Chahal Academy - Best IAS Coaching in Patna

1. 25 September 2020: Daily Current Affairs for UPSC Exam General Studies-I Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society Topic: Important Personality 1)Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya In News India remembering Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya on his 104th birth anniversary. + Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya  Deendayal Upadhyaya (25 September 1916 – 11 February 1968) was an Indian politician and thinker of right-wing Hindutva ideology espoused by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and leader of the political party Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), the forerunner of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Upadhyaya was born in 1916 in the village of Nagla Chandraban, now called Deendayal Dham, near the town of Farah in Mathura District, 26 km from Mathura. 

2.  His father, Bhagwati Prasad Upadhyaya, was an astrologer and his mother, Rampyari Upadhyaya, was a homemaker and observant Hindu. The Maharaja of Sikar gave him a Gold medal, Rs 250 to buy books and a monthly scholarship of Rs 10 and sit his Intermediate in Pilani, Rajasthan. He took a BA degree at the Sanatan Dharma College, Kanpur. He started full-time work in the RSS from 1942. Upadhyaya started the monthly Rashtra Dharma publication from Lucknow in the 1940s, using it to spread Hindutva ideology. Later he started the weekly Panchjanya and the daily Swadesh. In 1951, when Syama Prasad Mookerjee founded the BJS, Deendayal was seconded to the party by the RSS, tasked with moulding it into a genuine member of the Sangh Parivar. Upadhyaya edited Panchjanya (weekly) and Swadesh (daily) from Lucknow. In Hindi, he wrote a drama on Chandragupta Maurya, and later wrote a biography of Shankaracharya. He translated a Marathi biography of Hedgewar. Integral humanism was a set of concepts drafted by Upadhyaya as political program and adopted in 1965 as the official doctrine of the Jan Sangh. Upadhyaya borrowed the Gandhian principles such as sarvodaya (progress of all), swadeshi (Indianisation), and Gram Swaraj (village self-rule) and these principles were appropriated selectively to give more importance to cultural-national values. In the evening of 10 February 1968, at Lucknow he boarded the Sealdah Express for Patna. The train reached Mughalsarai at about 2:10 am but Upadhyaya was not on it. His body was found near Mughalsarai Junction railway station in Uttar Pradesh.            Source:News on Air Topic: Awards 2)Yamin Hazarika award In News Historian-author has been conferred an award instituted in memory of Yamin Hazarika, the first woman from the Northeast to join the central police service.  Safvi, has published several books on culture, history, and monuments of India, was chosen for her "contribution to the syncretic culture of India".

4. About Rana Safvi  Hailing from Assam, Hazarika was selected for the NCT of Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli Police service (DANIPS) in 1977. In the crucial period after the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Hazarika was in-charge of three key police stations. But her life was tragically cut short by destiny as she succumbed to cancer at the age of 43 in 1999. Yamin fought against atrocities on women in the law and order sector at a time when women’s right weren’t talked about much. Rana Safvi is a historian with a deep love for verse and a passion for the culture and heritage of the Indian subcontinent. She runs a popular blog, 'Hazrat e Dilli', which talks about Delhi's culture, food, heritage and age-old traditions.      Yamin Hazarika Award  The award is given every year by a collective of women professionals since 2015.  Previous winners are author Indrani Raimedhi, athlete Tayabun Nisha, actor Moloya Goswami, environmental activist Purnima Devi Barman and social activist Hasina Kharbhih. The award recognizes and celebrates women who have made a notable contribution to the greater good of society.  Source: Times Of India General Studies-II Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations

5. Topic: Social Issues 3)CAG report on toilets in schools In News An audit survey report by CAG on the construction of toilets in schools by CPSEs (Central public sector enterprises) under Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan (SVA) was tabled in Parliament.  53 CPSEs participated in SVA out of which, seven CPSEs (PFC, REC, PGCIL, NTPC, NHPC, ONGC and CIL), which constructed about 1.3 lakh toilets. The audit focused on these toilets and “conducted physical survey of a sample of 2,695 toilets across 2,048 schools in 15 States”. . . . . . . . Power Finance Corporation Ltd. Rural Electrification Corporation Limited. Power Grid Corporation of India. National Thermal Power Corporation Limited. National Hydroelectric Power Corporation. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation. Coal India Limited.

6. Key Highlights  The audit report graded toilets from 5 star to 1 star based on metrics set by the MHRD. Of the total constructed toilets, 30 per cent (691) of them were not in use, 72 per cent did not have running water, 55 per cent did not have hand washing facilities, and 30 per cent had no soap or disinfectants.   On August 15, 2020, Prime Minister announced for the construction of separate toilets for boys and girls in schools within a year and called upon the corporate sector to give priority to this national endeavour as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility. To achieve the objective, Ministry of Human Resources Development launched (September 1, 2014) Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan. 

7.  200 toilets were not found constructed and 86 toilets were found to be partially constructed. Out of 1,967 coeducational schools surveyed by Audit, 99 had no functional toilets while 436 had only one functional toilet. The objective of providing separate toilets for boys and girls was not fulfilled in these 535 cases (27 per cent). Of the 1,119 toilets by Coal India Limited in the audit, 14 per cent were found unbuilt or partially constructed in Odisha, MP, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, while the 17 per cent of the 564 toilets built by NTPC were either non-existent or partially constructed in Bihar, West Bengal, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. Hand washing facility was not available in 1,279 (55 per cent) out of 2,326 constructed toilets. There were also cases of defective construction of toilets, non-provision of foundation/ramp/staircase and damaged/overflowed leach pit etc. 75 per cent of selected toilets were not maintained hygienically. Cases of non-provision of soap, bucket, cleaning agents and disinfectants in toilets and inadequate cleanliness of pathway were also noticed.       Recommendation  The CAG recommended the concerned ministries to look into the issue of non-existing and incomplete toilets that were claimed as constructed. Report also asked the Navratanas and the ministries to address absence of basic amenities in the toilets like running water, hand wash facility, urinals, drainage of waste water, etc.  Importance of Toilets  Separate toilets for boys and girls have been suggested under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 (RTE Act) norms. The provision of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in school secures a healthy school environment and protects children from illness and exclusion. Lack of toilets for girls, is a reason for dropouts. A school latrine generally increased female enrolment more than male enrolment.   Way forward Regular monitoring is essential for the success of such a programme related to basic facilities. Source: The Hindu, Indian Express

8. Topic: IR 4)Informal Meeting of SAARC Council of Ministers In News The External Affairs Minister, participated in the virtual meeting of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The meeting is chaired by Nepal.  India highlighted the three key challanges, cross-border terrorism, obstruction in trade, and blocking of connectivity, that SAARC must overcome. Key Highlights  The external Affairs Minister, during the meet, reaffirmed India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and towards building an integrated, connected, and prosperous South Asia. The Minister emphasized India’s extended USD 150 million support to the Maldives, currency swap support of RS 400 million to Sri Lanka, and USD 200 million to Bhutan during the course of 2020. Increased collaboration against the COVID-19 pandemic, trade, and connectivity was also discussed in the meet.   South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation  SAARC is the regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of states in South Asia.

9.  Its member states are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Nine observers—Australia, China, Japan, European Union, Republic of Korea, Mauritius, Myanmar, United States, Iran. The SAARC was founded in Dhaka on 8 December 1985. Its secretariat is based in Kathmandu, Nepal. The organization promotes development of economic and regional integration. It launched the South Asian Free Trade Area in 2006. The SAARC maintains permanent diplomatic relations at the United Nations as an observer and has developed links with multilateral entities, including the European Union.      Objectives  Promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and improve their quality of life  Accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region by providing all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and realise their full potential Promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia Contribute to mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one another’s problems Promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural, technical and scientific fields Strengthen co-operation with other developing countries Strengthen co-operation among themselves in international forms on matters of common interest; and Cooperate with international and regional organisation with similar aims and purposes.       Areas of Cooperation The Member States agreed on the following areas of cooperation:              Agriculture and rural development Education and culture Biotechnology Economic, trade and finance Energy Environment Tourism Science and Technology Information, Communication and Media Poverty alleviation Security aspects People-to-People Contacts Funding mechanism

10.  Social development SAARC and its Importance  SAARC comprises 3% of the world's area, 21% of the world's population and 3.8% (US$2.9 trillion) of the global economy. It is the world’s most densely populated region and one of the most fertile areas. SAARC countries have common tradition, dress, food and culture and political aspects thereby synergizing their actions. All the SAARC countries have common problems and issues like poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, natural disasters, internal conflicts, industrial and technological backwardness, low GDP and poor socio-economic condition and uplift their living standards thereby creating common areas of development and progress having common solutions.    Importance for India  Can counter China (OBOR initiative) through engaging Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka in development process and economic cooperation. SAARC can help in creation of mutual trust and peace within the region. Game changer for India’s Act East Policy by linking South Asian economies with South East Asian will bring further economic integration and prosperity to India mainly in the Services Sector.   Source: New Indian Express Topic: Government scheme/ policies, Social Welfare 5)'Saubhagya' scheme In News Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana -“Saubhagya” has completed three years since its inception.  The scheme was launched on the 25th of September, 2017 to ensure electrification of all willing households in the country in rural as well as urban areas.

11. Aim To achieve universal household electrification by providing last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all households in rural areas and all poor households in urban areas across the country. About Scheme  The households identified via the Socio-economic and Caste Census (SECC) of 2011 will be eligible for free electricity connections, while others will be charged Rs. 500. The beneficiary household will get One LED lights, one DC power plug. It also includes the Repair and Maintenance of Meter Only (R&M) for 5 years. 

12. Source: News On Air General Studies-III Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management Topic: Defence & Technology 6)Prithvi II missile In News India conducted a successful night testfire of its indigenously developed nuclear-capable surface-to-surface Prithvi-II missile as part of a user trial by the Army from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha. Prithvi missile   Prithvi is a tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM). It is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). The Integrated Guided Missile Development (IGMD) Program was launched in 1983 to achieve self-sufficiency in the development and production of wide range of ballistic missiles, surface-to-air missiles etc. Prithvi was the first missile to be developed under the program. DRDO attempted to build a surface-to-air missile under Project Devil. Prithvi is a battlefield missile, which could carry a nuclear warhead in its role as a tactical nuclear weapon.     Types

13. The Prithvi missile project encompassed developing three variants for use by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. . Prithvi I (SS-150) – Army version (150 km (93 mi) range with a payload of 1,000 kg. Prithvi II (SS-250) – Air Force version (350 km (220 mi) range with a payload of 500 kg. Prithvi III (SS-350) – Naval version (350 km (220 mi) range with a payload of 1,000 kg. . . Prithvi I   It is a single-stage liquid-fueled surface-to-surface ballistic missile. It has a maximum warhead mounting capability of 1,000 kg, with a range of 150 km (93 mi). It can be launched from transporter erector launchers.  Prithvi II  Prithvi II is also a single-stage liquid-fueled missile having a maximum warhead mounting capability of 500 kg, but with an extended range of 250 km (160 mi). It was developed with the Indian Air Force being the primary user. This variant has been inducted into the army as well. In a test, the missile was launched with an extended range of 350 km and had improved navigation due to an inertial navigation system. The missile features measures to deceive anti-ballistic missiles.    Prithvi III   It is a two-stage surface-to-surface missile. The first stage is solid fueled with a 16 metric ton force (157 kN) thrust motor. The second stage is liquid-fueled. The missile can carry a 1,000 kg warhead to a distance of 350 km (220 mi) and a 500 kg warhead to a distance of 600 km (370 mi) and a 250 kg warhead up to a distance of 750 km (470 mi).  Dhanush  Dhanush is a variant of the surface-to-surface or ship-to-ship Prithvi III missile, which has been developed for the Indian Navy. It is capable of carrying both conventional as well as nuclear warheads with pay-load capacity of 500 kg-1000 kg and can strike targets in the range of 350 km. It is a customized version of the Prithvi and is certified for sea worthiness. Dhanush has to be launched from a hydraulically stabilized launch pad. Its low range acts against it and thus it is seen as a weapon either to be used to destroy an aircraft carrier or an enemy port.    

14. Source: Business Topic: Economics 7)Task forces to revive MSME sector In News The government has constituted five ministerial task forces to make India's micro, small and medium enterprises future-ready and formulate a concrete strategy towards making the country a leading exporter. Details These task forces would work for a month in five key areas where the industry of the country and particularly the MSME sector should head towards. . One of the five areas identified is Industry 4.0, including elements like artificial intelligence, 3D and virtual reality. This task force has been formed with the objective of making India a global leader in Industry 4.0. The second area is export promotion and import reduction, including how to focus in the key manufacturing areas, how to improve our quality standards, designs and technology, packaging. The objective is of making India a global manufacturing hub and a leading exporter in the world. The third is how to re-engineer horizontally and vertically our existing cluster schemes so that they are able to assist the grass-root and the micro-level enterprises as well as the high-end enterprises. The fourth task force will focus on how to integrate our technology centres. The fifth task force will explore interventions to align various modernisation schemes like ZED (zero defect and zero effect) and LEAN (for manufacturing competitiveness), as well as other schemes related to design, intellectual property rights and marketing scheme. . . . . Additional Information Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)

15.  MSME is the apex executive body for the formulation and administration of rules, regulations and laws relating to micro, small and medium enterprises in India. The Ministry of Small Scale Industries and Agro and Rural Industries was created in October 1999. In September 2001, the ministry was split into the Ministry of Small Scale Industries and the Ministry of Agro and Rural Industries. The ministry was tasked with the promotion of micro and small enterprises.   ZED Certification Scheme The scheme envisages promotion of Zero Defect and Zero Effect (ZED) manufacturing amongst MSMEs and ZED Assessment for their certification so as to:   Develop an Ecosystem for Zero Defect Manufacturing in MSMEs. Promote adaptation of Quality tools/systems and Energy Efficient manufacturing. Enable MSMEs for manufacturing of quality products. Encourage MSMEs to constantly upgrade their quality standards in products and processes. Drive manufacturing with adoption of Zero Defect production processes and without impacting the environment. Support ‘Make in India’ campaign. Develop professionals in the area of ZED manufacturing and certification.      Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Scheme  The main goal undertaken by Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Scheme is to improve the manufacturing productivity of the MSME sector. Its achieved by increasing the competitiveness among the clusters. Initially, the pilot phase of the scheme was implemented with 89 units. A three-level structure has been undertaken in the scheme   . . . Mini cluster National Monitoring and Implementing Unit Screening and Steering Committee

16. Source: Business Topic: Government Scheme/ Policies 8)FAME India scheme In News The Department of Heavy Industries has extended the validity of the certificates for availing benefits under the FAME-II scheme for all approved electric vehicle models (e-2W, e-3W, e-4W) by three months till December 31.  The government in March last year notified the second phase of the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) India scheme. The scheme covers buses with EV technology; electric, plug-in hybrid and strong hybrid four-wheelers; electric three-wheelers, including e-rickshaws, and electric two-wheelers.  Highlights  Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has also announced sanctioning of 670 Electric buses in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Chandigarh under Phase-2 of the FAME India scheme. He also announced sanctioning of 241 Charging Stations in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat and Port Blair under it. Maharashtra has been sanctioned 240 E-buses of which 100 E-buses each are for MSRTC’s Intercity and Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport and 40 E- buses are for BEST-Mumbai 100 electric buses have been sanctioned for Goa’s Kadamba Transport Corporation. 250 electric buses have been sanctioned for Gujarat of which 150 e-buses are for Surat Municipal Corporation and 100 e-buses for Rajkot Rajpath Limited. The government has also sanctioned 50 Charging Stations in Surat.      Phases of scheme   Phase I: started in 2015 and was completed on March 31st, 2019 Phase II: started from April 1st, 2019, will be completed by March 31st, 2022 The focus areas under the FAME

17.     Technology development Demand creation Pilot projects Charging infrastructure Key Features of FAME II  Give a push to electric vehicles (EVs) in public transport and seeks to encourage adoption of EVs by way of market creation and demand aggregation. The scheme envisages the holistic growth of EV industry, including providing for charging infrastructure, research and development of EV technologies and push towards greater indigenization. There is a provision for setting up of charging stations for electric vehicles in India. The government will offer incentives for electric buses, three-wheelers and four-wheelers to be used for commercial purposes. The plug-in hybrid vehicles and those with a sizeable lithium-ion battery and electric motor will also be included in the scheme and fiscal support offered depending on the size of the battery. FAME II will offer incentives to manufacturers, who invest in developing electric vehicles and its components, including lithium-ion batteries and electric motors. The centre has asked states to frame their EV policy and provide additional fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to manufacturers and buyers Only buses priced up to ₹2 crore, strong and plug-in hybrids under₹15 lakh, three-wheelers under ₹5 lakh and two-wheelers under ₹1.5 lakh will be eligible for incentives.        The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020  NEMMP is a National Mission document providing the vision and the roadmap for the faster adoption of electric vehicles and their manufacturing in the country. As part of the NEMMP 2020, Department of Heavy Industry formulated a Scheme viz. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme in the year 2015 to promote manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicle technology and to ensure sustainable growth of the same. The 1st Phase of FAME India Scheme was implemented through four focus areas namely (i) Demand Creation, (ii) Technology Platform, (iii) Pilot Project and (iv) Charging Infrastructure. Market creation through demand incentives was aimed at incentivizing all vehicle segments i.e. 2-Wheelers, 3-Wheelers Auto, Passenger 4-Wheeler vehicles, Light Commercial Vehicles and Buses.    Source:Business, News On Air

18. Topic: Defence 9)PASSEX In News The Indian Navy (IN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAV) are undertaking Passage Exercise or PASSEX exercises on September 23-24 in the East Indian Ocean Region (IOR).  This exercise being conducted in the East Indian Ocean Region, reflects the growing strength of Indo-Australian bilateral relations as comprehensive strategic partners, particularly in defence cooperation in the maritime domain. The exercise would involve participation of HMAS Hobart from the Australian side and Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Karmuk. An Indian MPA and helicopters from both sides would be participating in the exercise. The exercise, aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving understanding and imbibing best practices from each other, would involve advanced surface and anti-air exercises including weapon firings, seamanship exercises, naval manoeuvres and Cross Deck Flying Operations. PASSEXs are regularly conducted by Indian Navy with units of friendly foreign navies. The two navies have built a robust relationship through regular exercises such as AUSINDEX conducted biennially.      Source: India Today Topic: Economics 10)Technology Vision for Cyber Security’ for Urban Co-operative Banks – 2020-2023 In News The Reserve Bank of India released Cyber Security Vision Framework for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs).

19.  The Technology Vision Document aims at enhancing the cyber security posture of the Urban Co-operative banking sector against evolving IT and cyber threat environment. Details The Technology Vision Document for Cyber Security for UCBs envisages to achieve its objective through a five-pillared strategic approach GUARD, viz.      Governance Oversight Utile Technology Investment Appropriate Regulation and Supervision Robust Collaboration Developing necessary IT, cyber security skills set. The Technology Vision Document for Cyber Security for UCBs, with its 12 specific action points, aspires to:    Involve more Board Oversight over Cyber security Enable UCBs to better manage and secure their IT Assets Implement an offsite supervisory mechanism framework for UCBs on cyber security related controls Develop a forum for UCBs so that they can share best practices and discuss practical issues and challenges Implement framework for providing awareness/ training for all UCBs   Need of the hour  The cyber security landscape will continue to evolve with wider adoption of digital banking channels, thus necessitating the UCBs to manage the associated risks effectively. Active collaboration within UCBs and their stakeholders would be necessary for sharing and coordinating various measures taken on cyber security aspects. The implementation of the approach outlined in this Technology Vision document will strengthen the cyber resilience of the Urban Co-operative Banks.   Source: RBI Topic: Government Scheme

20. 11)Plastic Parks Scheme In News The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has recently approved to set up ten plastic parks in the country, out of which 6 parks have been given final approval.  The parks are being set up under the Plastic Park scheme that was launched in 2019. The plastic parks or to be set up in Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand.  About scheme Under the scheme, Central Government provides grant funding up to 50% of the project cost, the remaining project cost is to be funded by the State Government, beneficiary industries and by loan from financial institutions. Details of the 6 Plastic Parks are as under:  Madhya Pradesh: Plastic Park at Tamot has completed physical infrastructure and purchase of equipment for common facility centers (CFC) is in progress. One unit is functional in the Plastic Park. Madhya Pradesh: Plastic Park at Bilaua is at implementation stage and work of development of physical infrastructure is in progress. Odisha: Plastic Park at Paradeep is at implementation stage and work of development of physical infrastructure is almost completed. Jharkhand: Plastic Park at Deoghar is at implementation stage and work of development of physical infrastructure is in progress. Tamil Nadu: The work at Plastic Park at Thiruvallur has started recently and land filling on the site is in progress. Assam: Plastic Park at Tinsukia is at implementation stage and work of development of physical infrastructure is in progress.      The plastic Park scheme aims to increase the competitiveness and value addition in the plastic processing industry. This is to be achieved through research and development led measures. Source: PIB To know more please visit our website https://chahalacademy.com/ias-coaching/patna