Feb 26, 2018 AIR

All India Radio (AIR) : FDI Reforms

FDI Reforms ARCHIVES Search 10th January 2018 here http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. In news: the Union cabinet recently gave approval to a number of amendments in the FDI Policy. These are intended to liberalise and simplify the FDI policy so as to provide ease of doing business in the country. These are 100% FDI under automatic route for Single Brand Retail Trading Foreign airlines allowed to invest up to 49% under approval route in Air India 100% FDI under automatic route in Construction Development FIIs/FPIs allowed to invest in Power Exchanges through primary market Definition of ‘medical devices’ amended in the- FDI Policy FDI in single brand retail Business to business retail has already been liberalized. This is retail to consumers from the business. FDI policy in retail has been always controversial because ultimately it is throwing the door open to foreign investors in an area where there are large number of small domestic businesses like kirana shop owners, with small resources and limited ability to take on foreign competition. So any government looks at liberalizing the retail sector with lot of caution and circumspection. Initially, foreign investment was upto 100% in single brand retail through the government approval route. It meant that any foreign company could actually float a wholly owned retail company in India selling goods to consumers without any Indian equity. Now the government has decided that it doesn’t require to go to the committee of ministry that will look into each case and then take a call for their 100% approval. Now it will be automatic in the sense that the government control has been completely removed. The foreign companies which decide to come to India will have to inform the government and RBI will give clearance under the Foreign Exchange Management Act. This is significant in context of very slow pace of foreign investments in the retail sector. India has seen a remarkable rise in the FDI in last few years. Despite that the retail sector has acquired a small share in total FDI. FDI in retail in 2017 was 5% of the total FDI flows and 9% in 2016. The cumulative figure of FDI from 2001 to 2017 is at 4%. Thus, FDI flow in retail sector is still not large compared to 40 billion dollar base. With this liberalization, single brand retail will see some pick up in foreign investment flows. Conditions on single brand FDI Sourcing from domestic manufacturing- policy pre-announcement of the previous government too One outlet opened creates jobs in retail outlet, value chain in the upstream and downstream has a positive impact When there is 30% value addition or 30% domestic sourcing, there is job creation not only in retail sector but also in manufacturing sector which produce those items which are used by those single brand retail. It also creates opportunities for exports because when a big brand comes and sets up single brand retail chain in country, it also looks at various cost advantages obtained in the county and market and looks at sourcing some of those items for retail chain in some other country or own country. Apart from organized employment in retail sector, the sourcing of raw materials, intermediate and final goods for these single brand retail stores, job creation opportunities are immense. Competitive federalism will come A state which will provide easier clearances, provide better infrastructure and also has a more attractive domestic market will have an advantage in calling this foreign investors. No one loses Studies have shown that advent of single brand retail helps create an ecosystem in which both the kirana stores and large chains can prosper. India is a young market and there is large number of young population which is willing to spend money in items of consumption. With every single brand retail investor for a developed country coming in, it improves the basic infrastructure, the cold chains improve, and supply chains become more efficient. Thus, the rub off effect of foreign investment will be seen in retail sector. Complementing electronic commerce With its increased reach in the economy, single brand retail will put healthy competition to e-commerce. What is available on e-commerce sites will also available in single brand retail. Also, the single brand retail chain can sell its products through e-commerce portal and encourage the competitive environment to get better. FDI in aviation The policy in the aviation sector says that any foreign airline can invest upto 49% in capital of Indian companies operating scheduled and non-scheduled air transport services, up to the limit of 49% of their paid-up capital. Till now, the response from foreign airline companies has been lukewarm. Now, the government has also allowed foreign airlines to invest up to 49% under approval route in Air India. Together with it, GoI has put in place its privatization plan for Air India. The investment in the aviation sector, as a percentage of total FDI inflows in India is less than half percent. Not many foreign airlines have come to India. However, Indian airlines have done good in creating a competitive market. Conclusion Foreign investment is a major driver of economic growth and a source of non-debt finance for the economic development of the country. Foreign investments also bring in the latest technical know-how and generate employment. The government has taken many initiatives in recent years by relaxing FDI norms across sectors such as defence, PSU oil refineries, telecom, power exchanges etc. Thus, it is the time to capitalize on the foreign investments and make attempts to create a favourable policy regime and robust business environment. Key data for FDI in India Total FDI investments in India during April-September 2017 stood at US$ 33.75 billion Highest FDI in telecommunications sector - US$ 6.08 billion, followed by computer software and hardware – US$ 3.05 billion and services – US$ 2.92 billion. Maximum FDI equity inflows from Mauritius (US$ 11.47 billion), followed by Singapore (US$ 5.29 billion), Netherlands (US$ 1.95 billion), USA (US$ 1.33 billion), and Germany (US$ 934 million).   Connecting the dots: How does the foreign investments in India affect India’s economic growth? Critically evaluate in reference to major FDI policy decisions taken recently.

Feb 25, 2018 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – You are not an Island – Inspirational & Educative Articles

You are not an Island: The idea of competition has isolated man from everything around him. So much so that, he almost thinks he is an island; completely self-sufficient all by himself. The idea of individual effort is so enticing that he has completely forgotten the art of collaborating. There are few things that are best done alone. But most other actions are better accomplished through synergistic cooperation.  Most forms of learning can be enhanced through cooperation. When we step out of our egoistic self-deceptions and decide to learn from each other, learning becomes fun and engaging. It is better to be like a sponge that absorbs knowledge from all directions than to be like a molded brick refusing to interact with its surroundings. Most people fail to tap into this wonderful resource of cooperative learning. When you step out of your comfort zones and seek help from people around you, you will discover newer creative ways of learning. Why is it so important to have synergistic approach to learning? The most important reason being, human beings learn really well through interdisciplinary human interactions. Our minds better comprehend and retain information when the source of information is from multiple individuals and disciplines. The problem with functioning like an island is it is very easy to get cut off from the new changes that are happening in your stream of learning. You can be stuck on an island and completely miss the changes that are happening around you.  This problem is much more serious than it appears to be. This is where most individuals lose out on being current and up to date on what is happening around them. Also being individualistic comes naturally to us Indians. Co-operation is the whole problem with our upbringing and social conditioning. Somehow, we are not taught the art of cooperating and learning from each other. There is so much an individual can gain from letting go of his strong addiction to his personality and blending in with people and events happening around him. In this way the intitutive part of his mind can grasp information which would have otherwise been totally lost. Also this approach will help you to seek help from multiple sources. Any preparation is a combination of individual as well as cooperative skills. Nobody is an island all by themselves. Step out of your prison wall of ideas and take the risk of cooperating and coordinating with others. This will change your learning process tremendously.   “The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

Feb 24, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 24th February 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) Scrutiny of H-1B visa tightened Part of: Mains GS Paper II- International relations Key pointers: The U.S announced fresh measures to tighten the scrutiny of H-1B visa petitions, mandating fresh documentary requirements for workers at third-party worksites. The companies filing H-1B petitions for their employers will have to associate a particular project to the individual visa, which could be approved only for the duration of the project. The measures are intended to bring the client-vendor-employee relations in business models based on bringing high-skilled H-1B workers to America under closer scrutiny. The new move will mean H-1B visas may be issued only for the period for which an employee has work at a third-party worksite. The move will impact Indian IT companies that place H-1B employees at American companies that contract them, by imposing more paperwork and processing hurdles. Article link: Click here India's policy towards Rohingya Part of: Mains GS Paper II- International relations Key pointers: India is planning to expand the scope of assistance to pave the way for return of nearly seven lakh Rohingya (Arakanese Muslims) refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar. The project is expected to help Bangladesh significantly, which is desperately seeking India’s support in ensuring safe return of the refugees. Indian plan India was prompt in sending 7,000 tonne of relief assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh beginning in last year. This was followed by a $25-million development programme to help Myanmar build the necessary infrastructure to rehabilitate Rohingyas in the troubled Rakhine State. India has taken a long-term view of the problem, avoiding quick-fix solutions. The project was spread over five years and refugee rehabilitation plan includes two layers of transit camps before ensuring safe rehabilitation in their villages in Rakhine. Security threat: Security experts in Bangladesh and India are unanimous that Rohingya refugees are adding to the security threat to the region. The Chittagong area, bordering Myanmar, where refugees are camped has been a hotbed of Islamic fundamentalism and provided shelter to the secessionist forces in the North Eastern India, in the past. The militant activities (in the North East) have come down after the Sheikh Hasina government clamped down on Islamists. However, the situation turned for the worse after the arrival of the Rohingyas. Bangladesh is afraid that disturbance in Chittagong may impact its growth potential. Chittagong has the country’s only sea port and is a destination of major investments from India, Japan and China. Both China and India are heavily investing in port and allied infrastructure in Rakhine State and are keen to invest in deep sea port in Chittagong. Given China’s influence in Bangladesh and Myanmar; the stakes are high for India. While China is keen to keep international forces out of the Rakhine dispute; India is trying to walk the tightrope of taking along both Bangladesh and Myanmar governments towards a viable solution for the Rohingya crisis. Article link: Click here India and Germany: Pact for smart city coopertion Part of: Mains GS Paper III- Infrastructure Key pointers: India has signed a MoU with Germany to develop modules for providing urban basic services and housing for smart cities. The MoU signed between Union Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs and the German development agency GIZ would develop and apply concepts for sustainable urban development providing urban basic services and housing in select cities as well as smart cities in India. GIZ would contribute up to €8 million for the project which would run for a period of three years. Article link: Click here (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1: Social empowerment General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes The "Unwanted girls" in India Introduction: India has 63 million “missing women.” The 2018 Economic Survey gives us a powerful new number: India has twenty-one million “unwanted girls”. This number describes the girls who are born but not treated well. Crafting a new statistic that brings a spotlight to this problem will be an important legacy of the Economic Survey. Who are “Missing women”? These are the girls and women who would be alive today if parents were not aborting female foetuses. Girls getting less food and healthcare add to this count by raising female mortality. Amartya Sen raised this problem in 1990 with an article titled “More Than 100 Million Women Are Missing”. He counted the missing women across several countries such as India, China and Pakistan. Many people knew the problem existed, but Sen’s number, called out in the title of his article, made the problem salient. Today, there are 63 million fewer women counted in the Census in India than there naturally should be. Who are “Unwanted girls”? These are girls who are alive but likely disfavoured by their parents. They receive less healthcare and schooling, with life-long effects on their well-being. These girls are more precisely described as “less wanted” children. They are daughters that parents gave birth to when they were really hoping for a son. There are twenty-one million unwanted girls under the age of 25 in India. Common pattern of childbearing: A couple wants to have two children, ideally one son and one daughter, but it’s especially important to them to have at least one son. If they have two daughters in a row, they will keep having children until they get a son. In such cases, the last child in the family is a boy. By aggregating all families, it is seen that the sex ratio of the last child (SRLC) is male-skewed. SRLC is thus a revealing measure of parents wanting sons. The fervent desire for sons in India is not a feature of all less economically developed societies. For example, in the historical US, there wasn’t a male-skewed SRLC. The Economic Survey's analysis revealed that even Kerala and Assam have a male-skewed SRLC; if we only tracked missing women, these states would look problem-free. Pic credit: http://images.indianexpress.com/2018/02/epaper.jpg?w=450 In the figure above (from Economic Survey 2018), the right panel shows that last children are disproportionately male. The left panel shows that non-last children are more female; that’s because the child being female led the parents to keep having children in their quest for a son. Issue: Many couples have a girl when they were hoping for a boy. If the girls are nonetheless treated equally, this would not be much of a problem. Unfortunately, girls get fewer resources than boys. Even if parents treat their children equally, girls are disadvantaged by being in families with fewer resources to spend per child. Moreover, parents who passionately want sons, unsurprisingly, favour them once born. Boys are more likely to get immunisations. India shows a gender gap in stunting compared to other parts of the world, consistent with girls consuming less nutritious food. One study found that one year after parents were advised that their child needed surgery to correct a heart defect, 70 per cent of the boys but only 44 percent of the girls had undergone the surgery. This is why having 21 million unwanted girls is unacceptable. Way forward: Improve women’s earnings opportunities so that dowries are lower and women have more say in family decision-making. Better options for people to support themselves in old age, such as a good pension system, would make having a son less paramount to couples. We also need more efforts that take on society’s norms and try to reshape them so that people start valuing daughters as much as sons. Conclusion: A decline in the number of unwanted girls isn’t necessarily progress. Unwanted girls arise when parents keep having more children to obtain a son. Couples are becoming more reluctant to have large families and are gaining better access to ultrasound. “Trying again” might give way to more sex-selection. It will not be progress if we achieve fewer unwanted girls at the cost of more missing women. The goal should be for both numbers to come down. Connecting the dots: While 'missing girls' is an issue well know, the latest economic survey raised the issue of "unwanted girls". Who constitutes unwanted girls? Discuss the reasons behind ans ways to solve the issue. NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. The tussle between political executive and the bureaucracy in Delhi Why in news? The chief secretary (CS) of Delhi was reportedly roughed up by two MLAs in the Chief Minister's (CM’s) presence. One has heard of humiliation of officers before, but seldom involving the chief secretary. The CS is not an ordinary bureaucrat. He is the head of the civil administration in the state or union territory, an officer who represents not just his own service but all services within the civil administration. His word in sorting out contending arguments and dissension among officers is final. It is his duty to run an efficient administration and give the CM fair and impartial advice. In Delhi, the CS has an even more challenging role — he has to report simultaneously to the CM and the lieutenant governor (LG) and walk a tightrope between the vision and concerns of both, even when they are not always on the same page. Background: The capital’s asymmetric division of powers between the elected and the selected has been an issue in recent times. It vests the LG with absolute powers without corresponding accountability and leaves the elected chief minister faced with complete responsibility but without requisite powers. The basic principle of parliamentary democracy is that the elected executive decides policies and programmes while the bureaucracy executes them. There can be occasional friction. But overall, the two arms of the executive work in tandem, as a single, cohesive branch. In the eyes of the law, the actions of secretaries are actions of ministers. On occasions when secretaries disagree with their ministers, the latter either agree with or overrule the babus.  It is upon a CS that a CM is dependent for governance and delivery. The Conflict: The MHA, vide a notification dated May 21, 2015, added a fourth subject, “Services”, to the existing list of three subjects of Public Order, Police and Land which were already reserved with the Centre. Through a judgment on August 4, 2016, the Delhi High Court upheld the notification, ruling that “Services” was outside the domain of Delhi government. The high court also ruled that the “aid and advice” of the council of ministers is not binding on the LG. Hence, the elected executive in Delhi doesn’t have even a modicum of control or authority over government employees- from a peon to the chief secretary, the transfer, posting, appointment, creation of posts, service conditions, vigilance matters, leave sanction. Many appointments and transfers in the bureaucracy are made by the GOI without taking CM into confidence. The Delhi CS also coordinates with multiple authorities and agencies outside the Delhi Government. The performance of a CM is thus incumbent upon the performance of his CS and the secretaries of other departments with the CS at the top. But the Delhi CM can’t even pick a deputy secretary, leave aside his CS and secretaries. They are appointed by the LG without consulting either the chief minister or minister concerned. By vesting the LG with “Services” and the veto power on every aspect of governance, the Centre has made him the primary decision-making authority even with respect to transferred subjects. He convenes and chairs meetings on these subjects, where the chief minister and other ministers may or may not be invited. Cabinet decisions remain pending for long periods at the LG’s office. For example, the policy decision to establish 1,000 Mohalla Clinics was approved by the cabinet in November 2015 but the LG raised queries on multiple occasions and the project remained stalled for two years. The Delhi government’s petition challenging the Centre’s notifications was heard by a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in December 2017. The order is since reserved. Way ahead: The AAP has for long complained that the Centre is paralysing its executive functions through the Lt. Governor and that the bureaucracy is refusing to obey government orders. But the proper response to this is to keep pushing for the constitutional changes that will give Delhi full statehood rather than targeting police officers and civil servants. Both the Centre and the Delhi government must work together to see that the administration is not brought to a halt in the Union Territory. Conclusion: The very concept of parliamentary democracy is at stake. The current imbroglio is only a manifestation of a deep-rooted malaise. It is time to address the structural malaise afflicting Delhi’s body politic. The two pillars- the political executive and bureaucracy- need to hold the structure together, or else one would develop cracks and bring the other down with it or lead to a go-slow which would prevent doing things that matter the most. Connecting the dots: The capital’s asymmetric division of powers between the elected and the selected has been an issue in recent times. Analyze. MUST READ The champions of clean air The Hindu Adopting a wait and watch approach The Hindu Grid staility is key The Hindu Canary in coal mine The Hindu When technology drives farming The Hindu 

Feb 24, 2018

IASbaba’s Bimonthly Gist of Economic and Political Weekly (EPW)- Edition 6

Archives Hello Friends,  Continuing our effort towards right guidance and quality coverage to assist you in all possible ways, we are glad to introduce this new initiative where Frontline, IDSA and Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) will be covered considering the relevance of UPSC Examination. This initiative will also help you in Essay, Sociology and PSIR Optional as well. This is the Sixth edition of Economic and Political Weekly (EPW)- Bimonthly Magazine. Hope you all like it 🙂 DOWNLOAD THE MAGAZINE

Feb 23, 2018 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

New Initiative- IASbaba's 60 Days Plan, 2018: The Successful Mantra of Thousands of Aspirants for Prelims

[wpcdt-countdown id="39499"] Hello  Friends,  Here we are with the most awaited initiative. An initiative that you can’t ignore, A ritual that you must follow, A habit you must nurture and A plan that you must internalize. Yes! We are talking about IASbaba’s trademark 60 Days Plan. On June 18, 2015, 1st day of IASbaba and we were with our 60-day plan for Prelims. On the first day, only 350 people visited our website (that too most of them were our friends giving us feedback).  Zoom to 2017, the 60-day plan hit a lakh plus a view on the very first-day plan itself. Yes, the one single comprehensive, holistic and FREE programme which has caught the imagination of UPSC aspirants across India is back and better! We need to talk a bit about the success of 60-day programme only to instil in you the importance of this programmme. If there is a single word answer to what capitulated IASBaba to the number 1 position, undoubtedly the genesis is in 60-day program. The 60-day program has the highest word of mouth which is the biggest factor amongst UPSC aspirants. And this is because IASbaba puts its heart and soul into this programme.You can realise the passion with which we conduct this program and other initiatives from our hit ratios………. Hit Ratios 2015- 40 Plus Questions 2016- 70 Plus Questions 2017- 68 Plus Questions There are few who tried to copy our 60-day program and failed terribly. Some came up with 90, some half of that and in different names. And most such has been the talk of ridicule amongst aspirants in their chai time :) The one program with absolute quality, clarity and prudence, we proudly present to you the 4th edition of the 60-Day programme. “Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your Life. Tip – Toe if you must, but take that step.” Ever since the notification is out the entire civil services aspirant fraternity is in buzz. Many of the aspirants have already decided that they won’t be appearing this year as the seats are too less. As if they know that next year seats will be increased. Just like that, they are ready to waste one year of their life. Even those who have decided to appear this year are under too much of stress as well. Thinking whether they are good enough to compete or not. Before you put yourself in undue pressure, ask this question to yourself. If there were 200 more seats, would you have worked any lesser? Or, were you aiming for that last 1000th seat? No. Absolutely not. Everyone is aiming for that top 10 rank. That bracket is still available. The process is as tough as it was before. And you need only One seat for you! Obviously, when you consciously decided to step into this field, you knew that this is not going to be a cakewalk. You will have to put in efforts and toil till you reach the goal. Since it was your conscious decision to aim for Civil Services, back yourself up and work hard. You need to prove yourself that you deserve to be in this elite service. You need to prove that when odds were against you, you still got successful. But, thinking and being positive is just the first step that can sustain your journey. The second step is to set the wheel in motion. Do not think too much or procrastinate. Do the action. Plan your Days and plan your weeks. Still, there is enough time and a long way to go. The First phase of TLP is over. We hope that you used the platform to the fullest and inculcated the habit of answer writing. Do not worry much about Mains now. Considering, the lesser number of seats this year, the competition in Prelims is definitely on the higher side.  Now is the time to shift your focus to Prelims. As the competition has increased, there is no scope for error. Even one negative question can prove to be fatal for your journey. You can minimize your errors and maximize your score with constant practice. Solve as many questions as you can so that you become comfortable with MCQs. This will also help you to learn how to use elimination technique and how to make an intelligent guess. This year, 60 Days Plan would be bigger and better! And yes completely free in line with IASbaba’s philosophy! We are here with better analysis, more focus and more tangible takeaways. We want you to get equipped with certain tools that will help you keep track of your preparation and performance. Continuous improvement is what you require to get past the others. For that, you need patience and unbiased evaluation of your preparedness on a daily basis. We present you certain scales to track your progress on a daily basis and do the necessary course correction to bring yourself on track. But before that, let us do a small analysis of the mistakes that one commits in prelims. One’s level of preparedness is always different for different subjects. Even within a subject, one’s comfort level may vary with topics. For example, one might be more comfortable in solving questions of Polity than Economics and within Polity also, one might be at ease with questions on fundamental rights than Parliament. The level of comfort and ease that one has with a subject/ topic gets manifested in the examination. However, there is no conscious effort by aspirants to micro analyse these aspects. Now, coming to the second aspect i.e. the mistakes that one commits in answering MCQs, it can be said that there are mainly four reasons behind incorrect responses in the OMR sheet. They are: Lack of information Lack of analytical ability Silly mistakes Excessive risk-taking Let’s analyse them one by one: Lack of information: You simply don’t know the information. You are clueless and that’s why you don’t attempt the question. For example, you may have never come across a regime called the ‘Wassenaar Agreement’ during your preparation and you can’t do much about it. Lack of information is pardonable and rectifiable. You can read more and gather more information. That is within your reach. Lack of analytical ability: You know the concept but the question is a twisted one and you are not able to apply the concept. For example, in a question asking you to identify the climate type of a region based on certain given parameters like precipitation, temperature and air density, you might find it difficult to mark the correct option even if you are aware of all the options given in the question! That is clearly a lack of application and you can overcome it by developing a habit of framing questions in your mind while you study any topic. Silly mistakes: This habit is unpardonable. You know the concept, you become happy, you misread the question, you mark the incorrect answer and you are out of the race! Such mistakes reveal your hurriedness while answering the question. A simple mistake of reading ‘chose the incorrect option’ as ‘chose the correct option’ can destroy your chances. It means that you need to have patience and focus while attempting the paper. Excessive risk taking: You are confused between the options and just in order to increase your attempts, you make wild guesses and try your luck only to repent eventually. Risk taking is an art and one must be very careful while doing the guesswork in confusing questions. If you are not lucky enough, it can spoil your chances. You will realize that these problems will have different meanings for different people. For example, one might find lack of information as the main culprit in answering wrong the questions on Culture while in Polity, lack of analytical ability is usually the culprit. The point here is that you must analyse your preparation on these yardsticks by applying them to different subjects/ topics. If one is having a headache, he/ she can’t have the same medicine for fever. Isn’t it. This is where our revamped 60 Days Plan comes into the picture. It will give you an opportunity to micro analyse your preparation and perform better in the examination. The detailed micro plan for 60 Days is given here. You can download the PDF here. Note: You can also join our All India Prelims Test Series-Click Here, in case want to solve more questions. It has a total of 41 Tests including CSAT.  Integrated Learning Program (ILP)-2018- Click Here is also running that includes 35 Tests, Value Add Notes, Babapedia for Prelims Current Affairs and Mains Mocks with Synopsis.  Now, we present you the following scales (with weightage of each scale given in the bracket) to micro analyse your preparation on a daily basis and that too subject/ topic wise: Scale 1: Information meter (1) Scale 2: Analysis meter (2) Scale 3: Anxiety meter (3) Scale 4: Risk meter (4) Suppose on Day 1, questions have been framed from Polity on the topic of Constitutional History. There are 15 questions and you are able to answer 12 out of which 7 are correct and 5 are incorrect. It means you have scored roughly 11.33 out of 30. Now you have to fill on a daily basis, the following matrix to micro analyse your preparation: Suppose, the filled up matrix gets reflected in the following fashion: Based on the total value in this matrix, you have to aim for the following measures on the scale: Information meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, it means that there are serious gaps in your information base in the particular subject/ topic. Please refer a standard textbook before it’s too late. Analysis meter < 4 Course Correction: If you are scoring above 4, you need to explore all possible questions in your mind while reading the topic. You should frame questions for your friends and try to trick them by twisting the questions. Anxiety meter < 3 Course Correction: A score above 3 indicates that you are either too excited or too callous to even read the question. You need to calm down and read the question twice, particularly those questions in which you feel too confident. Risk meter < 8 Course Correction: You need to curb your risk-taking instincts. Make an intelligent guess and don’t leave your chance on fate. Don’t let the previous year’s cut off impact your mind. Total N x S score < 20 Moreover, IASbaba will give a cut-off figure along with the solutions each day. If your total marks exceed that cut off along with your total N x S score lying below 20, you are on the right track and just need to keep the momentum going. This exercise will hardly take 5 minutes of your daily time but it might do wonders for you as you will be able to gauge your strengths and limitations better. Finally, it is up to you to take advantage of this framework. We are sure of only one thing- if you follow 60 Days Plan, assess yourself on the basis of the given framework and keep improving your weaker areas, success will be yours. Always remember, inconsistency and doubt lead to fear. And fear is something that ruins everything without giving you a chance. So, let us come together and enjoy the journey that lies ahead. So if you are ready for the programme - You need to make certain promises that – You will put in honest efforts in preparing the syllabus and then attempt the test. Review your answers honestly and post your score. Try to improve in every single test. Do not commit the same mistake – Ever. How to Use 60 Days? 60 Days should be part of your preparation- revision-consolidation. Questions will be posted around 11 AM. Solve the questions as you would do in UPSC Prelims examination room. Enter your attempt in the comment section on the day of the exam. After the solution is uploaded in the evening, come back and calculate your score. Under the same comment of yours, enter your final score, check your accuracy using the Matrix analysis given above and evaluate yourself. Do not miss this exercise at any cost. Kindly note: Daily Quiz will be merged with this from 1st March 2018.   If your efforts are honest, you will definitely clear the first hurdle and get a chance to prepare for the next battle. Remember, it is just a matter of 3 months from now. Forget about everything, your surroundings, likes and dislikes, friends and family and even yourself. Just focus on the target and do whatever it takes to achieve it. As compared to life, 3 months is a very short time to chase your dream. This is the moment, this is the time. Do not let it go in vain. There is a couplet – “Mita de apni hasti ko, agar kuch martaba chahe Ke dana mil ke mitti me, gulo gulzaar hota hai”   It says – Destroy your identity if you want to achieve a standard. As a seed destroys itself in the soil to become a flowery tree. Charge yourself and be that seed that is ready to transform.    Raise your hands if you are part of this journey in the comment box :) All the best IASbaba [wpcdt-countdown id="39499"]

Feb 23, 2018 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs (Prelims + Mains Focus)- 23rd February 2018 Archives (PRELIMS+MAINS FOCUS) 'Founding Conference' of International Solar Alliance Part of: Mains GS Paper III- Energy Security Key pointers: As as many as 50 solar projects are expected to be committed at the ‘founding conference’ of the International Solar Alliance. The conference will be held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, where heads of States of most of the member countries of the alliance will meet for the first time ever. About ISA: The ISA was India’s idea, joined in by France, and was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) meeting held in Paris in December 2015. The Alliance is to be a coalition of 121 countries whose territories lie between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn — the ‘sunshine countries’. So far, 21 governments have ratified the Alliance and the others are expected to do so in the coming months. ISA intends to reuse degraded land by putting up solar plants on them The Alliance is also helping member-countries develop their own solar policies. Article link: Click here India's rank slips in corruption index Part of: Mains GS Paper II- Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability Key pointers: Despite numerous measures taken by the government to clean the system, India’s ranking in the global Corruption Perceptions Index, released by Transparency International, slipped two places to the 81st rank in 2017. The report also terms India as one of the “worst offenders” in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of corruption and press freedom. In 2016, it was ranked 79 among 176 countries in the index. In 2017, India’s ranking stood at 81 with a score of 40 among 180 countries. This year, New Zealand and Denmark were ranked least corrupt with scores of 89 and 88, respectively. About the index: The index, which ranks countries and regions on their perceived levels of public sector corruption, uses a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean. Article link: Click here (MAINS FOCUS) NATIONAL 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: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology Adopting Electric vehicle(EVs): Challenges & Way ahead Background: Acknowledging the challenge of rising vehicular pollution in Indian cities, Piyush Goyal, then Union Minister for Power, said that from 2030, India would completely shift to using electric vehicles (EVs). The push for electric mobility was backed by the government think-tank, NITI Aayog, which has estimated that the nation can save up to Rs. 4 lakh crore by rapidly adopting EVs. Benefits: While transitioning from an internal combustion engine (ICE)-based regime to an EV-based one is challenging, the long-term benefits could outweigh the hardships significantly in the wake of India’s ambitious renewable energy plans. Jobs and the economic impact- India is the world’s fourth largest fifth auto market, where over 25 million motor vehicles are produced. The sector is estimated to provide direct and indirect employment to about three crore people and accounts for 7.1% of the nation’s GDP. The industry is estimated to grow to $300 billion in annual revenue by 2026, creating 65 million additional jobs, and contributing over 12% to the GDP. In October 2017, the Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health, attributed to air pollution an estimated 6.5 million premature deaths globally, with 1.1 million being from India. The database also placed 10 Indian cities in the 20-worst list. EVs will help check this vehicular pollution. Addressing fundamental issues: Ensuring coordination among stakeholders: EVs, unlike ICE vehicles, involve several actors at the national, State and city levels, respectively. In the first, it needs multiple ministries such as Road Transport and Highways, Housing and Urban Affairs, Heavy Industries, Power, New and Renewable Energy, External Affairs as well as national institutes such as NITI Aayog. State and city-level players need to be involved so as to address several technical and infrastructural needs. Coordination between all three is crucial in driving the EV agenda. Figuring out the best mode forward: China has focussed on the use of electric buses as a catalyst for EV penetration. It is the largest electric bus manufacturer in the world, with most in use in the country. In 2016 alone, about 80,000 electric buses were added to China’s roads. The Netherlands, on the other hand, has captured the EV market using a simple yet well-crafted strategy of creating charging infrastructure and encouraging investment in charging technology by providing incentives to EV buyers. Today, it has the densest charging infrastructure in the world and is a major exporter of this technology. These two case studies show that sustained growth is possible only due to positive economic impacts of EVs. Solving the battery challenge: The assumption that anyone who controls the battery will control electric mobility is true in the current scenario. India does not produce lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries currently, and companies making battery packs are dependent almost exclusively on imports from China. This is a cost-saving strategy as setting up a cell manufacturing unit in India would be expensive. Solution: Accelerating EV use in India should be linked to the “Make in India” goal and domestic battery production. Investment is required for research and development in battery-making and exploring alternative technologies. Charging infrastructure: EV charging is more than just using electricity. It involves exchange of information requiring a communication protocol. There is no unique or single-charging technology for EVs. The three major EV users, China, Japan and the European Union, have their own charging technologies which are often conflicting and not interchangeable. The absence of a standard global infrastructure is a major deterrent for EV penetration in India, as creating infrastructure can be cost-intensive. Solution: For this, the government needs to select or develop appropriate charging technology that avoids multiplicity and reduces the cost of infrastructure, while making it convenient and safe for users. Conclusion: EVs have the potential to disrupt the mobility ecosystem, and, if implemented well, could have a positive impact on the economy as well as the urban environment. India, however, needs a road map, with timelines, processes, well-researched impact studies, bold initiatives and robust investments in technological research to turn its EV dream into reality. Connecting the dots: While adopting Electric Vehicle(EVs), India is surely to face multiple challenges. What are these challenges and what is the way out? NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1: Poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Generating energy and wealth from waste: The "GOBAR-Dhan" Initiative Introduction: In the latest budget, the finance minister announced the launch of “GOBAR-Dhan” (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources-Dhan). About the GOBAR-Dhan initiative: The initiative is expected to pilot similar opportunities to convert cattle dung and other organic waste to compost, biogas and even larger scale bio-CNG units. This programme, expected to be launched in April, aims at the collection and aggregation of cattle dung and solid waste across clusters of villages for sale to entrepreneurs to produce organic manure, biogas/bio-CNG. The initiative has two objectives: To make villages clean and generate wealth and energy from cattle and other waste. Making villages clean: The 19th Livestock Census (2012) estimates India’s cattle population at 300 million, putting the production of dung at about 3 million tonnes per day. Generating energy: Some European countries and China use animal dung and other organic waste to generate energy. But India has yet to tap the full economic potential of such waste. With the largest cattle population in the world, rural India has the potential to leverage huge quantities of gobar into wealth and energy. Swachh Bharat and the GOBAR-Dhan initiative: While the core mission of Swachh Bharat is to make India open defecation free (ODF), it also aims to make the country clean, both its urban and rural areas. Good progress has been made on the ODF front through massive behaviour change mobilisation, with rural sanitation coverage increasing from 39 per cent in October 2014 to over 78 per cent today, and about 3,20,000 villages becoming ODF. Usage of toilets has also been found through third party surveys to be over 90 per cent. A major thrust is now underway to promote general cleanliness and effective solid and liquid waste management in rural India. The challenge is adding value to the utilisation of gobar and incentivising farmers to think of their cattle waste as a source of income and, in the process, also keep their communities swachh. Cattle dung, kitchen waste and agricultural waste can be tapped to create biogas-based energy. Benefits: According to a 2014 ILO study, the productive use of dung could support 1.5 million jobs nationally. For the farmer, there is a significant potential of greater income from the sale of cow dung. The study also reports that the value of one kg of cow dung multiplies over 10 times, depending on whether the end product is fresh dung (sale price of Rs 0.13) or as input for a one megawatt biogas plant along with compost output (Rs 1.6). Challenge: One of the challenges for operating biogas plants, and even related higher value chain operations like bio-CNG plants, is the aggregation of cattle waste and maintaining a regular supply to plant operators. Case Studies: The Lambra Kangri Multipurpose Cooperative Service Society in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, generates energy from waste by aggregating cattle dung and other organic waste to run the biogas plant and providing metered cooking gas to members. The Gram Vikas Trust started the Gobar Bank initiative in Surat, Gujarat, where members bring fresh cow dung to the community biogas plant. The dung is weighed and accounted for in their passbooks. In return, they get cheap cooking gas as well as bio-slurry, the residue from the biogas plant, which is used for vermicomposting and organic farming. What needs to be done? Generating wealth from waste in rural areas will require the involvement of all actors and sectors. Investments from the private sector and local entrepreneurs will be needed. Panchayats and village communities will have to play key roles to leverage the animal and organic waste that goes into water bodies, dumping sites and landfills. Informal sanitation service providers can be integrated into the system by training and licencing them. Conclusion: With appropriate policies and practices, the waste to energy generation in rural areas can be scaled up into opportunities for growth, leading to increased incomes, long-term livelihoods and, of course, more Swachh villages. The GOBAR-Dhan initiative is thus a step in right direction. Connecting the dots: Discuss the objectives of the GOBAR-Dhan initiative. Also suggests what needs to be done to ensure effective implementation of the scheme. MUST READ The next innovation The Hindu Talk like a South Asia The Hindu Saving lives The Hindu An umbrella for the consumer The Hindu In the name of education Indian Express

Feb 23, 2018 MindMaps

IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue – India's move towards Protectionism

IASbaba’s MINDMAP : Issue – India's move towards Protectionism Archives NOTE – Instructions to download Mind Maps/Images Right Click on the image and ‘Open in a new tab’ Remove/Delete the resolution part from the URl. Eg. “-1024×869” and Press Enter/Load Again Afterwards the URL will look something like this – “iasbaba.com/…./…/..-IASbaba.jpg” Right Click and Save As/Download (You’ll get the maximum resolution)

Feb 23, 2018 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz- 2018 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 149]

UPSC Quiz- 2018 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 149] Archives Q.1) Global Corruption Index is released by World Economic Forum World Bank Transparency International OXFAM International Q.2) Consider the following statements about Neelakurinji It blossoms only once in 12 years It is endemic to Western Ghats Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Which of the following countries has the largest coastline? Canada Australia Norway USA Q.4) N Gopalaswami Committee is associated with Education Energy MSMEs Banking Reforms Q.5) Cyclone Gita affected which of the following? Tonga Cape Verde Faroe Islands Kiribati To Download the Solution – Click here All the Best  IASbaba

Feb 23, 2018 RSTV Video

RSTV- The Big Picture : Indian PM's First Ever Visit to Palestine

Indian PM's first ever visit to Palestine Archives 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: Narendra Modi was first Indian PM to visit Palestine. Importance: This comes in backdrop of India’s steady improvement in relationship with Israel. Palestine and Israel are part of west Asia which hold significant geopolitical importance for India. Improvement in India-Israel ties is seen as a major landmark in country’s diplomatic history given India’s proximity with Palestine for several decades. Historical ties between India and Palestine Even before independence during freedom struggle, Gandhiji had supported that Palestine belongs to Palestinians. India opposed the partition plan of the UN in 1947 and was against Israel’s admission to UN as India was in favour of federal Palestine where both the communities could live peacefully. Later however, Israel was recognized and its consulate was allowed in India. There were minimal interactions in terms of intelligence sharing, irrigation, and scientific cooperation. But, it was not opportune for India to visit Palestine due to the developments that took place over last three decades to allow fostering of direct relations between India and Palestine. Today, the situation is different from what it was at the time when Palestinians and the arabs did not even agree to right of Israel to exist. India still continues to support the Palestinian cause because after 1988, they gave up the arms struggle themselves, recognized UN resolution 242 and Israeli right to exit and stop violence. So India supported the diplomatic initiative and this visit it to encourage them to go forward in the peaceful resolution of the conflict. What has changed? Fundamentally, the geopolitics has changed and approach the region has evolved. India is not looking to Palestine from prism of south-south solidarity. India has historical ties which it has to preserve. Now India is looking at forward looking relationship and built capacity in a potential Palestinian state. The regional geopolitics allows India to move into Middle East or west Asia where in recent times, PM has gone to Saudi arabia, UAE, Qatar, oman etc. Purpose of visit to Palestine To show to the world that despite good relations with Israel, the association with Palestine is no less. India is doing what is best for its domestic as well as diplomatic interest. India is asserting its foreign policy is independent of any third country influence.   Balance ties It is significant to have balanced ties with both the nations as India aspires to see the region in peace, security and stability, India has core interest in GCC countries, particularly in energy sector from where oil and gas comes. There are 7 million Indians employed there who send billions of dollars as remittance. There is trade worth 100 billion dollars for GCC countries. Along with it, there is food security- Chemical fertilizers like phosphate come from Oman, Jordan and other North African countries. India’s potential to link its gulf interest, strategic interest and economic and political interest from gulf to Israel which is the broader issue of violence, terrorism and instability. Palestine signed the Oslo process with Israel in 1993 but not much happened. Egypt has had peace with Israel since 1979. Jordon also has peace treaty with Israel. And Palestinians are still with Israelis despite difference in interpretation of Oslo treaty. The new geopolitical reality which the Indian decision makers are trying to capture is the new warming up of indirect relations with Saudi Arabia-Israel and UAE-Israel. Should India mediate? Never. Major Powers have burnt their fingers in trying to mediate in an intractable issue. No purpose and national interest will be served if India tries to mediate. Over the decades, there is a shift from ideological based foreign policy to policy based on interest. Today, India has no reluctance in saying that it pursues its interests. India needs to pursue a policy of developing direct bilateral ties with all countries of west Asia. This is the right way whereby India’s interest is served by keeping the politics of west Asia away. How long India will be able to be friends with Palestine, Israel and Iran? It is a significant question for all countries riding on American presence in the region. This is a significant development that now US is not importing but exporting oil to middle east. This speaks volumes about changing geopolitics of region. India’s help to Palestine PM inaugurated India-Palestine diplomatic institute. It is a major initiative to train Palestinian diplomats. This is similar to what India’s gift of parliament building to Afghans. Though US has spoken adversely about contribution to UNRWA relief fund on which most of the Palestinian refugees are dependent, India has announced 1.25 million dollars. These two assistance programmes make important contribution in increasing India-Palestine relationship to stronger one. Now the focus is to enhance India’s assistance in Palestinian nation building process by extending help to build infrastructure and develop skills in areas of health, information technology, education, agriculture and sports. Conclusion The dynamism of the region changing very rapidly and the changing equation in the Middle East is reality. Cold war is a relic of history post 2010, there is a new west Asia. The countries are trying to find their own equations. The major issue in west Asia is between sunni arab states and the shia states. The Palestine issue is a legacy issue. It no longer excites the arabs. At present, the arab countries are softening their attitude towards Israel. The number of countries are willing to engage with Israel is increasing. India’s approach to consider its foreign policy on individual basis and not see through third party prism is a critical step in approaching global platform in a steady and stable manner. Connecting the dots: India and Palestine relationship is at critical juncture considering India’s growing relationship with Israel. Critically analyse.

Feb 23, 2018 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance: Book Review – The Leader who had no Title – Robin Sharma

The Leader who had no Title: Robin Sharma has a Knack of communicating ideas and concepts in a way that it seeps in automatically into your deeper psyche. His fable like story telling format illuminates an idea and makes it readily available to the absorption of the reader. What he talks about our simply things that are relevant to daily living. But where is gets separated from other authors in his story telling style and manner. He weaves the message and essence of his book in a clean and neat entertainment format. ‘The Leader who had no Title’ is a business book about how anybody can be a leader. According to Sharma, it does not take a title to become a leader. A person in an organization need not wait for a designation of a leader to start leading. Anybody can be a leader, just being where they are. This idea is not just relevant in the business context. It is also applicable in daily living, irrespective of where we are and irrespective of what we are doing. Leadership is a quality; it has nothing to do with title. If you develop this quality, you will begin to lead wherever you are. Enjoy reading this simple and beautiful book that will illuminate your understanding of yourself and your leadership qualities.