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  • 10 July 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    [pib] 17th World Sanskrit Conference in Vancouver, Canada

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-17th-world-sanskrit-conference-in-vancouver-canada/

    A big event to glorify the culture of India. Note the details and previous versions of the conference. Can be asked in Prelims.

    [pib] Government declares 6 educational ‘Institutions of Eminence’

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-government-declares-6-educational-institutions-of-eminence/

    No Indian university features in the top ranking of educational institutes globally. Steps are being taken to improve this situation. Note details of the proposed scheme. Can be asked in Pre as well as Mains.

    [op-ed snap] Rich farmers will gain the most from MSP hikes

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-rich-farmers-will-gain-the-most-from-msp-hikes/

    Editorial discusses the actual impact of MSP hike and how it will not benefit small farmers. Note points discussed and use them in Mains answers.

    Low Relevance News

    Ramayana Express from November 14

    Starting November, the Indian Railways will start a special train, ‘Shri Ramayana Express’, which will cover important destinations related to the epic in a 16-day journey. The tour will be spread across India as well as Sri Lanka

    Nothing important in the news from UPSC perspective apart from above info.

    Nepal returns ‘dancing bear’ to India

    The sloth bear, which was smuggled into Nepal in December 2017 for use as a ‘dancing bear’, is being sent back to India

    Only important info:  Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) are found only in the Indian subcontinent.

    Nothing else is important in news

    Govt. Poster for easy recall

     

  • [Prelims Spotlight] World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Forest Carbon Partnership Facility(FCPF)

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)

    Objective : To encourage creative activity, to promote the protection of intellectual property throughout the world

    Members : 186 of the UN member states as well as the Cook Islands, Holy See and Niue are members of WIPO

    Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland

    Year Founded : 1967

     

    Name : Forest Carbon Partnership Facility(FCPF)

    Objective : 4 objectives To assist countries in their REDD+ efforts by providing them with financial and technical assistance in building their capacity to benefit from possible future systems of positive incentives for REDD+. To pilot a performance-based payment system for REDD+ activities, with a view to ensuring equitable benefit sharing and promoting future large-scale positive incentives for REDD+. Within the approach to REDD+, to test ways to sustain or enhance livelihoods of local communities and to conserve biodiversity. To disseminate broadly the knowledge gained in the development of the Facility and the implementation of Readiness Preparation Proposals (RPPs) and Emission Reductions Programs (ERPs).

     

  • 09 July 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    Fish samples in Chennai test positive for formalin

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/fish-samples-in-chennai-test-positive-for-formalin/

    Bioaccumulation is a phenomenon that has seen a rise in recent years. Read about formalin and also about bioaccumulation from environment notes/books. Can be asked in Prelims

    [op-ed snap] MSP Hike is a big blunder. Farmers are producers not objects of charity

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-msp-hike-is-a-big-blunder-farmers-are-producers-not-objects-of-charity/

    Very good editorial highlighting actual cause behind depressed prices of agricultural goods. Points can be quoted in related Mains answers.

    Centre plans stronger defenses for key data

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/centre-plans-stronger-defenses-for-key-data/

    Centre has been focussing on data privacy in the recent past after the right to privacy verdict. Read about the new policy.

    Trees offer multiple benefits — don’t kill them, breed them

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/trees-offer-multiple-benefits-dont-kill-them-breed-them/

    Read about value estimates of a tree and what is the impact of tree felling on the environment. Can be quoted in Mains.

    Low Relevance News

    Govt. to allow spouses of Indian nationals to convert visa category even if married abroad

    Spouses of the Indian nationals getting married abroad will no longer have to face difficulties in converting their tourist visa to dependent visa as the government plans to change existing rules

    The only important detail in news: As per the visa manual, a tourist visa can be converted to X2 visa only when the marriage takes place in India and gets registered within the validity of the present tourist visa

    â‚č29.41 cr. spent on ferrying new notes post-demonetisation

    Over â‚č29.41 crore was spent on using the Indian Air Force’s ultra-modern transport aircraft — the C-17 and the C-130J Super Hercules — to ferry the new â‚č2,000 and â‚č500 currency notes post-demonetisation

    No important detail from UPSC perspective

    Govt. Poster for easy recall

     

  • [Prelims Spotlight] Formalin, National Testing Agency, Mission Madhumeha

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news- Fish samples in Chennai test positive for formalin

    Formalin

    1. Formalin is 30-45% aqueous solution of Formaldehyde with water.
    2. Formaldehyde is a simple chemical compound made of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon.
    3. All life forms – bacteria, plants, fish, animals and humans – naturally produce formaldehyde as part of cell metabolism.
    4. Formaldehyde is perhaps best known for its preservative and anti-bacterial properties, but formaldehyde-based chemistry is used to make a wide range of value-added products.
    5. Formalin causes irritation in the eyes, throat, skin and stomach. In the long run, continued exposure causes harm to the kidneys, liver and can even cause cancers.
    6. In the fishing industry, formalin or formaldehyde is sprayed on the fish or injected into the fish or the fish is dipped into the solution. This helps keep the fish fresh for a longer time.

    B2B #2: From news- National Testing Agency to conduct NET, NEET, JEE (Mains) exams

    National Testing Agency

    1. It is a agency which will conduct examinations for higher and secondary education
    2. Its main purpose is to bring reforms in the education system
    3. Establishment of NTA will free CBSE, AICTE and other agencies from conducting various exams and enable them to focus on their core areas and work on improving the quality of education
    4. Initially, the CBSE staff will be deployed in this department and but later on the specialised people will be hired in the NTA

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name of the scheme : Mission Madhumeha

    Objectives : Effective management of Diabetes through Ayurveda.

    Salient Features : 1. It was Launched on National Ayurvedic Day .

    2.The Mission will be implemented throughout the country through a specially designed National Treatment Protocol.

    3.The guidelines in the protocol will be sent to various state governments, which will further circulate them across various medical institutions.

    4.The Madhumeha Assessment Tool (MAT) based on Ayurvedic philosophy has also been developed for the self-assessment of the people with regards to possibilities of diabetes.

    5. The government is set to launch a mobile app which will suggest Ayurvedic medicines for diabetic patients.

    6.The app will be meant for use by both practitioners of Ayurveda as well patients.

    7.It will help in identifying the type of diabetes a patient is suffering from as well as recommend which Ayurvedic medicines can be administered to a patient.

    8.The app is based on a set of guidelines issued by AYUSH.

    Nodal Ministry : Ministry of AYUSH

  • 07 July 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    India to control Mattala Airport in Hambantota

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-to-control-mattala-airport-in-hambantota/

    Indian move to counter Chinese encroachment in Sri Lanka. Note the name of the port and places nearby. Can be asked in Prelims.

    Supreme Court upholds Chief Justice of India as ‘Master of Roster’

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/supreme-court-upholds-chief-justice-of-india-as-master-of-roster/

    After the 4 judges of SC shown anger towards the functioning of the collegium system and other processes in SC, it had become quite necessary to fix the hole in the ship.

    The judgment comes with regard to this and clears doubts regarding the regular functioning of SC

    Govt. deploys 800 IAS officers for village outreach

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/govt-deploys-800-ias-officers-for-village-outreach/

    Although there have been talks of cooperative federalism to increase compatibility between centre and states, this move can be a prime example of centralized tendency of administration.

    Points can be quoted in Mains & Essay.

    Ayushman Bharat: Hub-and-spoke model to help train health workers

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/ayushman-bharat-hub-and-spoke-model-to-help-train-health-workers/

    Read and make notes about the ECHO model as being a unique approach to solving manpower issue in the healthcare system.

    Low Relevance News

    SC defers plea on use of govt. land

    The Supreme Court has referred to a larger bench the question of whether religious activities can be allowed on government land or property in a secular State

    Nothing important from exam perspective until a final verdict is announced

    Supreme Court judge defends verdict on SC/ST Act

    Supreme Court judge, Justice A.K. Goel, in his farewell speech justified his controversial March 20 verdict which overrode the written law to grant anticipatory bail to those accused of Dalit atrocities

    No important points for exam in the news

    Govt. Poster for easy recall

  • [Prelims Spotlight] Minmata Convention

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : Minmata Convention

    Brief Intro : The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions

    Objective : To protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury.

    Type : Conventions

    Category : E&B

    Year : 2013

    Importance (wr. Prelims) : High

    Place : Minmata

    Key Terms/ Institutions spinoffs : 1.Under the provisions of the Minamata Convention, developed under United Nations sponsorship, governments have agreed on a range of mercury-containing products whose production, import and export will be banned by 2020. 2.It also seeks to decrease the discharge of mercury into the air, water and land, to promote proper storage and disposal of mercury, as well as reduce the use and discharge of mercury in the process of gold mining in developing countries. 3.The pact, which is expected to take effect in 2016 at the earliest, also calls for a ban by 2018 on the use of mercury to produce acetaldehyde, which was the cause of Minamata disease. 4.It will also provide financial aid through a fund to developing countries to assist their efforts to cut mercury emissions, but does not refer to issues such as compensation for victims and who should be obliged to restore mercury-contaminated environments.

  • 06 July 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    [pib] ICAT releases First BS-VI engine certificate

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-icat-releases-first-bs-vi-engine-certificate/

    Read about ICAT & BS Norms. High probability of appearing in Prelims/Mains seeing the rise in air pollution levels and no solution in sight currently

    HEFA to allot â‚č1 lakh crore for education

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/hefa-to-allot-%e2%82%b91-lakh-crore-for-education/

    Read the news and note micro details such as where can funding be used and what all institutions come under the agency. A twisted statement can be framed in Prelims.

    ISRO’s first ‘pad abort’ test, critical for future human space mission, successful

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/isros-first-pad-abort-test-critical-for-future-human-space-mission-successful/

    Another feather in cap for ISRO. Note details about the technology and where will it be useful. Factual questions related to ISRO missions are frequently being asked in Prelims.

    Uttarakhand HC declares animals to be ‘legal persons’

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/uttarakhand-hc-declares-animals-to-be-legal-persons/

    After rivers being declared as legal persons, animals are also under the same protection.

    A historic judgment that will have a far-reaching impact on the conservation status of animals

    Note important points to quote in Mains answers as well as Essay.

    Low Relevance News

    SC seeks plan to eradicate leprosy

    The Supreme Court has directed the government to constitute a separate wing devoted to create and extend public awareness that leprosy is curable and not contagious

    Nothing very important from exam perspective. The government has implemented some measures to eradicate leprosy discrimination

    India to take back helicopters gifted to Maldives

    India-Maldives ties have been soaring in recent times due to China’s intervention in Maldives domestic politics.

    Nothing important in news from exam perspective

    Govt. Poster for easy recall

  • [Prelims Spotlight] Poverty, Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA), Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Rajukas

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news- [op-ed snap] Is India winning the battle against extreme poverty?

    Definitions of Poverty

    Read more about the Poverty Line in India in this blog

    Poverty Lines in India: Estimations and Committees

    B2B #2: From news- HEFA to allot â‚č1 lakh crore for education

    Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA)

    1. It will be formed as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) within a PSU Bank or the Government-owned-NBFC (Promoter).
    2. HEFA will have an authorized capital of 2,000 crore rupees and the government equity would be 1,000 crore rupees.
    3. The HEFA will also mobilize CSR funds from Corporates/PSUs which will, in turn, be released for promoting research and innovation in these institutions on grant basis.
    4. The principal portion of the loan will be repaid through the ‘internal accruals’ of the institutions earned through the fee receipts, research earnings etc.
    5. All the Centrally Funded Higher Educational Institutions will be eligible to join as members of the HEFA.
    6. For joining as members, the educational institution must agree to escrow a specific amount from their internal accruals for a period of 10 years to the HEFA.

    B2B #3: From news- Uttarakhand HC declares animals to be ‘legal persons’

    Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

    1. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted in 1960 to prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals and to amend the laws relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals.
    2. The Act further recognizes slaughter for food. Section 11 of the Act does not categorize slaughter of animals for food as cruelty.
    3. It makes a specific exemption for “destruction of any animal as food for mankind unless such destruction or preparation was accompanied by the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering.
    4. As per the provisions of the law, the government of India formed the Animal Welfare Board of India.

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Key words related to History : Rajukas

    Dynasty/era : Mauryan period

    Meaning : The pllar Edict IV refers to the rajukas as officers “set over many hundred thousand of people and charged with the duty of promoting the welfare of the janapadas.Rajukas performed judicial duties.

  • 05 July 2018 | High Relevance vs Low Relevance News , Govt. Posters for easy recall

    Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

    We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

    Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

    Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

    Click on news headlines to read the full news

    High relevance news

    [pib] Cabinet approves accession to WIPO Copyright Treaty, 1996 and WIPO Performance and Phonograms Treaty, 1996

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-cabinet-approves-accession-to-wipo-copyright-treaty-1996-and-wipo-performance-and-phonograms-treaty-1996/

    Two very important treaties concerned with IPR protection. Note all details. Very very important for this year Mains as well as next year Prelims. Also read about WIPO

    [pib] Cabinet approves DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-cabinet-approves-dna-technology-use-and-application-regulation-bill-2018/

    Amongst all concerns of the right to privacy, the government has gone ahead with DNA profiling bill.

    Note how it will help in finding missing persons as well as reducing crimes.

    Can be quoted in Mains answers.

    [pib] Three lakh CSC VLEs to be engaged as Banking Correspondents

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-three-lakh-csc-vles-to-be-engaged-as-banking-correspondents/

    Digital India is helping to take various services to remote areas of India. Note the details of DigiGaon as these types of schemes are being asked in Prelims.

    Thanjavur Paintings

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/thanjavur-paintings/

    Art and Culture News! No need to highlight its importance. Note down all points related to Thanjavur Paintings.

    Low Relevance News

    India braces for more U.S. pressure on Iran sanctions

    The Government of India is bracing for more “pressure“ from the U.S. on Iran sanctions in the coming weeks but hopes that there may be an exception made for its dealings on the Chabahar port

    Nothing important in news from UPSC perspective

    Centre asks Malaysia to extradite Zakir Naik

    The Centre said that it had made a formal request to Malaysia in January for the extradition of the controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik

    No important points from exam perspective

    Govt. Poster for easy recall

  • [Prelims Spotlight] Copyright Act, 1957, DNA Profiling Technology, Cartosat-2 series

    Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

    B2B #1: From news- [pib] Cabinet approves accession to WIPO Copyright Treaty, 1996 and WIPO Performance and Phonograms Treaty, 1996

    Copyright Act, 1957

    1. The Copyright Act 1957(wef 21 January 1958) (as amended by the Copyright Amendment Act 2012) governs the subject of copyright law in India.
    2. The Copyright Act 1957 was the first post-independence copyright legislation in India and the law has been amended six times since 1957.
    3. The most recent amendment was in the year 2012, through the Copyright (Amendment) Act 2012.
    4. The history of copyright law in India can be traced back to its colonial era under the British Empire.
    5. India is a member of most of the important international conventions governing the area of copyright law, including
    • the Berne Convention of 1886 (as modified at Paris in 1971),
    • the Universal Copyright Convention of 1951,
    • the Rome Convention of 1961 and
    • the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)

    India accessed as a member of the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) in July, 2018.

    WIPO Copyright Treaty

    1. It is a Special agreement under Berne Convention (for protection of literary and artistic works).
    2. It came in force on March 6, 2002 and has been adopted by 96 contracting parties till date.
    3. It has provisions to extend the protection of copyrights contained therein to the digital environment.
    4. Further it recognises the rights specific to digital environment, of making work available, to address “on-demand” and other interactive modes of access.

    WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty

    1. It came in force on May 20, 2002 and has 96 contracting parties as its members.
    2. WPPT deals with rights of two kinds of beneficiaries, particularly in digital environment –
    • Performers (actors, singers, musicians etc.)
    • Producers of Phonograms (Sound recordings).

    The treaty empowers right owners in the negotiations with new digital platforms and distributors.

    It recognizes moral rights of the performers for the first time & provides exclusive economic rights to them.

    B2B #2: From news- [pib] Cabinet approves DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018

    DNA profiling technology

    1. DNA fingerprinting or DNA profiling is a method of isolating and identifying variable elements within the base-pair sequence of DNA.
    2. DNA fingerprinting technology is utilized by police all over the world for fool-proof identification of criminals who leave their traces at the crime scene while committing the crime.
    3. The technology plays a crucial role in solving crimes as it has potential to link a series of crimes by placing the suspects by linking them with the crime scene.

    Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

    Name : Cartosat-2 series

    Details : The launch marks the roll out of the 100th satellite by ISRO. 30 other satellites – 28 foreign and 2 Indian. 2nd time that ISRO has been able to place satellites in 2 different orbits This was done through the “multiple burn technology” under which the rocket’s engine is switched off and then switched on to control its height.

    Launch Vehicle : PSLV C40