Aug 24, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 24th August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 24th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Stricter directions to service providers Part of: GS Mains II - Welfare issue; Social issue In news: Centre asks Supreme Court to get tough with FB, YouTube It is aimed to curb circulation of online videos of sexual violence against women and children. Legal provision involved – certain sections of IT Act Service providers will be asked to employ agencies for identification and removal of sexually violent content, particularly videos relating to child pornography and rape, besides deploying “proactive monitoring tools.” Time taken for content removal reduced from 36 hours to less than 10 hours. Kerala Flood: Issue over accepting foreign aid Part of: GS Mains III – Disaster Management In news: After UAE, Pakistan offers help to flood-hit Kerala. Government and MEA’s action, which declined foreign aid for relief and rehabilitation work in the State, has attracted criticism. India said it would depend on “domestic resources” for providing short and long term help in Kerala. MEA indicated that the current decision was taken on the lines of decision taken in 2004 to avoid foreign support in the context of the deadly tsunami that affected a large number of countries in the Indian Ocean region. Do you know? The Central government clarified that the ₹600 crore fund released for relief works in flood-hit Kerala was only the advance assistance and that additional funds would be released from the National Disaster Response Fund on assessment of damages. Miscellaneous Own house for every Indian family by 2022 (under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna) (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. The battle against leprosy Introduction: Over 110 Central and State laws discriminate against leprosy patients. These laws stigmatise and isolate leprosy patients and, coupled with age-old beliefs about leprosy, cause the patients untold suffering. The biased provisions in these statutes were introduced prior to medical advancements. Now, modern medicine (specifically, multi-drug therapy (MDT)) completely cures the disease. Do you know? (Some facts about leprosy in India) In India, the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) is the centrally sponsored health scheme Government of India. The programme is also supported by WHO, ILEP, and few other nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). From a prevalence rate of 57.8/10,000 in 1983, national prevalence brought down to “elimination as a public health problem” of less than 1/10,000 in December 2005 and even further down to 66/10,000 in 2016. India by the end of March 2011–2012 succeeded in achieving elimination at the state level in 34 states/UTs out of the total of 36 states/UTs. Only the state of Chhattisgarh and the UT of Dadra & Nagar Haveli were yet to achieve elimination. By the end of March 2016, 551 districts (82.36%), out of the total 669 in districts, in India had a prevalence of <1/10,000 population. Despite the above successes, India continues to account for 60% of new cases reported globally each year and is among the 22 “global priority countries” that contribute 95% of world numbers of leprosy. In the year 2007, new cases detected in India were 137,685, and nine years later in 2016, the number remained almost the same at 135,485, a significant increase over the 127,326 new cases detected in 2015. This increase in new cases is attributed by NLEP to their recent strategy of innovative Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC), which resulted in the detection of 34000 new cases in 2016. Recommendations of various reports and resolutions: India has signed and ratified the UN General Assembly Resolution of 2010 on the ‘Elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members’. National Human Rights Commission recommended a decade ago to introduce amendments in personal laws and other statutes. The Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions, in its 131st Report on ‘Petition praying for integration and empowerment of leprosy-affected persons’, had examined various statutes and desired that concerned Ministries and State governments urgently wipe clean the anachronistic and discriminatory provisions in prevalent statutes. The Law Commission of India, in its 256th Report, ‘Eliminating discrimination against persons affected by leprosy’, had also recommended removing the discriminatory provisions in various statutes against leprosy patients. About the proposed (amendment) bill: The Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018, seeks to make a start in amending stigmatising statutes. It attempts to end the discrimination against leprosy persons in various central laws: the Divorce Act, 1869; the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939; the Special Marriage Act, 1954; the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955; and the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act of 1956. The Bill eliminates leprosy as a ground for dissolution of marriage or divorce. The condition under Section 18 (2) (c) of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, that a Hindu wife is entitled to live separately from her husband without forfeiting her claim to maintenance if the latter is “suffering from a virulent form of leprosy”, has been omitted. The amendments introduced in the Bill omit the provisions which stigmatise and discriminate against leprosy-affected persons. The Bill is meant to provide for the integration of leprosy patients into the mainstream. Conclusion: Due to the huge number of population, even incidence of 0.66/10,000 makes a big number. Along with measures at medical and technological levels, there is need of steps to change social behaviour towards the disease. It can be possible through political will and inculcation of scientific temper among members of the society. Connecting the dots: That Leprosy is still a major public health problem. Critically analyse our fight against leprosy. Note: Website of National Leprosy Eradication Programme:  http://nlep.nic.in/ NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Governance, Constitution, Polity Federal Structure Should Article 35A be scrapped? Introduction: Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was an integral part of the Dominion of India, according to the Instrument of Accession which was signed by Maharaja Hari Singh on October 26, 1947 and subsequently ratified by the Constituent Assembly of J&K. Article 35A of the Constitution is now being vigorously contested with its constitutional validity being challenged before the Supreme Court. Introducing Article 370 The Instrument of Accession gave only limited rights to the Centre to interfere with the autonomy of J&K. That is why Article 370 was introduced, to recognise the special status of J&K. It said that the power of Parliament to make laws in J&K shall be limited to those matters in the Union List and the Concurrent List which, in consultation with the State government, are declared by the President to correspond to matters specified in the Instrument of Accession. Explaining Article 35A The Instrument of Accession and The birth of Article 35A were explained in detail in IASbaba DNA of August 10, 2018. The heading of Article 35A reads: “saving of laws with respect to permanent residents and their rights”. Article 35A declares that any law enacted by the J&K State Legislature on the issues of permanent residence, or special privileges and rights, or imposition of restrictions, or employment, acquisition of immovable property and settlement in the State, or aid from the State government shall not be void on the ground that it is inconsistent with any rights conferred on other citizens of India. In short, such laws granting special rights to permanent residents would not be deemed a violation of the fundamental rights of other citizens. Arguments against Article 35A The ‘classification’ created by Article 35A has to be tested on the principle of equality as it treats non-permanent residents of J&K as ‘second-class’ citizens. Such persons are not eligible for employment under the State government and are also debarred from contesting elections. Meritorious students are denied scholarships and they cannot even seek redress in any court of law. Further, the issues of refugees who migrated to J&K during Partition are still not treated as ‘State subjects’ under the J&K Constitution. It was inserted unconstitutionally, bypassing Article 368 which empowers only Parliament to amend the Constitution. The laws enacted in pursuance of Article 35A are ultra vires of the fundamental rights conferred by Part III of the Constitution, especially, and not limited to, Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (protection of life). Another apprehension: Discrimination against women The major sufferers are women who marry outside J&K. Though they retain their Permanent Resident Certificate, their children cannot be permanent residents. This restricts their basic right of inheritance. It is for the J&K to decide, according to its laws, on the issue of discrimination against women with regard to property rights. Such a law is discriminatory according to the Indian Constitution, and is repugnant to the issue of gender equality. But under the Instrument of Accession and the autonomy given to the State of J&K, this will also have to be decided according to laws and the Constitution of the State. Arguments in favour of Article 35A With the issue of plebiscite under UN auspices still hanging, India moved to consolidate its relationship with the State by enacting Article 370 on October 17, 1949. Article 370 (1) (d) empowers the President of India to extend with requisite exceptions and modifications the other provisions of the Indian Constitution to J&K as may be necessary. The Delhi Agreement of 1952 followed Article 370. According to the Clause 2 of the agreement, the State Legislature of J&K was given power to make laws for conferring special rights and privileges on the ‘state subjects’. Article 35A follows the Instrument of Accession and the guarantee given to the State of J&K that the State’s autonomy will not be disturbed. The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order of 1954 contains Article 35A, which empowers the State Legislature to define permanent residents. Striking Article 35A down will have implications for other constitutional amendments contained in the 1954 Presidential Order. The accession of J&K was conditional to their being given their rights, their sovereignty with regard to matters concerning land and settlement, are Therefore, it cannot be challenged on the ground that it violates fundamental rights or the basic structure of the Constitution. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and such other states also have laws which say that no outsider can buy land. Way forward Article 35A is recognition of the conditional accession of J&K into India. Kashmir never acceded fully to India. Therefore, it is a quasi-sovereign State. It is not like any other State. This matter requires the active participation of all stakeholders. It is necessary to give confidence to the residents of J&K that any alteration in status quo will not take away their rights but will boost J&K’s prosperity as it will open doors for more investment, resulting in new opportunities. Article 35A, which was incorporated about six decades ago, now requires a relook, especially given that J&K is now a well-established democratic State. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee firmly believed that the issues relating to J&K could be resolved following the principles of insaniyat (humanity), jamhooriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat (Kashmiri values). Hopefully, this issue will be resolved using the same principles. Connecting the dots: Article 35 A is against the “very spirit of oneness of India” as it created a “class within a class of Indian citizens”. Critically comment. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following Yaws Polio Tetanus-Maternal and Neonatal Leprosy The list of diseases which India is free from are: 1, 2 and 3 2 and 3 1, 2 and 4 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.2) Consider the following statements with reference to Leprosy in India National Leprosy Eradication Program looks after the detection and treatment of leprosy cases in India. India accounts for more than half of global burden of leprosy. India has achieved elimination of leprosy as a public health problem. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Article 35A’ of the Constitution of India It empowers J&K legislature to define state's "permanent residents" and their special rights and privileges. It was added by a 1954 presidential order issued under Article 370 Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ  Why history matters so much The Hindu  Accepting help: on UAE's aid to Kerala The Hindu Hold out an olive branch Indian Express   Empowering existing institutes holds the key to creating institutes of eminence Indian Express How freedom is lost Indian Express

Aug 24, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 52]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 52] Archives Q.1) Which of the following statements is/are correct wrt. ‘Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)’? It is an office within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It is the nodal agency to deal with cyber security threats like hacking and phishing. Select the correct code: 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘ICOMOS’ It is a global non-governmental organization Its mission is to promote the conservation, protection, use and enhancement of monuments, building complexes and sites It is an Advisory Body of the World Heritage Committee for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention of UNESCO Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about ‘Bondi Bond’ It is world’s first blockchain bond It was launched by Germany 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) Which of the following statements about ‘Copernicus Programme’ is correct? It is the European Union's Earth Observation Programme It is India’s Satellite Navigation Programme by ISRO It is a Mars Exploration Program by NASA It is a programme proposed by SpaceX to develop a Mars transportation infrastructure in order to facilitate the eventual colonization of Mars To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 24, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 23rd August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 23rd August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) National Disaster Management Plan Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Disaster Management; International relations In news: National Disaster Management Plan, brought out by the Central government in May 2016, deals with taking voluntary aid from other nations. In other words, the plan states that any voluntary offer of assistance from other countries can be accepted. UAE has offered ₹700 crore to Kerala. It contrasts with the ₹600 crore given by the Indian government so far for relief and rehabilitation process. Maldives and Saudi Arabia have also pledged to help. The Kerala government has asked the Centre to go by the 2016 NDM Plan to accept ₹700 crore UAE offer or compensate the state. Do you know? The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, is required to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, which is primarily responsible for reviewing foreign offers of assistance and channelising the same. India has said a polite ‘no’ to offers of foreign assistance to the Kerala flood victims. MEA clearly indicated India’s preference for domestic resources over foreign assistance. NGT on e-Waste Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Ecology; Role of Judiciary In news: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to submit an action plan on e-waste management within three months. NGT‘s direction is against unauthorised “recycling, collection, dismantling, burning, selling” of e-waste and other solid waste on roadsides and riverbanks. NGT noted that it was in violation of E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Do you know? Electronic waste accounts for 40% of lead and 70% of all heavy metal found in landfills. Burning and selling of e-waste and other solid waste results in groundwater contamination and air pollution. Child abuse: Discrepancies in Children care homes data Part of: GS Mains II – Social issue – Child abuse; Role of Judiciary In news: A 2016-17 survey, commissioned by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, shows that 4.73 lakh children reside in care homes nationwide. However, the number of children in care homes came down to 2.61 lakh in the data submitted by the Centre before the Supreme Court in March 2018. SC shocked at 2 lakh ‘missing’ children Data on care homes show big disparity Either the childcare homes had given an inflated number of children to get more funds or these children are missing Children are subjected to corporal punishment and other abuse in these homes. The SC Bench proposed to set up oversight committees at the national and State levels to monitor the functioning of childcare homes. Do you know? Provision related to Children in “Constitution of India” Article 14 and 15 Article 21A. The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may, by law, determine. Article 24. No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment. Article 39. The State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing— that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity and that childhood and youth are protected against exploitation and against moral and material abandonment. Article 45. The State shall endeavour to provide, within a period of ten years from the commencement of this Constitution, for free and compulsory education for all children until they complete the age of fourteen years. Article 51A. It shall be the duty of every citizens of India- who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years] Right to retire Part of: GS Mains – Health issue In news: Supreme Court recently ruled that – the State can stop government doctors from taking voluntary retirement in public interest. The fundamental right to retire is not above the right to save lives in a country where government hospitals cater to the poorest. Qualified doctors did not join the public service, and even if they did so, they chose voluntary retirement and went into lucrative private practice. Related Constitutional provisions SC held that - The State governments have an obligation “to make an endeavour under Article 47 to look after the provisions for health and nutrition.” The doctors, as citizens, have certain fundamental duties under Article 51(A) towards their fellow citizens. The right to practise a profession under Article 19(1)(g) is subject to the interest of the general public. Open Defecation Free Plus Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Health issue; Government schemes and Policies In news: Under new norms, cities and towns wanting to be declared ODF+ (Open Defecation Free Plus) must also be free of public urination and not just open defecation. This is the first time that the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) is officially including the elimination of open urination in its agenda. The ODF+ and ODF++ protocols (released recently by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs) are the next step for the SBM-U and aim to ensure sustainability in sanitation outcomes. Difference between ODF protocol, ODF+ and ODF++ Original ODF protocol issued in March 2016, said - “A city/ward is notified as ODF city/ward if, at any point of the day, not a single person is found defecating in the open.” The new ODF+ protocol, issued last week, says that a city, ward or work circle could be declared ODF+ if, “at any point of the day, not a single person is found defecating and/or urinating in the open, and all community and public toilets are functional and well-maintained.” The ODF++ protocol adds the condition that “faecal sludge/septage and sewage is safely managed and treated, with no discharging and/or dumping of untreated faecal sludge/septage and sewage in drains, water bodies or open areas.” (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. In search of greatness: Brain Drain Introduction: In most of the international recognitions and awards, Indian origin persons of talent are able to make their place. But Indians residing and working in India are not able to get significant global recognition. Some Examples: The Fields Medal, popularly seen as the equivalent of a Nobel Prize, is awarded once in four years to two-four mathematicians below the age of 40. In its long history, no woman had won this medal until 2014 when an Iranian, Maryam Mirzakhani, won it for the first time. No Indian has yet won it although it was also in 2014 that for the first time an Indian-origin Canadian-American mathematician, Manjul Bhargava, was awarded. In the recently announced prize for 2018, an Australian mathematician, Akshay Venkatesh, was awarded. He too happens to be of Indian origin. It is the same case with respect to the Nobel Prizes in science. Indian-origin scientists have won the Nobel in physics, chemistry and medicine, but post-Independence, work done in India has not led to a science Nobel. Other fields in which India have produced world beaters: Chess and badminton are examples, youngsters not only took to these sports, but under intense, and many time brutal, competition succeeded in coming to the top. There is a systematic creation of groups of individuals who are reaching the pinnacle in these sports. Similarly, we have global leaders in music, arts and literature. Unpleasant questions Some Indians might take pride in the ancestry of these latter two winners, but has the country contributed anything to their growth as mathematicians? Would Prof. Bhargava and Prof. Venkatesh have produced the work that won these prizes if they had studied and worked in India? Is it that we are embarrassed about greatness and much prefers to deal with mediocrity and ordinariness? As an institutional culture, is it that we prefer to discover greatness ‘outside’ rather than acknowledge it amongst ourselves? Reasons for mediocrity in science education The revolution in chess and badminton was possible through great personal sacrifices of the players and their families. In many cases, securing even minimal funds from government or the private sector was difficult and the perseverance of parents, as well as the hard work of the children and the coaches, made this revolution possible. In contrast, the training for science begins from a state-sponsored and socially sanctioned education system right from primary school. At every step there are numerous scholarships, cash awards and incentives given to students to excel in these subjects. Although achieving greatness in science is not like that in sports or music, it is nevertheless important to understand why our contribution in science does not match this enormous cultural capital. Three main reasons that contribute to this culture of mediocrity, the nature of school education, the state of science administration, and our cultural response to the idea of excellence. Nature of school education While all over the world, children are becoming more independent in terms of their intellectual practices, our students are becoming more and more like little soldiers marching from one class to other and from one to other tuition. Science education is not egalitarian and is designed to keep people out rather than embrace diversity and multiplicity of background, language and talents. This is done in the name of merit, and yet it is precisely this merit that we lack on the global stage. The state of science administration Given the amount of support from successive governments, it is remarkable that very little has changed. Government funding agencies and a host of others which disburse hundreds of crores of rupees for research in science are not held accountable to the results. So many projects worth crores end up with some minor publications. Scientists know best how personal contacts and networks are still so important in securing funds and other incentives in science in India today. Cultural response to the idea of excellence The school system as well as science administration are both linked together by a common problem: the inability to understand and deal with excellence. In academic institutions across the country, it is far more difficult for a person to stand out in terms of high quality work since the system has little support for excellence. Part of the reason is that we do not have confidence in our own judgment of quality. An evaluation of 'greatness' in India Great work in any domain is not produced in isolation. Greatness is deeply cultural and arises from a particular attitude and not subject competence alone. For great work to be possible in science, the larger society has to produce great work in art, literature, humanities and so on. But we have produced a science ecosystem which does not seem to understand this, nor recognise how this insularity has only contributed to mediocre science. Our education system has reduced the notions of competence and merit only to that of science, thereby denying the greatness inherent in so many other domains. Children who could have excelled in so many other disciplines and activities end up being forced to do science or being in education systems which put very little premium on other disciplines. At the same time, countless artists and musicians struggle to survive in spite of creating great work. As long as this myopic vision of science, the hegemony of science education and the unprofessional cult of Indian science administration continue, we are not going to win Fields medal or Nobel prizes in science any time soon. Do you know? Government has taken many steps to control and capitalise the Brain drain from India: Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty Scheme and Ramanujan Fellowship of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) Conclusion: If Indians studying and working abroad can have a great impact, then obviously the problem has to do with our systems of education and research. There is a need to do fundamental changes to not only our education system, but also our social and political approach towards creative environment and culture of greatness. Connecting the dots: India is having the third largest scientific manpower in the world. But its creative contribution to science has been way below par. Critically comment. ENVIRONMENT/ECOLOGY TOPIC: General Studies 3 Climate Change Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Pulling back from the brink: Climate Change Introduction A group of scientists have published a paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences deliberating on how the planet might move into a high temperature “hothouse earth” pathway from where there would be no return. The paper identifies a threshold beyond which the earth’s systems are no longer able to stabilise at intermediate rises in temperature. The authors point out that technology trends and decisions taken in the next decade or two will determine the path of the earth system over the next hundreds of thousands of years. Background: The Holocene, which began about 12,000 years ago, is the stable epoch during which Homo sapiens settled and developed agriculture and other technological innovations. These led to social and economic transformations, which have brought the world to this juncture. Human activity, supported by the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, led to an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are now causing global warming. This time period, the epoch when humans play a dominant role in shaping the earth systems, is being referred to as the Anthropocene. Earth’s equilibrium The delicate equilibrium of the biosphere/earth system has to do with processes that amplify or dampen warming. For instance, melting of Greenland ice increases open waters that absorb more sunlight and then increase warming and cause further melting. This is a positive feedback. With the increase in carbon dioxide (CO2), chemical-weathering increases and removes CO2 from the atmosphere over geological time — an example of a negative feedback. When positive feedbacks become stronger than the negative ones, the system may change abruptly and get pushed out of equilibrium. The earth and its systems have shifted between alternative states through long-term processes over its geological history. Now, it appears we are approaching some critical thresholds. Tipping point Many feedbacks respond either continuously or show abrupt change. A geophysical tipping point is a threshold beyond which a system moves from one stable state to another. This study indicates that crossing a threshold (roughly determined to be about 2º Celsius warmer than pre-industrial times) would lead to the tumbling of a series of tipping points, like a set of dominoes. The destruction of the Amazon forest due to wildfires, the loss of permafrost with warming, the weakening of CO2 absorption by the oceans or the melting of polar ice caps, among many other slow-moving catastrophes, are examples. Even if the Paris Agreement of 2015 is implemented and we managed to keep warming below 2º C or even 1.5º C, the risk of a cascade of feedbacks that pushes the earth into the hothouse path may be unavoidable. In order to stabilise the earth, we would have to recognise and then carry out deliberate, sustained action to secure earth systems and also adapt to a warmer world. Conclusion Given history and the state of the biosphere, some scientists are not hopeful about avoiding the hothouse path. Others believe that it could still be avoided and the earth could stabilise at a rise below 2º C through infrastructural, societal and institutional transformations. Incremental changes along with increasing contributions from renewables and improvements in energy efficiencies would not be sufficient. Technological solutions alone are insufficient. To deal with climate change, Fundamental shifts in social values and economic customs are essential. Connecting the dots: To deal with the climate change, technological solutions alone are insufficient. 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 within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements: National Disaster Management Plan does not allow State Governments to take voluntary aid from other nations. National Disaster Management Authority is an agency of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 in supersession of the e-waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011. Which of the following statements are correct regarding e – Waste? e – Waste includes CFLs and other lamps containing mercury. Producers have been made responsible for collection of E-waste and for its exchange. A provision for penalty for violation of rules has been introduced. Select the code from below: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) The State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing— children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity and that childhood and youth are protected against exploitation and against moral and material abandonment. The above provision is provided under - Article 45 Article 51A Article 39 Article 42 Q.4) Which among the following protocol deals with the condition that “faecal sludge/septage and sewage is safely managed and treated, with no discharging and/or dumping of untreated faecal sludge/septage and sewage in drains, water bodies or open areas? Open Defecation Free Plus Open Defecation Free Open Defecation Free Plus Plus Open Urination Free MUST READ Tilting at windmills The Hindu  Retrograde move The Hindu  People police Indian Express  Elite sand in the machine Indian Express

Aug 23, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 51]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 51] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about ‘Chandrayaan-1’ It is a remote sensing lunar satellite It had a mass of 1,380 kg at launch Presence of frozen water deposits on the Moon’s Polar Regions was confirmed by NASA using data collected from ‘Chandrayaan -1’ Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Blast Fishing’ It is the practice of using explosives to stun or kill schools of fish It destroys the calcium carbonate coral skeletons and is one of the continual disruptions of coral reefs Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) ‘#MeToo Movement’ is against Sexual harassment Data Privacy Global Inequality Global Hunger Q.4) RBI is looking to set up a ‘Public Credit Registry (PCR)’—an information repository that collates all loan information of individuals and corporate borrowers. Consider the following statements wrt. PCR. A High Level Task Force headed by Y.M. Deosthalee recommended the setting up of PCR by RBI in a phased and modular manner RBI Act does not empower the central bank to regulate the PCR Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) ‘Ngari’ was in news recently. It is located in Patagonia Eastern Africa Central Asia None of the above To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 22, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 50]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 50] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about ‘Extended Reality’ It is a term referring to all real-and-virtual combined environments and human-machine interactions generated by computer technology and wearables. It includes augmented reality (AR), augmented virtuality (AV) and virtual reality (VR). Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Basking Sharks’ They occur in temperate and boreal oceans They hibernate during winters It is a plankton-eating shark species Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Amnesty International is An agency of the United Nations to help refugees of civil wars A global Human Rights Movement A non-governmental voluntary organization to help very poor people An inter-governmental agency to cater to medical emergencies in war-ravaged regions Q.4) Which of the following statements correctly defines the practice of ‘Intercropping’? Different crops are grown in the same field in different rows Different crops are grown successively on the same field in different seasons. Growing a crop and rearing of animals in the same field. Alternate growth of crops and leaving the land fallow. Q.5) Meiteis are majority ethnic group of Manipur Mizoram Assam Nagaland To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 22, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 22nd August 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 22nd August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) SC scraps NOTA option for RS polls Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Indian Polity; Role of Supreme Court; Electoral Reforms In news: Supreme Court scrapped the use of NOTA (none of the above) option for Rajya Sabha polls. What Supreme Court said? NOTA option is meant only for universal adult suffrage and direct elections and not elections held by the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote as done in the Rajya Sabha. The option of NOTA may serve as an elixir in direct elections but in the election to the Council of States, it would not only undermine the purity of democracy but also serve the Satan of defection and corruption. The court pointed out that in the voting in Rajya Sabha elections, there is a whip and the elector is bound to obey the command of the party. The party discipline... is of extreme significance, for that is the fulcrum of the existence of parties. The thought of cross-voting and corruption is obnoxious. In crux – the court held that NOTA in an indirect election would not only run counter to the discipline expected from an elector under the Tenth Schedule but also be “counterproductive to the basic grammar of the law of disqualification... on the ground of defection.” Election Commission cannot sanction the use of NOTA in Rajya Sabha elections by way of mere circulars, which have the effect of overriding the provisions of Article 80(4) — proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote, the provisions of Representation of People Act 1951 and the Conduct of Election Rules 1961. Pic courtesy: The Hindu Ban on Diwali Firecrackers Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III - Environment; Pollution In news: Centre rules out the idea of complete national ban on firecrackers. It suggested other steps to curb pollution – such as production of “green crackers”; community fireworks events etc. Centre called for working with institutions such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, National Environment Engineering Research Institute and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to reduce pollution. It suggested setting up of raw material characterisation facilities to check the presence of high content of unburned material, partially combusted material or poor quality of raw material in fire crackers. Reason behind ban: The bursting of firecrackers releases a heavy dose of carcinogens in the atmosphere, presenting a public health challenge for the entire nation. This is similar to smoking at public places—a regulated activity—but different from consumption of liquor, which harms the individual. A regulation is thus required as it is clear that bursting of firecrackers by one person presents a health challenge to another. Noise pollution: unprotected exposure to sound levels greater than 100 dB (a firecracker generates about 125 dB) should be limited. India-Pakistan: Reviving Ties? Part of: GS Mains II - India and its neighbours; International Relation In news: Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Imran Khan has said - dialogue with India a ‘must’ to resolve conflicts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for constructive engagement with Pakistan. The best way to alleviate poverty and uplift the people of the subcontinent is to resolve our differences through dialogue and start trading. International Labour Organization report on India’s Wages Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and related issues; Inclusive growth Highlights of the ILO report: Real average daily wages in India almost doubled in the first two decades after economic reforms. Low pay and wage inequality remains a serious challenge to inclusive growth Called for stronger implementation of minimum wage laws and strengthening of the frameworks for collective bargaining by workers. Called for actions aimed at bridging the wage gaps between rural and urban, male and female, and regular and casual workers. Daily wages in urban areas (₹384) also remain more than twice as high as those in rural areas (₹175), the report said. Regional disparities in average wages have actually increased over time, with wages rising more rapidly in high-wage States than in low-wage ones. The gender wage gap decreased from 48% in 1993-94 to 34% in 2011-12, but still remains high by international standards. About ILO The International Labour Organization (ILO) was founded in 1919, its Constitution forming part of the Treaty of Versailles. The ILO became the first specialised agency of the UN in 1946. ILO deals with labour problems, particularly international labour standards, social protection, and work opportunities for all. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 and 3 Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. Indian Economy – Financial Inclusion and Inclusive Growth Redefining India Post Introduction: In a world where communication has assumed different forms with the written word being transmitted on mobile phones and the proliferation of private courier services for printed matter or documents, the role of India Post needs to be redefined. The starting of the India Post Payment Bank is pragmatic. Postal services have become less relevant while financial services continue to be important given their under penetration in rural areas. Concerns: Given the reach of the Postal Department, it is not possible for private services to reach the rural areas and even in case they do, there are time issues of delivery. The Postal Department delivers the best. Notwithstanding the advantages, the fact that technology and private services are catching up in a big way the threat of loss of business to Whatsapp and courier services is real. Need of revamping India Post: The number of post offices has come down. The employees on the rolls appears to be in line with the declining volume of business, which has come down by around 7 per cent. The handling of the savings pie has increased. It consists of small savings that is contributed more by the middle- and lower-income groups with a strong rural bias. However, here too the compound growth rate of around 6.8 per cent is much lower than bank deposits which have grown at almost double the rate. The losses of the department have increased by over nine times. The department has been run as an essential service which is primarily used by the weaker sections especially in the rural areas. As a result it becomes very difficult for the government to increase the postage rate given that it is uniform across the country. The losses have been mounting as several costs like administration, maintenance, salary, etc. move with inflation while transportation costs keep moving up more than proportionately. Therefore, with the volume of each business coming down, these fixed costs increase the cost per unit of business. Way forward: The creation of the India Post Payments Bank is a good step and though the progress of these banks has been slow, there is scope for this venture to succeed given its reach. But there are reforms which can be implemented for the other services. The pricing structure has to be revamped as heavy losses cannot be sustained. Differential pricing based on location can be considered with the rural areas getting a subsidy. The other centres would have to be made to pay the full cost. Hence an inland letter can be priced at Rs. 4 if sent from a rural post office and Rs. 10 from others. Post office spaces should be leveraged to earn rent. As financial inclusion includes also non-banking products, these can be sold in post offices by the mutual funds or their agents. The existing staff can be trained to sell financial products like insurance and mutual funds in rural areas and a commission earned by the department. The post offices can be integrated with the eNAM initiative where terminals can be kept in these offices for use by farmers. Further, dak sewaks can be used to also form a link with the agricultural markets (eNAM) as they have direct interface with farmers and can be given the responsibility of spreading awareness as well as be the link with the market prices. There is considerable scope to leverage the present strengths of India Post to not just make it financially sustainable but also maximise the utilisation of the infrastructure to link it with other goals of the government to create a virtuous cycle. Connecting the dots: The role of India Post needs to be redefined. The strengths of India Post must be leveraged to make it financially viable. Analyze. NATIONAL/SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TOPIC: General Studies 2 and 3 Important aspects of governance, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. Role of Science and Technology in our daily lives and betterment of society. Role of Science and Technology in human development Introduction: On our 72nd Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced some important initiatives – Passage of the Bill to create an OBC Commission 100th anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh massacre India's space mission – In 2022 (on the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day), India to unfurl the tri-colour in the space. Subramania Bharati vision of India - Subramania Bharati (great Tamil poet) had said India will not only rise as a great nation, but will also inspire the others. India will show the way to the entire world to unshackle the bonds. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan - to be launched on 25th September 2018 (birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay) India's farming sector - 'Beej Se Bazar Tak' approach ; double farmer incomes by 2022 On women empowerment - Practice of Triple Talaq to be ended; Women officers commissioned in short service will get opportunity for permanent commission. On government schemes and policies - Thirteen crore 'mudra loans'; Ujjwala and Saubhagya Yojana; GST; Swachh Bharat mission Among the above, one important announcement was the vision of Tricolour to be unfurled in space by 2022. Concerns: However, on the other hand the following had made headlines – The country facing flooding, partly due to water released from dams following exceptional rain. News articles on lynching, mostly over a wide swathe of north India from Uttar Pradesh to Jharkhand but not entirely absent in the south. Mobocracy - Mobs had attacked persons either on their own or in small groups, with the victims in every case having been unarmed and acting without any provocation and who usually belong to Dalits and Muslims (marginalised sections of the country) These incidents don’t augur well in a democratic nation. Emphasising a space programme as an objective while failing to highlight the multiple failings of public policy in India makes a mockery of the democratic project. (According to the author) Therefore, the primary focus or objective should be to create enabling conditions for a valuable life, by – protecting natural capital, building public goods in the form of physical infrastructure, providing a public education and health service, and creating institutions that support individual aspirations. Need for an effective science and technology policy The pursuit of high science by the Government of India had started quite early after 1947 when it embarked on a programme of harnessing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The Atomic Energy Commission was formed and treated with reverence. However, it is not clear how much difference this has made to the power situation in the country. Independent experts at the Indian Statistical Institute point out that nuclear power is costly. Key alternative to burning coal (fossil fuel) or nuclear power is the need to rely on non-renewable energy such as sunlight and wind power which is abundant in India. With the cost of generating solar power is reducing rapidly due to advances in storage technology, it would be wise to have a science policy that is focussed enough to monitor and exploit these trends and a government machinery that is both motivated and adept at facilitating a mass transition to cleaner fuel. India’s science and technology policy should now be re-oriented to improve the lives of Indians. Role of Science and Technology An example of such a role for science was the launching of the Green Revolution in the mid-1960s. In a matter of less than a decade a precarious economy the size of a subcontinent was transformed into one self-sufficient in food. The Green Revolution was achieved through a rare combination of scientific leadership in the agricultural sector, administrative ability and political acumen, but above all by the genius of India’s farmers. We have not seen national will on a similar scale since. This when we urgently need an agricultural initiative comparable in its transformative capacity today. Indian agriculture has performed more erratically than usual in the past decade. Given the scale of the public science and technology apparatus in India, especially of agricultural research institutions, there is a visible lack of response to this situation, if not crisis. Development economists recognise that the ‘food problem’ does not cease once a country is able to produce food in sufficient quantity. It is necessary to produce food at a cost that is affordable to the mass of the population. It may be emphasised that this is fully compatible with a prosperous farming population. What is needed is an increase in the productivity of land. Despite the Prime Minister’s claims in his speech of his government having delivered on farm price support, a rise in farm productivity requires more than the price mechanism; technology and extension services would matter. Today we are paying the price for a policy that generally neglected the majority of the rural Indians who more than anything else needed public services. Equipped with capability — through good health and awareness — the once marginalised would be vulnerable no more. Promising the moon by courting high science while ignoring human development leaves some Indians at the mercy of the mob and India’s democracy diminished in our own estimation. Connecting the dots: India’s science and technology policy should be re-oriented to improve the lives of Indians. Do you agree? Discuss. Also with suitable examples examine how Science and Technology has played huge role in human development. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.   Q.1) With reference to the 'None of The Above' (NOTA) option, consider the following statements: It gives the citizens to exercise their right to reject. NOTA are counted, but are considered 'invalid votes' Select the correct statements Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Supreme Court has banned fireworks manufacturers from using five substances that stoke air and noise pollution. Which of the following are those substances? Lithium Antimony Mercury Arsenic Lead Select the correct code: 3, 4 and 5 Only 1, 3, 4 and 5 1, 3, 4 and 5 All of the above Q.3)  Consider the following statements about Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO). The PESO tests samples of crackers for adherence to the sound limit of 125 decibels at a distance of four meters. It functions under Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 None   Q.4) World Employment and Social Outlook report is released by International Monetary Fund (IMF) International Labour Organisation (ILO) World Trade Organisation (WTO) Amnesty International Q.5) Which of the following are UN specialized agencies? Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) International Telecommunication Union (ITU) International Labour Organization (ILO) Select the correct code: 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 4 All of the above MUST READ  Strengthening the federal link The Hindu Beyond words: On Indo-Pak ties The Hindu  ‘It’s time for India to talk about the instant runoff voting method’ The Hindu  Who defends the defenders? Indian Express

Aug 22, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 21st August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Community Radio Station: Sangham Radio Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Role of Technology; Self Help Groups; Innovation In news: Sangham Radio, India’s first community radio station, is struggling to stay alive. It is owned and run by 5,000 poor, mostly Dalit women in one of India’s most underdeveloped areas. The radio station, an initiative of the Deccan Development Society (DDS), a local grassroots organisation, was started in 1998 in Machanoor village in Telangana’s Sangareddy district. It caters to the Sanghams (self-help groups) of underprivileged, rural women. It got its licence to broadcast in 2008, and has been in operation for 10 years. The programme content is generated entirely by the 5,000-odd women, largely agricultural workers. The radio station’s financial crisis stems in large part from the upaid dues from the government for advertisements aired on the station. Kerala floods: Rescue and Relief operations Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Disaster management In news: National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) chaired by Cabinet secretary P.K. Sinha is reviewing the rescue and relief operations in Kerala. Central assistance of ₹600 crore was released to the Kerala government. Centre has also approved 89, 540 tonnes of additional grains for Kerala (apart from 1.18 lakh tonnes of foodgrains what Kerala receives under the National Food Security Act) Do you know? Under the National food security Act, 52.3% of the rural population and 39.5% of the urban population receive subsidised foodgrains — wheat is sold at ₹2 per kg and rice at ₹3 per kg. Centre has granted tax exemption on relief items from abroad. UAE has offered ₹700 crore to Kerala. It contrasted to the ₹600 crore given by the Indian government so far for relief and rehabilitation process. India had declined the aid offer of the U.S. after the tsunami hit the southern coasts in 2004. The then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India was capable of managing the domestic crisis as well as help other tsunami-hit countries. Maldives and Saudi Arabia have also pledged to help. Ministry of External Affairs yet to respond whether India accepts the relief fund from other countries. What are the classifications of disasters, and how does this affect funding? According to the National Disaster Management Policy, the State governments have to provide disaster relief from their respective State Disaster Response Funds (SDRFs), and only for a “calamity of severe nature”, will additional assistance be provided from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). There is, however, no provision in the law or rules for the government to designate a disaster as a “national calamity”. How are the NDRF and the SDRFs funded? The NDRF is funded through a National Calamity Contingent Duty levied on pan masala, chewing tobacco and cigarettes, and with budgetary provisions as and when needed. A provision exists to encourage any person or institution to make a contribution to the NDRF. However, this source of funding has not been tapped so far, according to the government. The 14th Finance Commission recommended changes to this structure once the cess was discontinued or subsumed within the Goods and Services Tax. However, the government, instead, decided to continue with the National Calamity Contingent Duty even in the GST regime. The SDRF corpus is contributed by the Union government and the respective State governments in a 75:25 ratio for general category States and 90:10 for Special Category States. The allocation of the SDRF for each State is done by the Finance Commission, and the Centre contributes its specified share each financial year. The Central share of SDRF is released in two equal instalments, in June and then in December. What has been the trend in budgetary allocations to the NDRF and SDRFs? The Union government has maintained a steady flow of funds to the NDRF each year, ranging from ₹5,690 crore in 2015-16 to a budgeted amount of ₹2,500 crore for the current financial year. In addition, the Centre has also been contributing to the SDRFs every year, amounting to ₹8,374.95 crore in 2016-17 and ₹7,281.76 crore in 2017-18. How have NDRF funds been allocated to States in the recent past? In 2017-18, up to December 27, 2017, the Union government released NDRF funds to nine States — Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana — over and above its contributions to their respective SDRFs. The recipient of the highest amount was Karnataka, which got ₹913 crore that year. Over the four years till December 27, 2017, the Centre has released the most cumulative funds to Maharashtra (₹5,244.69 crore), Karnataka (₹5,122.45 crore), Uttar Pradesh (₹4,949.04 crore), Tamil Nadu (₹3,115.31 crore), and Madhya Pradesh (₹1,958.93 crore). For specific calamities, the Centre released ₹1,365.67 crore for the Chennai floods of 2015 and ₹218.76 crore after Cyclone Vardah in 2016. Andhra Pradesh received ₹400 crore and ₹230 crore after Hudud ravaged Visakhapatnam. BIMSTEC Summit Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – India and its neighbours; International Relations In news: BIMSTEC - Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation PM Modi to join a summit of leaders from BIMSTEC countries in Kathmandu on August 30-31 and hold bilateral talks. Main focus - speedy conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement within the group BIMSTEC countries are yet to finalise and conclude the FTA which was negotiated in 2004. BIMSTEC FTA is expected to boost intra-regional trade. The visibility of BIMSTEC needs to be enhanced in a region where already a few other regional cooperation groups like ASEAN, SAARC, SASEC are in place. About BIMSTEC: BIMSTEC is the sub-regional group of seven countries in South Asia and South East Asia lying in littoral and adjacent areas of Bay of Bengal constituting contiguous regional unity. BIMSTC group is comprising of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand. It was established on 6 June 1997 through Bangkok Declaration. It is headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Objectives of BIMSTEC: Technological and economical cooperation among south Asian and south East Asian countries along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is sector-driven cooperative organization, starting with six sector including trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism and fisheries. In 2008 it was expanded to embrace eight more sectors including agriculture, public health, poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism, environment, culture, people to people contact and climate change. India and BIMSTEC India is an active participant of BIMSTEC and is considered an extension of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Look-East Policy. (MAINS FOCUS) ENVIRONMENT/ECOLOGY TOPIC: General Studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Educating people about climate change Introduction: Climate change has the potential to disrupt and reshape lives. There are several alarming predictions about its impact. Vulnerable populations should be made aware of the potential risks and how to cope with them. Global findings and India The UN Sustainable Goals Report, 2018 notes that climate change is among the key factors in rising hunger and human displacement. The World Health Organisation estimates that climate change will cause an additional 250,000 deaths per year between 2030 and 2050, due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress. Much of this loss will be accounted for by low-income groups in developing nations, including India. The World Bank projects that climate change could cost India 2.8% of its GDP, and diminish living standards for nearly half the population, in the next 30-odd years. Need of awareness Do vulnerable groups know the manifestations of climate change, and are they aware that it could potentially affect the health, livelihoods and lives of their families and communities, of present and future generations? Is there sufficient awareness about its causes, especially about anthropogenic contributions? Various initiatives: to create awareness about climate change; how to mitigate and adapt In 1991, the Supreme Court directed the Central government and all State governments to provide compulsory environmental education to all students in schools and colleges. This directive was reiterated in 2003 (M.C Mehta v. Union of India). Corporate organisations, research and education institutes, NGOs and foundations have committed themselves to educating people about climate change and providing the know-how for mitigation, adaptation and resilience building. These initiatives target urban and rural populations including school going children. Their thrust ranges from inculcating the concept of environmental sustainability to driving home the impact of climate change on food, water, nutrition and health. Effectiveness of initiatives Climate change seems to find low weight in everyday lives and conversations. Most of the country’s plans for vulnerable populations are directed towards poverty alleviation, improving living standards, enhancing access to education, sanitation, healthcare and ensuring human rights. Climate change finds little mention. It must receive greater prominence because the lives of a large number of the population are at risk. It is important that they know how to address and minimise the risks they face. So, what more can be done? (The way forward) At present, climate change does not find specific mention in Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013. If it were to be articulated and specified as an activity for corporate social responsibility (CSR), schedule VII (of Companies Act 2013) would then need to be amended to include climate change as an area for investment. Rather than be implied in the umbrella term of environmental sustainability, organisations may be encouraged to view it with increased importance and clarity and lend more weight to creating awareness, mitigation and resilience-building. Scaling up current initiatives of the corporate and social sectors to regional or national levels would be an early, albeit challenging, solution. The National CSR Data Portal reports corporate spends on environment, animal welfare and conservation of resources to be Rs. 801 crore in 2014-15 and Rs. 912 crore in 2015-16. It shows that the business organisations are willing to invest in issues related to the environment. Similarly, the film industry could consider ways to incorporate key aspects of climate change in films, writers could introduce climate change in adult and children’s literature, and gaming companies could develop games on this theme. Conclusion: Given the startling forecasts about the impact of climate change, it is the need of the hour to educate and equip both rural and urban communities to build resilience against natural disasters, adapt to environmental changes, and manage potential risk. Connecting the dots: India’s efforts at addressing climate change and the wider issues of environmental governance, has been far from convincing. Critically examine. INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and India RCEP in the News Negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), among 16 Asian and Pacific Ocean countries, have entered a decisive phase. And it would like to see a “substantive agreement” on the trade deal by the end of this year. Most potential member-countries of the grouping comprises the 10 ASEAN members and their Free Trade Agreement partners, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and Republic of Korea. At a meeting in Singapore, countries which still have issues with the outline of the agreements reached so far may be told politely to step aside and allow a smaller group to go ahead with finalising the RCEP, with the option to join it at a later date. India is among the countries that will have to take a call at this point considering the seriousness of the situation. Concerns with respect to India and RCEP India is the one country that doesn’t have an FTA with China. The greater access Chinese goods will have to the Indian market, a problem given India’s massive trade deficit. To circumvent this, the government has proposed a “differential market access” strategy for China, which others are inclined to accept. After the Wuhan summit, India and China have made progress on addressing the trade deficit, with China increasing access for Indian goods such as pharma and agricultural products. There are demands by other RCEP countries for lower customs duties on a number of products and greater access to the market than India has been willing to provide. The more developed RCEP countries such as Australia and Singapore have been unwilling to accommodate India’s demands to liberalise their services regime and allow freer mobility of Indian workers. Some of the RCEP countries, including India, are headed for elections next year, a point where governments traditionally turn protectionist. Way forward Despite all the concerns, the government must take into account that either slowing down India’s RCEP engagement or walking out of the talks at this stage would cut India out of the rules-making process for the RCEP and give China further space in the regional trade and security architecture. At a time when the U.S. has broken from the global consensus on multilateral trade agreements, an Indian walkout would endanger the united message that RCEP countries, which represent 40% of the global GDP, would wish to send out. It would also be a sharp departure from India’s “Act East” slogan and its extended outreach to ASEAN. Conclusion: RCEP is an opportunity for India to play a greater role in Asia-Pacific, the fastest growing and developing region the globe. India must not take the easiest way out on the trade deal and walk out of talks, rather it should move forward and fill the vacuum being created by the protectionism of US. Connecting the dots: India with RCEP, critically examine the challenges and opportunities ahead. Note: To read more about RCEP, read on: http://asean.org/?static_post=rcep-regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements with regard to National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Funds (SDRFs): NDRF is funded through a National Calamity Contingent Duty levied on all basic consumption goods and with budgetary provisions. National Calamity Contingent Duty is continued even in the GST regime. The allocation of the SDRF for each State is done by the Finance Commission Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation’ (BIMSTEC) includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Pakistanl, Sri Lanka and Thailand Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand Q.3) Consider the following statements regarding National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 NFSA marks a shift from rights based approach to welfare based approach. The act legally entitles up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of urban population to receive subsidized food grain under TPDS. NFSA is established as per the explicit provision of right to food under the Constitution of India Which of the given statement/s is/are correct? Only 2 1 and 2 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3  Q.4) Consider the following statements about Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) It is associated with ASEAN All the members of RCEP are members of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Cambodia is the only land-locked country among RCEP members Select the INCORRECT statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 Only 2 Q.5) Which of the following countries is/are NOT a part of RCEP? India Russia China Japan Select the appropriate option using the code below 2 only 1 and 4 only 2 and 3 only 2 and 4 only MUST READ  An enduring threat The Hindu A brief history of the rupee The Hindu What Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ignores The Hindu  Aadhaar In The Dock Indian Express GDP Report – misreading the facts Indian Express

Aug 22, 2018 PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 12th Aug to 19th Aug, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 12th to 19th August, 2018 ARCHIVES (This week’s PIB is prelims focussed. Hence, enlisting only the important matter to be remembered) Road Safety Brand Ambassador: Shri Akshay Kumar India’s ‘ease of doing business’ ranking: 100th position 2022: India has resolved to send manned spacecraft to the space by 2022 (will be the fourth country to do this) Won Gold in 65 kg freestyle wrestling at Asian Games 2018: Bajrang Punia SHE-Box: The Ministry of Women and Child Development has provided a facility to all working women to file complaints under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 with it. Swadesh Darshan Scheme: One of the flagship scheme of Ministry of tourism for development of thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritised manner. International team of scientists including 18 Indian scientists decode complex wheat genome: The information generated will help to identify genes controlling complex agronomic traits such as yield, grain quality, resistance to diseases and pests, as well as tolerance to drought, heat, water logging and salinity. Will go a long way in developing climate-resilient wheat and help tide over possible impact of climate change on farm output – feeding the ever-increasing world population and helping address global food security Ease of Living Index Launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs To empower citizens in aspiring for a better quality of life from their city authorities Index based on an open and participatory assessment of cities along with physical audit of urban metrics in a transparent manner Ministry of AYUSH: Has introduced new Central Sector scheme for promoting pharmacovigilance of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy (ASU&H;) Drugs. To develop the culture of documenting adverse effects and undertake safety monitoring of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs and surveillance of misleading advertisements appearing in the print and electronic media. NAVIC: India’s own GPS is all set to be launched and will place it in the club of select countries which have their own indigenous navigation systems. The GPS has been named NavIC—Navigation with Indian Constellation. The other countries that have their own indigenous system are Russia: GLONASS—Global Navigation Satellite System European Union: Galileo Positioning System Japan: Quasi-Zenith Satellite System—QZSS China: Beidou Navigation Satellite System—BDS The NavIC will be useful in terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation. Along with that, tracking, managing disaster and gathering geodetic data will be a few of the other uses of the system. Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 A flagship program of MHRD, GOI Higher Education Institutions of Human Resource Development Ministry under its flagship program – Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) 2.0 participated in Gram Sabhas, on the occasion of Independence Day. 688 institutions are selected on a Challenge Mode (426 technical and 262 non- technical) which are reputed Higher Educational Institutes (both public and private) of the country, which have adopted total no. of 3555 villages for their development through UBA. Vision: Inspired by the vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to help build the architecture of an Inclusive India. Mission: Enable higher educational institutions to work with the people of rural India in identifying development challenges and evolving appropriate solutions for accelerating sustainable growth. Aims to create a virtuous cycle between society and an inclusive academic system by providing knowledge and practices for emerging professions and to upgrade the capabilities of both the public and the private sectors in responding to the development needs of rural India.  Goals To build an understanding of the development agenda within institutes of Higher Education and an institutional capacity and training relevant to national needs, especially those of rural India. To re-emphasize the need for field work, stake-holder interactions and design for societal objectives as the basis of higher education. To stress on rigorous reporting and useful outputs as central to developing new professions. To provide rural India and regional agencies with access to the professional resources of the institutes of higher education, especially those that have acquired academic excellence in the field of science, engineering and technology, and management. To improve development outcomes as a consequence of this research. To develop new professions and new processes to sustain and absorb the outcomes of research. To foster a new dialogue within the larger community on science, society and the environment and to develop a sense of dignity and collective destiny. Revolutionizing the treatment of Strokes: A new Clot buster, PEGylated Streptokinase has been developed at CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH), Chandigarh, and is all set to revolutionize the treatment of ischemic strokes Ischemic stroke is a condition caused by a dysfunction in the supply of blood to the brain due to emboli, thrombus or atherosclerosis occurring in cerebral arteries. According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), brain strokes are the second leading cause of death in the world with a staggering 15 million people effected causing 11 million people either die or become permanently disabled. Surprisingly, the prevalence of stroke is much higher in India than the West and about 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes. India’s only lab for conservation of endangered species: Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) – a dedicated facility of CSIR’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad that uses modern biotechnologies for conservation of endangered wildlife. Has developed methods for collection and cryopreservation of semen and oocytes from wildlife and successfully reproducing endangered blackbuck, spotted deer and Nicobar pigeons. Through this work, it has established Genetic Resource Bank for Indian wildlife. So far, genetic resources from 23 species of Indian wild animals have been collected and preserved. This facility would increase the collection of genetic resources from wildlife through collaboration with zoos in India. It would also facilitate exchange of genetic material between the Indian zoos for maintaining genetic diversity and conservation management made accessible to scientists and wildlife managers for implementing conservation programs. World Elephant Day: To focus attention of various stakeholders to support various conservation policies to help elephants, including Improving enforcement policies to prevent the illegal poaching and trade of ivory Conserving elephant habitats Providing better treatment for captive elephants Reintroducing some captive elephants into sanctuaries Current population estimates for Asian elephants in the country, as per 2017 Census, are about 30,000.  Asian elephants are confined to South Asia and South East Asia and about 60 per cent of global population of Asian elephants is found in India.   As an acknowledgement of the important role played by the elephants in the social, religious and cultural life of people in India, elephants were declared as a National Heritage Animal in the year 2010. Project Elephant In order to conserve the Asian Elephants the Project Elephant started in 1992, with the objectives of – Conservation and protection of viable population of wild elephants in their natural habitats in the country Restoration of natural habitats and traditional corridors/migratory routes or movement paths used by the elephants, wherever necessary, through eco-restoration, acquisition etc.; Ensuring safeguards against poaching and other threats Mitigation and control of human elephant conflicts Welfare and management of captive elephants Creating a viable mechanism to ensure inter-state and regional and national level coordination in protecting and conserving the elephant and its ranges Exercise Pitch Black 2018: A biennial multi-national large force employment warfare exercise hosted by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) To foster closer relationship between the participating friendly forces and to promote interoperability through exchange of knowledge and experience. The aim for participating crew and specialist observers was to expose them to op environment in international scenarios. Successful Flight Tests of Smart Anti Airfield Weapon: Indigenously developed - capable of destroying variety of ground targets using precision navigation. Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’: Guided by an Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIR) operating in the Lock on Before Launch mode. It is one of the most advanced Anti-Tank Weapons in the world. Person in News V.S. Naipaul: Won the 2001 Nobel Prize for Literature Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee: During his tenure as prime minister, India carried out five underground nuclear tests in the Pokhran desert in Rajasthan, 24 years after its first nuclear test (Smiling Buddha) in 1974. Vajpayee's birthday, 25 December, would be marked as Good Governance Day. In February 1999, Vajpayee initiated a new peace process aimed towards permanently resolving the Kashmir dispute and other conflicts with Pakistan. The resultant Lahore Declaration espoused a commitment to dialogue, expanded trade relations and mutual friendship and envisaged a goal of denuclearised South Asia Operation Vijay: Kargil war (took place during his tenure as Prime Minister) Quotes Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu Road connectivity is key to national development and added the connectivity has the potential to bring a positive change in lives of people living in remote corners of rural India. Infrastructure development is not only a condition of development of the country, but the criteria for development. It ensures social capacity and security Connectivity is an essential and important component in bridging the urban rural divide National Highways symbolize social, economic and business unity of the country

Aug 21, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 49]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 49] Archives Q.1) 'Kasturirangan Committee Report' and ‘Gadgil Committee Report' are concerned with Labour Reforms Interlinking Rivers Protection of Western Ghats Ganga Action Plan Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘International Nitrogen Initiative’ It is an international program, set up in 2003 under sponsorship of the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) and from the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP). It is aimed at optimizing nitrogen’s beneficial role in sustainable food production, and minimizing nitrogen’s negative effects on human health and the environment resulting from food and energy production. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) 'Panini Language Laboratory' was recently opened in Maldives Mauritius Fiji Japan Q.4) Teesta River flows through which of the following states? West Bengal Sikkim Assam Tripura Select the correct code: 1 and 2 1, 3 and 4 1, 2 and 4 All of the above Q.5) Cyprus is located in Southwestern Pacific Ocean Melanesia Mediterranean Sea Bismarck Sea To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Aug 20, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 20th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Forest Rights Act Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II - Government schemes and policies; Social issue; Vulnerable section Why in news? Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (commonly known as Forest Rights Act or ROFR Act) is in news. Supreme Court had issued directive asking states to detail about actions taken against the forest rights claimants whose claims have been rejected. Forest department has highlighted that there was no provision to act on ‘illegal’ occupants of forest land or penalise such claimants. Important Value Additions: About ROFR Act/FRA ROFR Act is also known as Forest Rights Act, the Tribal Rights Act, the Tribal Bill, and the Tribal Land Act. The law deals with the rights of forest-dwelling communities to land and other resources, denied to them over decades as a result of the continuance of colonial forest laws in India. Do you know? India's forests are governed by two main laws, the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The former empowers the government to declare any area to be a reserved forest, protected forest or village forest. The latter allows any area to be constituted as a "protected area", namely a national park, wildlife sanctuary, tiger reserve or community conservation area. Under these laws, the rights of people living in or depending on the area to be declared as a forest or protected area are to be "settled" by a "forest settlement officer." This basically requires that officer to enquire into the claims of people to land, minor forest produce, etc., and, in the case of claims found to be valid, to allow them to continue or to extinguish them by paying compensation. Studies have shown that in many areas this process either did not take place at all or took place in a highly faulty manner. Therefore the Forest Rights Act was intended to correct the "historical injustice" done to forest dwellers by the failure to recognise their rights Eligibility to get rights under the Act Eligibility is confined to those who "primarily reside in forests" and who depend on forests and forest land for a livelihood. Further, either the claimant must be a member of the Scheduled Tribes scheduled in that area or must have been residing in the forest for 75 years. Misunderstanding the Act as a land distribution scheme A great deal of the debate is fuelled by misunderstandings of the purpose of the Act. The most common is that the purpose of the law is to distribute forest land to forest dwellers or tribals, often claimed to be at the rate of 4 hectares per family. The Act is intended to recognise lands that are already under cultivation as on 13 December 2005, not to grant title to any new lands. Rythu Bima group life insurance scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II - Government schemes and policies; Social issue; Farmers issue In news: Rythu Bima life insurance scheme, introduced by the Telangana government, is being touted as the most unique of life insurance schemes wherein the death of farmers on any reason is compensated within a maximum period of seven days. United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN–Habitat) and World Urban Campaign Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – International fora and conventions About: UN–Habitat is the UN agency for human settlements and sustainable urban development. Its mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all. The mandate of UN-Habitat derives from the Habitat Agenda, adopted by the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1996. It runs two major worldwide campaigns – the Global Campaign on Urban Governance, and the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure. Through these campaigns and by other means the agency focuses on a range of issues and special projects which it helps implement. The twin goals of the Habitat Agenda are adequate shelter for all and the development of sustainable human settlements in an urbanizing world. Do you know? Most of UN-Habitat’s funding comes from voluntary contributions from governmental and intergovernmental donors, while the UN General Assembly provides part of the regular budget. World Urban Campaign It is a global coalition of public, private and civil society partners seeking to raise the urban agenda. It is coordinated by UN-Habitat. NABARD All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey 2016-17 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and Agriculture Highlights: More than half the agricultural households in the country have outstanding debt. Their average outstanding debt is almost as high as the average annual income of all agricultural households. NABARD found that 52.5% of the agricultural households had an outstanding loan. For non-agricultural households in rural India, that figure was 10 percentage points lower, at only 42.8%. The average debt of an indebted agricultural household stood at ₹1,04,602 in comparison to ₹76,731 for indebted non-agricultural households. According to the survey, the average annual income of an agricultural household is ₹1.07 lakh. Only 10.5% of agricultural households were found to have a valid Kisan Credit Card. Households who had the card utilised 66% of the sanctioned credit limit. What happens when the rupee falls? Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Indian Economy and issues related to it Fast recap: We already read about Rupee Depreciation, Appreciation, Devaluation and Revaluation. (Read here - Why is the rupee falling continuously?) Now let us see what happens when the rupee falls? Country’s imports become more expensive and exports cheaper. It takes more rupees to pay for the same quantum of imports and fewer dollars for a buyer to pay for the same quantity of exports. More expensive imports are likely to drive inflation upward, especially in India where input products constitute a large part of our imports. It impacts the oil import bill since it costs more rupees per barrel of oil, which plays its own part in pushing inflation up. GDP growth - On the one hand, costlier inputs and the subsequent increase in the prices of finished goods should have a positive impact on GDP. But the consequent decrease in demand due to higher prices could nullify this. ‘Household consumption of goods and services’ plays a big role here. Domestic tourism could grow as more tourists visit India since their currency now buys more here. In the medium term, export-oriented industries may also create more jobs. Miscellaneous ‘Operation Karuna’  - Code name of rescue operations in Kerala United Arab Emirates has formed an emergency committee under the leadership of the Emirates Red Crescent to help victims of the floods in Kerala. Similar initiatives are being taken by Saudi Arabia, Oman and private individuals in the Gulf region. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s next indigenous fighter, is expected to make its first flight by 2032. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 International Relations Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests India and the World Sovereignty and sensitivity: India-Bhutan Relations Issues in the news: The Border Roads Organisation, which helps build Bhutanese roads under Project Dantak, decided in July to make reflective stickers on the road sides and railings, in shades of the Indian tricolour, it raised red flags among the Bhutanese on social media. Citizens were worried that this was an attempt by India to impose its flag on their countryside. Eventually, the stickers were changed to blue and white. In April last year, the Department of Roads had to remove a board which read “Dantak welcomes you to Bhutan” at the Paro international airport. On an arterial highway, another board that credited the “Government of India” had to be painted over. Other Concerns: Such incidences are a blip in India-Bhutan relations, but it is a clear indicator of heightened sensitivities in the Himalayan kingdom as it heads to its third general election. Previous Indian government’s decision to cut cooking gas subsidy just before the 2013 elections in Bhutan has often been shown as proof of Indian interference. Since then, the present Indian government’s actions, indicating a preference for one party (Bangladesh) or antipathy for another (Sri Lanka), have been noted closely in Bhutan. Sovereignty and self-sufficiency The present Bhutanese government achieved the 8% GDP growth, along with a construction and tourist boom in Bhutan. They were successful in stabilising the rupee-ngultrum crises as well as for economic reforms. But Bhutan failed to curb the national debt, owed mostly to India for hydropower loans. Competing parties in the forthcoming elections are giving top priorities to “sovereignty, security and self-sufficiency” of Bhutan. This election comes days after India-China stand-off in 2017 in the Bhutan-claimed area of Doklam. Therefore the election candidates advocate a Bhutanese foreign policy that is less dependent on India. Another party has a similarly worded campaign manifesto title: “For a self-reliant Bhutan: our concern, our responsibility”. It can be concluded that, the concerns over India’s or any other country’s presence in Bhutan’s domestic and foreign policy are not being dismissed. What India should do? India must step lightly and thoughtfully around the upcoming Bhutan's national election. The government should keep high-profile visits at an arm’s length from the election process; especially given that there will be several such visits after the National Assembly is chosen. Revisiting policies and issues; The preceding months may also be a useful gape to revise India’s Bhutan policy and address several issues that have come up in the past few years — for example, the hydropower projects where delays in constructing and commissioning in Bhutan by Indian companies have led to the country’s burgeoning national debt. India’s power-surplus status and the advent of other renewable energies like wind and solar power will make it more difficult for Bhutan to ensure that its hydropower sector becomes profitable. Unless India finds ways to help, it will be accused of the same sort of “debt-trapping” that China is accused of today. India also needs to focus on policing cross-border trade The goods and services tax still hurts Bhutanese exporters, and demonetisation has left lasting scars on the banking system. The China question Doklam, which has long been discussed as part of a possible “package solution” to the Bhutan-China border dispute, could become a point of India-China land dispute, with Bhutan becoming a hapless spectator in the middle. Experts point out that China’s actions since last June, to build a permanent military presence above the stand-off point, mean that Bhutan has a much reduced advantage in any forthcoming negotiations on the issue. Conclusion: Given concerns over Indian influence, New Delhi must exercise caution in the run-up to Bhutan’s elections. Empirically, India has advocated and supported sovereignty and right of self-determination of nations across the world. Considering this legacy of Independent democratic India, she should refrain from interfering in sovereign matters of Bhutan. Connecting the dots: Critically comment on the nature of India – Bhutan relationship. NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Constitution: Elections Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure. Simultaneous elections: Not Soon Introduction: Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat’s view that it is not possible to hold simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies soon. It is a humongous task ahead of the Election Commission. Arguments in favour of simultaneous elections: The country is perpetually in election mode, resulting in a lack of adequate focus on governance. The second contention is that scattered polling results in extra expenditure. Reasons compelling postponement of simultaneous elections: Along with a legal framework under which the extension or curtailment of the term of any Assembly is constitutionally permissible, simultaneous elections would demand a massive increase in the number of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) units. Ensuring the availability of VVPATs everywhere poses a logistical challenge. According to CEC altering the term of an Assembly needs an amendment to the Constitution. Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan assemblies are going to end their term between December and January. A new batch of VVPAT units is expected only by the end of November. It takes a month for first-level checking, rendering the possibility of using them in the next round of elections remote. Simultaneous elections will require the use of 24 lakh EVMs, needing the procurement of 12 lakh EVMs and an equal number of VVPAT units, according to its estimate. These figures ought to give pause to the plan to hold simultaneous Assembly elections with the next Lok Sabha polls. Other issues: A wide political consensus, as well as legislative cooperation from various parties at the Centre and in the States, is required for holding simultaneous elections. It is natural that parties that control legislatures constituted in recent months or years would resist any curtailment of their tenures, while those in the Opposition may prefer simultaneous polls if it means Assembly elections being advanced. Conclusion: Simultaneous polls pose too big a legal and logistical challenge to be implemented now. Given the procedural and logistical challenges that holding of simultaneous elections pose, it would be far more productive for political parties to focus on basic electoral reforms and find ways to curb excessive election expenditure. Connecting the dots: Simultaneous elections in India are still a distant dream. Critically analyse. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal groups (PVTG) They are centrally recognized special category from among the Scheduled Tribes Forest Rights Act, 2006 provided scope for the recognition of the PVTGs' forest and habitat rights for the first time.  Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006’ It grants legal recognition to the rights of traditional forest dwelling communities, partially correcting the injustice caused by the forest laws It gives the community the right to protect and manage the forest It provides for rights to use and/or collect the following ‘Minor forest produce’ Select the correct statements 1 Only 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 2 and 3 Q.3) With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct? UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 2 and 3 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1 only Q.4) Consider the following statements regarding UN-Habitat It is the United Nations agency for human settlements and sustainable urban development It was established in 1978 as an outcome of the First UN Conference on Human Settlements and Sustainable Urban Development It is headquartered at Athens, Greece Which of the given statements is/are correct? 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 MUST READ A chronicle of collaboration The Hindu Why context matters The Hindu  For better slum policies The Hindu What is a ‘national disaster’? Indian Express Decriminalise The Margins  Indian Express From Plate to Plough: Lean year as a foundation Indian Express