Hindu How to rule Delhi The Hindu Insecurity in cyberspace: on sharing data online The Hindu The player and his part Indian Express Towards a people’s police Indian Express The radical monk Indian Express

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 16]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 16] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) It is a special agreement under the Berne Convention It has provisions to extend the protection of copyrights contained therein to the digital environment It grants the right of distribution and the right of rental Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statement about ‘Beijing Treaty on Audio-visual Performances’ It is a multilateral treaty which regulates copyright for audio-visual performances and expands the performers' rights. India has recently ratified the treaty Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Stree Swabhiman’ initiative It is under the aegis of Ministry of Health Under the initiative, sanitary napkin micro manufacturing units are being set up at Common Services Centres (CSCs) across India, particularly those operated by women entrepreneurs Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Which of the following statements about ‘Khan Prahari’ App is/are correct? It is a tool for reporting any illegal coal mining incident It is done through geotagged photographs as well as textual information by any individual Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements ‘DNA profiling’ is a forensic technique used to identify individuals by characteristics of their DNA Short tandem repeats (or STRs) are regions of non-coding DNA that contain repeats of the same nucleotide sequence Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 Nor 2 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : Prime Minister’s Key Note Address at Shangri La Dialogue

Prime Minister’s Key Note Address at Shangri La Dialogue Search 2nd June, 2018 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC:General Studies 2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. Shangri-La Dialogue The IISS Asia Security Summit: The Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) is a "Track One" inter-governmental security forum held annually by an independent think tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) which is attended by defense ministers, permanent heads of ministries and military chiefs of 28 Asia-Pacific states. The forum gets its name from the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore where it has been held since 2002. Since its launch in 2002 the Dialogue has built confidence and fostered practical security cooperation, by facilitating easy communication and fruitful contact among the region's most important defence and security policymakers. Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to deliver the keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue. PM Modi’s Address amplified the central and ongoing themes of India’s role on the world stage: India’s focus on its own long civilizational history of international engagement—and raising global awareness of that history India’s sense of itself as playing a linking role for the larger Indo-Pacific space India’s commitment to principles, rule of law, and a theory of equality for nations as part of its general commitment to the liberal international order. India’s Civilizational Past: Modi invoked India’s maritime history, highlighting the Indus Valley civilization port of Lothal (in his home state of Gujarat) as “among the world’s oldest ports.” He cited Buddhism as a regional link for the Indo-Pacific Singapore is our springboard to ASEAN: Singapore, for centuries has been a gateway for India to the broader east. For thousands of years Indians have turned to the east not just to see the sunrise but also to pray for its light to spread over the world. We have a growing political, economic and defence ties with each south-east Asian country. Global transit routes must be peaceful: The ocean carries 90% of India’s trade and our energy sources. It is also the life line of global commerce. India stands for a free, open, inclusive Indo-Pacific region, which embraces us all in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity. It includes all nations in this geography as also others beyond who have a stake in it. India’s “Act East” policy of stepped-up activity with the ASEAN region: He highlighted India’s work with the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, and a series of regional organizations in which India participates: the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (the “Plus” includes countries outside of ASEAN), and ASEAN Regional Forum. In this presentation, Modi also noted India’s participation in organizations “bridging South and Southeast Asia”: the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation and the Mekong-Ganga Economic Corridor. Our trade in the region is growing rapidly, and a significant part of our overseas investments flow in this direction. ASEAN alone accounts for over 20%. India and China must work together: With trade between both the countries growing, Indo-China cooperation is expanding. We have displayed maturity and wisdom in managing issues and ensuring a peaceful border. There is growing intersection in our international presence. Globalisation- Key to development: This is a world of inter-dependent fortunes and failures. No nation can shape and secure it on its own. It is a world that summons us to rise above divisions and competition to work together. Is that possible? Yes it is possible. PM Modi sees ASEAN as an example and inspiration. Solutions cannot be found behind walls of protection, but in embracing change. What we seek is a level playing field for all. India stands for open and stable international trade regime. Equal access as a right: The Prime Minister also called for equal access as a right under international law to the use of common spaces on sea and in the air that would require freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law. Calling for an end to protectionism in this age of globalisation he said that solutions cannot be found behind walls of protection, but in embracing change. “Asia of rivalry will hold us all back. Asia of cooperation will shape this century.” Modi specifically affirmed India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific as a “free, open, and inclusive” region, not “directed against any country,” with “Southeast Asia at its center,” and a space that requires a “common rules-based order” that respects “sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as equality of all nations.” He underscored the importance of freedom of navigation and connectivity—and decried protectionism

PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 24th June to 30th June, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 24th to 30th June, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-1 2019: 100 years of the horrific incident of Jallianwala Bagh will come to a full circle (Topic: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages) Date: April 13, 1919 Also known as the Amritsar massacre Dyer was convinced of a major insurrection and he banned all meetings; however this notice was not widely disseminated. That was the day of Baisakhi, the main Sikh festival, and many villagers had gathered in the Bagh. On hearing that a meeting had assembled at Jallianwala Bagh, Dyer ordered the army to shoot at the crowd. Dyer continued the firing for about ten minutes, until the ammunition supply was almost exhausted. The civilians had assembled to condemn the arrest and deportation of two national leaders, Satya Pal and Saifuddin Kitchlew (most remembered for the protests in Punjab after the implementation of *Rowlatt Act in March 1919) The ineffective inquiry and the initial accolades for Dyer by the House of Lords fuelled widespread anger, leading to the *Non-cooperation Movement of 1920–22. *Rowlatt Act: This act effectively authorized the government to imprison any person suspected of terrorism living in the Raj for up to two years without a trial, and gave the imperial authorities power to deal with all revolutionary activities. *Non-cooperation Movement of 1920–22: Led by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi after the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Reaction to the oppressive policies of the British Indian government such as the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre Aimed to resist British rule in India through nonviolence means,"Ahimsa" Protesters would refuse to buy British goods, adopt the use of local handicrafts and picket liquor shops. Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (Topic: The Freedom Struggle – its important contributors) Birthday: July 6 Associated with education, administration and parliamentary affairs Youngest vice-chancellor of the University of Calcutta (33 yrs) In 1937, on the invitation of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore addressed the convocation in Kolkata University in Bangla. This was the first time under British rule that the convocation in Kolkata University had been addressed to in Bangla The first industrial policy of Independent India, which came in 1948, was stamped with his ideas and vision. For the proper development of cottage and small industries with finance availability and organizational setup- All India Handicrafts Board, All India Handloom Board and Khadi & Village Industries Board were established between 1948 and 1950. There was also a special emphasis by Dr. Mukherjee on indigenization of India's defence production, in the establishment of four most successful mega projects- Chittaranjan locomotive works factory, Hindustan aircraft factory, Sindri fertilizer factory and Damodar Valley Corporation and other river valley projects GS-2 NITI Aayog partners with GNFC Ltd (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Why: To implement Fertilizer Subsidy Disbursement through Blockchain Technology They will jointly develop the use case, under take research, interact with multiple stakeholders, develop Blockchain solutions, exchange learnings, organise forums, and disseminate learnings across their networks. Learnings, insights and outcomes of the PoC will enable NITI Aayog to suggest policy recommendations and actions in strengthening the subsidy mechanism, making it more transparent and immune to leakages. Why Blockchain Distribution will become effective and efficient Subsidy transfer could be automated and made real time Blockchain platform have inherent characteristics of distributed computing and ledger keeping of transactions i.e. confidentiality, authenticity, non-repudiation, data integrity, and data availability. Overall implementation ensures that there is no dependence on intermediary agencies to prove the validity of transactions and resulting subsidy claims. The blockchain based process will also use Smart Contracts which will enable quick and accurate reconciliation of transactions between multiple parties with minimal human intervention. Implementation platform is such that process transparency is evident, transactions cannot be altered and audit trails of transactions are available. Cabinet approves MoU between India and Singapore on Cooperation in the field of urban planning and development: To facilitate government agencies in the Centre and States, including Municipal Bodies, to readily tap into the expertise of Singapore agencies in the areas of urban development and management and other areas, and thus help in urban rejuvenation, mission Capacity building programme in the field of planning, focusing on areas of urban planning, water and waste water management, solid waste management, Intelligent Transport System and public financing (Public Private Partnerships) would be undertaken It would equip the officials with skills related to evidence based policy writing, evaluation etc. and help NITI to play the newly assigned role of a Think Tank in a more effective manner. MoU between India and Germany on Cooperation in the field of Civil Aviation: Signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation relations between India and Germany, and has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Strengthening of teaching, patient / clinical care and public health programme implementation - Shifting of more experienced doctors belonging to Central Government and Central government entities to teaching/ clinical / Public Health Programme implementation activities The approval seeks to ensure that the doctors belonging to Central Health Service (CHS) and of other Ministries / Departments / entities of the Central Government, after attaining the age of 62 years, work exclusively in their respective fields of clinical expertise. This will result in capacity building and leadership development of more Central Government doctors besides availability of more experienced doctors for medical education, clinical / patient care services and for implementation of national health programmes. MoU between India and Bahrain on cooperation in the field of Healthcare: The MoU covers the following areas of cooperation:- Exchange of information including publications and research outcomes; Exchanging visits by governmental officials, academic staff, scholars, teachers, experts and students; Participating in workshops and training courses; Encouraging health and medical research activities at both the private-sector and the academic level Please Note: 1st of July: Doctor’s Day 1st July 2018: To be celebrated as ‘GST day’, to commemorate the first year of the unprecedented reform of Indian taxation GST - ‘ONE NATION, ONE TAX, ONE MARKET’- binds India into an Economic Union, promotes ‘Make in India’ and has improved ‘Ease of Doing Business’ Introduction of e-way bill ensures hassle free movement of goods throughout the country GST replaced multi-layered, complex indirect tax structure with a simple, transparent and technology–driven tax regime Mission Shaurya: Initiative of the Adivasi Vikas Vibhag of the Maharashtra State Government – Five students out of 10 of this group successfully scaled Mt. Everest in May 2018 ICDS-CAS (Common Application Software) has been specially designed to strengthen the Service Delivery System as well as the mechanism for Real Time Monitoring (RTM) for nutritional outcomes PRAGATI - the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation Islands Development Agency: Constituted in 2017 26 islands have been listed for holistic development Elements of holistic development: Establishment of key infrastructure projects, digital connectivity, green energy, desalination plants, waste management, promotion of fisheries, and tourism-based projects Review of the work done in Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Need for developing an integrated tourism-centric ecosystem Need to explore the possibility of seaweed cultivation, and other initiatives which could be of help for the agriculture sector India is the largest borrower from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: With the total project portfolios of US$4.4 Billion, India has been the largest borrower of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) lending since the time the Bank started its operations. AIIB is the first major multilateral development bank where principal contributors are the borrowing members themselves. An international financial institution that aims to support the building of infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region – established in January 2016 with its headquarters located in Beijing Its stated mission is “to improve economic and social development in Asia by investing in high quality, financially viable and environmentally friendly infrastructure projects”. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has been projected as an “Asian tool” to deal with such challenges that have stunted the growth prospects of several Asian economies. Use of satellite-based Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) data: For estimating ground-based PM2.5 levels Establishing early warning system and dissemination protocol to inform public and enforcing agencies about episodic high pollution events in advance National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL): Certification agency for air quality measurement instruments. Prime Minister Awas Yojana (PMAY) Scheme: To hand-over 1 crore homes by December 2018 Interventions: As part of Smart City Initiative, safe transportation, lower environment impact, waste to energy and waste to compost, universal access for women, children and old people is where intervention is required beyond building homes. Use of innovative and fast-track construction technology has been adopted in a big way under the scheme. More than 7 lakh houses are being constructed in different States using new technologies. The progress of the houses on the ground has been monitored through geo-tagging using space technology.   The Ministry has further rolled out eight models of Public-Private Partnerships for Affordable Housing that has ushered in a revolution in Affordable Housing sector in India. The investment in the housing sector has a spiral and cascading effect on other sectors of the economy as well, thereby boosting the GDP of the country. The increased activity in the housing sector, increases the demand of not only construction material such as bricks, cement, sand and steel but also the allied sectors. The Government of India is committed to provide “Housing for All” by the end of the Mission period-2022. 3000 Van Dhan Kendras to be set up: The Government proposes to set up 3000 Van Dhan Kendras involving 30,000 SHGs across the country By the Ministry of Tribal Affairs An initiative for targeting livelihood generation for tribals by harnessing non-timber forest produces, the true wealth of forest i.e. Van Dhan with an estimated value: Rs.2 Lakh Cr. per year. It shall promote and leverage the collective strength of tribals (through SHGs) to achieve scale. It also aims at build upon the traditional knowledge & skill sets of tribals by adding technology & IT for value addition. Further it is to set-up tribal community owned Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (the Kendra) in predominantly forested tribal districts. A Kendra shall constitute of 10 tribal SHGs, each comprising of upto 30 tribal NTFP gatherers or artisans i.e. about 300 beneficiaries per Kendra. Training and technical support is provided by TRIFED ‘Women in Prisons’ Report By: The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) Aim: To build an understanding of the various entitlements of women in prisons, the various issues faced by them and possible methods for resolution of the same The report contains a comprehensive list of 134 recommendations for improving the lives of women under incarceration, addressing a wide range of issues pertaining to pregnancy and childbirth in prison, mental health, legal aid, reintegration in society and their caregiving responsibilities among others. The excerpts of the report: Prior to their imprisonment, women with care-giving responsibilities must be allowed to make arrangements for their children, and a reasonable suspension of detention may also be provided for this purpose. Bail should be granted to those under-trial women who have spent one-third of their maximum possible sentence in detention, by making necessary changes in Section 436A of the CrPC which provides for release after half of the maximum sentence has been served. A separate accommodation for mothers in post-natal stage to maintain hygiene and protect the infant from contagion, for at least a year after childbirth Special provisions relating to health and nutrition be made for women who have recently given birth outside prison, or who have undergone abortion or miscarriage Legal consultations must be conducted in confidentiality and without censorship Comprehensive after-care programme to be put in place, covering employment, financial support, regaining of child custody, shelter, counselling, continuity of health care services etc. Counselling should also be provided to family members and employers to adequately receive the woman after release. At least one voluntary organisation should be designated in each district to help with integration of released prisoners. Need for a more robust grievance redressal system Inmates should have access to female counsellors/psychologists at least on a weekly basis or as frequently as needed by them. Ban on Oxytocin formulations: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has restricted the manufacture of Oxytocin formulations for domestic use to public sector only. It has also banned the import of Oxytocin and its formulations. Oxytocin is a naturally-occurring hormone that causes uterine contractions during labour and helps new mothers lactate. But its misuse is widespread in the dairy industry where livestock are injected with oxytocin to make them release milk at a time convenient to farmers. The hormone is also used to increase the size of vegetables such as pumpkins, watermelons, brinjals, gourds and cucumbers. Personality in News Sant Kabirdas Maghar: In eastern Uttar Pradesh – Sant Kabir Das ji attained Samadhi here Do you know why Kabir Das ji chose to go to Maghar – In those days it was believed that death in Maghar was a roadblock in one’s pathway to heaven.  On the contrary, breathing one’s last in Kaashi was a guarantee for entry into heaven. Maghar was considered unholy but Sant Kabirdas never subscribed to that view. He toiled relentlessly to quell many such superstitions and evil social customs of his times. That is why he went to Maghar and chose to attain Samadhi there. Sant Kabir Das ji, through his verses ‘Saakhis’ and ‘Dohas’ stressed upon the virtues of social equality, peace and brotherhood, and laid great emphasis on social cohesion. He appealed to the people to rise above divisions of religion & caste and make knowledge & wisdom the sole basis of recognition. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Jagatguru) Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings endeavoured to eradicate caste based discrimination prevalent in society. He perceived humankind as one & urged everyone to embrace humanity. The establishment of a kitchen free of social discrimination where a person of any caste, sect, religion or community could eat or what we know as the langarsystem was initiated solely by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The 550th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev Ji will be celebrated in 2019. Quotes The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu On Cooperatives Cooperatives need to take up the task of training farmers in the right use of fertilizers, and also help them understand new technologies in farming. Agricultural cooperatives can play a vital role in educating the farmers to reduce the cost of cultivation through balanced use of fertilizer, improve water-use efficiency, establish more warehouse to avoid distress sale of produce, link with National E-market (e-NAM), emphasize value addition and encourage farmers to take up other allied activities like poultry, beekeeping, and fisheries. Government should strengthen cooperatives so that they can work for the welfare of the farmers and give them credit at the time they need at a reasonable rate of interest Cooperative sector has a big role in bridging the urban-rural divide and creating opportunities for income generation. Women’s participation will further strengthen economic activity in rural areas Cooperatives have tremendous opportunities in solving the problem of unemployment, so, skilling the rural population through cooperatives can be a big leap forward. Highlighting the need to have a transparent, accountable and efficient system, cooperatives need to make effective use of digital technology in their functioning, especially in governance, banking and businesses. On Human Rights, Values and Cultural Ethos Eternal vigilance is required to safeguard human rights and restore human dignity to each and every person. Citizens must be the guardians of liberty of fellow citizens. It is the duty of every citizen.  Civil liberties are well protected when each of us respects others’ rights. Philosophy of education is to provide for the total development of citizens, including the development of the physical, intellectual, emotional, material and spiritual aspects of their personality.

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 4th July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 4th July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) SC verdict on Centre-Delhi power tussle In news: Supreme Court pronounced its verdict on the ongoing tussle between the Centre and the democratically elected Arvind Kejriwal government over who wields the power to administer and govern the national capital. Key pointers: SC ruled that  Delhi government has power in all areas except land, police and public order and the Lt. Governor is bound by the aid and advice of the NCT govt in areas other than those exempted. The new five-judge bench adhered to Supreme Court's nine judge Bench decision of 1996 in NDMC versus State of Punjab to hold that Delhi is not a State but 'special'. LGs/Governors cannot usurp rights of an elected state government. Real authority to take decisions lies in the elected govt. This is the meaning of 'aid and advice'. Titular head has to act in accordance to aid and advice. L-G cannot send every difference of opinion to President. The L-G needs to be only informed of NCT government's decision. There is no need of his concurrence. Do you know? Article 239AA deals with Special Status of Delhi Under Article 163, the governor has to act on the aid and advice of the council of minister except in the case where he has to exercise his discretion Reforms in the police forces Part of: GS Mains II – Governance; transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures In news: Supreme Court advised the State governments to consult UPSC for selecting police chiefs Key pointers: According to Supreme Court, State governments have to send the names of the probables (to UPSC) three months before the incumbent Directors-General of Police (DGP) is to retire. The UPSC will prepare a list of three officers fit to be DGP (giving due weightage to merit and seniority) and send it back. (in conformity to Prakash Singh judgement) The State, in turn, shall ‘immediately’ appoint one of the persons shortlisted by the commission. The directive from Supreme Court is primarily to “ensure that State governments do not exercise unwarranted influence or pressure on the police.” Pic link: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/07/04/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_01/beb9e31a_2219759_101_mr.jpg Article link: Consult UPSC for selecting police chiefs, SC tells States Thanjavur painting and application of Raman spectroscopy Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I and III – Art and Culture; Science and Tech About: It was very tough to know whether the gold and gems used in Tanjavur painting were authentic or fake without ruining the painting. But with Raman spectroscopy, there is an easy way to tell without taking it apart. Important value additions: About Thanjavur painting Thanjavur painting is a classical South Indian painting style (especially Thanjavur city of Tamil Nadu) It is characterised by rich, flat and vivid colors, simple iconic composition, glittering gold foils overlaid on delicate but extensive gesso work and inlay of glass beads and pieces or very rarely precious and semi-precious gems. Tanjore Painting of India devised during the 16th century, under the sovereignty of the Cholas. In Thanjavur paintings one can see the influence of Deccani, Vijayanagar, Maratha and even European or Company styles of painting. They are locally known as ‘Palagai Padam’ as it is mainly done on solid wood planks. It got GI tag by the Government of India in 2007-08. The theme of Tanjore Painting of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, along with saints. The distinctive features were aristocratic or religious figures adorned with jewellery and surrounded by elaborate architectural arches and doorways. Tanjore paintings are originally done on wood and are encrusted with semi-precious stones. Later the paintings were executed on glass. The glass paintings are coloured from outside inwards. The outlines and final touches have to be done first since the artist paints the picture from the reverse side of the glass. Article link: Does your Thanjavur painting have fake gold? - Today's Paper Saint Kabir's 500th Death Anniversary Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I - Art and Culture Key Pointers: Kabir Das - India's most revered 15th century mystic poet, saint and social reformer. His sayings not only influenced people's way of life but also contributed largely towards 'Hinduism Bhakti movement'. The language of his poetry was straightforward and understandable by the common people. His verses were direct revelation of truth and full of spirituality. He believed in simple life full of purity. He was against false rituals and superstitions of both Hindu and Muslim religions which have no relevance with the enrichment of the human soul. He said that both are ignorant of realty. He satirically denounced Brahmins and Mullahs and thus won the hearts of poor people who were the victims of their exploitation. His writings significantly influenced the Bhakti movement. Some of his famous writings include ‘Sakhi Granth’, ‘Anurag Sagar’, ‘Bijak’ and ‘Kabir Granthawali’. A religious community known as ‘Kabir Panth’ was founded by him and the members of this forum are referred as ‘Kabir Panthis’, implying the followers of Kabir Das. Great saint, Ramananda was his Guru. Kabir was the first saint to reconcile Hinduism with Islam. Kabir died at Maghar in the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh in 1518 A.D. Do you know? Last week Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Sant Kabir Academy in Uttar Pradesh. Prime Minister has also inaugurated the two-day ‘Kabir Mahotsav’ at Maghar in Sant Kabir Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh on June 28, 2018. The festival, organised by the Union Culture Ministry, will feature folk music, dance performances and musical theatre in which artistes from all over the country will participate. “cVigil” app GS Prelims: Election Commission launched an Android-based mobile application named “cVigil”. The app will help citizens to share proof of malpractices by political parties, their candidates and activists when the Model Code of Conduct is in force. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Need for reforming Indian financial structure Introduction: RBI’s Financial Stability Report: highlights the following – Indian banks will continue to be under pressure because of their bad loans.   Bad loans will continue to increase in the current financial year while capital adequacy will decline. It also highlighted that most of the current policy attention focused on first three of four components of a recovery in financial sector health— recognition, resolution, recapitalization and reform. Even as the challenges of recognition, resolution and recapitalization continue to dominate the public debate, there is also a need for a debate on the financial structure reforms that India needs in its next round of economic growth. Background: Indian Financial Structure in post-independence There have been two different financial structures till now. Financial structure which came up during the era of planned industrialization. Financial structure that came up after the radical economic reforms of 1991. Financial structure which came up during the era of planned industrialization. The then government set up specialist financial institutions—Industrial Finance Corporation of India, Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India and Industrial Development Bank of India—to provide funds to new projects at a time when local financial markets were not developed enough to provide long-term finance for new industrial projects. These financial institutions focused on project finance while the commercial banks provided working capital. Financial structure that came up during second era: after the radical economic reforms of 1991. Former RBI governor M. Narasimham committee provided a road map for a complete overhaul of the Indian financial system. According to Narasimhan committee, a financial system that had evolved within a system of credit planning would be out of sync with a market economy. Narasimhan committee pushed India in the direction of universal banking, as the specialist financial institutions either converted themselves into commercial banks or withered into insignificance. Concern: The experience of the past decade clearly shows that commercial banks have struggled to profitably lend to long-term projects. They are now weighed down with soured loans to steel, telecom, power and infrastructure projects. Public sector banks were forced to lend to these projects during the previous credit bubble times. Commercial banks have been unable to convert their short-term liabilities to long-term assets for a variety of reasons. The limitations of universal banking are evident now. What next? Is there a need to create new generation of development finance institutions? The old financial institutions could lend cheaply because they had access to subsidized capital—either from international agencies or directly from RBI. These options are neither possible nor recommended now. To blindly transplant the old financial structure into a market economy is not a good idea. The way ahead: What India perhaps needs is a newer generation of financial agencies that can help build national infrastructure without landing in a balance sheet mess. The other alternative is deeper bond markets to provide finance to large projects. There is a need for a financial structure in which large companies borrow from the bond markets while smaller companies get their funding from commercial banks. The Indian bond market has shown some signs of life in recent years, especially after banks went slow on fresh lending because of their balance sheet troubles. The risks of depending on commercial banks to fund large projects are still evident. Connecting the dots: There has been an impetus on streamlining bond markets to provide finance to large projects. In this light, discuss the potential of bonds in India. INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Important International institutions, agencies and for a Security concerns Afghanistan Jalalabad Incident Introduction: Recently, a suicide bomber targeted a group of Sikhs and Hindus on their way to meet Afghanistan's president in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad. 17 out of 19 dead in the attack were from the minority Sikh and Hindu community. The suicide attack is yet another warning from the Islamic State to the war-torn country’s unsound or deteriorating political and security apparatus. What more interesting is that the attack claimed the life of the only Sikh candidate running for elections this year. The incident speaks volumes of the plight of minorities in a country once celebrated for its diversity. Background: Sikhs and Hindus have long suffered widespread discrimination in the conservative Muslim country and been targeted by Islamic extremists. Today the community is comprised of only around 1,000 people. Under Taliban rule in the late 1990s, they were told to identify themselves by wearing yellow armbands, but the dictate was not wholly enforced. In recent years, large numbers of Sikhs and Hindus have sought asylum in India, which has a Hindu majority and a large Sikh population. Failed peace process: Over the past few months, the Afghan government has been trying to reach out to the Taliban to begin a peace process. Mr. Ghani first offered the militants pardon in return for giving up weapons, which the group rejected. Recently, he announced a unilateral ceasefire (in the run-up to Id last month) which saw some Taliban-led attacks come down. However, the IS, which controls some areas has stepped up assaults. IS had threatened to attack schools in response to U.S. and Afghan military operations in its controlled provinces. A day before the Jalalabad attack, a boys’ school were set on fire and militants beheaded three workers. Major concern: The IS set up its Afghan affiliate as a South Asian outpost when its so-called caliphate in Iraq and Syria came under strain. Afghanistan is relatively easier terrain for the IS to recruit fighters from and occupy turf. When the government and the Taliban were fighting each other, the IS built a network in certain provinces and started targeting minorities. Most of its previous attacks were aimed at the Shia minority. Now, by attacking Sikhs and Hindus, the IS has re-emphasised its worldview and renewed its threat to any attempt to make peace in Afghanistan. If the IS is allowed to grow, Afghanistan’s descent into total chaos will only be a matter of time. Connecting the dots: A stable Afghanistan is key to India’s policy towards Central Asian countries. Comment. Also examine the associated challenges. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) Prakash Singh judgement deals with – Power sharing between NCT elected government and Lt. Governor Higher education reforms faster resolution of stressed assets and creation of creation of an asset management company Consulting UPSC for selecting police chiefs Q.2) Bijak, is a famous work written by – Surdas Mirabai Kabir Ramanuja Q.3) Consider the following statements regarding Ramananda: His verses are included in Adi Granth Simplification of worship and emancipation of people from the traditional caste rules were his two important contributions to the Bhakti movement. He opposed the caste system and chose his disciples from all sections of society disregarding caste. Which of the above statements are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.4) In which of the following texts can we find Dohas written by Kabirdas? Bijak Adigranth Sukhinda Select the code from following: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Tanjore Paintings are one of the folk paintings of South India. Which of the following statements regarding Tanjore Paintings are correct? They are made entirely by white paint over a red background. Semi-precious stones, gold and silver foil, glass pieces etc are used to decorate the painting. The theme of the paintings is usually religious. Select the code from following: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.6) Consider the following: Religious figures Use of semi-precious stones Usage of rice paste as base Architectural arches Which of the above characteristics is/arethe features of Tanjore Painting? 1, 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 4 only 2, 3 and 4 only 2 and 3 only MUST READ A faint resonance: on commemorating poet Kabir's 500th death anniversary The Hindu The bilateral limits of hype: on India-U.S. relations The Hindu Worse than UGC Indian Express How climate change can erode Indian coastline Indian Express The marriage penalty on women in India Livemint The need for innovation in the legal sector Livemint

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 15]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 15] Archives Q.1) The Global Gender Gap Report released by the World Economic Forum World Trade Organisation United Nations Development Programme UN Women Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Behdienkhlam Festival’ It is one of the most popular festivals of the Jaintia tribe It celebrated after sowing is done seeking a good harvest and to drive away plague and diseases. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about “cVIGIL” Mobile App It will allow to report violations of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) It will be operational only where elections are announced Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a composite indicator expressed in terms of an index number which measures the short term changes in the volume of production of a basket of industrial products during a given period with respect to the base period The Eight Core Industries comprise more than 60% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Axumite Empire is associated with present day Egypt Ethiopia Oman Indonesia To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 3rd July 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 3rd July 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Sunil Mehta Committee Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy Key pointers: Sunil Mehta Committee – deals with faster resolution of stressed assets The committee has recommended the creation of an asset management company for the resolution of stressed loans worth more than ₹500 crore The committee had also laid out a plan to resolve SME loans within 90 days. Long March-9 Part of: GS Prelims – Science and Technology; Space Mission; International In news: China is working on a super-powerful rocket that would be capable of delivering heavier payloads into low orbit than NASA By 2030, the Long March-9 rocket under development will be able to carry 140 tonnes into low-Earth orbit Just know the name - Long March-9 rocket – belong to China (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL/ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Why inflated MSP can’t lead to Farm prosperity? Introduction: In previous articles (Increased MSP to Farmers) we read that – Farmers’ groups have started agitating on the lack of announcement on MSP rates. Government had decided to offer a minimum support price (MSP) of at least 1.5 times the expenses borne by farmers for all crops. (in Union Budget 2018) Niti Aayog, in consultation with Central and State Governments, had to put in place a fool-proof mechanism so that farmers will get adequate price for their produce. PM Modi recently assured that the Cabinet would soon decide on fixing the MSP for kharif crops at 150% of the production cost. However, question arises – Even though the above intent to tackle farm distress is laudable, can hefty hikes in MSPs be counterproductive? Many have questioned the rationale behind raising the MSP at 1.5 times of the production cost. Why hefty hikes in MSPs could be counterproductive? It could push domestic prices out of sync with global prices and destroy market discipline in crop choice, cost control and efficiency. If the MSP scheme takes the form of actual procurement, state outlay would have to cover, over and above the cost of procurement, the cost of storage, transport, spoilage and pilferage, besides significant costs such as market taxes and loading and unloading charges. A rise in the MSP will lead to increase in food inflation. Farmers would still be exploited in case of overproduction when middlemen cartels purchase their produce at a much lesser rate. MSP would only benefit a margin of farmers and not those who hold small tracts of land. There are chances that all farmers will not reap the benefits of maximum MSP. Besides, the fact that the MSP of only Kharif crops has been increased, it is unlikely that a large pool of farmers will benefit. There are chances that there will be a large-scale disparity between the income of farmers belonging to a different state.   Policy should pursue what is best for Indian farming, not populist glory. The way ahead: Policy focus should be rather on investment — in efficient water management and irrigation, plant breeding and genetics, crop husbandry, market linkages — and in breaking the middleman’s hold over the farm-to-consumer value chain, replacing it with farmer-led enterprises, whether cooperatives or producer companies, that allow farmers to capture a share of the value added to their produce along its journey to the dining table/factory. Since, government attempts to make every village electrified, agro-processing industry in rural areas is a real possibility, not just climate-controlled storage. Productivity should be raised in every crop, considering the rise in demand for superior foods with rising income levels. Good roads in rural areas, together with a rational approach to trade, would allow conversion of local gluts into supplies to the global markets that enhance farmer incomes. It can be reiterated that the long-term solution to farmer distress would be through improving the supply chain, establishing agro-processing zones and creating a better agri-logistic platform. Connecting the dots: Can Government's efforts to increase MSP by 1.5 times for all crops alone tackle farm distress? Discuss what more needs to be done. India needs both price and income support for farmers to tackle farm distress. Do you agree? Discuss. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1) Recently, Centre had constituted a Committee to deal with faster resolution of stressed assets and Committee had recommended the creation of an asset management company. The committee is headed by – Rajesh Bindal Committee Geetam Singh Committee Preetham Reddy Committee Sunil Mehta Committee MUST READ How to list cases better The Hindu One year after: the GST anniversary The Hindu Reforming Higher Education The Hindu What India must do to be a free trade champion Livemint India needs both price and income support for farmers Livemint How to put an end to lynching via WhatsApp Livemint

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