ARCHIVES Hello Friends This is the 38th edition of IASbaba’s Monthly Magazine on Current Affairs for UPSC Civil Services Examination. This edition covers all important issues that were in news for the month of JULY 2018 DOWNLOAD THE MAGAZINE- CLICK HERE
Hi Friends, We will be starting off with SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL OFFLINE CLASSES from 2nd September 2018 (Sunday). The classes will be taken by Mr Vamshi Krishna Sir (a Topper himself in Sociology in UPSC 2014, 2015), BDS, M.A in Sociology from IGNOU. Working as assistant administrative officer at CSIR NAL. Writes on social issues on blogs. Regular contributor to Research gate website on social issues. FEATURES OF THE PROGRAMME: Programme duration from September 2018 to February 2019 (6 MONTHS) Notes will be dictated and value-added notes (printed) would be provided. 12 Sectional tests plus discussion, correction and feedback +4 full-length Mock Tests. Complete coverage of topics. The focus will be on paper 2 where the majority of students face a problem [lack of material, application of paper 1 concepts, dynamic part (current affairs)]. One on One discussion with mentor with focus on answer writing improvement. The focus will be on building sociological concepts and answer writing especially for first time aspirants with focus on competing with experienced candidates on equal footing in Mains 2019. Duration of the Class : September 2018 to February 2019 (6 MONTHS) Timings : Classes will be held on Sunday's (10am-5pm) MODE OF ADMISSION: Interested students can fill up the registration form. Once registered you will get an invite, with the payment link. Once the payment is done, send the acknowledgement to offline@iasbaba.com. This confirms your enrollment to the program. (OR) You can directly come to the office and make the payment and confirm your admission. The Office address is mentioned @ the end of the post. REGISTRATION FORM –> CLICK HERE FOR QUERIES: Office Address: No. 1737/37, MRCR Layout, Vijayanagar Service road, Vijayanagar, Bangalore – 560040. Landmark: Vijayanagar Metro station or Above Apple Showroom Office timings: 10.30 am – 4.30 pm Mail: offline@iasbaba.com Mobile No- 9035077800/6362224637 (10 AM to 5 PM) Thank You IASbaba
Bhutan India Bilateral Relations ARCHIVES Listen to the Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests In News: India and Bhutan held talks on development cooperation and Indian projects in the country during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay. The Bhutanese King’s visit assumes importance especially as it comes soon after India’s bitter military stand-off with Chinese forces that took place in the Doklam plateau region in Bhutan, which is close to the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction. Bhutan and India have a unique relationship matched by no two other countries. This is a relationship based on trust, built brick by brick from the Treaty of Friendship signed in Darjeeling in 1949. While Bhutan all through the years has appreciated India for its economic assistance, India, for its part, has been sensitive to Bhutan's developmental needs. During the recent meeting, the two prime ministers Reaffirmed their resolve to enhance co-operation in all areas of mutual interest To take the "exemplary bilateral partnership to new heights for the benefit of the two peoples". Reviewed the bilateral economic and hydro-power co-operation, including the progress in implementation of the India assisted-hydro-electric projects in Bhutan Modi complimented Bhutan government on its imminent graduation to a middle-income country, and for achieving economic progress while preserving its traditions and values, and combining sustainable development with enhanced happiness quotient of its people. The two countries are expected to further boost defence, security and strategic cooperation in view of recent developments on the region and also globally. 50 years of Diplomatic Relations As India and Bhutan celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year, it presents both the countries with an opportunity to reflect about further advancing ties between the two countries. It is a unique partnership built on the historical and cultural linkages between the two countries Bhutan’s Significance to India Geography Bhutan’s significance to India stems from its geographic location. Nestled in the Himalayas, it is sandwiched between India and China. Thus, it serves as a buffer between the two Asian giants. Bhutan’s value as a buffer soared after China annexed Tibet in 1951. As the 2017 crisis in the Doklam region revealed, India will strongly oppose, even militarily, any Chinese attempt to assert control over mDoklam. Securing Bhutan’s present borders especially its western border is clearly important for India. Doklam in the hands of a hostile power would heighten the vulnerability of India’s Siliguri Corridor, a narrow strip of land that links India to its Northeastern states. So vital is Doklam to India’s defence that India has a permanent and sizeable military contingent and an army hospital in Haa district, where Doklam is located. Economy India dominates Bhutan’s economy. It is Bhutan’s largest trade partner; around 79% of Bhutan’s total imports are from India and India provides a market for 90% of its exports. Additionally, India is Bhutan’s largest aid donor. Between 2000 and 2017, Bhutan received $4.7 billion in aid from India, the lion’s share of India’s total foreign aid. Energy, Infrastructure & Security Bhutan is a strategically important country for India due to its location, and both sides have been ramping up overall cooperation, including in areas of defence and security, and energy, over the past a few years. India's Border Roads Organisation has completed construction of a strategically key road in Bhutan, linking the neighbouring country's border town of Phuentshogling with its capital city of Thimphu. Under the 2007 India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty, the two sides have agreed to “cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their national interests. Neither Government shall allow the use of its territory for activities harmful to the national security and interest of the other.” During the Doklam standoff between troops of India and China last year, Bhutan had extended support to New Delhi The Way Ahead India needs to act robustly to address Bhutanese concerns that are weakening the traditionally strong India-Bhutan bilateral bond, as a strong relationship with India could reduce the chances of Bhutan succumbing to Chinese pressure. A politically stable Bhutan is important to India. An unstable and restive Bhutan would not only jeopardize India’s investments in that country but also provide a safe haven for anti-India activities and anti-India militant groups. India needs to discard the tradition of offering economic subsidies and negotiating project proposals with neighbouring capitals and focus instead on enabling agreements, and let market forces leverage the existing economic and geographic complementarities. Demonetisation, GST have impacted on the ground in the Indo-Bhutanese relationship as well as with Nepal. GST has created a lot on confusion within Bhutan in terms of trade. The economy is small and largely dependent on Indian export. So these issues were required to be discussed. Refer: Mindmap + Link 1 Connecting the dots: Bhutan is India’s most trusted partner but it shouldn’t be taken for granted. Critically analyse relation between both countries.
UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 42] Archives Q.1) ‘Naresh Chandra Committee’ is associated with Corporate Governance Higher Education Digital Payments Cryptocurrency Q.2) ‘Global Slavery Index’ is published by World Economic Forum World Bank International Labour Organisation None of the above Q.3) Which of the following countries is NOT a part of ‘Borneo Island’? Indonesia Philippines Brunei Malaysia Q.4) Which of the following countries is/are members of New Agenda Coalition (NAC)? Brazil New Zealand South Africa Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Peru is bordered by which of the following countries? Ecuador Chile Brazil Argentina Bolivia Select the correct code: 1, 3 and 5 1, 2, 3 and 5 1, 2, 3 and 4 2, 3 and 5 To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba
Archives Friends, Here we are with the JULY 2018, edition of Yojana and Kurukshetra. Yojana/Kurukshetra: JULY 2018 – Download Download Mind Maps - 1. Click here 2. Click here 3. Click here 4. Click here
IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 09th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Fall Armyworm In news: Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) has sounded the alarm after the invasive agricultural pest, Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), was discovered in Karnataka. Fall Armyworm is a major maize pest in North America, arrived in Africa in 2016. Since then, it has threatened the continent’s maize crop. The Karnataka finding is the first report of the pest in Asia. Scientists warn the insect could spread throughout Asia to become a major threat to global food security. The discovery is more worrisome because the pest feeds on around 100 different crops, such as vegetables, rice, and sugarcane. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/08/09/CNI/Chennai/TH/5_10/68b99940_2306151_101_mr.jpg SC on Adultery Part of: GS Mains II - Social issue; Role of Judiciary In news: SC bench said - Jail term for adultery does not make sense. Adultery does not even qualify as a criminal offence and is a civil wrong. Adultery has a civil remedy: divorce. An adulterous relationship is carried on with the consent of the woman and it doesn’t amount to an offence. Centre’s stand on Adultery: Adultery should remain in the Indian Penal Code as it ensures the sanctity of the marriage, and is for public good. Donors can contribute funds from ATM Part of: GS Prelims and Mains – Environment and Pollution; National In news: Donors can contribute funds to the Clean Ganga Fund from ATMs. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is in talks with SBI and other banks. About NMCG and CGF NMCG (under Union Water Resources Ministry) is executing the government’s ₹20,000-crore commitment to clean the Ganga. CGF is a separate corpus made up of donations from corporates and individuals. At present it has ₹250 crore in its kitty, which is being managed by the NMCG. Donations to the CGF qualify for income tax exemption. We had recently read that - as of now, about 90% of the CGF comes from State and Central government public sector units Do you know? The Clean Ganga Fund (CGF) was created in 2014 and envisioned as a source of funds from private companies, individuals and institutions. Clean Ganga Fund is for pooling money to be used for cleaning up Ganga river. Pak. troops to get training at Russian institutes Part of: GS Mains II – International Relations; India and the world; Security issues In news: For the first time, Pakistani soldiers will undergo training at Russian military institutes. Both the countries signed an agreement related to it, during Russia-Pakistan Joint Military Consultative Committee (JMCC) (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC:General studies 2 Important aspects of governance; Civil Services Structure, organisation and functioning of executive and various departments of government Reforming the Civil Services: lateral Entry Scheme Introduction: A recent move by the Centre seeking applications from ‘outstanding individuals’ to fill in 10 posts of Joint Secretary, has caused anxiety amongst bureaucrats. Some apprehensions over lateral entry: Many serving IAS officers think this move may cause threat to their primacy. This move may end a “neutral and impartial” civil service with the likely induction of loyalists and politically indoctrinated persons into the system. This may mark the “privatisation of the IAS”. Private business houses may “plant” their people in order to influence government policies. The political leadership, by creating a ‘divide and rule’ mechanism, would further demoralise the ‘steel frame of governance’. How the Secretariat functions? The key officials in the secretariat decides on, how an abstract idea is to be given a concrete, implementable shape. Higher bureaucracy in the secretariat often has to examine proposals received from specialised departments/corporations. With the consultation of other ministries/departments they prepare a cohesive note to facilitate the Minister concerned or the Cabinet to take a final decision. The detailed procedures have been formulated for proper functioning which requires both expertise and experience. Though the original proposal is often prepared by technical experts, after the file moves through this long internal and hierarchical process, the final decision rests with the higher bureaucracy and finally the Minister/Cabinet. Generalist v. specialist Generalist view: The best leadership is provided by generalists who have a breadth of understanding and experience. Specialists, no matter how competent, tend to have a narrow vision and are not equipped to take a broader view. The domain knowledge has to feed into policy-making, but that can be accomplished by domain experts advising the generalist leader in decision-making. In this view, a good IAS officer can head the Department of Agriculture as competently as she would the Department of Shipping. Specialist view: Specialists like engineers, doctors, agricultural scientists, etc. have always had a substantial say not only in the decision-making process also in its implementation. Secretaries to the Departments of Atomic Energy, Science & Technology, Scientific and Industrial Research, Health Research, and Agricultural Research have always been scientists of eminence. Similarly, in departments like the Railways, Posts, etc., all senior positions are manned by Indian Railway or Postal Service officers. Generalised bureaucracy is not equipped to comprehend complex economic and technical issues in order to properly aid and advise the Minister. For increasingly complex matrix of decision-making is, specialists are more efficient than generalists. How apprehensions can be resolved? The government must ensure that only candidates, the likes of whom are not available in the existing system, are appointed. If they turn out to be truly outstanding, there should be provisions to induct them permanently in the government, with approval of the UPSC, and consider them for higher postings. Ideas have also been advanced for IAS and other officers to gain work experience, for a limited period, in the private sector. These fears can be reduced by letting the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) handle the recruitment process, after defining the job requirements more explicitly. Conclusion: The apprehensions on lateral entry are based on perceptions, a reality check is necessary. Also this is a bold decision that should be given a fair trial. The lateral entry scheme, if implemented properly, may foster more competitive spirit, break the complacency of the higher civil servants and eventually prove to be a pioneering initiative in public interest. Connecting the dots: Most of the developed countries of the world have the system of lateral entry on the basis of expertise and achievements. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services? Comment. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 Important aspects of governance, social justice Justice System General studies 3 Technology Security issues, Disaster Management The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 Introduction: The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 has been introduced in the Parliament, with a view to creating a national DNA database for solving crimes and identifying missing persons. About the Bill: The purpose of the bill is to expand the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country. By providing for the mandatory accreditation and regulation of DNA laboratories, the Bill seeks to ensure that the DNA test results are reliable and the data remain protected from misuse or abuse in terms of the privacy rights of our citizens. Bill’s provisions will enable the cross-matching between persons who have been reported missing on the one hand and unidentified dead bodies found in various parts of the country on the other, and also for establishing the identity of victims in mass disasters. The Bill includes provisions for the destruction of DNA samples and removal of innocent people’s DNA profiles from the database. Criticism on DNA bill: Creating large databases is often not a cost-effective way to solve more crimes, and limited resources must be targeted effectively. Using DNA effectively during criminal investigations requires proper crime scene examination, trained and reliable policing, a trusted chain of custody of samples, reliable analysis, and proper use of expert evidence in court. Without these prerequisites, a DNA database will worsen rather than solve problems in the criminal justice system (false matches or misinterpretation or planting of evidence, etc.). The Bill’s proposed DNA Regulatory Board is still too powerful and insufficiently transparent or accountable. There are provisions which give the government or the Board the power to amend aspects of the safeguards in the Bill, and to avoid accountability in court. A number of other privacy protections are also missing — the need to restrict DNA profiling so that it uses only non-coding DNA, a commonly used international standard for one. There is no attempt to assess the cost effectiveness of these provisions or to estimate the database’s likely size. Way Forward: Consideration should be given to an independent forensic science regulator. An independent ethics board should be set up. The Board’s responsibilities for privacy protections need an independent regulator. Privacy or data protection bill should be adopted first. Any international sharing of DNA profiles should also be covered by a privacy or data protection law, and meet international human rights standards. There should be separate the databases for missing persons and for criminals set up by the Bill, so that people who volunteer their DNA to help find their missing relatives are not treated as suspects for criminal offences. It is needed to specify that volunteers must be fully informed about future storage and uses of their genetic information before they give consent. International evidence shows that the success of a DNA database is driven primarily by the number of crime scene DNA profiles loaded on to it, not by the number of DNA profiles from individuals, so proper crime scene analysis should be the top priority. Conclusion: In short, important safeguards and a cost-benefit analysis are still lacking for this Bill, which needs full parliamentary scrutiny. Connecting the dots: The DNA technology (use and application) Bill, 2018 can establish a balance between right to privacy and right to justice. Evaluate with suggestions. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) He was an Indian scientist who worked in the field of DNA fingerprinting technology in India, where he was popularly known as the "Father of Indian DNA fingerprinting". Lalji Singh Meghnad Saha Satyendra Nath Bose Venkatraman Radhakrishnan Q.2) An alien species is a species that is established outside of its natural past or present distribution, whose introduction and/or spread threaten biological diversity. Consider the following invasive alien species, Fall Armyworm Papaya Mealy Bug Cotton Mealy Bug Amazon Sailfin Catfish Which of the above is/are found in India? 3 only 3 and 4 only 1 and 3 only All the above Q.3) Consider the following statements about National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) It acts as implementation arm of National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga National Ganga Council is under the chairmanship of Prime Minister of India Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 MUST READ Going by the numbers The Hindu New leader, same rules The Hindu Dissent & diplomacy: on the Saudi-Canada spat The Hindu The nuances of 35A Indian Express The Upward Push Indian Express To bee or not to bee Indian Express Truth fears no trolls Indian Express
UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 41] Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about Controller General of Accounts (CGA) CGA is responsible for exchequer control and internal audits CGA derives his/her mandate from Article 150 of the Constitution Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Global Nutrition Report is published by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) United Nations Development Programme World Economic Forum World Bank Q.3) When you travel in certain parts of India, you will notice red soil. What is the main reason for this colour? Presence of ferric oxides Abundance of magnesium Accumulated humus Abundance of phosphates Q.4) Kawad Bachana is a story telling tradition from Gujarat Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Q.5) The international crude oil price of Indian Basket is computed by Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba
Rise in MSP and its Impact ARCHIVES Listen to the Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. In News: Government's decision to hike MSP for kharif crops is expected to impact GDP by 0.1-0.2 per cent besides adding to inflationary pressures. Two significant announcements in the 2018-19 budget: Decided to keep MSPs at least 50 per cent above the sum of cost of production (A2) – A2 is a comprehensive cost and includes paid or imputed costs of all purchased or own inputs like seed, fertiliser, manure, bullock labour and machine labour, interest on working capital, irrigation expenses, depreciation, rent paid for the leased-in land, costs of repair and miscellaneous expenses. Imputed wages for the time spent by the farmer and his/her family (FL) in crop production. Was this hike required? This hike in MSPs was required, given the current adverse conditions of prices and operating conditions of the farm sector, and is a key component of the prime minister’s goal of doubling farm incomes by 2022, which, in itself, is a must for sustaining an 8–9% GDP growth for India. However, MSP increases are, largely, a short-term fix and must be viewed in conjunction with other legs of the strategy. If the other components of the strategy are not implemented with urgency, the associated macroeconomic costs will be a significant drag on overall economic growth. Immediate Costs: All set to impact international price of rice and cotton—items topping list of agricultural commodities exported from the country – hike is expected to firm up cotton prices in India, largest exporter of natural fibre, and reflect in global market soon The move is expected to lead to higher inflation and widen fiscal deficit because of increase in food subsidy bill to over Rs 2 trillion from Rs 1.70 trillion provided in the Budget for 2018-19. Higher MSPs will add to inflationary pressures, fiscal slippage and this might prompt the central bank to go for another rate hike. For RBI, MSP increase poses an additional risk to their inflation view, besides fiscal slippage worries and higher oil prices. At a time when godowns are bursting with rice stocks and acreages under this water-intensive crop ought to be brought down, the latest increase will compound problems as well as be environmentally unsustainable What is MSP? MSP is a direct market intervention by the government to check distress sale by guaranteeing a fixed price in event of fall in price in open market. In case the market price for the commodity falls below the announced minimum price due to bumper production and glut in the market, government agencies purchase the entire quantity offered by the farmers at the announced minimum price. Prices announced: Before each summer and winter cropping season On the basis of the recommendations of: Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) Determinants of MSP till now: Cultivation costs Demand-supply and market price dynamics Inter-crop price parities Terms of trade between agriculture and non-agriculture sectors Implications on consumer inflation Introduction of a single pre-determined principle: Henceforth, MSPs will be set at 1.5 times the production cost. The higher the cost, the more is the MSP. Farmers growing crops consuming more water and energy, with their production costs naturally higher, get rewarded through increased MSPs. And when there is assured procurement and payment as well, it results in more production of paddy and sugarcane — even if at increasingly uncompetitive prices globally. Effect on Crops Expected to firm up cotton prices in India, largest exporter of natural fibre, and reflect in global market Although MSP covers just normal rice, it will push up price of basmati rice as well The higher assured price under MSP for paddy will encourage farmers to grow normal rice instead of basmati from next year in the country MSP will check cotton exports from India and ensure domestic supply during current season – The substantial increase in the price of cotton is expected to activate multi- national companies in domestic market as exports of raw cotton will be unviable now The increase in MSP will increase acreage under paddy, a crop that require substantial quantity of groundwater for irrigation. Conclusion: The most critical reform to revolutionise Indian agriculture requires no money. It requires something far harder to acquire — learning to unlearn yesterday’s wisdom. It is time for India to switch from price policy to income policy approach to redress farmers’ distress. India needs to devise an income policy (DBT) for farmers. Rather than opting for big ticket reforms, the government needs to look at marginal improvements. These, if consistently implemented over time, will deliver the required change. The system lacks the skill to diagnose its own incompetence. An independent commission of farmers must be constituted to review government programmes, which are supposedly benefiting the farming community. There has been a lot of farm distress and measures have been taken to alleviate these problems, this being one of them. This move was something that was necessary, but needs to be implemented in the right way to ensure they get what they need, to be able to cover up for the costs. While it is desirable to intervene in the markets when they fail to deliver remunerative prices to producers, excessive intervention in prices can have serious implications for the functioning of market, fiscal resources and imports and exports. The best prices for farm produce can be realised from a competitive market. This requires regulatory reforms, institutional changes, and the development of appropriate infrastructure to promote evolution of agricultural market system. A tendency is developing in the country — to hold the Centre responsible for the problems, and solutions, related to agricultural prices. The stakeholders need to differentiate areas for action by the Centre and the states. There is a particular need to put pressure on the states to undertake the required reforms to make agricultural markets more efficient, competitive and responsive to the needs of producers and consumers. State government needs to strengthen the procurement infrastructure in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh where grain purchase is dominated by private players and remuneration is much less than the assured price. Refer: Mindmap
IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 08th August 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Sikh Referendum 2020 Part of: GS Mains II and III – India and the world; International Relations; Internal Security In news: We recently read about the controversial pro-Khalistan rally due to take place in London The rally is in support of a referendum for an independent Sikh homeland. This has heightened tensions between India and the U.K., after Britain said it wouldn’t ban the demonstration, despite concerns raised by India. Communist Party of India calls the proposed ‘Sikh Referendum 2020’ an attempt to disturb the hard-earned peace in Punjab. Concerns: Is India still a theocratic State? India faces challenges like - Hindutva idea of India; religion-based secessionist movement like that of Khalistan Health issue: Scrub typhus Part of: GS Prelims – Health issue; Science and Tech In news: About Scrub typhus (definition in pic below) Majority of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) patients have scrub typhus. Scrub typhus can be treated easily if detected early. Mites present in the soil carried Orientia tsutsugumashi, the bacterium which causes scrub typhus. https://d39gegkjaqduz9.cloudfront.net/TH/2018/08/08/DEL/Delhi/TH/5_07/ac7e44e3_2304601_101_mr.jpg Breast Feeding Part of: GS Prelims – Health issue About: As many as 6 out of 10 babies born in the country are not able to begin breastfeeding within one hour of birth. Despite an improvement in institutional deliveries, due to a lack of supportive work environment, inadequate skills of health care providers as well as caesarean deliveries, most babies not breastfed in their first hour. Do you know? Mother’s breast milk within one hour of birth ensures that the infant receives the colostrum or first milk, which is rich in protective factors. WHO and UNICEF also recommend exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to the age of six months and thereafter complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond. India has made some progress over the years, according to National Family Health Survey (NFHS). Early initiation of breastfeeding has improved. Banks hit due to frauds Part of: Mains II and III – Governance issues; Corruption; NPA issue In news: Indian banks reported a total loss of about ₹70,000 crore due to frauds during the last three fiscals up to March 2018. The extent of loss in fraud cases reported by scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) for 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 was ₹16,409 crore, ₹16,652 crore and ₹36,694 crore, respectively. Reasons: aggressive lending practices, wilful default, loan frauds, corruption in some cases and economic slowdown. RBI had issued directions to banks instructing them to file applications for initiation of corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). Person in news: M. Karunanidhi Karunanidhi – who was five-time Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president for nearly 50 years, died. He was also called as Kalaignar (artiste and man of letters) He was considered as the stalwart of the Dravidian movement Miscellaneous In news: 10 major ideologies have shaped the world: nationalism, democracy, liberalism, capitalism, evolutionary socialism, revolutionary socialism, feminism, environmentalism, nuclear pacifism and globalism. Try to know the definition of all the above terms. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 2 and 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. GST Council: GST Reforms for MSME Introduction: Latest GST Council meeting held on issues facing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Do you know? What are MSME? MSME are units producing goods and rendering services in terms of annual turnover as follows: A micro enterprise will be defined as a unit where the annual turnover does not exceed five crore rupees; A small enterprise will be defined as a unit where the annual turnover is more than five crore rupees but does not exceed Rs 75 crore; A medium enterprise will be defined as a unit where the annual turnover is more than seventy five crore rupees but does not exceed Rs 250 crore. What is GST Council? Goods & Services Tax Council is a constitutional body for making recommendations to the Union and State Government on issues related to Goods and Service Tax. The GST Council is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and other members are the Union State Minister of Revenue or Finance and Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the States. (For further details: http://www.gstcouncil.gov.in/gst-council) Recent GST meetings’ decisions (Regarding MSME): Firms with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 5 crore constitute 93% of the registered taxpayers under the GST. Such businesses need no longer file cumbersome returns every month, but only on a quarterly basis. GST Council returned to a consensual approach on decisions. There is a proposal to push digital payments by offering a cash-back to consumers using RuPay cards or the UPI platform, final decision will be taken after a detailed system-wide evaluation of such incentives. Way Forward: GST with respect to MSME Further easing of compliance for micro firms with turnover far below Rs. 5 crore is needed. There is a need to review the Rs. 50,000 threshold for mandatory use of e-way bills to track movement of taxable goods. (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2: Governance; Law and order Constitution; Fundamental Rights Social Justice Dissent and Democracy Introduction: In context of recent student Protest; The Bangladesh government clamps down on dissent and democratic challenges. Dissent has been silenced in major democracies of the world including US and India. What is happening in Dhaka? Some students died in a road accident, students started protesting for traffic safety. Protests in Bangladesh became a routine; over electricity supply in Kansat; over open-pit coal mining in Phulbari; against a coal plant at the rim of the Sundarbans; against stock market scandals that defrauded millions of small investors; and against quotas in government jobs for the descendants of ‘freedom fighters’ in the 1971 war. A journalist from Bangladesh went on Air with an international media house, and opened the Pandora box of other public grievances; the looting of banks, the gagging of the media, extrajudicial killings, disappearances, bribery, and corruption. He took on to the social media and exposed brutality of Police and Government. He got arrested under Information and Communication Technology Act for “spreading imaginary propaganda against the government.” Government is not willing to accept that there is a problem. UN, human rights groups and PEN international condemned the Bangladesh Government's dealing in this regard. Why does the Story of Dhaka matters to India? India is facing similar but different situation. Gauri Lankesh and some other great journalists who expressed their concerns against either popular beliefs or against certain ideologies were brutally murdered. Lynching and Mobviolence became a new normal for petty things. Women are facing trolling and threats for expressing their views on social media platform. India is one of the largest democracies but freedom is under threat especially for vulnerable sections of the society. Sudden resignation of reputed journalists from their respective newsrooms and transfer and resignation of public servants are some of the examples which put a question: Does Democracy in India have place for dissent? Connecting the dots: Freedom should not be absolute but it should not become obsolete. Comment in the light of global examples. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section within 24 hours. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) GST Council consist of which of the following members? Prime Minister Union Finance minister Union State Minister of Revenue or Finance Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the States or any other minister nominated by State Government Select the Code from the following: 1, 2 and 3 1, 2 and 4 2, 3 and 4 All of the above Q.2) Which of the following vector borne diseases are covered under National Vector Borne Disease Control Program? Malaria Yellow Fever Scrub typhus Dengue Select the correct answer using code below 1 and 4 1,3 and 4 1,2 and 4 1,2,3 and 4 Q.3) Health Ministry has recently launched a flagship program MAA to generate awareness for: Iron deficiency in mothers Reduce AIDS cases in new born Promote breast feeding Primary childcare MUST READ The nuances of 35A Indian Express The Upward Push Indian Express To bee or not to bee Indian Express Truth fears no trolls Indian Express Opinion: The need for digitizing land records in India Livemint Opinion: Make the global economy work for all Livemint Opinion: Digitally empowering women in rural India Livemint
UPSC Quiz- 2019 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 40] Archives Q.1) Joint military exercise ‘Maitree’ is held between India and Bhutan Sri Lanka Bangladesh Thailand Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme’ It is initiated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology It is aimed at enhancing the number of PhDs in Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) and IT/IT Enabled Services (IT/ITES) sectors in the country Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) ‘Bhoomi Project’, which looks into the ‘Online Delivery of Land Records’ is implemented by which of the following states? Maharashtra Karnataka Gujarat Uttar Pradesh Q.4) The ‘8888 Uprising’ refers to The Burundian Civil War which began following the first multi-party elections in the country since independence from Belgium in 1962 The conflict between the central Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army An armed conflict in Libya fought between forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and those seeking to oust his government. None of the above Q.5) Which of the following correctly describes ‘Psyche’? Saturn’s biggest moon Largest metallic asteroid Kuiper belt object Rotavirus Vaccine To Download the Solution - Click here All the Best IASbaba
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