Sep 15, 2018 PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 10th Sep to 15th Sep, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 10th to 15th  September, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 Fight against malnutrition taken up in a mission mode Increase of daily cost norms for the beneficiaries of the ICDS Programme A technology based real time monitoring system of the Anganwadi services Identification and elimination of fake beneficiaries which is an ongoing process: Eliminated approximately one crore fake beneficiaries from the system Increase the honorarium of Anganwadi: It is being increased by 1½ times from the existing amount – The Anganwadi workers will be given Rs. 4500/- instead of Rs. 3000/- Mini Anganwadi worker will be given Rs.3500/- instead of Rs.2250/- Anganwadi helper will be given Rs. 2250/- instead of Rs. 1500/- per month This will boost their morale and help improve the delivery of services by the frontline workers and will  in turn help to achieve the goal of Poshan Abhiyan. Poshan Abhiyan The Rs. 9,000-crore mission will strive to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, and low birth weight by 2 per cent and anaemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls) by 3 per cent annually over the three-year mission period. The focus of the Abhiyaan is on the first 1000 days of the child and preventive care for adolescent girls, women and mothers. Home-based Care for Young Child (HBYC) would be a crucial component of the Abhiyaan. In HBYC, ASHAs supported by Anganwadi workers will visit the homes of children aged between 3 to 15 months and sensitise mothers on energy density and diet of child. Must Read: Health and Nutrition: No child left behind Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 The Act safeguards the rights of people living with HIV and affected by HIV. The provisions of the Act address HIV-related discrimination Strengthen the existing programme by bringing in legal accountability Establish formal mechanisms for inquiring into complaints and redressing grievances The Act lists various grounds on which discrimination against HIV positive persons and those living with them is prohibited. These include the denial, termination, discontinuation or unfair treatment with regard to: (i) Employment (ii) Educational establishments (iii) Health care services (iv) Residing or renting property (v) Standing for public or private office (vi) Provision of insurance (unless based on actuarial studies). The requirement for HIV testing as a pre-requisite for obtaining employment or accessing health care or education is also prohibited. Cabinet approves MoU between India and South Africa on cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes: The areas of cooperation under this MoU are the following: Remote sensing of the earth; Satellite communication and satellite-based navigation; Space science and planetary exploration; Use of spacecraft, launch vehicles, space systems and ground systems; Practical applications of space technology including geospatial tools and techniques MoU on Collaborative Research on Distributed Ledger and Block Chain Technology in the context of Development of digital economy by Exim Bank under BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism Distributed Ledger/Block chain technology holds potential for solutions to various challenges being faced in the financial sector space of the BRICS nations. The MoU intends to enhance understanding of Distributed Ledger/Block Chain technology, through the joint research efforts to identify areas within respective business operations where it may have the potential for applications aimed at enhancing the operational efficiencies. MoU between India and Egypt on cooperation in the field of Agriculture & allied sectors The MoU provides for cooperation in areas of agricultural crops (especially wheat and maize), agricultural biotechnology, nanotechnology, irrigation and water management technology including water harvesting and micro-irrigation technology, management of agriculture wastes management for energy production; food security, safety and quality; horticulture; organic agriculture; livestock husbandry, livestock breeding, dairying, fisheries, feed and fodder production; animal products and value addition; sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues concerning trade in plant and animal products; agriculture machinery in small scale; agri-business and marketing; pre and post-harvest procedures; food technology and processing; integrated pest management in agriculture; agricultural extension and rural development; agricultural trade & investment; intellectual property rights issues; technical know-how and human resources in seed sector; infrastructure development and capacity building in agriculture & allied sectors and other related areas of interest that are mutually agreed upon by both Parties. Cooperation will also be effected through exchange of research scientists and experts; exchange of agricultural information and scientific publications (journals, books, bulletins, statistical data on agriculture and allied sectors); exchange of germplasm & agriculture technology; and conducting joint seminars, workshops, symposiums and other similar activities. Signing of MoU between India and Malta for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism To encourage the quality destination of tourism industry in both countries; To increase tourist arrivals in both countries from the entire world through the territories of India and Malta; Promoting human resource development in tourism and travel-related  industries in both countries; To contribute to a new tourism, offer, particularly through the promotion of natural and tangible, and intangible cultural heritage, the development of sustainable tourism and the use of information technologies; and To recognize that tourism is a means to foster relationship between peoples of the two countries. Policy Framework to Promote and Incentivize Enhanced Recovery Methods for Oil and Gas Strategic objective of the Policy: To build a supportive ecosystem through academic and research institutes, industry- academia collaboration and to support and encourage Exploration and Production (E&P;) Contractors to deploy ER/IR/UHC Methods/ techniques. The ER includes Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and Enhanced Gas Recovery (EGR), Unconventional Hydrocarbon (UHC) production methods include Shale oil and gas production, tight oil and gas production, production from oil shale, gas hydrates and heavy oil. Enhanced Recovery, Improved Recovery and exploration and exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons are capital intensive, technologically complex and challenging in nature. It calls for supporting infrastructure, logistic support, fiscal incentives and enabling environment. New Umbrella Scheme “Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan” (PM-AASHA) The Scheme is aimed at ensuring remunerative prices to the farmers for their produce as announced in the Union Budget for 2018. The increase in MSP will be translated to farmer’s income by way of robust procurement mechanism in coordination with the State Governments. GS-3 Model International Center for Transformative Artificial Intelligence (ICTAI) Collaboration between: NITI Aayog, Intel, and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Purpose: Towards developing and deploying AI-led application-based research projects Model ICTAI aims to conduct advanced research to incubate AI-led solutions in three important areas – healthcare, agriculture and smart mobility – by bringing together the expertise of Intel and TIFR. It aims to experiment, discover and establish best practices in the domains of ICTAI governance, fundamental research, physical infrastructure, compute and service infrastructure needs, and talent acquisition. Through this collaborative effort, the model ICTAI is chartered to develop AI foundational frameworks, tools and assets, including curated datasets and unique AI algorithms – To develop standards and support policy development related to information technology such as data-storage, information security, privacy, and ethics for data capture and use. To develop AI foundational technologies to promote applied research that can scale for national impact and will lead to the creation of a vibrant and self-sustaining ecosystem. Collaboration with industry leaders, start-ups, and AI services and product companies to productize technologies and IP that are developed at the model ICTAI Support skilling and talent development for world-class AI talent Prelims Oriented News Next Chief Justice of India: Justice Ranjan Gogoi First Tribal Circuit Project under Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Jashpur- Kunkuri- Mainpat- Kamleshpur- Maheshpur- Kurdar-Sarodadadar- Gangrel- Kondagaon- Nathiya Nawagaon- Jagdalpur- Chitrakoot- Tirthgarh Apsara – U Reactor Becomes Operational: Upgraded version of the first research reactor in Asia. The reactor, made indigenously, uses plate type dispersion fuel elements made of Low Enriched Uranium (LEU).  By virtue of higher neutron flux, this reactor will Increase indigenous production or radio-isotopes for medical application by about fifty percent Would also be extensively used for research in nuclear physics, material science and radiation shielding Three ‘A’s’ for successful implementation of Mission Indradhanush: ASHA Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) Anganwadi workers Nomadic Elephant-2018: Indo-Mongolia joint exercise; an annual, bilateral exercise since 2006 which is designed to strengthen the partnership between Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces Successful Air-to-Air Refuelling of LCA Tejas: The Air-to-Air refuelling capability for LCA is a ‘force multiplier’ for the IAF, giving the aircraft the potential to stay airborne for much longer periods of time. The enhanced range and endurance in air is expected to provide IAF a host of options in exploiting the operational potential of the LCA as well as to participate in international exercises without having to stage through several locations enroute. PM Modi, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, CMs of West Bengal and Tripura, jointly dedicate three projects in Bangladesh: (a) 500 MW additional power supply from India to Bangladesh, through the existing Bheramara (Bangladesh) - Baharampur (India) interconnection (b) Akhaura – Agartala Rail Link (c) Rehabilitation of the Kulaura-Shahbazpur section of Bangladesh Railways Quotes/Words to Quote Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu On India – Addressing the 2nd World Hindu Conference 2018, in Chicago, USA The extraordinary vision of ancient India encapsulates a message that is timeless and eternally relevant because it is holistic, integrated and universal. Whenever the world is faced with the threats of fragmentation, conflict, hatred and irrational prejudices, the Indian voice brings to the world the soothing, inclusive perspectives that have pervaded its cultural world for more than two millennia. We have inherited a treasure house of ideas, values and attitudes. In a world of unprecedented changes, we need a sheet anchor and a spiritual compass. India could offer those to the world. In a world that is filled with bitterness, India could provide the honey of wisdom gathered from different flowers by different bees. Words to Quote in Mains answer: On Smart Cities Leaving people with disabilities out of economic opportunities leads to a loss of 3-7%of GDP annually Divyang-friendly measures need to be integrated at planning stage for ensuring inclusive growth in Smart Cities in India In conjunction with the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), the Smart Cities Mission seeks to ensure that the most vulnerable sections of our society enjoy ‘Ease of Living’ in Indian cities. We have the Accessible India Campaign, AMRUT, HRIDAY, Swachh Bharat, Digital India and the Smart Cities Mission – and accessibility cuts across them all. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 goals and 169 targets, has given the nations of the world a very ambitious framework with the underlying theme of ‘Leave No One Behind’. “This framework is inspired by the Indian ethos of Sarvodaya through Antyodaya. On Agriculture The goal of agricultural development planning and investment in India needs to go beyond the production, productivity and acreage. Important as they are but these three are merely output indicators so far as the farmers as producers are concerned. The outcome from their perspective is to be seen in their gains in terms of profit and prosperity. As per the Fourth Advance Estimate a record production of 284.83 million tonnes during 2017-18 was achieved; which means an increase in production continuously for a second year. The challenge that such a situation of abundance puts up before us is that of maintaining food prices at levels that ensure farmers get their due profits, while not letting the general consumers remain deprived of the gains of bumper harvest. It is for this purpose that the following policy instruments help us in tacking the situation – Minimum Support Price Procurement for Public Distribution System Price Support Scheme Market Intervention Scheme The farmers face numerous problems in both managing agricultural production with the minimum possible cost and selling their produce at the maximum feasible agricultural produce prices because of serious market imperfections. The farmer faces farm input market imperfections which are handiworks of the business and industry involved in the production and distribution of these inputs. Similarly, when it comes to realizing maximum prices the agricultural produce market ground realities disable and deprive the farmers of their due prices. This shows in terms of non-availability of markets as such, and the exploitative nature of functioning of farm business and industry handling in agricultural markets. The other factors that enable farmers to profit and prosper by ideal use of their land, animal, water, and forestry resources are related to their ability to maximize their income with a focus on maximizing revenue; and earn more by enhancing their farm business acumen. This requires serious attention to use innovative farm technology and management to increase both produce and earning on the one hand and reducing uncertainties related to crop, prices, and supporting services on the other hand.

Sep 15, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 13th September 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 13th September 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) U.S. threatens sanctions on ICC Part of: GS Mains II and Prelims – International In news: US has threatened to prosecute International Criminal Court (ICC) officials if Americans are charged with war crimes committed in Afghanistan. Hague-based court’s response - As a court of law, will continue to do its work undeterred, in accordance with those principles and the overarching idea of the rule of law. Do you know? The Hague-based ICC was set up in 2002 with a jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute the world’s worst crimes, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The court, however, does not have the capacity to arrest suspects and depends on member states for their cooperation. The United States has not signed up to the court and in 2002, its Congress passed a law enabling Washington to invade the Netherlands to liberate any U.S. citizen held by the court. Hurricane Florence Part of: GS Mains I and II and Prelims – International; Geography (World) In news: Hurricane Florence to hit America Emergency declared for both North Carolina and South Carolina Important Additions: A hurricane is a type of storm called a tropical cyclone, which forms over tropical or subtropical waters. Hurricanes are large, swirling storms. They produce winds of 119 kilometers per hour (74 mph) or higher. That's faster than a cheetah, the fastest animal on land. Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters. Sometimes they strike land. When a hurricane reaches land, it pushes a wall of ocean water ashore. This wall of water is called a storm surge. Heavy rain and storm surge from a hurricane can cause flooding. How Does a Storm Become a Hurricane? A hurricane starts out as a tropical disturbance. This is an area over warm ocean waters where rain clouds are building. A tropical disturbance sometimes grows into a tropical depression. This is an area of rotating thunderstorms with winds of 62 km/hr (38 mph) or less. A tropical depression becomes a tropical storm if its winds reach 63 km/hr (39 mph). A tropical storm becomes a hurricane if its winds reach 119 km/hr (74 mph). What Makes Hurricanes Form? Scientists don't know exactly why or how a hurricane forms. But they do know that two main ingredients are needed. One ingredient is warm water. Warm ocean waters provide the energy a storm needs to become a hurricane. Usually, the surface water temperature must be 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher for a hurricane to form. The other ingredient is winds that don't change much in speed or direction as they go up in the sky. Winds that change a lot with height can rip storms apart. SEBI reforms on FPI consent norms Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Government schemes and Policies; Indian Economy and related issues In news: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to give final shape to the regulations governing investments by foreign investors especially those managed by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Decision after feedback on Khan panel recommendations. The FPI norms have been in the news in the recent past with overseas investors objecting to a circular issued in April that barred NRIs, along with Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and Resident Indians (RIs) from managing the investments of SEBI-registered FPIs. Cabinet clears new procurement policy Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Agriculture, MSP, PDS, Procurement and storage In news: The Centre has announced a Rs. 15,053 crore scheme to ensure that farmers growing oilseeds, pulses and copra actually get the minimum support prices (MSP) they are promised for their crops every year. Current status of MSP and Government procurement About one-third of the harvest of the two major foodgrains, rice and wheat, are procured by the Centre at the MSP for sale in ration shops. However, most of the 21 other crops are sold at market prices, often below the MSP, as the government’s procurement operations are temporary. Over the last two years, the government has increased the procurement of pulses and oilseeds at MSP under the Price Support Scheme. About Policy: Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) The umbrella policy — Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) — was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. It clubs together an existing procurement scheme with newly introduced options — meant for oilseeds only — of additional procurement by private traders or a cash payment scheme. The Cabinet approved government credit guarantee of Rs. 16,550 crore for agencies undertaking procurement. The government announces minimum support prices for 23 crops every year. This year, these rates were set at 50% higher than the farmers’ production costs, including labour cost. Copra, pulses will still get price support Under the PM-AASHA scheme, the existing Price Support Scheme (PSS) will continue for pulses and copra, with Central agencies physically procuring the produce whenever the market rates fall below MSP, up to a maximum limit of 25% of the total harvest. The Centre will bear the costs, as per existing guidelines. For oilseeds, the States will be allowed to choose between the PSS or two new schemes. One, the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme is modelled on the Bhavantar experiment in Madhya Pradesh last year, where there is no physical procurement at all. Farmers will sell their produce in the market, and the government will directly pay them the difference between the MSP and the average market rate. The cash payment will be deposited in their bank accounts. The burden will be shared between centre and states. Two, a pilot scheme where selected private agencies will procure the commodity at the MSP, instead of the government. Challenges NAFED has a stock of more than 4 million tonnes [of pulses and oilseeds] because of the last two years’ procurement, but their distribution policy is non-existent. Market prices are 30% lower than the MSP, who is going to bear the loss? Earlier experiments with private procurement had collapsed once demand fell. India’s health report reads worse Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Health In news: The ‘India State-level Disease Burden Initiative’ report is a joint initiative of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with experts and stakeholders associated with over 100 Indian institutions. Findings of report on NCDs Indians have registered a 50% increase in the prevalence of ischemic heart disease and stroke over the period from 1990 to 2016. The number of diabetes cases increased from 26 million to 65 million. In the same period, the number of people ailing from chronic obstructive lung disease went up from 28 million to 55 million. The proportional contribution of cancers to the total loss of health in India has doubled from 1990 to 2016, but the incidence of different types of cancers varies widely between the States. The State-wise disease burden showed that Punjab has been ranked at the top for the burden of ischemic heart disease, followed by Tamil Nadu, and vice-versa for diabetes. West Bengal topped with the largest number of stroke cases followed by Odisha, according to the comprehensive analysis of several major non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Kerala was ranked at the top for the burden of cancer, followed by Assam. Being overweight was found to be a major risk factor for diabetes doubled in every State of India from 1990 to 2016. Highest rate of increase in ischemic heart disease and diabetes is in the less developed States of India. The proportional contribution of cancers to disease burden in India has doubled since 1990, but the incidence of individual cancers varies widely between the States, the reasons for which need to be understood better to guide prevention and control of cancer. Findings of this report are very timely for the planning of Ayushman Bharat, the National Health Protection Mission. Findings of report on Suicide Suicide is the leading cause of death in the 15-39 years age group in India. 71.2% of the suicide deaths among women and 57.7% among men were in this age group. India’s contribution to global suicide deaths increased from 25.3% in 1990 to 36.6% in 2016 among women, and from 18.7% to 24.3% among men. The suicide rate among the elderly has increased over the past quarter century. India must develop a suicide-prevention strategy that takes into account these variations in order to address this major public health problem, it stated. The ten-fold variation between the States in the SDR for women emphasises the need to better understand the reasons behind these suicides and make concerted efforts to reduce this avoidable loss of predominantly young lives. If the trends observed up to 2016 continued, the probability of India achieving Sustainable Development Goals for SDR reduction in 2030 will be zero. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, which are in the higher-middle and high epidemiological transition level groups, consistently had a higher SDR for both men and women Criminal politicians: special courts to be set up to fast-track the long-pending trials of lawmakers Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Governance, Constitution, Polity In news: 25 States and UTs did not respond to repeated Supreme Court orders for information about the number of criminal cases pending against their MPs/MLAs and the setting up of special courts to exclusively try them. Due to lack of enthusiasm on the part of the States, the Supreme Court would monitor the compliance of its orders to form special courts to try MPs/MLAs and the functioning of these courts. SC also directed authorities to provide information on the functionality of 12 special courts which have already been set up in 11 States. It has also sought information on the volume of cases required to be transferred to the special courts and whether there is a need to set up more such courts. Of the 11 States, Delhi has two special courts while Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have one each. The Supreme Court had in December 2017, ordered special courts to be set up to fast-track the long-pending trials of lawmakers. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2  Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education, Human Resources Government schemes and Policies Encouraging young minds Introduction When the Fields medals were awarded earlier this year, the Indian media was quick to highlight that Akshay Venkatesh, one of the four medal winners, is of Indian descent. There arises a question, did our education system has contributed to Prof. Venkatesh’s achievements? and whether, given the present state of affairs, an Indian education can produce Fields medallists? Do you Know? The Fields Medal is awarded every four years on the occasion of the International Congress of Mathematicians to recognize outstanding mathematical achievement for existing work and for the promise of future achievement. The Fields Medal is regarded as one of the highest honors a mathematician can receive, and has been described as the mathematician's "Nobel Prize". This prize awarded to two, three, or four mathematicians less than 40 years of age. Indian education system and Fields Medals Although Prof. Venkatesh was born in Delhi, his family moved to Australia when he was a child. The Indian education system hardly played any role in moulding the child prodigy and this was also rather the case with Manjul Bhargava (Fields medal 2014). Subhash Khot, who won the Rolf Nevanlinna Prize in 2014, had more of an Indian education — a bachelor’s degree in computer science at IIT Bombay. Indian education system did not produced any Fields medallists. There is no dearth of talent, but the opportunities and training that these talents receive — or fail to receive, rather the lack of these makes them less than others. Programmes in India for training of mathematics students One of the programmes in India devoted to training students of mathematics and identifying and nurturing talent is the Mathematics Training and Talent Search, which was started 25 years ago, in 1993. There are also programmes that train students to compete in the Mathematics Olympiad. Yet the number of students being trained in these programmes is still small. With 36.6 million students enrolled in higher education and 36.4% joining the science and humanities streams (All India Survey on Higher Education data), it is safe to assume that there is a considerable gap between the requirement and the availability of training and nurture. Global examples France, a country with a population close to 6.5 crore, has about 3,000-4,000 scientists. It also boasts of 12 Fields medallists. This is comparable to the U.S., which has much more in terms of resources. There are schools of talent where a number of Fields medallists were trained in these countries. Such schools must be nested in a balanced network of universities, teacher education systems, and most importantly, a solid base in school education. Conclusion It is true that top prizes are not themselves a solution to all problems that beset education in India, but they remain a characteristic of a healthy educational ecosystem. Only such an ecosystem can create enough space for young minds to explore abstract mathematical and scientific ideas freely and in turn challenge the boundaries of existing knowledge. Connecting the dots: Give a brief overview of the government steps to promote studies in STEM. NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1 Social Empowerment Role of women and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies  General Studies 3 Economic growth Inclusive growth and issues arising from it Prison of patriarchy: Why India’s female workforce participation is so low Introduction Marriage is a career stopper for the majority of Indian women and this cultural abhorrence towards women working is a not-so-subtle way of ensuring that the escape routes out of a marriage are minimised, if not entirely closed. Female workforce in India India’s female workforce participation is among the lowest in the world. The Economic Survey 2017-18 revealed that women comprise only 24% of the Indian workforce. In fact, as India grows economically, the number of women in workplaces is declining steadily. Though the enrolment of girls in higher education courses is growing steadily — to 46% in 2014 from 39% in 2007. Causes of Low women workforce In India’s leaking pipeline of women employees, the first and most significant drop-off point is between the junior and middle management levels. A survey by Catalyst, a management consultancy firm, pegged this number at a whopping 50%, compared to 29% in other Asian economies. When plotted against life milestones, this often corresponds to the time women choose to get married. The cultural baggage about women working outside the home is so strong that in most traditional Indian families, quitting work is a necessary precondition to the wedding itself. The richer the family is, the lower the chances that they allow women to pursue a career. In low-income families, economic pressure sometimes trumps social stigma. Childbirth and taking care of elderly parents or in-laws account for the subsequent points where women drop off the employment pipeline. Consequences of decrease in women workforce On the macroeconomic level, this suggests that we’re giving up on a 27% boost to the country’s GDP. At the individual level, without any recourse to financial means, women stay tethered to the family. Ending a marriage is such a daunting task — socially and legally — that even the thought of embarking on it without financial independence is terrifying. Conclusion: Having grave consequences at macroeconomic and societal levels, unemployed women suffer at individual level too. The Supreme Court has set a benchmark of 25% of a husband’s net salary as a “just and proper” amount for alimony, leaving divorced women with full custody of the children at a quarter of the family income. Much credit for India’s low divorce rate goes to this Stockholm syndrome-like situation of Indian marriages. Financially independent women are need of the hour for strong economy as well as egalitarian society. Connecting the dots: With the rise in per capita income, women workforce participation in India is declining. Elucidate. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Which of the following statements are correct regarding the ‘International Criminal Court’ (ICC)? It is primary judicial branch of the United Nations. Rome Statute is the treaty that established the ICC. ICC has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. India is founding member and signatory of ICC. Choose the correct answer: 1, 3 and 4 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 only Q.2) The name, Jebi, was in the news recently. Who or what is it? The rare breed of polar bear A newly found Earth-like planet in a faraway galaxy A deadliest and most destructive hurricane None of the above Q.3) Which of the following are preconditions for the formation of a tropical cyclone? A low pressure center High temperature Presence of moisture Absence of Coriolis force Select the code from the following: 1,2 and 3 2,3 and 4 1 and 2 1,3 and 4 Q.4) Cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons, may have different names, but cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons are all violent tropical storms that can generate 10 times as much energy as the Hiroshima atomic bomb. Which one of the following most appropriately differentiates the three? Names of storms according to their rising strength Names of storms in the South Pacific-Indian Ocean, the Atlantic-northeast Pacific and Asia respectively Names of storms according to their shape Name of storms according to frequency of occurrence Q.5) Consider the following about “Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan” (PM-AASHA) and choose the correct answer: It guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their 2nd / 3rd trimesters of pregnancy at designated government health facilities It aims to ensure remunerative prices to the farmers It aims to provide assured, comprehensive and quality antenatal care, free of cost to all pregnant women residing in rural areas on the 9th of every month. It is a flagship social security scheme which ensures food security to the farmers. MUST READ Section 377: Drawing a curtain on the past The Hindu  An education that is in sync The Hindu  Dam disclosures: on the Kerala floods The Hindu Reform that isn’t Indian Express In public interest Indian Express The commission’s omissions Indian Express

Sep 15, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 12th September 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 12th September 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Small loans could turn bad: Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II and III – Government schemes and Policies; Indian Economy and related issues In news: According to Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan – the next crisis in India’s banking sector could come from loans given to the unorganised micro and small businesses, called MUDRA loans, and credit extended through the Kisan credit card. Government should refrain from setting ambitious credit targets or waiving loans. Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs, run by the Small Industries Development Bank of India, needs to be examined with urgency (as it is “a growing contingent liability”). A large number of bad loans originated in the period 2006-2008, when economic growth was strong and it is at such times that banks make mistakes. Do you know? As per the data from the Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) website, a total of ₹6.37 lakh crore has been disbursed under the scheme by public and private sector banks, regional rural banks and micro-finance institutions till date. MUDRA loans are offered under the Prime Minister Mudra Yojana or PMMY, launched in 2015 by the NDA government. Important schemes IASbaba recommend you to have different perspective and assessment of following schemes for this year Mains or for next attempt. MUDRA Scheme Kisan credit card Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs Ecological damage to Aravallis Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Ecology; Conservation of Biodiversity In news: Supreme Court ordered the demolition of structures built illegally in the protected forests of the Aravallis. SC bench ordered that all structures built after August 18, 1992 in the area known as ‘Kant Enclave’ at Anangpur in Faridabad district of Haryana should be demolished. Important Value Additions: Aravalli Range is a range of mountains running in a southwest direction, starting in North India from Delhi and passing through southern Haryana, through to Western India across the states of Rajasthan and ending in Gujarat. It is the oldest range of fold mountains in India. Map work: Locate Aravalli range and other mountain ranges Influx of alien fish species due to Kerala Floods Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Ecology; Conservation of Biodiversity In news: The catastrophic floods in Kerala have released several alien species of fish into waterbodies. Influx of alien fishes has raised a threat to the endemic aquatic ecosystem and biodiversity. Alien species had escaped in large numbers from flooded commercial and ornamental fish farms. As per IUCN, proliferation of alien species poses a serious threat to the freshwater ecosystems of Kerala, which is considered to be a global hotspot for fish diversity. No water aerodrome project in Chilika Lake Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Environment and Ecology; Conservation of Biodiversity In news: Airports Authority of India (AAI) has dropped the proposed water aerodrome project at Chilika Lake in Odisha. Fast recap: AAI had proposed to set up a water aerodrome in Chilika Lake for starting amphibious aircraft operations in Odisha. Project faced green hurdle due to possible ecological consequences. Chilika turns into a temporary habitat for lakhs of migratory and residential birds. If an aircraft flies at low height, there is every chance of the birds getting hit. Noise pollution generated by close to 10,000 boats has already taken a toll on the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in the lake. The amphibious aircraft operation would add to the woes. Do you know? Nearly one million avian visitors come from the Arctic and Eurasian regions to Chilika.   India’s first missile tracking ship Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Defence; Security; Science and Technology In news: India’s first missile tracking ship is readying for sea trials Built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd., the hi-tech vessel will enter elite global club The ship is being built for the National Technical Research Organisation This will be the first of its kind ocean surveillance ship About NTRO NTRO is the technical intelligence agency working directly under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office and the National Security Adviser. The NTRO acts as the primary advisor on security issues to the Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers of India. It also provides technical intelligence to other Indian agencies. NTRO's activities include satellite and terrestrial monitoring. It cannot, however, legally monitor Internet or other communications; there are nine other agencies authorized to do so. NTRO is also charged with developing technology relevant to Indian national security and intelligence. These technologies include cryptology, cybersecurity and data management. Do you know? Visakhapatnam is considered a strategic location on the East Coast for the Indian defence forces as it is home for Ship Building Centre to build nuclear powered submarine INS Arihant class, Naval Alternate Operational Base at Rambilli, the second naval base after Eastern Naval Command headquarters, training centre for Marine Commandos and headquarters of the submarine arm. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/09/12/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/c2eb2975_2385663_101_mr.jpg BIMSTEC First joint military exercise: MILEX 18 exercise Part of: GS Mains II and Prelims – International; India and its neighbours In news: MILEX 18 exercise – to be held in Pune – is aimed at helping BIMSTEC nations practise “planning and conduct of counter terrorist operations”. Each country was asked to send a contingent of 30 personnel including five officers and 25 soldiers in addition to three observers. However many countries backed out from sending full contingents and sent only observers. U.S. threatens sanctions on ICC Part of: GS Mains II and Prelims – International In news: US has threatened to prosecute International Criminal Court (ICC) officials if Americans are charged with war crimes committed in Afghanistan. Hague-based court’s response - As a court of law, will continue to do its work undeterred, in accordance with those principles and the overarching idea of the rule of law. Do you know? The Hague-based ICC was set up in 2002 with a jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute the world’s worst crimes, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The court, however, does not have the capacity to arrest suspects and depends on member states for their cooperation. The United States has not signed up to the court and in 2002, its Congress passed a law enabling Washington to invade the Netherlands to liberate any U.S. citizen held by the court. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2  Constitution; fundamental right, social justice, liberty, equality, fraternity Welfare schemes, mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections A greater transformation Introduction In its decision in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of Indi, the Supreme Court has struck down the colonial-era law criminalising homosexuality and the lives of LGBTQ persons. In its four concurring judgments, the court traversed the protections of fundamental rights in the Constitution to find that the provision violated the rights of LGBTQ persons to dignity, equality, privacy and expression. Observations of the Court: ‘Personal matters’ and a stereotypical morality Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code indifferently intruded into a zone of intimate decision which is entitled to constitutional protection. “The choice of a partner, the desire for personal intimacy and the yearning to find love and fulfilment in human relationships have a universal appeal.” "The state has no business to intrude into these personal matters. Nor can societal notions of heteronormativity regulate constitutional liberties based on sexual orientation.” The opinion of the Chief Justice of India, stresses the right to develop one’s individuality against the demands of social conformity. The guarantee of equality at its heart was the guarantee of equal citizenship. The criminalising ambit of Section 377 violated this guarantee as it “singles out people, by their private choices” and “marks them as less than citizens — or less than human”. The harm of Section 377 was not just that it prohibited a form of intimate and personal choice but that it encoded a stereotypical morality which has deep-ranging social effects. Section 377 “perpetuates a certain culture”, based on “homophobic attitudes” which make “it impossible for victims to access justice”. Constitutional guarantee of the right to develop one’s personhood and the right to equal citizenship is firmly anchored in the notion of constitutional morality, as referenced by Justices of the SC. The denial to LGBT persons of the right to dignity is incompatible with the morality of the Constitution. Significance of the judgment The right not to be discriminated against on grounds of one’s sexual orientation is violated by the prejudicial stereotypes about the LGBTQ community fostered by Section 377. By explicitly setting out the Court as a guarantor of minority rights, regardless of the opinion of “popular or legislative majorities”, the Court has signalled its determination to defend the Constitution. In a time when lynchings have become the order of the day and government remains a mute spectator, the role that the judiciary has to play in safeguarding the right to life of minorities of all stripes and hues cannot be overstated. The idea that majority opinion should prevail over the right to dignity and liberty of the minority was explicitly rejected. The logic of Navtej Singh Johar is anchored within what bench called “a transformative Constitution”. According to judges, “the purpose of having a constitution is to transform society” to “embrace therein” the “ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity”. The mandate to transform society in allegiance to the Constitution is a task vested in the state, the judiciary and the citizen. Way forward If a law has taken root in the social, cultural and legal consciousness, the challenge of wiping out the prejudice which the law has fostered is still immense. Similar Example; the prejudice and violence Denotified Tribes still face at the hands of the state and society even after the colonial-era Criminal Tribes Act was repealed. Court mandated the Union of India to give “wide publicity to the judgment” and conduct “sensitisation and awareness training for government officials and in particular police officials in the light of observations contained in the judgment” to combat the prejudicial attitudes encoded in Section 377. The implications of a transformative Constitution are wide ranging and its power can be harnessed by inter-caste, inter-religious and same sex couples, all of whom are battling a form of social morality which is at odds with the Constitution. The court observed, “The right to love not just a separate battle for LGBTQ individuals but a battle for us all”. If respect for dignity, equality and fraternity, against all the forms of discrimination by a conservative social morality, becomes more widely accepted, India will be less of a majoritarian democracy and more of a form of constitutional democracy. Connecting the dots: SC judgments and striking down of provisions such as Section 377, is beginning of the war against discriminatory social morality. Elucidate. ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General Studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment International efforts for protection environment and mitigation of degradation Cloudy forecast: on climate change Introduction The conference of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bangkok was to draft a rulebook for the Paris Agreement ahead of a crucial international conference in Poland in December, ran into predictable difficulties over the issue of raising funds to help poorer nations. Some developed countries led by the U.S. has rejected the agreement and are unwilling to commit to sound rules on raising climate finance. Till now, Emissions done by Developed Countries: Those emissions raised living standards for their citizens but contributed heavily to the accumulated carbon dioxide burden, now measured at about 410 parts per million of CO2 in the atmosphere, up from 280 ppm before the industrial revolution. If scientific estimates are correct, the damage already done to the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is set to raise sea levels; a 2° Celsius rise will also destabilise the Greenland Ice Sheet. Failed agriculture in populous countries will drive more mass migrations of people, creating conflict. A deeper insight on all this will be available in October when the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change releases its scientific report on the impact of a 1.5° C rise in global average temperature. India and China: should take Leadership Role: There is international pressure on China and India to cut GHG emissions. Both countries have committed themselves to a cleaner growth path. India, which reported an annual CO2 equivalent emissions of 2.136 billion tonnes in 2010 to the UNFCCC two years ago, estimates that the GHG emissions intensity of its GDP has declined by 12% for the 2005-2010 period. As members committed to the Paris Agreement, China and India have the responsibility of climate leadership in the developing world, and have to green their growth. Do you know? Background: At COP 21 in Paris, on 12 December 2015, Parties to the UNFCCC reached a landmark agreement to combat climate change and to accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low carbon future. Under the pact concluded in Paris, rich countries pledged to raise $100 billion a year by 2020 to help developing countries reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and aid populations to cope with extreme events such as floods, droughts and storms. However, Mr. Trump in June last year announced his decision to withdraw from the Paris deal, saying the accord would have cost America trillions of dollars, killed jobs, and hindered the oil, gas, coal and manufacturing industries. United States of America (USA) is the second largest Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emitter presently. However, if cumulative historical emission is considered, USA would be largest GHG emitter. So, its withdrawal will affect control of cumulative global GHG emissions. It will also affect the availability of international funds for climate change, as USA was a contributor to climate finance. India’s Contribution to reduce GHGs: In the pre-2020 period, India announced its voluntary goal to reduce the emission intensity of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 20-25 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020. Government of India is implementing the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) which includes eight national missions being implemented by various Ministries in specific areas: Solar Energy, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Habitat, Water, Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, Green India, Sustainable Agriculture and Strategic knowledge for Climate Change. Measures and Policies for Tackling Climate Change by India: Under the Paris Agreement, India has submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC outlining Eight (8) targets for 2021-2030, including To reduce Emission Intensity of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 33 to 35 percent by 2030 from 2005 level, To achieve about 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030 with the help of transfer of technology and low-cost international finance including from Green Climate Fund (GCF), To create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. The other targets pertain to sustainable lifestyles; climate friendly growth path; climate change adaptation; climate change finance; and capacity building and technology. Way forward Obstructing the transition to a carbon-neutral pathway and preserving the status quo is short-sighted, simply because the losses caused by weather events are proving severely detrimental to all economies. Developing countries need a supportive framework in the form of a rulebook that binds the developed countries to their funding pledges, provides support for capacity building and transfer of green technologies on liberal terms. Incremental changes along with increasing contributions from renewables and improvements in energy efficiencies would not be sufficient. There should instead be major changes in technological innovation, behaviour, values and governance. This is an unprecedented challenge for humanity. This is the time for the world’s leaders to demonstrate that they are ready to go beyond expediency and take the actions needed to avert long-term catastrophe. Connecting the dots: In the backdrop of negative developments in climate change efforts, on behalf of some developed nations under the leadership of US, do you think that Paris summit (COP21) will be able to achieve its targets? (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.   Q.1) Consider the following regarding Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) It aims to provide formal access of financial facilities to non-corporates, small businesses. Under the scheme, Pradhaan Mantri Mudra Yojana three categories of interventions have been named which include Shishu (Loan up to ₹50,000), Kishore (Loan ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh) and Tarun (Loan above ₹5 lakh and below ₹10 lakh) Food Processing is an eligible activity for coverage under one of the MUDRA schemes. Select the correct option 1 and 3 2 and 3 1 and 2 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Which of the following is not correct about Kisan Credit Card? It was introduced by Indian Banks based on NABARD’s Model scheme. Commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks as well as State co-operative banks can provide loans under this scheme. The card holder is also covered under personal accident insurance. The card is valid for lifetime or till the person is in employed in agriculture. Q.3) Which one of the following mountain ranges is spread over only one State in India? Satpura Aravalli Sahyadri None of the above Q.4) Which of the following statements are correct regarding the ‘Aravalli’ ranges of India? It is the oldest block mountain range of India It is highly denuded because of erosion. The highest peak of Aravallis is Guru Shikhar Select the code from below: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Consider the following about National Technical Research Organisation: It is the technical intelligence agency working directly under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office and the Home Ministry. It involves in satellite and terrestrial monitoring activities. It also develops technology relevant to Indian national security and intelligence. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.6) Choose the correct pair/s from the below: MILEX 18 exercise  : : ASEAN Exercise Peace Mission 2018 : : SCO IBSAMAR exercise : : BRICS Select incorrect answer: 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 MUST READ ‘For the security of India, stability in Sri Lanka is very important’ The Hindu Encouraging young minds The Hindu Understanding bad loans Indian Express A perilous edge Indian Express

Sep 14, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 66]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 66] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements Swadesh Darshan is a scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, for development of thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritised manner. First Tribal Circuit Project under Swadesh Darshan Scheme will be in Chhattisgarh Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘United Nations Interagency Task Force on NCDs (UNIATF)’ It was established by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2013 in response to the 2011 Political Declaration of the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of NCDs. The World Health Organization acts as a Secretariat and lead for the Task Force Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) ‘Exporting Corruption Report’ is released by Transparency International World Economic Forum United Nations Development Programme World Bank Q.4) Consider the following statements about ‘OECD Anti-Bribery Convention’ It establishes legally binding standards to criminalise bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions India is a party to the convention Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) IBSAMAR is a naval exercise between members of which of the following groupings? BRICS ASEAN BIMSTEC Andean Community To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Sep 14, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV- Section 377 Decriminalised

Section 377 Decriminalised Archives TOPIC: General studies 2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Human Rights Issue – LGBT community issue Government policies and interventions in regard to the above issue. In News: Celebrations broke out 6 September, 2018 as the LGBTQ community and others welcomed the Supreme Court judgment decriminalising consensual gay sex, asserting that the "historic" verdict granted them a basic human right but also acknowledging that complete equality was still some distance away. In the case: Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India Why: A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court unanimously decriminalised part of the 158-year-old colonial law under Section 377 of the IPC, which criminalises consensual unnatural sex, prompting joyous tears, hugs and dancing across the country. Performing its classic function of judicial review, the court has struck down Section 377 as being violative of Articles 14 and 15. What does this mean? Society cannot dictate a sexual relationship between consenting adults. The choice of a partner, the desire for personal intimacy and the yearning to find love and fulfilment in human relationships have a universal appeal and the state has no business to intrude into these personal matters. Nor can societal notions of heteronormativity regulate constitutional liberties based on sexual orientation. The guarantee of equality at its heart was the guarantee of equal citizenship. The criminalising ambit of Section 377 violated this guarantee as it “singles out people, by their private choices” and “marks them as less than citizens— as or less than human”. What is Section 377 of IPC? Section 377 of the IPC states: “Whoever voluntarily has carnal inter­course against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with 1[imprisonment for life], or with impris­onment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.” The first petition to get rid of Section 377 was filed in the Delhi Court in 2009 by Naz Foundation, an NGO that works for LGBTQ rights. It stated that the section violates the fundamental rights of the LGBTQ community. Section 377 has a “chilling effect” on the right of equality, liberty, life, dignity and non-discrimination on the ground of sex – it violates the following fundamental rights as claimed by the petitioners: Article 14 – Right to equality Article 15 – Prohibition of Discrimination Article 21 – Right to Life and Personal Liberty Article 19 (1)(a) – Freedom of Expression The Way Forward: Transformative constitutionalism: Indian constitution ought to adapt and transform with the changing needs of the times. The very purpose of constitutionalism is to transform society. Dynamic constitutional interpretation allows for the progressive realisation of rights as societies evolve, and is also essential to enable transformative constitutionalism. Decriminalising homosexuality may not remove the social stigma around it: Law and morality are different issues. Our legislators may frame laws or courts deliver judgments that are ahead of the moral values of a society. But it would be farfetched to expect that moral values can be changed because of court judgments. Battling the stigma: While this decision by the country’s highest court is certainly significant, there needs to be more of an impetus for social change and removing ignorance from society. There needs to be a campaign to not only to raise awareness but to educate people on what homosexuality is. The government should conduct programmes to end the stigma around homosexuality and individuals employed with the government should receive workshops to sensitise them to subject. Rape law reforms for male survivors: There is a need for rape law reform to protect male survivors of sexual violence. There is no law to protect adult male victims of sexual assault, whether they are cis- or transgender. Parliament needs to fill these lacunae in the law. Note: 1861: This is the year when Section 377 was introduced by the British Raj. The section was drafted in 1838 by Thomas Macaulay and was brought into effect in 1860. It was modelled on the Buggery Act of 1533 and it states ‘buggery’ is an unnatural sex act which goes against nature, God and man’s will. The act criminalises anal penetration, bestiality, and homosexuality. Connecting the Dots: Do you think section 377 of the IPC is out of sync with the social reality today? What approach would you suggest to address the issue? Discuss. In India, Section 377 of the IPC was introduced not as a reflection of existing Indian values and traditions, but rather, it was imposed upon Indian society due to the moral values of the colonisers. Indian society prior to enactment of the IPC had a much greater tolerance of homosexuality. Comment.

Sep 13, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 65]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 65] Archives Q.1) World Economic Outlook is released by World Economic Forum International Monetary Fund World Bank None of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Environmental Defense Fund’ It was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to help tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental problems. It was established in the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Which of the following strait connects Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara? Bosporus Dardanelles Gibraltar Bering Q.4) Mukurthi National Park is located in which of the following states? Karnataka Tamil Nadu Uttarakhand Andhra Pradesh Q.5) ‘Dagadusheth Halwai’ is a famous ‘Ganapati/Ganesha’ temple which was recently in news. Where is it located? Hampi Pune Kolhapur Dharwad To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Sep 12, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 64]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 64] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about ‘International Criminal Court (ICC)’ It is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN) It comprises a panel of 15 judges elected by the General Assembly and Security Council for nine-year terms. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) ‘Yudh Abhyas’ is a bilateral military exercise between India and United States of America Japan France Russia Q.3) ‘Lippa-Asra wildlife sanctuary’ is located in Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand Sikkim Mizoram Q.4) The Bishkek Declaration is concerned with conservation of Pandas Snow Leopards Coral Reefs Cougars Q.5) The ‘Horn of Africa’ is bordered with which of the following water bodies? Red Sea Gulf of Guinea Gulf of Aden Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Sep 11, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 63]

UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 63] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act’ It was enacted to prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals and to amend the laws relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals The Animal Welfare Board of India was established under this Act It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir 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 ‘Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)’ It is under the aegis of Ministry of Earth Sciences It was founded in 1861 by James Prinsep Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Pacific trash vortex’ It is a gyre of marine debris particles in the central North Pacific Ocean It is the largest accumulation of ocean plastic in the world and is located between Hawaii and California Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘The Ocean Cleanup’ It is a foundation that develops technologies to extract plastic pollution from the oceans and prevent more plastic debris from entering ocean waters System 001 is the world’s first ocean clean-up system developed by ‘The Ocean Cleanup’ Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Article 161 of Constitution of India deals with Extent of executive power of State Oath or affirmation by the Governor Qualifications for appointment as Governor Power of Governor to grant pardons To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Sep 11, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs [Prelims + Mains Focus] - 11th September 2018

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 11th September 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Good Governance: Delhi launches doorstep delivery of govt. services  Part of: GS Prelims and Mains II – Governance; Government schemes and policies In news: Delhi government launched its ambitious project to deliver public services at the doorstep of residents. From driving licences to marriage certificates, Delhiites can now apply for 40 government documents to be delivered at their homes for a fee of ₹50 per service. The applicant would have to call 1076 and fix an appointment with a mobile sahayak, who will go to their home and help with filling forms, payment of fees and collection of documents. The mobile sahayak would then submit the documents at the government office concerned, which would post the certificate or licence once issued. Pic: https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/09/11/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_01/743478ae_2383537_101_mr.jpg Culture: Martial Arts Gatka (Shastar Vidya) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I – Indian Art and Culture About Gatka: Originating from the state of Punjab, Gatka is believed to be a battle technique created by Sikh warriors during the martial period of great Sikh Gurus. A style of stick fighting between two or more practitioners, Gatka is a toned-down version of the deadlier Shastar Vidya, the fighting style of the fearsome Akali Nihangs, the blue-turbaned sect of Sikh fighters banned by the British after the Anglo-Sikh wars. The sharp swords of Shastar Vidya have been replaced by wooden sticks (soti) and shields (farri) in Gatka. Pic: A Sikh youth performs ‘Gatka’ (martial arts) during a religious procession at the Golden Temple in Amritsar Changes in ASI Act opposed Part of: GS Prelims and Mains I - Heritage and Culture; Conservation of monuments; Urbanisation issues About: As per original Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act 1958), an area of 100 mtrs from protected boundary has been declared as prohibited area and an area of 200 mtrs further beyond prohibited limit has been declared as regulated area, in which construction activities are regulated New constructions are not allowed in prohibited area. However, no restriction on sale and purchase of land. Concern: However, a recent note of the culture ministry to the cabinet has a proposal to amend the law that accords protection to heritage sites in the country. Ministry of Culture’s note suggests following amendments It suggests giving legal powers to the Central government with respect to new construction in protected sites by superceding existing bodies like the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and National Monuments’ Authority (NMA) respectively. In other words, the amendments suggested tends to do away with the prohibited zones around protected national monuments whenever it chooses to do so for some supposed “public” purpose. If above amendment or suggestion is implemented, several new constructions could happen in the immediate vicinity of protected properties of national importance. However, the government had announced that such restrictions on new construction within the “prohibited area” adversely impact various public works and developmental projects of the Central Government. This amendment will thus pave the way for certain constructions, limited strictly to public works and projects essential to the people, within the prohibited area and benefit the public at large. In news: Historians have opposed changes to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. (AMASR Act) The amendment proposes to allow the construction of Centre-approved public infrastructure within a 100 metre radius of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected monuments. Miscellaneous India is set to gain the top slot in farmed shrimp production, overtaking China in 2019-20. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2  Bilateral agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora Too close for comfort? (2+2 meeting) Introduction The India-U.S. 2+2 meeting between the Defence and Foreign Ministers of the two countries, held recently, appeared to be a singularly one-sided affair. While carefully analysing the outcomes of the talks and the future direction of India-U.S. relations, it is difficult to get overjoyed by heart-warming American phrases like “India is a consequential emerging partner” or Washington naming and shaming Pakistan. Buy American: Trade relations The U.S.’s insistence that India should bring down its oil imports from Iran to ‘zero’ in deference to the restrictions imposed by its unilateral withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. The S. recommends that India buy American oil to make up the deficit. As a matter of fact, U.S. oil exports to India have more than doubled in the past year, thereby helping a booming domestic crude oil industry of US. Washington seeks to impose the punitive provisions of a U.S. federal law called Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) on countries dealing with Russian defence and intelligence sectors, making it difficult for India to buy the much-needed S-400 missile system. For a country like India, with close to 60% of its weapons systems originating from Russia, this would be a huge setback, it’s clear that the U.S. would like India to buy its weapons instead. There is still no clarity on whether India’s request for a “one-time waiver” was granted by the U.S. to buy Russian weapons at the 2+2 meeting; the joint statement is silent on this. In the run-up to the 2+2 meeting, the U.S. also put considerable pressure on India to reduce the bilateral trade deficit, which is in India’s favour, by buying more American goods. Do you know? The four foundational agreements for military cooperation with US are; The General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) The Logistics Supply Agreement (LSA) or what is now called the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) The Communication and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA) or what is now called the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) to suggest a more India-specific agreement The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) India signed the GSOMIA in 2002 and the LEMOA in 2016. The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) is yet to be signed. COMCASA During the 2+2 meeting, the two countries also signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement, or COMCASA. The agreement is one of the four considered to be “foundational” for a viable India-U.S. military relationship. It is necessary to take stock of the national security implications of these agreements. Arguments in support of COMCASA It will facilitate access to advanced defence systems and enable India to optimally utilise its existing U.S.-origin platforms. India’s U.S.-sourced P-8I and C-130J aircraft had to use low-tech communication equipment as the U.S. could not provide India with such technologies due to domestic legal restrictions, unless India signed COMCASA. In the absence of COMCASA, and the attendant high-tech equipment, the interoperability between Indian and U.S. forces would be severely hampered. Concerns related to COMCASA The India-specific COMCASA is not a public document, we do not know the scope of the agreement. Therefore, the government needs to clarify several concerns. There is the issue of visits by U.S. inspectors to Indian bases to carry out inspections on the COMCASA-safeguarded equipment sold to India. Since we do not know how intrusive this inspection would be, it is useful to look at the language from a similar agreement signed between the U.S. and South Korea in 2008. No doubt, South Korea is a U.S. military ally, which India is not. So one hopes that the provisions of inspections would be less intrusive. But there is no getting away from the fact that COMCASA will apply end-use monitoring and reconfiguration restrictions on India as well. In any case, by signing COMCASA and by agreeing to reduce the purchase of Russian weapon systems (in line with CAATSA), India has implicitly accepted the extraterritorial application of U.S. law on itself. The original End-Use Monitoring Agreement (EUMA) was agreed to between India and the U.S., in 2009, New Delhi has now taken the application of U.S. federal law on India to a completely new level. EUMA had reportedly ensured that U.S. inspectors would stay away from Indian bases: is that ensured under COMCASA as well? Moreover, did India push for a U.S. presidential waiver for receiving COMSEC equipment and materials without having to sign COMCASA. Whether the installation of U.S. communication systems would compromise the secrecy of Indian military communication systems. The debate ay start on the utility of such India-U.S. agreements since, at the end of the day, the two countries are not likely to be deployed alongside each other in a conflict situation. Balancing China Even though the “Joint Statement on the Inaugural India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue” did not explicitly mention China, the section on the Indo-Pacific region implicitly referred to it. Both sides said in a joint statement that they had discussed trade issues, cooperation on fighting terrorism, advancing “a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region” and promoting sustainable “debt-financing” in the region. Way forward India must not compromise her economic and strategic interests under the pressure of US, nor should distance herself from US. India should make use of American assistance in strengthening its national security, but there should be more clarity on what it entails. India is an Asian country, with several Southern Asian security challenges, and its ability to meet those challenges with the help of an offshore (and declining) superpower is at best limited, and counter-productive at worst. The India-U.S. relationship shouldn’t be allowed to define India’s geopolitical character, strategic future or the limits of its other bilateral relationships. In a world that is far more chaotic than ever since Independence, India must keep its options open and be multi-aligned, even as the U.S. forms a key part in that scheme of things. Connecting the dots: Comment on significance of India US relations in era of rising Asia. 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 Ending TB: "Political Declaration" Introduction After decades spent battling the scourge of tuberculosis (TB) in developing countries, 2018 might be the year that it is finally accorded the gravitas it deserves. On September 26, the UN General Assembly will, for the first time, address TB in a High-Level Meeting and likely release a Political Declaration, endorsed by all member nations, to galvanise investment and action to meet the global target of eliminating TB worldwide by 2035. Do you know? About TB The Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium causes TB. It is spread through the air when a person with TB (whose lungs are affected) coughs, sneezes, spits, laughs, or talks. TB is, by and large, easily diagnosable and curable. It is unacceptable that it nevertheless remains the leading causes of death from any single infectious agent worldwide. Each day, thousands of people with TB die, often because of inequitable access to quality diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the rapid emergence of drug-resistant forms of TB (DR-TB) in many countries brings a fresh set of needs including new and comprehensive diagnostic tests and second-line TB drugs, and health systems trained anew to manage DR-TB. TB in India India not only accounts for a fifth of the world’s TB burden, it also has the largest number of people living with multidrug-resistant TB. India has fought to retain its status as a maker and distributor of generic medicines, thereby protecting the right to health of people in developing countries. Indian patent law contains important provisions that help protect and promote public health goals — for example, by overcoming bids by big pharma to evergreen patents of old drugs, through compulsorily licensing for certain drugs, and by permitting pre- and post-grant opposition to patents to challenge unfair patenting practices by big pharma. Meaning of Elimination of a disease Elimination means reducing the number to one case per million people per year. It will be impossible without universal, equitable access to affordable, quality TB diagnostics and treatment for anyone who needs it. Omissions in Political Declaration Countries may avail of the various flexibilities under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights; Countries may invoke the Doha Declaration to compulsorily license drugs for use in public health emergencies. The option to de-link the pricing of new TB drugs from the costs incurred in their research and development. Criticism of Political Declaration Due to above mentioned omissions; the latest draft is a watered-down version of the original that actively committed to upholding access to affordable generics for all. Much to the disappointment of global civil society, issues around access to diagnostics and drugs have been considerably diluted in the most recent draft of the Political Declaration. Conclusion India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, ahead of the global targets. These targets cannot be achieved without access to affordable, quality diagnostics/ drugs. Unless India assumes a leadership role to restore every possible option to protect universal access to TB drugs in the Political Declaration, 2018 may end up being just another brick in the wall. Connecting the dots: TB remains one of the leading causes of death from any single infectious agent worldwide. Comment on the national and global efforts to eliminate the disease by 2035. Note: For more details and FAQ about TB in India, visit: Central Tuberculosis Division, Government of India (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Gatka, a traditional martial art associated with Lingayatism Bahá'í Sanamahism None of the above Q.2) Match List I (Martial Arts) with List II (Associated States) and select the correct answer with the help of the codes given below: List-I                                                    List-II (Martial Arts)                          (Associated State) Thang-Ta                             A. Andhra Pradesh Gatka                                   B. Tamil Nadu Silambam                            C. Punjab Karra Samu/Kathi Samu      D. Manipur Select the correct answer:           1-2-3-4 A-B-C-D D-B-C-A D-C-B-A C-A-B-D Q.3) Which of the following statement is incorrect? Andhra Pradesh is the leading fish producer of India. In India, production from marine fishing is higher than inland fishing. Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh is known as the shrimp capital of India. Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh practice fishing in their paddy fields. Q.4) Health Ministries, NGOs and private sector representatives from 120 countries have signed the Moscow declaration of WHO. The target of declaration is To eradicate polio from the world till 2030 To eradicate vector borne infections To eradicate Tuberculosis by 2030 To end deaths by hunger in the world by 2030 Q.5) Consider the following with regard to Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Virus MDR-TB is a type of tuberculosis which is unresponsive to at least two of the first line of anti-TB drugs isoniazid and rifampicin Bedaquiline is a medication used in the treatment of MDR-TB Choose the appropriate code 2 only 2 and 3 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 MUST READ Much must change in Kerala The Hindu  Cause for caution The Hindu The one who reached out to China The Hindu A foreign offence Indian Express  To put Kerala back on its feet Indian Express Raja Mandala: Reconnecting with Europe Indian Express

Sep 11, 2018 PIB

IASbaba PIB Weekly : Press Information Bureau – 3rd Sep to 9th Sep, 2018

IASbaba Press Information Bureau 3rd to 9th September, 2018 ARCHIVES GS-2 Cabinet approves Continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Umbrella Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats beyond 12th Plan The Scheme consists of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger (CSS-PT) Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-DWH) Project Elephant (CSS-PE) A total of 18 tiger range States, distributed in five landscapes of the country would be benefitted under the Project Tiger scheme. Similarly, for other two schemes, the coverage is entire country in case of Development of Wildlife Habitats (DWH) and 23 elephant range States for Project Elephant. It would foster wildlife conservation in general with specific inputs for tiger in Project Tiger area and elephant in Project Elephant area. Intended impact: Overall strengthening/ consolidation of tiger, elephant and wildlife conservation in the country Address the human wildlife conflict effectively Generate employment opportunities resulting in economic upliftment of people in and around tiger reserves/ Protected Areas Reduction in natural resource dependency with substitution by clean energy use Will generate direct employment of about 30 lakh mandays annually which shall include many local tribes besides non-tribal local workforce. People living in vicinity would also get indirect benefits Local populace would get opportunities to serve as guides, driver, hospitality personnel and in other ancillary jobs These schemes would foster imparting various skills towards making people self-dependent through various eco-development projects, thereby enabling them to go for self-employment. Resource generation through tourist visits, thereby fostering in securing tiger source areas and other areas important for wildlife conservation, besides being helpful in sustaining life support systems as well as ensuring the food, water and livelihood security. Establishment and operationalization of permanent campus of seven new IIMs at: Amritsar Bodh Gaya Nagpur Sambalpur Sirmaur Vishakhapatnam Jammu India and Bulgaria have signed five agreements during President Kovind’s visit (Topic: India’s relations with various countries) An agreement between Invest India and Invest Bulgaria An agreement on cooperation in and facilitation of tourism An agreement on enhanced science and technology cooperation An agreement on civil nuclear research and cooperation An agreement between the Indian Council of Cultural Relations and Sofia University to promote Hindi studies India and Czech Republic sign five agreements (Topic: India’s relations with various countries) Cooperation between the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, India, and the Czech Academy of Sciences A work plan to support Indo-Czech projects in diverse areas of science and technology, with the Department of Science and Technology taking the lead from the Indian side A visa waiver agreement for diplomatic passport holders Cooperation in laser technology between ELI Beamlines and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Cooperation between the Haryana Agricultural University and the Czech University of Life Sciences Have also agreed to initiate cooperation in civil nuclear energy. India and France sign an implementation agreement on “MOBILISE YOUR CITY” (MYC) (Topic: India’s relations with various countries) Mobilise Your City (MYC) is part of an international initiative which is supported by the French and the German Governments and was launched at 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) meeting in December, 2015. Based on a proposal made by AFD in 2015, the European Union has agreed to provide funds of Euro 3.5 million through the AFD to contribute to specific investments and technical assistance components within the Mobilise Your City (MYC) programme in India. The MYC aims at supporting three pilot cities viz. Nagpur, Kochi and Ahmedabad in their efforts to reduce their Green House Gas (GHG) emissions related to urban transport by implementing urban mobility plans at local level and to help India at national level to improve their sustainable transport policy. The three pilot cities selected under the programme as well as MoHUA will benefit from the Technical Assistance activities. The main components of the proposed assistance are: (1) To support planning and implementation of sustainable urban transport projects, (2) Support to strengthening institutional capacity for regulating, steering and planning urban mobility, and (3) Learning and exchange formats with other cities across India for exchanges on best practices. 3rd ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Conference (Topic: India and international groups and Summits) On: Global Ageing and Human Rights of Older Persons Where: Seoul, Korea Purpose: Will reaffirm the universal value of the human rights of older persons Share information on discrimination against the elderly and exemplary cases of long-term and palliative care in Asia and Europe Discuss operation and tasks of the ASEM Global Ageing Centre as an implementing institution for mutual cooperation among ASEM members for the protection and promotion of the human rights of older persons. Will be beneficial for Policy formulation and implementation for welfare of senior citizens.     13th Sustainability Summit (Topic: India and international groups and Summits) Theme – “Everyone’s future” Environment India has registered 1 per cent growth in its forest and tree cover, according to the latest report of Forest Survey of India. ‘PARIVESH’- a single window clearance system in the spheres of Environment, Forest, Wildlife and Coastal Regulation Zone – the automated system will help applicants track the application status, as well as help in improving environmental compliance. India’s affirmative action in embracing a sustainable lifestyle by aligning the 5 Ps – People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership. National Clean Air Action Plan and air quality monitoring infrastructure are the Government’s key areas of focus Housing and Urban Development India stands united in its efforts against rising global temperatures and a quick glance at India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions reaffirm this point. India’s target: 175 GW renewable energy capacities by 2022 Adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 recognized the intrinsic linkages between climate change and urbanization. “Goal 11, titled “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” has embedded in it, critical elements of climate action. Swacch Bharat Mission (SBM) is not only about infrastructure, but also bringing about behavioural and cultural changes among citizens (to make India ODF and have 100% scientific solid waste management by October 2, 2019) To ensure India’s city driven development is sustainable, the government has embarked on the world’s largest planned urbanization programme. The key to the process is “integration”, meaning all policies, projects, and proposals are considered in relation to one another. Use of new and alternate construction technologies in the construction of houses, locally available eco-friendly materials suited to local climatic conditions are being encouraged, reducing not only the cost of construction but also the resultant carbon footprint. Circular economy and resource efficiency can provide solutions to the challenges posed in the process of reconciling economic growth with environmental sustainability, and hence there is a need for corporate participation in building resource efficiency and a circular economy. MOVE: India’s First Global Mobility Summit 2018 (Topic: India and international groups and Summits) Focus of the summit: On raising awareness about various aspects of Mobility and bringing various stakeholders involved in enhancing mobility across different platforms. To revolutionise the way people travel in India, along with making mobility more connected, shared and seamless With disruptions in the mobility sector, we will be able to generate more employment & enhance the ease of living for citizens in India Please Note: 2030: Timeline for elimination of Tuberculosis fixed by WHO; For India, the timeline is 2025 (Link) AMRIT Deendayal: An acronym for 'Affordable Medicines & Reliable Implants for Treatment' – Centres that provide medicines for cancer & cardiovascular diseases and cardiac implants at significantly reduced prices. Joint surprise check to unearth misuse of oxytocin: Oxytocin is a peptide hormone used in various conditions such as induction of labor, control of postpartum bleeding or haemorrhage, etc. It has been reported from time to time that clandestine activities of manufacture and sale of oxytocin is leading to its grave misuse, which is harmful to animals and humans. Its misuse is mostly in the dairy industry, where livestock are injected with oxytocin to make them release milk. KAZIND: Indo-Kazakhstan Joint Army Exercise IOWave18: India, along with 23 otherIndian Ocean Nations, participated in a major Indian ocean-wide tsunami mock exercise (drill) Organized by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, which coordinated the setting up of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS) in the aftermath of the 26 December 2004 tsunami. All coastal states tested communication modes for receipt of bulletins from INCOIS. The end-to-end warning system from tsunami detection and forecast, threat evaluation and alert formulation, alert dissemination to public and their awareness and response was put to test during this exercise. 2nd World Hindu Congress: At Chicago, on the occasion of 125th Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s Historic Speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893. Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention (MGISC): A 4-day international conference that will bring together Sanitation Minsters and other leaders in WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) from around the world. To mark the beginning of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, also coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission. India aims to eliminate open defecation by October 2nd, 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who held sanitation very close to his heart. The success of the Swachh Bharat Mission will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the global achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6.2), i.e. to achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all. Simultaneously, coordinated efforts are in place to improve sanitation levels in all sectors and all public places. The global Convention will be aimed at sharing sanitation success stories and lessons across all participating countries. WAN Connectivity to district and subordinate courts One of the important components of eCourts Mission Mode Project Phase-II (2015-19) is establishment of Wide Area Network (WAN) connecting all District and Subordinate court complexes, spread across the country. The eCourts project has made significant progress under the guidance of e-Committee of Supreme Court of India in computerizing 16,089 district and subordinate courts of the country through installation of case information software, hardware and local area network in courts, thus making judiciary ICT – enabled for efficient and transparent functioning with a positive overall impact on the justice delivery system. Launch of an online monitoring tool prepared by NIC for tracking real-time progress and monitoring of pan - Indian Wide Area Network (WAN) project against the set baselines Agreement between Financial Intelligence Unit, India, and Unit for Combating Money Laundering of Cyprus: Aims at sharing financial intelligence and fighting money laundering, terror financing and related crimes. ISA Stands for co-operation among 121 solar rich countries lying fully or partially between the tropics in order to promote massive deployment of solar energy and make solar energy affordable. Provides an opportunity to all countries to bring prosperity, energy security and sustainable development to their peoples. Pradhan Mantri JanDhan Yojana (PMJDY): National Mission on Financial Inclusion to Increase banking penetration Promote financial inclusion Provide at least one bank account per household across the country The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership: A mega regional free trade agreement being negotiated amongst 16 countries, comprising 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) and six ASEAN FTA partners, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea and New Zealand. Coffee Connect - India coffee field force app To ease the work of field functionaries To improve the work efficiency Provides solution by harnessing the power of mobility comprising the latest technology in easing the whole process of the field activities like digitization of Coffee Growers & Estates with Geo Tagging, collecting the Plantation details Help in transparency in the activities of the extension officers and officials, transparency in subsidy disbursement and real time report generation. Coffee KrishiTharanga - Digital mobile extension services for coffee stakeholders Aimed at providing customized information and services to increase productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability. The solution will help in to reach maximum growers in limited period, efficient, timely, customised advisory, improve the efficiency through digitisation and leverage existing mobile reach for wider delivery of improved technology. Quotes: President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind On Youth, Technology and Ideas: Shaping the Contours of the 21st Century Perhaps for the first time in history, youth are directly involved in bringing about sweeping changes and on such a massive scale. Technology has opened a whole new world of learning. And it has also made it easier to accomplish our tasks. The pursuit of excellence should be the key factor that dominates the minds of future generations. Access, equity and inclusion should remain key to developing and deploying technologies. By adding sustainability to development, by preserving forests, respecting ecology and by adopting clean energy options, we can tackle climate change. On this count, India has taken the lead through the International Solar Alliance. New age technology combined with the wisdom of the past can solve many of our ecological problems. Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu On the book release of Constitutionalizing India: an Ideational Project authored by Shri Bidyut Chakrabarty Constitution is the guiding light on all matters of governance and jurisprudence Even 68 years after it came into force, the Constitution continues to be the guiding light on all matters connected with governance and jurisprudence. Sardar Patel, who played a key role in drafting the Constitution, wanted a strong centre and a robust, homogenous administration to maintain the unity and integrity of India. He had presented reports on rights of minorities, tribals and Directive principles, among others, to the Constituent Assembly. The architect of the Indian Constitution Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in his address to the constituent assembly described how magnificently the framers of the constitution accomplished the formidable task in less than three years. Dr. Ambedkar pointed out that constitutions of America, Canada, South Africa and Australia were much smaller than our constitution. However good a constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad. However bad a constitution may be, if those implementing it are good, it will prove to be good. - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar On Teachers Teachers are the key Architects of National Development. It is because of teachers like you that our system of education is moving steadily towards greater heights of excellence. It has been said that “values are caught and  that they can rarely be taught” which means the teachers must ensure through their behaviour, through their communication with students and in the way the classes are organised that values of equality, democracy, peace and  working together become an integral part of the school ethos. It has been found that an important contributory factor for creating high performing systems, like in countries like Finland for instance, is the respect that the society accords to its teachers. Swami Vivekananda said, “We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded and by which one can stand on one’s own feet.” Teachers must make their instruction learner-friendly and this essentially implies that if we have to universalise quality education the teachers must individualise learning. They must know each child well and respond to the learning needs of each and every child in the classroom. Experiential learning or learning by doing is one the most effective methods. As Confucius had said, “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand”. Teachers should make students learn through activities and this is the basic principle which has been detailed by educationists like Gurudev Tagore, Shri Aurobindo and Mahatma Gandhiji. Gandhiji had evolved a comprehensive, integrated vision of education called ‘Nayee Taaleem’ which relied on learning by doing, he added.