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(The Gist of PIB) Chartered Accountants Day


(The Gist of PIB) Chartered Accountants Day

 [July-2020]

Chartered Accountants Day

  • Prime Minister Modi greeted Chartered Accountants on Chartered Accountants’ Day.

Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI):

  • July 1 is celebrated as National Chartered Accountant Day in India. The day is observed in order to celebrate the formation of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on July 1st, 1949.
  • The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is the national professional accounting body of India.
  • It was established on 1 July 1949 as a statutory body under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 to regulate the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India.
  • ICAI is the only licensing cum regulating body of the financial audit and accountancy profession in India. It recommends the accounting standards to be followed by companies in India to National Financial Reporting Authority
  • Only a member of ICAI can be appointed as statutory auditor of a company under the Companies Act, 2013.

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(The Gist of PIB) ANUBHAV awards 2019


    (The Gist of PIB) ANUBHAV awards 2019
[SEPTEMBER-2019]


ANUBHAV awards 2019

  • Union Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions presented the ANUBHAV awards, 2019. 

Key highlights 

  • The Anubhav portal was created on the call of Prime Minister in 2015 with a vision to preserve rich experience of retired official in digital form.
  • It is envisaged that their rich experience will be preserved for future generations to learn and explore knowledge on various aspects of governance, culture & development history of a particular region.
  • An award scheme to incentivize and encourage more retiring employees to submit their write-ups was introduced in 2016.
  • Since then, three annual awards ceremonies have been organized. This was the fourth annual award in the series.

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(The Gist of PIB) Janaushadhi Sugam


    (The Gist of PIB) Janaushadhi Sugam
[SEPTEMBER-2019]


Janaushadhi Sugam

  • Union Minister for Chemicals made announcements related to “Janaushadhi Sugam” and “Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-Biodegradable Sanitary Napkin.” 

Key highlights 

  • Union Minister for Chemicals launched a mobile application “Jan Aushadhi Sugam” to enable people to search Jan Aushadhi generic medicine stores.
  • He also announced that “Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-Biodegradable Sanitary Napkin” will now be available at only One Rupee per pad (earlier the cost was Rs 2.50 per pad). 
  • The Government of India launched Jan Aushadhi Suvidha pad in 2018. It comes with a special additive, which makes it biodegradable when it comes in contact with oxygen after being discarded.
  • These are available for sale in more than PMBJP Kendras across the country.
  • About 28 million girls are reported to be leaving education because of lack of availability of good quality Sanitary Napkin” pads at reasonable cost.

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(The Gist of PIB) TOP to Total


(The Gist of PIB) TOP to Total

 [July-2020]

TOP to Total

  • Union Minister for Food Processing announced the Extension of Operation Greens from TOP (Tomato-Onion-Potato) crops to all Perishable Fruits and Vegetables (TOP to Total).

About:

  • Operation Greens Scheme, being implemented by MoFPI has been extended from tomato, onion and potato (TOP) crops to other notified horticulture crops for providing subsidy for their transportation and storage from surplus production area to major consumption centres.
  • The objective of intervention is to protect the growers of fruits and vegetables from making distress sale due to lockdown and reduce the post -harvest losses.
  • For the period of six months from the date of notification i.e., 11/06/2020.
  • Food Processors, FPO/FPC, Co-operative Societies, Individual farmers, Licensed Commission Agent, Exporters, State Marketing/Co-operative Federation, Retailers etc. engaged in processing/ marketing of fruits and vegetables.
  • Ministry will provide subsidy @ 50 % of the cost of the following two components, subject to the cost norms – Transportation of eligible crops from surplus production cluster to consumption centre; and/or Hiring of appropriate storage facilities for eligible crops (for maximum period of 3 months).

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(The Gist of PIB) GramNet


    (The Gist of PIB) GramNet
[SEPTEMBER-2019]


GramNet

  • Union Minister for Communications launched Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT’s) latest innovations, “C-Sat-Fi (C-DOT Satellite WiFi”, “XGSPON (10 G Symmetrical Passive Optical Network)” and “C-DOT’s Interoperable Set Top Box (CiSTB). 

Crucial highlights: 

  • C-Sat-Fi (C-DOT Satellite WiFi): C-Sat-Fi is based on the optimal utilization of wireless and satellite communication to extend connectivity to the remote islands and difficult terrains. 
  • XGSPON (10 G Symmetrical Passive Optical Network): it is an effective solution to fulfil the rapidly increasing demands of high network speeds for applications like IPTV, HD Video Streaming, Online Gaming and other cloud-based services. 
  • CiSTB (C-DOT’s Interoperable Set-Top Box): Based on a portable smart card like a mobile SIM, this solution will revolutionize the experience of the Cable TV operators by offering them a high degree of choice, ease and convenience without having to replace the once installed STB

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(The Gist of PIB) Extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana


(The Gist of PIB) Extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

 [July-2020]

Extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana till Deepawali and Chhath Puja, i.e. till the end of November.

About:

  • During this five-month period from July till the end of November, more than 80 crore people will be provided 5 kg free wheat/rice per month. Along with providing 5kg free rice/wheat to each member of a family, 1 kg free whole chana will also be provided to each family per month.
  • The government will spend more than Rs 90,000 crore towards the extension of the scheme. If the amount spent towards it in the previous three months is added together, a total of almost Rs 1.5 lakh crore would be spent towards the scheme.
  • The Modi government had announced an additional allocation in the world’s largest food security scheme – PM Garib Kalyan Anna
  • Yojana – earlier this year, which aimed to ensure sufficient foods with the poor and needy amid the coronavirus crisis.
  • The food grains were to be distributed to all the beneficiaries under the targeted public distribution system (TPDS) for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and priority household (PHH) ration cardholders.

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(The Gist of PIB) PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME) scheme


(The Gist of PIB) PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME) scheme

 [July-2020]

PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME) scheme

  • Union Minister for Food Processing launched the PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME) scheme as a part of “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan”.

About:

  • To provide financial, technical and business support for upgradation of existing micro food processing enterprises.
  • The Scheme would generate total investment of Rs 35,000 crore and generate 9 lakh skilled and semi-skilled employment and benefit 8 lakh units through access to information, training, better exposure and formalization.
  • This Centrally Sponsored Scheme will be implemented over a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore.
  • The expenditure under the scheme would to be shared in 60:40 ratio between Central and State Governments, in 90:10 ratio with North Eastern and Himalayan States, 60:40 ratio with UTs with legislature and 100% by Centre for other UTs.

Implementation strategy:

  • The Scheme adopts One District One Product (ODODP) approach to reap benefit of scale in terms of procurement of inputs, availing common services and marketing of products.
  • The Scheme also place focus on waste to wealth products, minor forest products and Aspirational Districts.
  • Existing Individual micro food processing units desirous of upgradation of their unit can avail credit-linked capital subsidy @35% of the eligible project cost with a maximum ceiling of Rs.10 lakh per unit. Seed capital @ Rs. 40,000/- per SHG member would be provided for working capital and purchase of small tools.

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(The Gist of PIB) Cabinet approves proposal for Review of FDI policy on various sectors


    (The Gist of PIB) Cabinet approves proposal for Review of FDI policy on various sectors
[SEPTEMBER-2019]


Cabinet approves proposal for Review of FDI policy on various sectors

  • The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for Review of Foreign Direct Investment on various sectors.

Major Impact and Benefits from FDI Policy Reform

  • The changes in FDI policy will result in making India a more attractive FDI destination, leading to benefits of increased investments, employment and growth.
  • In the coal sector, for sale of coal, 100% FDI under automatic route for coal mining,activities including associated processing infrastructure will attract international players to create an efficient and competitive coal market.
  • Further, manufacturing through contract contributes equally to the objective of Make in India. FDI now being permitted under automatic route in contract manufacturing will be a big boost to Manufacturing sector in India.
  • Easing local sourcing norms for FDI in Single Brand Retail Trading (SBRT) was announced in Union Budget Speech of the Finance Minister. This will lead to greater flexibility and ease of operations for SBRT entities, besides creating a level playing field for companies with higher exports in a base year. In addition, permitting online sales prior to opening of brick and mortar stores brings policy in sync with current market practices. Online sales will also lead to creation of jobs in logistics, digital payments, customer care, training and product skilling.
  • The above amendments to the FDI Policy are meant to liberalize and simplify the FDI policy to provide ease of doing business in the country, leading to larger FDI inflows and thereby contributing to the growth of investment, income and employment.

Background

  • FDI is a major driver of economic growth and a source of non-debt finance for the economic development of the country. Government has put in place an investor friendly policy on FDI, under which FDI up to 100% is permitted on the automatic route in most sectors/ activities. 
  • FDI policy provisions have been progressively liberalized across various sectors in recent years to make India an attractive investment destination. 
  • Some of the sectors include Defence, Construction Development, Trading, Pharmaceuticals, Power Exchanges, Insurance, Pension, Other Financial Services, Asset Reconstruction Companies, Broadcasting and Civil Aviation.

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(The Gist of PIB) Government Bans 59 mobile apps


(The Gist of PIB) Government Bans 59 mobile apps

 [July-2020]

Government Bans 59 mobile apps

  • Government of India has banned 59 apps originating from China, including very popular ones like the short video platform TikTok, UC Browser, file sharing app ShareIt, and CamScanner etc.

About:

  • The ban has been enforced by The Ministry of Information Technology by invoking it’s power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act and the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009.
  • Title of Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 is “Power to issue directions for blocking for public access of any information through any computer resource”.
  • The ministry has said, these Apps are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.
  • The notification is expected to be followed by instructions to Internet service providers to block these apps. Users are likely to soon see a message saying access to the apps has been restricted on the request of the government.
  • This action could be a warning to bigger Chinese businesses in India, and to China itself.

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Public Administration Mains 2019 : Solved Paper-2 (Question: 7)

Public Administration Mains 2019 : Solved Paper Question Paper-2 (Question-7)

SECTION-B

Q1.(a) “The National Policy on Disaster Management envisages a paradigm shift from hitherto reactive post-disaster relief centric regime to more pro-active and enabling environment. Examine the responses of State Governments in this regards. 20 Marks

ANSWER: The National Policy envisaged a paradigm shift from the hitherto reactive postdisaster relief-centric regime to a more proactive and enabling environment of strengthened disaster preparedness, mitigation and improved emergency response capacities of all stakeholder groups. Mandated by the enactment of the Disaster Management Act 2005, institutional mechanisms like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) chaired by the Prime Minister of India at the national level, State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs)chaired by the Chief Ministers ofthe respective State Governments atthe state level and District DisasterManagement Authorities (DDMAs)chaired by the respective District Collectors and co-chaired by the Sabhapatis of the Zilla Parishads at the district level were established.
    
However, in many cases, these institutions are not active and operational except a few honorable exceptions. Similarly, even though the Disaster Management Act 2005 stipulated the setting up of the Disaster Response Fund and the Disaster Mitigation Fund at national, state and district levels,only the National and State Disaster Response Funds have become operational till now. The increasing frequency and damage to property, assets and infrastructure caused by recurring disasters makes it imperative that the provisions of the Disaster Management Act 2005 are enforced in letter and spirit.

Good governance and responsive administration have to be seen as non-negotiable features of a dynamic process of effective interface with the communities at risk from the devastating impact of disasters. This process must be driven by transparency and accountability of public functionaries and their ownership of the transition to the paradigm shift rather thancontinuing with a “business as usual” attitude. In the event of a sudden disaster, the restoration of disrupted services, the effective and efficient delivery of services to the disaster-affected communitiesand the setting up of a transparentmechanism of ensuring that thedisaster affected people receivethe relief entitlements which areintended for them have to benecessarily integral components ofa good governance and responsiveadministration at the district, stateand national levels. With the goodpractice examples of deployment ofinformation technology innovationslike biometrics and smart cardsin humanitarian assistance inrecent disasters in some of thecountries affected by disasters,our administrative machineryhas to explore ways of ensuringefficiency and effectiveness in thedelivery of services, minimisinginordinate delays, red tape andextraneous pressures of excludingreal victims and accommodatingfalse claimants.
 

(b) Efforts to strengthen State Finance Commissions have faced apathy of State Governments over the years, which has also affected the successive Central Finance Commissions in recommending appropriate fiscal transfers to local bodies. Substantiate the answer with example. 20 Marks

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERS

(c) Accountability of regulatory bodies would address the problem of over-regulators and help make them truly facilitators. Analyze the present status of regulators and suggest measures to induce accountability in the mechanism. 10 Marks

ANSWER: ONLY FOR COURSE MEMBERSS

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THE GIST of Editorial for UPSC Exams : 21 July 2020 Big reform on the wrong track(The Hindu)



Big reform on the wrong track(The Hindu)


Mains Paper 3:Economy 
Prelims level: Bibek Debroy committee
Mains level: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Context:  

  • The Indian Railways is the lifeline of India. 
  • With its vast network across the length and breadth of India, it is not just a mere transporter of passengers and goods but also a social welfare organisation.
  • While the addition of more trains with high technology coaches to meet passenger expectations is a welcome feature, it is the way of privatising these trains that is the problem.

Objective:

  • The Railway Board says the “objective of the initiative was to introduce modern technology rolling stock with reduced maintenance, reduced transit time, boost job creation, provide enhanced safety, provide world class travel experience to passengers, and also reduce demand supply deficit in the passenger transportation sector”. 

Dual control:

  • But this is a step which will lead to dual control and split responsibility, resulting in higher fares, depriving the common man of travel by these trains, and repercussions in terms of maintenance and operations.
  • The United Kingdom and Japan have privatised their rail systems completely and not partially, but most countries have retained their rail networks for public convenience.
  • In India, the selection of private parties using the tendering process is now under way and proposes two-stage competitive bidding. 
  • While short listing will be based on financial capacity (with sharing of gross revenue), the selected parties can fix fares by themselves. 
  • These parties have to pay fixed haulagecharges, energy charges based on actual consumption, and a share in gross revenue through the bidding process.

 Fixing responsibility:

  • According to the project information memorandum issued by the Railway Board, railway crew will work the trains (151 trains in 109 routes) which will be maintained by the private investor. 
  • All the other infrastructure (track and associated structures, stations, signalling, security and their daily maintenance) owned by the Railways will be fully utilised in running trains. 
  • Thus, the responsibility of the private investor ends with investment in the procurement and maintenance of coaches. 
  • Train operation, safety and dealing with everyday problems rests with the Railways. 
  • In case of an unfortunate event, how do we fix responsibility when the coaches are owned by the investor but operated by the Railways and its staff? 
  • Provision of an independent regulator to resolve disagreement, discords and disputes will not solve day-to-day problems of dichotomy unless the basic issue is resolved.
  • Coaches in India are not of international standard (ICF Design – 1955 Swiss design or LHB Design (German 2000 design). 
  • At the time of introduction, these technologies were 20 years old. 
  • There have been sea changes in coach designs and the Indian Railways should go in for state-of-the-art coach designs using ‘transfer of technology (ToT) with world leaders. 

 Speed and Changes:

  • While raising the maximum running speed to 160 kmph is welcome measure, accomplishing this in the timeframe given will be difficult. 
  • Nearly all trunk routes in the existing network are speed limited to 110 kmph (maximum speed); very few permit speeds of upto 120-130 kmph. 
  • To raise it to 160 kmph, as proposed, there has to be track strengthening, elimination of curves and level crossing gates and strengthening of bridges. 
  • It also calls for track fencing especially in densely populated areas. 
  • Also, from the timings for different trains given by the Railway Board there is no appreciable reduction in transit time for most trains when compared with the timings of the fastest train now operating on that route. 
  • This requires a critical review.

 Purpose being defeated:

  • It is surprising to note in the proposal that the Railways or government have no role in fixing passenger fares. This is an unacceptable situation. 
  • On the contrary, full liberty is being given to the concessionaire to unilaterally fix fares for these proposed trains that are on a par with air and airconditioned bus fares. It will be beyond the common man’s reach. 
  • Fare concessions extended to several categories of people will not be made available by the private investor. 
  • The very objective of commissioning the Railways as a public welfare transport organisation is defeated.
  • In the private sector, operations are run with an eye on staff costs which can endanger safety. 
  • Also, the private investor is not bound to follow reservation regulations in employment, in turn depriving employment opportunities for those who are on the margins of society.
  • In this context, the message of the then Prime Minister, after Independence, and at the time of the inauguration of the Central and Western Railways is apt: “The Railways are and will continue to be our greatest national undertaking. 
  • They deal intimately with scores of millions of people in the country and have to look after their comfort and convenience. 
  • They deal also with a very large number of employees whose welfare should always should be their concern.”

 Hyderabad model:

  • There should be no need for the government to take a dual role of a facilitator as well as a participant. 
  • In the case of the metro railway services (Hyderabad, for example), an ideal PPP project, the concessionaire is solely responsible for daily maintenance, operation, passenger amenities and staff issues. 
  • The State government steps in when it comes to land, power, permissions, law and order, etc. 
  • Fare determination is in consultation with the government.

 Think IRCTC:

  • Instead of a private entrepreneur, who would be new to the job, why not entrust this to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, a government undertaking which has gained experience in running the Tejas Express trains? 
  • There will be ‘unity of command’ in maintenance, operation and passenger services under the single administration of the Railways and its undertaking. 
  • As per the Eligibility Conditions specified in “Request for Qualification” Public Undertakings such as the IRCTC are eligible to participate in tendering for this project. 
  • When the government of India is prepared to invest over a lakh-crore rupees to introduce the Bullet train on a single sector and which would cater to the elite, why not invest in the IRCTC, a government undertaking, in the new project, which will serve crores of people across the country?

 Conclusion:

  • This project of privatisation of trains should not result in the common man being deprived of travel facilities. 
  • We wish to reiterate that the Indian Railways is a strategic resource for the nation and provides a vital public good. 
  • Hence, it should not be judged solely on its profit-generating capability or market-based return on investment.

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Prelims Questions:

Q.1) With reference to the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), consider the following statements:

1. The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has signed an MoU with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to access the centralised online database on FIRs and stolen vehicles.
2. NATGRID seeks to become the one-stop destination for security and intelligence agencies to access database related to immigration entry and exit, banking and telephone details of a suspect on a “secured platform”. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Mains Questions:

Q.1) India should have a rail network that is not only efficient, reliable and safe, but is also cost-effective and accessible. Critically examine the statement in the context of privatisation of railways

THE GIST of Editorial for UPSC Exams : 21 July 2020 No right answer: On decision of reopening of schools(The Hindu)



No right answer: On decision of reopening of schools(The Hindu)


Mains Paper 2:National 
Prelims level: Epidemiological studies
Mains level: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education

Context: 

  • The course of the COVID-19 pandemic remains far from predictable, posing for the Central government the dilemmaof salvaging part of the school academic year, while avoiding a fresh wave of infections. 
  • The school reopening question has not been resolved satisfactorily in other parts of the world, and the measures by many countries have been experimental. 
  • Yet, policymakers are aware of severe impacts to the education process, and the losses to students. 

Epidemiological studies:

  • Epidemiological studies can never prove causation; that is, it cannot prove that a specific risk factor actually causes the disease being studied. Epidemiological evidence can only show that this risk factor is associated (correlated) with a higher incidence of disease in the population exposed to that risk factor.

Uncertainty:

  • The alternative, of remote and online learning opportunities, is skewedby economic status and geography. 
  • In India, the many divides — digital, rural-urban and rich-poor — have painfully come to the fore between regions and even within States. 
  • There are instances of children left behind, without computer access, Internet connectivity, TV sets and even electricity. 
  • The issue of reopening schools in a calibratedmanner must, therefore, be addressed soon, but based mainly on epidemiological evidence. 
  • It is understandable that in the present confused situation, 21 out of 36 States and Union Territories including worst-affected Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have not taken a view yet on when to permit direct classes. 
  • States have also been asked to ascertain the opinion of parents on this issue, although it is unclear how they can do this in the short window given to them.

Diminishing basic rights:

  • Among the Centre’s responses to the problem, initiated through organisations such as the CBSE, is a reduction of the syllabus load for Classes 9 to 12 by 30%. 
  • Although this ostensibly supportive decision has become controversial for its choice of topics for removal: democratic rights, federalism, citizenship and secularism, to name a few. 
  • There is a discernible trend of diminishing basic rights as a necessary sacrifice to fight the pandemic, but impoverishing the syllabus on these topics can only stunt social development. 
  • Such decisions should be vetted by academic experts, and not imposed by bureaucratic fiat. 

Learning from countries:

  • More fundamentally, if lessons are to be drawn from around the world on a back-to-school plan, a just-released large-scale study from South Korea would be useful. 
  • Research findings from that country, which worked hard to contain the pandemic early, show that older children, between 10 and 19, transmit the virus as much as adults do. 
  • The findings have been acknowledged by public health institutions in the U.S. as valuable, and offer a cautionary pointer to community spread among adults and vulnerable groups from older students. 
  • On the other hand, the European experience, instanced by Denmark as far back as April, is that containment in the community has to precedeschool reopening. 
  • The question is much more complex for India, as a society that has severe iniquities, and where students live in multi-generational homes. 

 Conclusion:

  • Clearly, no early date can be set for a full reopening, and protocols on class size, distancing, ventilation of rooms, face coverings and even open air classes need to be evolved. 
  • Meanwhile, developing remote education for measurable outcomes should be pursued actively, since future disruptions cannot be ruled out.
  • The decision to reopen schools must be guided primarily by epidemiological evidence.

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Prelims Questions:

Q.1) Which of the following products received Geographical Indication Tags (GI Tags) in India?

1. Guntur Sannam Chilli
2. Etikoppaka Toys
3. Kondapalli Bommalu

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Mains Questions:

Q.1) The decision to reopen schools must be guided primarily by epidemiological evidence. Comment.

THE GIST of Editorial for UPSC Exams : 21 July 2020 Rule of mob: On mob lynching in several States



Rule of mob: On mob lynching in several States (The Hindu)


Mains Paper 2:Governance 
Prelims level: Mob lynching
Mains level: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability

Context: 

  • Two disturbing incidents in recent weeks where Bangladeshi nationals were lynchedin Assam paints a disturbing picture.
  • They were lynched on the pretext that they were alleged cattle thieves.
  • According to reports, the district police are trying to hand over the bodies to the Bangladeshi authorities. 

Lack of faith in the rule of law:

  • Irrespective of whether they are thieves or smugglers, such killings point to a lack of faith in the rule of law, leading to a general lawlessness. 
  • According to the National Crime Records Bureau’s 2017 data which was released in October 2019 a year behind schedule, Assam has one of the highest crime rates in the country. 
  • The State had 143 registered crimes per lakh of population, but such numbers can often be misleading due to the arbitrarinessin the registration of crimes. 
  • The varying standards of prosecution of crimes across the country add further challenges to the rule of law. 
  • Anecdotaltrends suggest a spikein mob lynchings in recent years.
  • Such lynching are often incited by maliciousdisseminationof false accusations of cow slaughter, kidnapping of children and theft, through social media.
  • The NCRB did collect data on lynchings in 2017 but did not publish those for reasons best known to it. 
  • Wild conspiracy theories spread fast on social media, but one cannot overlook the context of polarisingdiatribes, often initiated by political leaders.
  • The victims are invariably from vulnerable groups. 
  • Whatever name one calls it by, lynchings are an abominationthat must have no place in a democratic society, which India prides itself to be. 
  • Lynchings are a uniquely unsettling derailment of governance — while an act of mob violence is itself a sign of failure of law enforcement, it is committed in an apparent consideration that there can be no legal recourse. 
  • In the subversionof principles, the police inaction in cases of mob violence is reciprocated by an apparent public sanction of extrajudicial punishments by the police. 

Conclusion:

  • Mob violence indeed defames the country and there must be stringent intervention by the police to bring an end to this. 
  • The political leadership also has a role to play in questioning the social consentthat allows mob violence.

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Prelims Questions:

Q.1). With reference to the reservation for disabled, consider the following statements:

1. The Supreme Court, in a significant decision, confirmed that persons with disabilities are also socially backward and entitled to the same benefits of relaxation as Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates in public employment and education.
2. It upheld a 2012 judgment of the Delhi High Court in Anamol Bhandari (minor) through his father/Natural Guardian v. Delhi Technological University. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Mains Questions:

Q.1) Mob Lynching goes against the basic tenets of Indian Societal Value. Examine the statement in the light of rising incidents of mob lynching in the country and mention the causes and ways to address them.

UPSC Mains Law Paper Topic : Offences against Human Body

UPSC Mains Law Paper Topic : Offences against Human Body

  1. In spite of recent amendment in the law, the definition of “rape” with Indian Penal Code leaves, certain loopholes making it difficult to secure convictions. Critically evaluate this statement. (93/II/6b/30)
  2. The law relating to murder recognises the principle that “anger is a passion to which good and bad men are subject, and mere human frailty and infirmity ought not to be punished equally with ferocity or their feeling.” Elucidate. (93/II/6a/30)
  3. ‘A’ enticed a minor girl ‘M’ without the consent of her lawful guardian ‘G’ and kept her with him for a month after which he deserted her. While ‘M’ was loitering on the street immediately there after, ‘B’ took her with him from whose custody ‘M’, was later recovered by the police. Discuss with reasons and decided cases criminal liability of ‘A’ and ‘B’. (94/II/2b/30)
  4. “Clause (4) of Section 300, Indian Penal Code, defining murder, cannot be applied until it is clear that Clause 1,2  (Main) Law—Topic Wise Paper 56 and 3 of the section each or all of them fail to suit the circumstances.” Examine the above statement with the help of decided cases. (94/II/2a/30)
  5. “To hold an accused guilty of murder under Clause (3) of Section 300 of the Indian Penal Code the prosecution must prove that there was an intention to inflict that particular injury; that is to say that the injury was not accidental or unintentional or that some other kind of injury was intended, and that particular injury was sufficient in the ordinary course of nature to cause death.” Examine. (95/II/2a/30)
  6. When is a man said to commit the offence of rape? (96/II/2a/30)
  7. Examine as to whether a person who causes death of a pregnant woman is guilty of committing one homicide or two. (96/II/ la/ 20)
  8. X group, consisting of seven persons, waylaid Y group of persons. In the fighting that ensued between the two groups A, a person belonging to the X group, was injured. Because of the injury A had to withdraw to one side and he took no further part in the fight that continued between the two groups. Sometime later a person belonging to the Y group was filled in the fighting. A along with other persons of the X group are prosecuted for the murder. Decide. (97/II/2b/30)
  9. What changes are incorporated in the law dealing with the offence of rape in the recent past? (98/II/2c/20)
  10. When will sexual intercourse by a man with wife be’rape’? (98/II/2b/20)
  11. The accused succeeded in getting a decree of restitution of conjugal rights in his favour, but his wife, who was living separately with her parents,  refused to rejoin him. He, thereupon, went to his in-law’s place and there he had sex with his wife without her consent. The wife desires to have her husband criminally prosecuted for the offence of rape and seeks your legal advice. What advice will you give her? (99/II/1c/20)
  12. X, a girl of 14, is ill-treated by her father and step mother. ‘A’, the neighbour under the belief that X was 18; takes her away from her parent’s house on her request but without the, consent of the parents. Is he guilty of any offence? If yes, analyse the nature of the offence and cite relevant cases. (00/II/1b/20)
  13. A, a pickpocket, puts his hand in the pocket of B, a person, who was reclining in the park. Incidentally, the person had a piston in his pocket and as the pickpocket put his hand in the pocket, it touched the trigger and the pistol went off killing the person. Is a guilty of culpable homicide? Explain when culpable homicide does not amount to murder with the help of illustrations and decided cases. (00/II/1a/20)
  14. ‘A’ intentionally attacks ‘B’. While doing so ‘A’ does not know that ‘B’ is suffering from an enlarged appendix. The blow falls on the appendix as a result of which the appendix bursts and ‘B’ dies. Discuss A’s liability. (01/II/2b/30)
  15. Explain whether any offence is committed in the following instance and under what circumstances? Give reasons. Do not write more than 100 words. (02/II/2d/10) X shakes his fist at Z so as to cause reasonable apprehension in the mind of Z that she would be hit.
  16. “The question as how is a court to determine as to whether a bodily injury  57 (Main) Law—Topic Wise Paper intentionally inflicted by an accused is likely to cause death or not depends on many factors.” Discuss. (03/II/2a/30)
  17. “In murder cases sentence of imprisonment for life is the rule and death sentence an exception”. Discuss. (03/II/4a/30)
  18. Referring to relevant legal provisions, and decided cases, point out what offence, if any, has been committed in the following case : A without any excuse, fires a loaded pistol into a crowd of persons and kills one of them. (04/II/2f/10)
  19. Referring to relevant legal provisions, and decided cases, point out what offence, if any, has been committed in the following case : A intentionally gives a sword cut to B sufficient in the ordinary course of nature to cause death. B dies in consequence. (04/II/2e/10)
  20. X strikes Y with a stick. Y is by this provocation excited to violent rage. Z, a bystander intending to take advantage of Y’s rage and to cause him kill X, puts a knife into Y’s hand for that purpose. Y kills X with that knife. What offence is committed by Y and Z? Explain and discuss with reasons. (05/II/2b/30)
  21. Discuss, “attempt to commit suicide,” referring to the decisions of the Supreme Court on the Constitutional validity of Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code. (05/II/ lb/ 20)
  22. The Supreme Court of India in a recent judgement pronounced, “Doctors cannot be held criminally liable under Section 304 A of the Indian Penal Code unless they are ‘grossly’ rash or negligent in performing their duties”. Is the judgement in favour of doctors or is it against the poor and illiterate patients  in our country? Give your views with reasons. (06/II/4a/30)
  23. Distinguish between culpable homicide and causing death by rash or negligent act. A, a woman with a view to poisoning her husband, administered to him a substance which she believed to be poision, but which in fact was harmless. What offence if any she has committed in this case? (09/II/2b/30)
  24. Defence of ‘Volenti-non-fit injuria’ is not available when the rescuer is injured in an act of rescuing” Discuss.  (10/II/1c/20)
  25. “It would be wrong to perceive nudity and sex as essentially obscene, indecent or immoral. Sex and obscenity are not always synonymous.” In the light of the above statement elaborate the position of obscenity as an offence in India. (11/II/3a/30)
  26. The natural calamity in Uttrakhand left hundreds dead. Some people were seen removing gold ornaments, watches and other valuables from these dead bodies. Few days later, police apprehended them and wanted to prosecute them. Under which provision of the Indian Penal Code can they be prosecuted? Discuss (13/II/2b/25)
  27. “Assault is an act of the defendant which causes to the plaintiff reasonable apprehension of the infliction of a battery on him by the defendant.” Comment and distinguish between assault and battery. (13/II/3a/20)

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UPSC Mains Law Paper Topic : Offences against Public Franquilty

UPSC Mains Law Paper Topic : Offences against Public Franquilty

  1. Examine that statement that would be lawful in one may become unlawful when done by more than one acting in combination. (93/II/5d/20)
  2. Can less than five persons be charged, tried and convicted for the offence of unlawful assembly? (93/II/5a/20)
  3. Critically examine the statement with reasons and examples - The offence of riot is not committed unless all the five elements are present. (02/II/ Id/ 20)

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UPSC Mains Law Paper Topic : Offences against the State

UPSC Mains Law Paper Topic : Offences against the State

  1. “The constitutional validity of Section 124A of Indian Penal Code was questioned in Kedar Nath Singh on the ground of the provision of the section being in violation of freedom of speech and expression.” Briefly discuss the contentions and give reasons for or against the decision in the said case. (04/II/1a/20)
  2. “Merely doing certain acts that would bring the Government established by law into hatred or contempt is not the decisive ingredient of Sedition.” Discuss. Also state the view of Law  Commission of India about reforms of this provision. (11/II/2a/30)

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(The Gist of PIB) Statistics Day


(The Gist of PIB) Statistics Day

 [July-2020]

Statistics Day

  • Statistics Day of India is being celebrated on June 29, 2020 on the birth anniversary of Prof. P C Mahalanobis. This year’s Theme is “SDG- 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) & SDG- 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls)”.

Contribution of PC Mahalanobis to Statistics:

  • PC Mahalanobis (1893 –1972) was an Indian scientist and applied statistician. He is referred to as the chief architect of Indian statistical system as well as father of statistical science in India.
  • He established the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931 in Kolkata. The institute founded the journal Sankhya, along the lines of Karl Pearson’s Biometrika. In 1959 it was made an autonomous body of Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation.
  • Post-independence, he helped in the establishment of Central Statistical Organisation (CSO), the National Sample Survey (NSS) and the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI).
  • His most important contributions are related to Large-Scale Sample Surveys. He introduced three key concepts to the theory and practice of sample surveys which are: Pilot surveys, Optimum survey design and Inter Penetrating Network of sub-samples technique (IPNS)
  • He also advocated the usefulness of sampling methods. He was elected Chairman of the United Nations Sub-Commission on Statistical Sampling in 1947, and held this post until 1951.
  • In 1936 he introduced a statistical measure named the Mahalanobis distance. It is widely used in cluster analysis and classification techniques.
  • In 1926, he analysed 60 years’ data related to floods in Orissa, which led to the construction, after three decades, of the Hirakud dam on the Mahanadi.
  • He was one of the members of the first Planning commission of free India. The Mahalanobis model, was employed in the Second Five Year Plan, which worked towards the rapid industrialisation of India.

National Award in Official Statistics:

  • In 2019, the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) instituted a new award, namely, the Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis National Award in Official statistics for recognizing outstanding achievement of official statisticians in Central Government, State Governments and Institutions.
  • The award will be given on Statistics Day.

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(The Gist of PIB) Shagun


    (The Gist of PIB) Shagun
[SEPTEMBER-2019]


Shagun

  • Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Shri Ramesh launched an Integrated Online junction for School Education ‘Shagun’. 

About: 

  • School Education Shagun (URL: htpp://shagun.govt.in/) is an over-arching initiative to improve school education system.
  • This will be achieved by creating a junction for all portals/websites relating to various activities of the Department of School Education and Literacy in the Government of India and States/UTs.
  • Websites of 1200 Kendriya Vidyalayas, 600 Navodaya Vidyalayas, 18000 other CBSE affiliated schools, 30 SCERTs, 19000 organisations affiliated with NTCE among others are integrated with Shagun.
  • Report cards of 15 lakh schools all over the country will be available on the newly created junction. The website also provides vital information relating to availability of nearby schools. Common people can directly give their feedback about schools.
  • The portal seeks to connect approximately 92 lakh teachers and 26 crore students.

Key focus areas: 

  • Reinforcing and cleaning the data of the Integrated Online Junction through feedback from Stakeholders
  • Ensuring full interoperability among the websites, portals and applications which are already hosted in the junction.
  • Creating high quality e-contents, including quizzes and puzzles to enhance learning and also for teachers in aiding classroom transactions
  • Using artificial intelligence and deep machine learning in a variety of ways to enhance the quality of school education including for designing evidence based inventions.
     

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(The Gist of PIB) CURTAIN RAISER: EX TSENTR 2019


    (The Gist of PIB) CURTAIN RAISER: EX TSENTR 2019
[SEPTEMBER-2019]


CURTAIN RAISER: EX TSENTR 2019

  • Exercise TSENTR 2019 is part of the annual series of large scale exercises that form part of the Russian Armed Forces’ annual training cycle. 

About 

  • The series rotates through the four main Russian operational strategic commands. Russia holds a major military exercise every year at one of it’s four military Commands i.e Vostok (East), Zapad (West), TSENTR (Centre) and Kavkas (South). 
  • This year the exercise is planned between 09 September to 23 September 19 at Donguz training ranges, Orenburg, Russia. 
  • These annual exercises have slowly began taking an international character, with Belarus participating in ZAPAD-2017 and China and Mongolia participating in VOSTOK-2018. 
  • This year, invitations for participation have been extended to nine other countries.

Key highlights 

  • This year’s Exercise TSENTR 2019 will be conducted by the Central Military Commission of Russia. Apart from host Russia, military contingents from China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan will also take part in this mega event. 
  • The exercise aims at evolving drills of the participating armies and practicing them in the fight against the scourge of international terrorism thereby ensuring military security in the strategic central Asian region. 
  • The TSENTR-2019 strategic measures will focus on evaluating the level of troop preparedness, the acquisition of the required skills and raising the level of inter- operability and demonstrate the readiness of the participating armies. 
  • The exercise TSENTR 2019 will comprise two modules. 
  • The first module will include counter- terror operations, repelling air strikes, reconnaissance operations and defensive measures, while the the second will focus on offensive operations.

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(The Gist of PIB) Craniopagus Surgery


    (The Gist of PIB) Craniopagus Surgery
[SEPTEMBER-2019]


Craniopagus Surgery

  • India’s only successfully separated craniopagus twins from Odisha Jagga and Balia were discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), two years after they were admitted, operated and started on rehabilitation at the hospital. 

About: 

  • The toddlers were born with fused brain and skull, a condition known as craniopagus.
  • Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said that this is the rarest of the rare surgery and it can be called ‘AIIMS Delhi Jagga and Balia craniopagus surgery’. 
  • He said this was the first successful craniopagus conjoined twin separation surgery from India wherein both the children had survived. Worldwide only 10-15 children have survived after surgical separation of this condition in the last 50 years. 

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