November Month UPSC magazine in English Free PDF

2. Index: 8) Misuse of Kisan Credit Card 9) Rupay vs Mastercard Issue 10) 12 MSME Initiatives 11) ATM’s May Close Down 1 57 59 60 62 Topper’s Talk International Relations 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) Brexit Deal and Implications 11) U.K. – Spain Gibraltar Issue 12) The Moscow Format 13) FCTC Framework on Tobacco USA Grants Waiver on Iran’s Oil China Pakistan Bus Service East Asia and ASEAN Summit 2018 Bhutan Elections – India Relations India – Kosovo Controversy Asia Bibi Case of Pakistan Soft State – Sobriquet for India USA Birthright Citizenship Issue World’s First Blue Bond 7 8 9 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 Geography and Environment: 1) Koalas Face extinction in Australia 2) Living Planet Report 2018 by WWF 3) Glacial Lake Outburst Flood 4) Maharashtra Drought 2018 5) Australia Drought Impact 6) Rapid Ocean Warming 7) India’s Wildlife Crime Control 8) Ozone Layer Recovery 9) Stubble Burning in India 10) Green Crackers 11) Link between Life on Earth & its movement of continents 12) Earth’s Interior Is Dragging its Underground Water 13) Rise in Typhoons’ Frequency 14) Flamingoes Visit Hope Island 15) North Sentinel Island India 64 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 74 75 76 Science and Technology 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) HysIS Satellite ISRO and NASA Balck Hole INS Arihant –Nuclear Triad Martian Moon Phobos Antioxidants and Body Kepler Space Telescope ISRO GSAT – 29 Satellite 23 24 26 28 29 30 31 77 78 79 80 Polity 32 33 34 36 37 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) About the CBI Reforms CBI vs States Private Member Bill Maharashtra Electoral Reforms Kartarpur Corridor 81 Spice of the Month 1) Definition of the Month 2) Examples of the Month A. Polity B. Society Human Development C. Economy D. IR, Defense & Security E. Geography, Environment F. Science & Technology G. Ethics H. Data of the Month I. Quotes of the Month 82 82 82 83 84 86 86 88 88 89 90 Governance and Social Issues 38 39 41 42 44 45 46 47 49 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) Gurjarat Migrant Exodus Internal Migration in India Economic Conditions of Muslim Polio & Its Eradication Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria Combat Anti-Ageing Pneumonia-Diarrhea Progress Report Maratha Reservation Allied & Healthcare Profession Bill Economy 50 51 1) 2) Service Sector Boom India & Plights 3) Inland Waterways in India 4) Unsecured Loans in Banking Sector 5) RBI, Govt. wants 3.6 Lakh Crore 6) Section 7 of the RBI Act 7) Rising Prices of Pulse Ease of Doing Business-India Prelims Capsules 91 Mains Practice Questions 52 99 53 Solutions to the Prelims 100 54 55 56

3. TOPPER’S TALK INTRODUCTION Congratulations from the Study IQ Team for your exceptional achievement. We are ecstatic that your efforts have been rewarded in a grand way. • Let us kick start by asking when did you decide to prepare for India's toughest exam? While I was working with Samsung Research India in 2015, I felt the urge of joining Civil Services. It was then that I decided to prepare for the same. • Was it your childhood fascination and dream to be an officer? It was not exactly a childhood fascination, but I was indeed inclined towards government jobs since long. • How did you react when you saw your name in the toppers list? My Friend Prakash Chandra Shukla, me and my brother were together while we started searching for my name in the list. My reaction was one of disbelief in the beginning. The rank was way above what I had expected for myself. We shouted at the TOP of our voices. We hugged each other. We thanked God. And then the spate of never-ending calls began. • Could you tell us something about yourself, your background like your family, school, college, work, etc. I come from a middle-class family based in Saharsa, Bihar. I have done B.Tech in Computer About the strategy • How was your typical day while you were preparing for the exams? I would wake up at 8 am. Meditation was a part of my daily routine. I read the newspaper The Hindu regularly. Then I would devote the remaining time to General Studies and Mathematics Optional. A balance has to be maintained in studying GS and Optional. • What was your method and style of preparation? What was your methodology of preparing notes as note making is an extremely crucial step in preparation? Limited study material and more of revisions and mock tests was my style of preparation. I made short notes for the topics mentioned in the syllabus and revised them multiple times. I refrained from making notes of standard textbooks like Laxmikanth for Polity and Spectrum's book for Modern History etc. Science and Engineering from IIT BHU, Varanasi. I worked at Samsung R&D Bangalore as a Software Engineer from August 2015 till January 2016. After leaving Samsung, I started the Civil Services Preparation. Meanwhile, I qualified UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant 2016 with AIR 1. • What according to you makes civil services such a trending exam with the youth despite the proliferation of lucrative private sector jobs? Getting an identity early in life to build upon later was my motivation behind becoming a civil servant. I come from a middle-class family. I had limited aspirations to begin with. I was initially happy with the job of a Software Engineer in Samsung Research India, Bangalore. Though it was a well-paying job, there was a struggle for identity. We had 5k employees working in a building. I was one among them. I wanted things to get better and a little more challenging. I wanted things to be a lot more happening. I could not wait for 20 30 years to assume larger responsibility. I thought Civil Services is one career option that provides us the leverage of administering a district at a tender age of 25 which is unparalleled. That was the prime motivation for joining Civil Services. • We saw numerous candidates complain about the GS paper being tougher especially in the past two years, what do you suggest to the aspirants preparing for Prelim-2019? How should they prepare for the GS paper? First finish the standard text materials. Then cover the Current Affairs from 2 or more sources. For Prelims, solving more and more mock test papers holds the key. It is important to keep one's eyes and ears open. Surfing the net helps in increasing awareness. • Completing the paper on time especially the comprehension portion become a tough job for many aspirants this year, kindly provide some words of wisdom on tacking the speed and managing time to the aspirants. Practice more and more mock tests. Attempt the tests in exam like conditions. 1

4. • Mains I was confident with answer writing in terms of structure, language etc. I gave 8 Full length Tests. That’s all. I had Math’s optional. I strictly followed the timelines of Test Series. Bottom line: There is no rule of thumb with regards to number of Test Series. Some write less, some more. Just know your need and prepare accordingly. Do you think that the mock tests are necessary for success? Prelims In 2015 I did not solve Pre-test papers at all. I failed by 11 marks. In 2016 I solved only 4 or 5 test papers of Insights Test series. I failed Pre-by 7 marks. In 2017 I solved the entire papers of various Test Series. I cleared Prelims with a margin of 15 marks. Bottom Line: The more the better. Mains ● I did not enroll in any Essay Test Series. I just wrote 5–6 essays on my own, self-evaluated. Learnt some quotes. Read some topper's essays. ● Which two essays did you write during your exam? I wrote essays on: Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India. Fulfillment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth. ● How did you prepare for General Studies Paper 1, 2, 3 and 4? I covered the topics mentioned in the syllabus word by word. I made short notes for them, added current affairs elements from time to time. In all the subjects, revision is the key. ● Could you suggest the apt answer writing strategy for mains? Writing more number of answers at one go is key to building endurance. The focus should be on completing the set of 20 questions with reasonable content of decent quality. Always remember that there is nothing like an ideal answer. ● How did you prepare for the paper on essay? What do you think about the FIXED SPACE answer sheet? How was your experience with the fixed space answer sheet? There is always enough space for every answer. In engineering optional and Mathematics, there is indeed a risk of running out the fixed space in case of miscalculations, but it can be managed with sufficient practice. ● Do you suggest writing in bullets or in paragraphs? How questions which ask us to 'examine, discuss, comment, elucidate. It is advisable to write in bullets as it makes the life of examiner easy. I never tried to bother too much about the suggestive keywords. I always tried to answer both sides of an issue and a suitable conclusion. ● Do you think proper 'introduction- body and conclusion' format works better? Many students shared that due to the paucity of time they just penned down the points they could recollect rather than following the method. What would you advice to the aspirants? Yes. If one has time, a candidate MUST follow the intro, body and conclusion format. should we approach Mains Optional Subject ● ● What was your optional subject and why did you select the same? My optional subject was Mathematics. I had genuine interest and a background in the subject, hence I went with Math’s. ● What all factors an aspirant must consider while selecting for an optional? The factors to be considered include interest in the subject, background in graduation, length of the syllabus, time required for completion, guidance and resources available, and overlap with General Studies etc. Could you share the resource list for your optional? I used the Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMS) classes, study material and test series. I did not solve standard books. • Would you advise solving 10 years papers for the optional? Yes, it is advisable as it worked for me. • Can one simply rely on books and notes to prepare for this optional or do you also advice the aspirants to leverage the internet? 2

5. Optional Mathematics require the use of the internet. • How many months did you take to learn and finish the core optional syllabus? Mathematics optional is lengthy and requires a year of preparation. • Did you make self-notes for revision of the optional? If yes then in which format did you make the notes- electronic or handwritten? Yes, I prepared formulae sheets for every chapter and made notes of conceptual questions. • Did you draw diagram in any paper for instance in GS 1 Geography? Did you draw with dynamic syllabus unlike them with a pen or a pencil? Did you use a ruler to draw lines in the diagram? Yes, I made diagrams whenever it was suitable. I used pens to draw them. Ruler was not used by me anywhere. • Did you use highlighters or markers or sketch pens while scripting your answers? I simply underlined to highlight important parts of my answer. • Did you write the answers in blue or black pen? I used Blue Pilot V5 gel pen. Interview • I wore a navy blue suit, a sky blue shirt and a blue tie. • Who was the Chairman of your interview board? Prof P.K.Joshi • How long did the interview last? 30-35 minutes. • What all questions did the panel ask you and what was your response to the questions asked? Did you encounter any unpleasant moment during the interview? Please narrate your entire interview. I was anxiously waiting at the Central Hall. The ring belled. I was escorted by a peon into the interview hall. After entering the hall, I wished the Chairman first, followed by the lady member and then the other 3 members together. What was your approach during the interview? How did you prepare for the interview? I prepared a list of probable questions from my DAF, wrote answers for them and practiced them. I covered important topics like hobbies, home state, current affairs, graduation subject and optional subject etc. • Did you attend any mock interviews? Where the mock interviews similar or different from the official interview? Do you recommend mock interviews to the aspirants? Yes. The mock interviews were similar in many aspects. I would recommend giving 4-6 mock interviews. • How did you make powerful first impressions on the panel? What did you wear for the interview? I tried to greet the members with respect and tried to maintain positivity and cheerfulness throughout. Date and Time of Interview: Forenoon 28th Feb 2018. I was the 3rd candidate out of 6. Chairman (Dr. P.K. Joshi) Question 1 : After appreciating 100 marks in Mathematics in Xth Board, the Chairman Sir asked “How many marks did you get in Mathematics Class XII?” Answer : Sir, 96. Question 2 : Which force have you been allotted through CAPF? Answer : Sir, I have been allotted Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Question 3 : Being the topper of CAPF, you could have got any force, why did you opt for Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)? Any particular reason? Answer : Sir, SSB is tasked with guarding the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders. I come from Bihar which shares a long border with Nepal. Since I am aware about the local conditions there, I chose SSB. Further Sir, my mother tongue is Maithili which is also spoken in good numbers in Nepal, hence I can engage with them better. Question 4 : When we have BSF as a border guarding force, why need SSB? Answer : Sir, BSF is tasked with guarding the Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh border. The geographical conditions of Indo-Pakistan border is quite different from the Indo- Nepal border or Indo-Bhutan border. In the Indo-Pakistan case, the 3

6. border is sealed while India shares a porous border with Nepal and Bhutan. Also Sir, there was a Bhatnagar Committee report that recommended for One Border Once Force concept accordingly we have separate forces for each borders. Question 5 : Suppose you are posted as a DM in a village school and asked to address students of Class VIII- XII, what would you speak about for promoting Mathematics which students don't like? Answer : Firstly, I would tell them about the contributions of Indian Mathematicians and motivate them that they can bring similar or even better laurels for our nation. Secondly, I would tell them about the scope of Mathematics as a career option in future. Finally, I would tell them about the applications of Mathematics in day-to-day life. Question 6 : Use the pen and paper to solve this question. Math’s Question 1: If a laborer earns Rs. 75 on 1st day and Rs. 95 on the next, what would be the average wage? Answer : (After calculating on pen and paper), Rs. 85 Sir. Question 7 : Why is the answer not 50 kmph? Answer : Sir, the acceleration is not constant in this case, the bus changes direction, hence we cannot take arithmetic mean of the two velocities. Question 8 : What was the type of mean you used here? Answer : I answered, “May I take a guess Sir? I am not sure.” He said, “Please”. I said “Harmonic Mean”. He nodded to my relief. Question 9 : When was IT BHU made IIT BHU? What difference has it made? Answer : It was in the year 2012. I was asked, “Are you sure?” I replied, “Yes Sir”. Then I added that IIT tag has brought the institute to the global stage. After getting recognition as an IIT, the funding from the Centre has also undergone a change. Member 1 (Lady member) Question 1 : What is Munger famous for? (Came as a shocker for me because I am from Saharsa, Bihar) Answer : Madam, the soil of Munger is called Kharwa mitti, because it is rich in Potassium Nitrate or gunpowder and hence widely used for making guns. That is the reason we have gun culture in Munger. After being asked to continue, I added that Munger also has a famous Yoga University. Question 2 : Do you do Yoga? Answer : Yes, Madam. Question 3 : What is the status of women in Bihar? Do you think women has been empowered in your state? Answer : Madam, there has been an improvement in the status of women in Bihar in recent years. The state Chief Minister has taken a number of initiatives like Bicycle for Girls Scheme, Ban on liquor in the state etc. The state government has also provided up to 50% reservation for women in Panchayats. Question 4 : What is accountable governance? Answer : Madam, It means a way of governance in which the government is responsible to the people for its policy decisions. It means that the governments can be held answerable for their arbitrary decisions. Question 5 : How to ensure government accountability? Answer : Madam, government can be held accountable by increasing citizen’s participation in governance. Currently, what happens is that the citizen’s participation is limited to voting during elections. This has to change. I think the social media has emerged as a tool to ensure accountability in governance. Member 2 Question 1 : What was the project you worked upon in Samsung? Answer : Sir, I was working on a project on Iris Authentication. I was working on a project in which we were trying to develop software that would automatically pause a video when the viewer looks away from the mobile screen. It was based on the idea of Authentication using Iris. Question 2 : What is the state of R&D in India? Answer : Sir, currently, India is spending around 0.5-0.6% of the GDP on R&D which is much lower than most of the BRICS countries. Question 3 : What is the need of high end R&D when our basic skill needs are unmet? Answer : Sir, high end R&D has applications at lower levels too. For example, advanced weather forecasting using Supercomputers can help in 4

7. preventing crop losses. Therefore we need a two- pronged approach on R&D Member 3 Question 1: Should we go for making strong laws to provide security to women? Answer : Sir, I believe that it is the certainty of punishment and not its severity that deters crime. Hence, I think strict enforcement of existing laws is more important than making laws stringent. Question 2 : Are laws against Dowry enough? Why are they being misused? What are recent changes in Dowry law? Answer : Sir, there are enough laws to deal with dowry. But such laws need to be complemented by social awareness campaigns like the human chains launched by the Bihar government to spread awareness about the legal safeguards available to women. Section 498A of IPC has been misused by women under a number of circumstances due to ulterior motives. Recently, Supreme Court has held that Family Welfare Committees should be set up at district levels that would go into the truthfulness of dowry related complaints before any police action. Question 3: Situational Question: Suppose your domestic help comes to you and complains to you about her drunkard husband who comes from work and beats her under the influence of alcohol. What would be your step of action? Answer : I would talk to the employer of the husband and advise to not encourage drinking at the workplace. I would advise the employer to organize sensitization sessions at the workplace to make the employees aware about the pitfalls associated with drinking alcohol. If things do not improve, I would help the distressed woman in lodging a complaint under Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and I would take stringent actions against the erring husband. Member 4 Question 1: What was the earlier name of BHU? Answer : I am not aware Sir. Question 2 : Who founded it? Answer : Sir, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Ji was the founder. Question 3 : Who gave the money for the setting up of BHU? Answer : Maharaja of Benaras, Kashi Naresh gave the money on the insistence of Malviya Ji and Annie Besant. Question 4 : Who founded AMU and when? Answer : Sir Syyed Ahmad Khan founded AMU. I am not sure of the year Sir. Question 5 : Don’t you think that the British sowed the seeds of division by helping the setup of a Hindu University and a Muslim university? Answer : Sir, I agree with your assertion. But I also believe that the modern education was the need of the hour. Question 6 : Why is Varanasi named so? Answer : There are two rivers named Varuna and Assi that flows through the city, hence the city had been named Varanasi. Question 7 : Why is IIT BHU not doing too good? (Asked in Hindi) Answer : Sir, while it is true that IIT BHU has seen its rank degrade in the recently released NIRF rankings. (Replied in Hindi). There are some issues with the infrastructure. But in terms of placements, we are neck to neck with the 5 old IITs. Question 8: Why is Kashi so famous? Answer: Kashi is famous for the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, serene ghats of Ganges etc. Kashi since ages has been known as a place where people come during the later part of their lives to attain Moksha. Question 9: What is 3rd Industrial Revolution, 2nd IR and 1st IR? Answer: 3rd IR is related to Internet. The member interrupted by saying, “No, you are wrong!” I replied, “May I know the correct answer, Sir?” I was told that 3rd IR was related to Computers and not Internet. I thanked the member and added that 2nd IR was related to Electricity and 1st IR with Steam Engine. Thereafter, I was told by the Chairman that my interview was over. I stood up, thanked the Chairman first and then thanked all the members. I left the room with mixed feelings. My Observations: I found the board to be cordial. I found the last member to be a little intimidating. I was asked no questions on hobbies. To my surprise, I was asked no question on Why IPS as the first preference! I was well prepared on how to handle those questions. I had read a lot about Police reforms, issues in policing etc. But UPSC is unpredictable at times. Results are out. I scored 5

8. 167 in interview and secured AIR 13 in Civil Services Examination 2017. • How can aspirants ward off distractions? As keeping the momentum becomes a challenge for most aspirants as they lack consistency. An aspirant should stay out of social media. It is advisable to do Yoga, meditation etc to maintain concentration. Sports and music can also be pursued. • Would you like to share with the readers about the people who have been behind your spectacular performance like family, friends, teachers, mentors, etc.? I would like to thank Pavan Kumar Sir who taught me GS Paper IV and Venkanna Sir who helped me in Mathematics optional. My parents and my family supported me a lot in overcoming failures. My father needs a mentioning here as he was the one who could sense that I would secure a rank in two digits. • Did you benefit from the StudyIQ platform during your preparation for the exam? I used to watch Current Affairs videos from the YouTube Channel of StudyIQ platform. I benefitted from the same. Thankyou Sagar Kumar Jha AIR 13 , CSE 2017 6

9. The Eights Countries: China, India, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Japan have been top importers of Iran's oil, while Taiwan occasionally buys cargoes of Iranian crude but is not a major buyer. Turkey has been told it will temporarily be allowed to keep buying Iranian oil, its energy minister told reporters, as has Iraq, as long as it does not pay Iran in U.S. dollars. Major Benefit: A waiver will come as a big relief to Indian Oil and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL), the two largest Iranian oil consumers. The two firms together have placed an order for 1.25mt of crude from Iran in November. SWIFT Financial Messaging Service: U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also said Washington had told the Brussels-based SWIFT financial messaging service it was expected to disconnect all Iranian financial institutions that the United States plans to blacklist Conditions: But, as a condition of waiver, Indian oil firms will reduce their imports significantly. The U.S. has said that it is only issuing temporary waivers, and the waivers are strictly linked to the condition that countries receiving them keep cutting down their purchases from Iran. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (Click on the image to watch the video) USA grants India waiver on Iran’s Oil What is it About: USA has granted waiver to 8 countries, including India on Iran’s oil import. Put pause on its sanction for next 6 months. Background to the Story: USA retreated itself from Iran’s deal which Obama Administration had proposed. The full analysis can be found here in the video. Sanctions of USA were to put Iran in the first hand of the lists in CAATSA act (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) and to corner the Iran through world trade. The full information is in the video of the mentioned title. (Scan the QR code to watch the video) (Click on the image above to watch the video) Basics of the Sanctions: Two sets of sanctions – First Ø Iran’s purchase of U.S. currency Ø Iran’s trade in gold and other precious metals Ø The sale to Iran of auto parts, commercial passenger aircraft, and related parts and services. Second sets of Sanctions: Ø Start from 5th November Ø Restricts sales of oil and petrochemical products from Iran. Ø Thus any country, or company, trading with Iran without US consent after sanctions kick off risks getting cut off from the American financial system India – Iran Relations: India is a major importer of Iranian oil - of the 220.4 million metric tonnes of crude imported by India in 2017-18, more than 9% was from Iran. India had imported about 22 million tons of crude oil from Iran in 2017-18 and planned to raise that to about 30 million tonnes in 2018-19. The Trump administration will allow eight countries to import limited amounts of Iranian oil even after US sanctions. 7

10. (Click on the image above to watch the video) China Pakistan Bus Service via PoK What is it About:: Pakistan – China bus service launched between Kashgar (China) and Lahore (Pakistan) via Pak occupied Kashmir. India has put its strong protest on it. CPEC’s Role: Ø Propsed route of the bus is via much-talked China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Ø Lahore (Pakistan )and Kashgr (Taslkurgan, China) will be the end-points of the bus service. Ø Sat-Sun-Mon-Tuesday will be the departure days from Lahore while Tues-Wednes-Thurs-Friday will be the departure days from Tashkurgan. Ø Cost of the journey is 13,000 Pakistani Rupee for one way and 23,000 PKR for two ways. Ø Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and Shuja Express are the two venture partners of the bus service. Ø 5 Stopovers, 15-seater bus, crossing at Khunjerab, China and the service will require valid visa and ID card and will take 36 hours two ways. Ø Humayun Iqbal Shami – Chairman of the China- Pakistan Economic Forum. (Scan the QR code to watch the video) NOTES : No Assent from India: India has protested vehemently the bus service by a rationale that if the PoK is the disputed land between India and Pakistan, China is bound to talk to India in this scenario. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang defended the bus service, saying its cooperation with Pakistan and has no business with India about the territorial clamor. 8

11. ➢ The ASEAN members are Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, The Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos. INDIA–ASEAN ➢ On the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Summit, India-ASEAN Summit was also organized. ➢ As strategic partners, India and ASEAN have trade and economic relations. ➢ Trade between India and ASEAN stood at around $ 81 billion in 2017-18 and constitutes 10% of India’s total trade. Exports to ASEAN countries constitute 11% of India’s total exports. ➢ India and ASEAN have a combined population of 1.9 billion, which is a quarter of the world’s population and the combined GDP of $5 trillion. ➢ In 2017, India and ASEAN celebrated 25 years of their engagement Commemorative Summit was held on January 25th, 2018. ➢ India’s relation with ASEAN is marked by 3 C’s Culture, Commerce and Connectivity. (Click on the image above to watch the video) UPSC Perspective: UPSC Prelims 2019 What Happened in November 2018? and the India-ASEAN 13th East Asia Summit ➢ India also participated in 13th East Asia Summit. ➢ The East Asia Summit (Established:2005) is a forum of 18 countries of the Asia-Pacific region formed to further the objectives of regional peace, security, and prosperity. ➢ The members of East Asia Summit consist of the 10 ASEAN nations (Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, The Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos), and 8 other members- Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the US. PM’s visti to Singapore: PM recently concluded his visit to Singapore and attended the ASEAN-India Summit held on the sidelines of 33rd ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit, 13th East Asia Summit (EAS) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit. ASEAN Summit, November 2018 ➢ The ASEAN Summit is a semi-annual (occurring twice a year) meeting ➢ This was 33rd ASEAN Summit. 33rd ASEAN Summit 2nd Partnership (RCEP) Summit Regional Comprehensive Economic Theme: Resilient And Innovative ➢ ➢ Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. It is an idea of a free trade agreement for countries like ASEAN Members (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and the six Asia-Pacific states(Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand). About ASEAN ➢ The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN,established in 1967 with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration). 9

12. ➢ Some countries should be united under the free trade agreement in terms of market access. Diminishing all the borders in terms of the market. Under RCEP any country can sell its product in another country at the minimum tariff. RCEP is a revolutionary idea and when it gets successful, there will be a positive drift in the economy for a respective country hence providing an economic stability. NOTES : ➢ ➢ 3rd Quad Meeting(Informal Group) ➢ It is the grouping of four democracies –India, Australia, the US, and Japan. ➢ The Quad association of members who have a shared objective to ensure and support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region and rules-based global order. ➢ Connectivity, counterterrorism, and cyber security were the focus of the conversation at the third meeting of the ‘Quad’ countries. ➢ The US, Japan, and Australia emphasized “rules-based order” in their statements, which was missing from the Indian statement. ➢ A serious discussion took place on Sri Lanka and Maldives, both in India’s immediate neighborhood and influenced by China’s expansionism. Why Trump Was Absent? ➢ The US president’s lack of engagement with Asian nations came just days after a trip to France for World War One commemorations at which he appeared isolated from NATO allies. ➢ As well as the summits of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and East Asian nations in Singapore, Trump will also skip the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Papua New Guinea. Doubts Ø Trump attended both the ASEAN and APEC meetings in 2017, and his decision to stay away this year has raised questions about Washington’s commitment to a regional strategy to counter China. Ø Vice President Mike Pence, who represented Trump in Singapore, told the meeting that United States’ commitment to the Indo-Pacific is “steadfast and enduring.” (Scan the QR Code to watch video) 10

13. maintaining and furthering excellent bilateral relations by deepening economic ties and carrying forward the cooperation. Some doubts, though, have been expressed if DPT’s vision of “sovereignty, security and self- sufficiency” is intended as a thinly veiled reference to Indian interests. Bhutan 2018 Election Winner ➢ Centre-Left DNT, which seeks to strengthen and diversify economic ties with India, has won 30 seats in the 47-member National Assembly, the lower house of the Bhutanese parliament. mutually beneficial ➢ (Click on the image above to watch the video) UPSC Perspective : Mains Paper 2: International Relations – Effects of policies & politics of developed and developing countries in India’s interests Bhutan ➢ Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia. ➢ Less contact with China. ➢ More connected with India. ➢ Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy( King has the power, but limited to the constitution) ➢ The government is a parliamentary democracy; the head of state is the King of Bhutan, known as the “Dragon King”. ➢ Bhutan is a member of the United Nations, SAARC, BIMSTEC and the Non-Aligned Movement. Constitutional Monarchy ➢ A constitutional monarchy is a monarchy in which the monarch’s powers are limited by a constitution. ➢ Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is the current reigning Druk Gyalpo or “Dragon King” of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The DNT vision included boosting connectivity, the promotion of Bhutan’s culture to enhance tourism, and building of infrastructure to enhance connectivity. It also had plans to introduce childcare and maternity benefits to women to tackle the reduction in the number of childbirths in Bhutan. There was, however, no mention of foreign policy issues in the manifesto. Bhutan Got A New Prime Minister Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Bhutan’s newly elected Prime Minister LotayTshering, president of the Druk NyamrupTshogpa party, to congratulate him on his election win. Importance Of Election Result For India ➢ For India, Bhutanese elections have a special significance, considering the very close relations that New Delhi shares with Thimphu, especially in the context of increased Chinese involvement and the Doklam standoff. ➢ Keeping the 79-day Doklam standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies in view, the leanings of the Bhutanese PM are crucial. Bhutan’s expectation’s From India ➢ Ending that speculation, the PM in waiting, Lotaty Tshering, in a media interview has already stated that “Our [DNT] views are very clear on foreign policy and we believe that it cannot change every five years. ➢ Our King (Jigme Khesar NamgyelWangchuck) will be the guiding force on matters of foreign policy… And on India, we believe that Bhutan- India relationship is non-negotiable.” Elections In Bhutan The Parliament – Chi Tshog has two Houses: ➢ National Council (Gyelyong Tshogde) Upper House. ➢ National Assembly (Tshogdu) Lower House, both with a five-year term. About Bhutan Parliament ➢ The National Council has 25 members of which 20 are elected while five are nominated by the King; candidates contest the Council elections as independents and not as party nominees. ➢ However, elections to the National Assembly, which has 47 members are held on party lines. Parties Of Bhutan ➢ People’s Democratic Party (PDP), led by Tobgay in its manifesto describes India as “our closest neighbour and friend”, and says it will ensure further engagement with New Delhi ( Pro India Party) ➢ Druk PhuensumTshogpa (DPT), of Dr Pema Gyamtsho in its manifesto, says it remains committed to Bhutan,- India Tensions Hydropower projects are critical for the Bhutanese economy, and are at the core of Bhutan’s plans for self-reliance. As of July 2017, Bhutan’s debt to India for the three major ongoing projects: Mangdechhu, Punatsangchhu approximately Rs 12,300 Crores which accounts for 1 and 2 is 11

14. 77% of the country’s total debt, and is 87% of its GDP. While the cost of the 720 MW Mangdechhu project has nearly doubled in the past two years of construction, both Punatsangchhu 1 and 2, each of 1200 MW have trebled in cost and were delayed more than five years over the original completion schedule. (Click on the image above to watch the video) UPSC Perspective Mains Paper 2: International Relations, Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings & Agreements involving India and affecting India’s interests. (Scan the QR Code to watch video) What Happened Recently? ➢ India denied a visa to Kosovo boxer Donjeta Sadiku to participate in the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships. ➢ After this, Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA) President wrote to the Sports Minister and the Indian Olympic Association, President, saying the visa denial “cast doubt” on India’s eligibility for hosting future international sporting events. ➢ For its part, AIBA threatened that it would reconsider India as the host for 2021 AIBA Men’s Boxing Championships. Kosovo Boxer Donjeta Sadiku’s Photo NOTES : History Of Kosovo Ø At one time, Kosovo had been the heart of the Serbian Empire, only to be lost to the Ottomans in 1398. Ø Centuries later, in 1912, Serbia regained control of Kosovo, and by 1946, Kosovo was absorbed into the Yugoslav federation. Ø Around the 1960s, Kosovo began to assert its autonomy, being a majority-Muslim province after centuries of Ottoman rule, in a majority- Christian Federation. Ø The Yugoslav federation accepted this autonomy in the 1980s, giving Kosovo a ‘de facto self- government’. ➢ But from 1998-99, Kosovo was the site of a bitter and deadly war that killed thousands, largely fought between ethnic Serbs and ethnic Albanians. ➢ In a conflict that spiralled into killings and revenge killings. ➢ NATO finally intervened against Yugoslavia, and the Kumanovo Agreement was reached in 1999 to end the war. 12

15. Kosovo ➢India is reluctant to lend weight to the notion that territories within a sovereign nation can secede at will. ➢Such an action would, India fears, open it up to legitimate charges of hypocrisy – ‘If you will accept the right of self-determination of xyz country, why not Kashmiris/Khalistan is?’ What Could India Have Done To Avoid Controversy? ➢India does not yet have a good enough reason to sideline its long-standing principles on which it bases its interactions with other countries. ➢India didn’t need to sacrifice hosting all future international competitions. ➢We should (like China) have just given the boxer a visa on a piece of paper stapled to her passport. of your own ➢In 2008, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia, in a move that was summarily rejected by the Serbian government. ➢While Serbia recognizes administration of the territory by Kosovo's elected government, it continues to claim it as its own Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija. ➢Kosovo is a member of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Regional Cooperation Council and has applied for membership of Interpol and for observer status in the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation. International Recognition Of Kosovo As of 1 November 2018, the Republic of Kosovo has received 116 diplomatic recognitions as an independent state. foreign policy (Scan the QR Code to watch video) NOTES : Dark green part states, the countries which recognize Kosovo as an independent. BRICS countries do not support Kosovo as an independent. Adhering To Its Principles ➢For India, this is about more than just Kosovo, a tiny European nation. ➢This is about a long- and tightly-held principle that India holds dear –that of sovereignty and respecting the territorial integrity. ➢India does not recognize Kosovo as an independent nation, despite it having declared itself independent from Serbia in 2008. ➢As one of the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement in the aftermath of World War II, India’s foreign policy follows these principles: Non-interference in other nation’s internal affairs and an expectation of non- interference in its own; mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty; mutual non-aggression; and peaceful coexistence. Complications For India ➢With a conflict-ridden Kashmir to the north, where cries of ‘azaadi’ are routinely heard, and a recurring Khalistan struggle. 13

16. After this long furore, Supreme Court inverted the high court’s verdict. Two judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan: Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Mazhar Alam exonerated her of the charge of blasphemy on October 31, 2018. Justice Khosa recited some couplets of Holy Quran during the judgement and asserted, “tolerance is one of the root principles of Islam. You (religious hardliners) can kill me too, I am an easy target for you.” After the SC’s Verdict: Several hardliners of Pakistan, including Jamat-ud- Dawa (led by terrorist Haafez Saeed), Jamat-Ulema- ae-Islam called the verdict by the supreme court as wrong and started to protest. Vandalism and uproar break out in Pakistan. Those hardliners told the supporters to kill Justice Khosa and Justice Alam and execute Asia Bibi publicly. (Click on the image above to watch the video) What is the issue of Asia Bibi? Asia Bibi is a Christian citizen of Pakistan who was acquitted by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in a case of blasphemy of 2009. As a result of her acquittal, several right wing fundamentalist groups have waged commotions in Pakistan to give her a public execution. Dastardly Government of Pakistan: It was totally expected that Asia Bibi will leave the nation as soon as she gets free. Her husband Asiq Masih and her two daughters are already talking asylum in London and waiting for her return to them. Prelude to the Acquittal: Asia Bibi (real name – Aasia Noreen) is 47 year old farm laborer Christian in Pakistan. Three Muslim women of Asia’s locality had purportedly refused to drink water from a vessel because it was used by Christian people, Asia claimed it. A verbal row erupted between Asia and those three women and it was alleged by those three women that Asia Bibi ridiculed Prophet Muhammed. This verbal brawl gets spread in the local region, a mob in the locality circumvents her house and she was threatened by the mob. Ultimately, it led to file a complaint against her and in November 2010, a trial court sentenced her of death penalty under Section 295-C of Pakistan Penal Code. On 2 November 2018, the Government of Pakistan and the Islamist Tehreek-e-Labbaik political party, which abetted the protests against Asia Bibi, allegedly came into an agreement to bar Asia Bibi from leaving the country. According to the agreement, the legal process will be initiated to put Asia Bibi on the Exit Control List (ECL) which prohibits any individual from leaving the nation. In Pakistan, under the case of blasphemy, death sentence is mandatory. The Lahore High Court upheld the trial court verdict, of her death penalty in October 2014. In the Meanwhile: Several Christian organizations and groups termed the verdict as irrational and pleaded the Pakistani government to intervene into the matter. Pope Francis also requested for the intervention of the Pakistani government. (Scan the QR Code to watch video) NOTES : In 2011, Punjab governor Salman Taseer called the decision irrational, supported Asia and invoked the court to rethink of the blasphemy law. The repercussion of his voice resulted in his assassination by his own guard Mumtaz Qadri. Mumtaz Qadri was convicted and executed in 2016. But, he was hailed as a martyr by several fundamentalist and religious hardliners. Millions of people visited a shrine made for him near Islamabad. Shahbaz Bhatti, Minister for Minorities Affairs, was also assassinated in 2011 when he voiced his support for Asia Bibi. Supreme Court’s Verdict: 14

17. some strict actions over this albatross around India’s neck. For example, the naxalism has turned into a hornets’ nest in India. A population exists in India who sympathizes with the naxalism. Earlier in Time: There were some decision by India by Indira Gandhi in 1971, when war with Pakistan broke out and then prime minister took a stiff bat and helped in creation of Bangladesh, merged Sikkim in India in 1975 and took tooth an nails over Punjab’s separatist Khalistan movement. (Click on the image above to watch the video) What is a ‘Soft State’? A pseudonym for India!! UPSC Relevance – GS Paper-2 (Scan the QR Code to watch video) What is Soft State? The term coined by Gunnar Myrdal, in his book, ‘Asian Drama’ while comparing South Asian countries to Europe. He propounded that South Asian countries follow the policy of Soft State. The policy of soft state professes a lenient attitude towards the ‘Social Deviance’. Example of Social Deviance can be rape, murders, crime, extortion, etc. In another word which is said that those deeds or activities is not in convergence with the social norms. So by soft state means, that kind of government doesn’t take hard decisions over rapes, crime and other social deviance while sometimes they become very indispensable. The soft state policy weakens the capacity of the state in enforcing the rule of law. Not taking hard decisions increases the crime rate, violence, corruption, etc. Law is needed in any nation and the bodies are accountable to implement those rules and laws. ‘Rule of Law’ should always prevail over the ‘Rule of Person/Individual’. NOTES : Perspective of India: In India, this policy is being followed in the post- independence period. After Independence, and also especially after 1990 most of the governments ran in coalition with other parties. So, when in coalition, governments sometimes profess a lenient attitude in order to appease the alliance, which may cause the social deviance, ultimately being a Soft State. Several international veterans aver that India is slowly turning into a Soft State because of coalition among more than 10 political parties. Myrdal said that effective governments follow the strict enforcement of laws and rules. Internal Issues: The British introduced the rules and laws and implemented them, which suited their vested interests during the colonial era. But, even after Independence, it is seen that governments in independent India were not able to implement the rules and laws. On some grounds, people themselves are not ready to accept the ‘rules’, in fact, they want to keep on running by the existed ‘social norms’. Some warm examples can be Caste-ism, Dowry, female foeticide, or even the current Sabrimala one. External Issues: In the scenario of terrorism, there were/are several fronts where governments need to take 15

18. ➢ Jus Sanguinis: Indian nationality law largely follows the jus sanguinis (citizenship by right of blood) as opposed to the jus soli (citizenship by right of birth within the territory). Children at birth may automatically be citizens if their parents have state citizenship or national identities of ethnic, cultural, or other origins. Uruguay Mixture of Jus Soli and Jus Sanguinis: USA, Canada, Israel, Greece, The Republic of Ireland and Germany. (Click on the image above to watch the video) Trump may end the Birthright citizenship in U.S.A.: American President Donald Trump has said that he would end the birthright citizenship of USA by Presidential Executive Order. This citizenship is given to those babies who are born within the territory of USA. Example- If a non-American woman is pregnant and if she goes to the USA, for any purpose, and if she delivers the baby in USA within the trip, the woman can apply for the citizenship of that new-born baby. So, Trump wants to end this provision of citizenship. India’s Rule – A child born in India must have at least one parent who is Indian citizen to be conferred citizenship. (Scan the QR code to watch the video) NOTES : Prelude to the Provision: → 14th Constitutional Amendment is behind this law, ratified on July 9, 1868, under the presidency of Andrew Johnson. → The amendment was brought to neutralize and grant citizenship prominently to the black Americans who were slaves’ children, and also those slaves who were freed after the civil war of USA. → It states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.” Jus Soli and Jus Sanguinis: U.S. citizenship is automatically granted to any person born within and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States (known as jus soli). Birthright citizenship also applies to children born elsewhere in the world to U.S. citizens (with certain exceptions), known as jus sanguinis. Jus soli is a Latin term that means law of the soil. Many countries follow the system of jus soli or more commonly known as, birthright citizenship. Jus soli is a Latin term that means law of the soil. Many countries follow the system of jus soli or more commonly known as, birthright citizenship. Countries following the system of Jus Soli: ➢ Argentina ➢ Barbados ➢ Brazil ➢ Canada ➢ Jamaica ➢ Mexico ➢ Pakistan ➢ Peru ➢ Romania ➢ United States 16

19. ➢ The Seychelles blue bond is partially guaranteed by a USD 5 million guarantee from the World Bank (IBRD) and is further supported by a USD 5 million concessional loans from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) which will partially cover interest payments for the bond. A World Bank team comprising experts from its Treasury, Legal, Environmental and Finance groups worked with investors in structuring the blue bond. India’s Concern with the Seychelles: Seychelles has become India’s concern because of ‘Assumption Island’. Indian navy wants to set up a Sound Surveillance System over Seychelles. But Seychelles government refused the proposal as they were facing conflicts on its own land. People of the Seychelles don’t want to be in tussle between India and China. ➢ (Click on the image above to watch the video) UPSC Perspective – Prelims Seychelles’ Blue Bond: The Republic of Seychelles on October 29, 2018 launched the world’s first Sovereign Blue Bond, a financial instrument designed to support sustainable marine and fisheries projects. About Seychelles: ➢ Seychelles is an archipelago of some islands, part of the African Continent ➢ Independence - from U.K. on June 19, 1976 ➢ Capital- Victoria ➢ Ethnicity – Creoles (93.2%) ➢ Currency – Seychellois Rupee (SCR) ➢ President – Danny Faure (Scan the QR code to watch the video) NOTES : The bond raised USD 15 million from international investors. The bond demonstrates the potential for countries to harness capital markets for financing the sustainable use of marine resources. With the issuance of the Blue Bonds, Seychelles became the first nation to pioneer such a novel financing instrument. Boom in the Tourism Industry: After the visit of Prince William onto the island nation in 2011 with wife Princess Kate, the island nation is thriving in the tourism industry. Now, the government is has proposed some plans to keep this boom intact by saving and enhancing the marine life and industry. Companies investing in the Blue Bond: The World Bank assisted in developing the Blue Bond and helped the country in reaching out to the three investors: ➢ Calvert Impact Capital ➢ Nuveen ➢ U.S. Headquartered Prudential Financial Inc. Main Points of Blue Bond: ➢ The Blue Bond is a part of an initiative that combines public and private investment to mobilize resources for empowering local communities and businesses. ➢ Proceeds from the bond will be utilized for the expansion of marine protected areas, improved governance of priority development of the Seychelles’ blue economy. ➢ Proceeds from the bond will also contribute to the World Bank’s South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Governance and Shared Growth Program, which supports countries in the region to sustainably manage their fisheries and increase economic benefits from their fisheries sectors. The Creation of Blue Bond: fisheries and the 17

20. a) b) Financial settlement between the UK & the EU Rights of UK and EU citizens living in each other's countries UK- Republic of Ireland border issues c) How The Irish Question Playing Out? ● Ireland is an island to the west of Britain and has two major regions (north and demographic features. ● “Protestant majority Northern Ireland” (a U.K. territory) and “Catholic Republic” (an independent country in the south), have had serious ethnic tensions within and between them. south) with distinct majority Irish (Click on the image above to watch the video) UPSC Perspective : GS 2 - International relations Why in news : ● Despite more than 2 years since the Brexit vote, Britain remains as divided as ever, over the issue of leaving the EU. About BREXIT : ● Brexit is a term used to define United Kingdom coming out of EU. In a Referendum conducted in United Kingdom, UK voted by a narrow margin in favor of Brexit. Negotiations are undergoing currently between United Kingdom and European Parliament to negotiate the terms of the exit deal. ● A s U.K. plans to exit EU, the Irish question has come to haunt all concerned governments as there is palpable fear that a new era of violence might start. Constitutional Provision of Brexit: ● Lisbon Treaty (Article 50) provides for exit of member countries from European Union. For any country to come out of European Union, it has to negotiate a deal with EU. The deal will provide for a settlement between EU and UK. PRELIMS Bits : About EU : ● The European Union (EU): ● Political & Economic union of 28 states. ● Area of 4,475,757 km2 (1,728,099 sq mi) ● Estimated population - 513 million. The Developed as an internal single market through a standardized system of laws that apply in all member states in those matters, and only those matters, where members have agreed to act as one. Why the demand for Brexit ? ● Economic reasons – The primary contention was that economically, Britain loses more than what it gains. ● Immigration issues : Half of British legal migrants come from EU. There is this feeling that they have a negative impact on UK born workers. Adding credence to local fears was the fact that since 1997, 3/4th of jobs created are taken up by EU immigrants. EU’s obligation on its members to accommodate more refugees also did not find favor with UK. Especially at a time when the refugee influx in Europe is at an all-time high in light of multiple crisis in Middle East and Africa ● Sovereignty Issue : EU is a transformative idea in many senses. One of the things that it leads to is the weakening of national sovereignty. EU has been pushing for creation of an Ever Closer Union which would accord greater decision making powers to European Parliament, while, limiting the authority of British Parliament. (Scan the QR code to watch the video) NOTES : The Process of BREXIT : Firstly, passed through Theresa may's cabinet. Then, approved by EU. And finally needs to be passed through the UK's house of commons. The Three Main Issues Dominate The Deal : 18

21. Iberian Peninsula Located on the southwestern tip of the European continent, the Iberian Peninsula, includes the countries of Andorra, Portugal and Spain, and the British Crown colony of Gibraltar. Why Is Gibraltar British? Ø It's one of 14 territories from the days of the British Empire that's still owned by the UK. Ø Spain lost Gibraltar to an Anglo-Dutch force in 1704 and officially handed it to London in 1713. Ø Spain wanted it back ever since. Ø But in two fairly recent referendums - 1968 and 2002 - the people of Gibraltar chose to remain under British rule rather than Spanish. Ø Britain is a big economy that’s why people stayed with Britain Ø Gibraltar's important strategic position - as an entrance to the Mediterranean - is one of the reasons Britain has wanted to keep hold of it. (Click on the image above to watch the video) UPSC Perspective: Prelims 2019 Gibraltar Ø Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Not part of Spain. Colony of Britain. The landscape is dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar at the foot of which is a densely populated city area, home to over 30,000 people, primarily Gibraltarians. Ø Ø Ø British Overseas Territory Why Is It Important To Brexit? Brexit: Britain getting out of the European Union. Ø The people who live in Gibraltar are British citizens, so they also got to vote in the EU referendum. Ø They voted to stay in the EU - a massive 96% chose to remain - but will be leaving with the rest of the UK. Brexit And Gibraltar 14 Overseas Territory Britain Has. Ø Anguilla. Ø Bermuda. Ø British Antarctic Territory (BAT) - ASSI has no direct responsibility in relation to BAT as the Antarctic Treaty takes precedence. Ø British Indian Ocean Territory. Ø British Virgin Islands. Ø Cayman Islands. Ø Falkland Islands. Ø Gibraltar - outside ASSI's remit due to its position within the European Union. Ø Montserrat. Ø Pitcairn Island, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands.. Ø St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. Ø Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) - ASSI's responsibility in relation to the SBA is limited to the provision of advice to the Administrator. Ø South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. Ø Turks and Caicos Islands Ø Shocking for Spain to see that people don’t want to leave Britain. Spain puts its demand forward by saying that, Spain will have its hand in the decision making of the Gibraltar. Ø Victory For Spain? Ø Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told a press conference in the immediate aftermath of the remaining 27 EU leaders giving Mrs. May’s Brexit deal the nod, that Spain has been given the upper hand with future negotiations over the Rock. Ø He said: “This puts Spain in a position of strength in negotiations with the United Kingdom over Gibraltar that we have not had until now.” Referring to Gibraltar. Ø Spain took the benefit of the Britains condition by imposing its highest authority on Gibraltar. Rock Of Gibraltar 19

22. Theresa May Under Pressure Ø Theresa May has been accused of betrayal after giving way to Spain’s demands over the future of Gibraltar. Ø Once the UK has left the EU, Gibraltar’s political, legal relationship with the EU will go through Spain. and even geographic (Click on the image above to watch the video) Moscow Format and Taliban Complete Analysis The Taliban is getting stronger in Afghanistan and how will it impact India , Pakistan and other countries. Why is the Moscow Format So Important. (Scan the QR Code to watch video) NOTES : UPSC Perspective GS Prelims and Mains II – India and its neighbor; International Relations Why In news: Ø Two former senior diplomats will attend talks(meeting) on the Afghanistan peace process to be held in Russia. The talks, known as the “Moscow format” will include a “high-level” delegation from the Taliban as well as Afghanistan’s “High Peace Council”, along with representatives of 12 countries. This is the first time an Indian delegation has been present at the table with the Taliban representatives based in Doha. US and Pakistan to send their representatives too. Ø a delegation of Ø Ø Russian Federation Ø Afghanistan is on the western side of India. Ø Afghanistan is landlocked in a unique way by countries which are a good source of natural resources. Ø If India wants oil from Turkmenistan, then it has to pass through Afghanistan, Pakistan cause pipeline will be laid that way. Afghanistan Ø Many great emperors (like Britain, USSR) found Afghanistan very attractive for various purposes and its geographical place. Special name is given to Afghanistan: The Graveyard Of Empires. Afghanistan is good for geopolitical boosting. Every empire got failed in Afghanistan. Many emperors tried to establish their power in Afghanistan. When USSR started invasion of Pakistan , Afghanistan thought their number is next Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Invasion Of Afghanistan Ø U.S.S.R in Afghanistan – The Soviet–Afghan War lasted over nine years, from December 1979 to February 1989. Ø The USSR lost in this war. Ø Afghanistan was a graveyard for the USSR. 20

23. Ø Ø For ten years The USSR worked hard to establish themselves but failed. The USSR has land borders with Afghanistan. 12 participants – China, Pakistan, Iran, India, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, Russia and U.S + Representatives of Taliban. Tajikistan, Ø The Taliban Ø The United States invasion of Afghanistan occurred after the September 11 attacks in late 2001, supported by close US allies. The conflict is also known as the U.S. war in Afghanistan. Its public aims were to dismantle al-Qaeda, and to deny it a safe base of operations in Afghanistan by removing the Taliban from power. When USSR came to Afghanistan, then USA helped the Taliban. USA provided funding for the various terrorist group. USA financially supported the groups like the Taliban , they fought with the USSR and lead the Taliban. India And Taliban Ø India sent two former diplomats as “non- official” participants at the recent “Moscow format” multilateral meeting that included Taliban delegates. Ø The Indian representatives sharing the table with a Taliban delegation for the first time are notable. Ø India Participated in this Moscow Meeting unofficially that is India can make a u turn whenever the Taliban gets suppressed in the coming time. Ø Ø government-nominated Ø Ø India’s Representatives: Amar Sinha and TCA Raghavan as its representatives. While Mr. Sinha was ambassador to Kabul (2013-2016), Mr. Raghavan has held senior posts in the Ministry of External Affairs dealing with Afghanistan and Pakistan and was High Commissioner to Islamabad (2013-2015) and is currently the Director General of the government- run Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) think-tank based in Delhi. Ø From 2001 to 2018 USA has thrown bombs at Afghanistan but nothing happened. 2018 – Who Controls Afghanistan What Was India’s Traditional Position? Ø India was among the countries that had refused to recognize the Taliban regime of 1996-2001. Ø India watched Taliban’s growth with concern, assessing early that it was being driven by Pakistan’s army and the ISI. Ø We can’t ignore the Taliban. Russia’s Great Game? Ø Russia’s ambition to re-assert itself in the southern part of Central Asia and Afghanistan in particular. Ø The Taliban also conference: for the first time its representatives participated in a forum organized by a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Dark color part shows the severe effect of The Taliban. Growing of the Taliban is not good for other nearby countries. benefited from the What To Do Next? The U.S is running out of options. (Scan the QR Code to watch video) NOTES : Severe bombing in last 2 years. There is no effect on the Taliban, it’s effect is increasing day by day. Moscow Format 2018 Ø Moscow Format – 2nd meeting initiated by Russia on the issue of Taliban in Afghanistan. 21

24. Supply chain control measures to be adopted by the parties viz. licensing of manufacture of tobacco products and machinery for manufacturing of tobacco products, due diligence to be kept by those engaged in production, record keeping. NOTE • The protocol lists out offenses, enforcement measures such as seizures and disposal of seized products. • It calls for international cooperation in information confidentiality, training, technical assistance, and cooperation in scientific and technical and technological matters. sharing, maintaining (Click on the image above to watch the video) UPSC PERSPECTIVE : For Prelims Facts Related To WHO And WHO –FCTC and important For GS Paper 3 And GS Paper 2 For Mains. Framework Convention on Tobacco Control of WHO, Indian Cabinet approves accession to the Protocol: (Scan the QR code to watch the video) The Cabinet has given approval for India to accede to the Protocol under WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) to eliminate unlawful trade in tobacco products. India said it will also be the part of this protocol. WHO (World Health Organization) • Specialized agency of united nations. • Related to public health. • Established on 7 April 1998 headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. NOTES : ABOUT THIS TREATY • The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is the world’s first modern- day global public health treaty. • It is also the first treaty negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO). • The treaty entered into force in February 2005. It was signed by 168 of the 192 WHO member states. VERY IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL TREATY : The FCTC provides an internationally coordinated response to combating the tobacco epidemic and sets out specific steps for governments addressing tobacco use, including: • Adopting tax and price measures to reduce tobacco consumption (putting tax on tobacco, which consumed in large amount which will directly result in less tobacco consumption) • Banning tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship • Creating smoke-free work and public spaces • Putting prominent health warnings on tobacco packages • Combating illicit trade in tobacco products One of the key tobacco supply reduction strategies contained in Article 15 of WHO FCTC envisages elimination of all forms of illicit trade and tobacco products, including smuggling, illicit manufacturing through Solution : 22

25. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY field, management, coastal patterns, looking for oil and minerals all the way up to military surveillance agriculture, forestry, water PRELIMS Bits : PSLV v/s GSLV : • About the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): ü PSLV is used for delivering various satellites to Low Earth Orbits. It is designed mainly to deliver the “earth-observation” or “remote- sensing” satellites. ü Due to their sun-synchronism nature, these orbits are also referred to as “Low Earth Orbit (LEO)” which enables the on-board camera to take images of the earth under the same sun- illumination conditions during each of the repeated visits, the satellite makes over the same area on ground thus making the satellite useful for earth resources monitoring. ü Apart from launching the remote sensing satellites to Sun-synchronous polar orbits, the PSLV is also used to launch the satellites of lower lift-off mass of up to about 1400 Kg to the elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). ü PSLV is a four-staged launch vehicle with first and third stage using solid rocket motors and second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. ü The PSLV is one of world's most reliable launch vehicles. It has been in service for over twenty years and has launched various satellites for historic Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission, Space Capsule Recovery Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) etc. PSLV remains a favorite among various organization’s as a launch service provider and has launched over 40 satellites for 19 countries. (Click on the image above to watch the video) UPSC Perspective : GS3 - science & technology Why in news ? • ISRO launched rocket PSLV-C43 carrying India’s earth observation Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) and 30 co-passenger satellites from Sriharikota on November 29. The co-passengers of HySIS include one micro and 29 nano satellites from eight different countries. satellite • Ø • About HySIS : HysIS is ISRO's first full-scale working satellite with Hyper-spectral capability. The satellite have been projected into a polar synchronous orbit. The space agency tested hyperspectral imaging technology in April 2008, a small 83-kg demonstration microsatellite called IMS-1 (Indian Mini Satellite-1) was launched as a secondary passenger with Cartosat-2A. In October, 2008, it put a HySI or Hyperspectral Imager on the Chandrayaan-1 and used it to scan Moon's surface for minerals. imaging missions like • Experiment, Indian • • About the GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle): GSLV's primary payloads are communication satellites of INSAT class (about 2,500 kg mass) that operate from Geostationary orbits (about 36000 km) and hence are placed in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits by GSLV. Due to their geo-synchronous nature, the satellites in these orbits appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth, thus avoiding the need of a tracking ground antenna and hence are useful for the communication applications. Two versions of the GSLV are being developed by ISRO. The first version, GSLV Mark-II, has the capability to launch satellites of lift-off mass of up to 2,500 kg to the GTO and satellites of up to 5,000 kg lift-off mass to the LEO and second, GSLV MK-III is a 3 staged vehicle with first stage using solid rocket motor, second stage using liquid fuel and the third stage, called Cryogenic Upper Stage, using cryogenic engine. • ü Significance of HySIS • The primary goal of HySIS is to study the Earth’s surface in visible, near-infrared and shortwave infrared electromagnetic spectrum. • Hyperspectral imaging satellite can see in 55 spectral or colour bands from 630 km above ground. • ‘Hyspex’ imaging allows distinct identification of objects, materials or processes on Earth by reading the spectrum for each pixel of a scene from space. • It can be highly useful in marking out a suspect object or person and separate it from the background. This could aid in detecting transborder or other stealthy movements. • It can be used for a range of activities from monitoring the atmospheric activity and climate change, studies of Earth’s magnetic ü regions of the ü 23

26. (Scan the QR code to watch the video) NOTES : (Click on the image above to watch the video) UPSC PERSPECTIVE Important for Mains and Prelims both Mains GS Paper 3: Science & Technology - Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nanotechnology, bio-technology. India’s Astrosat Helps in Finding Blackhole 2018 November ISRO's AstroSat and NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory spotted a Black Hole. India’s first dedicated astronomy satellite, the AstroSat spotted a black hole in the binary star system called 4U 1630-47 that’s spinning close to the maximum speed possible. NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory confirmed the high spin rate. A black hole, which is an exotic but a very simple astronomical object, is created when a massive star dies and the matter gets squeezed into a tiny space under a heavy force of gravity, trapping in the light. Spinning Blackhole Black holes are rare, difficult to spot and they don't spin fast. This particular black hole known as ‘monster black hole’ is spinning very close to the limit set by Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity Currently. Scientists only have two ways of measuring black holes – either by their mass or by their spin rate , still this is not the correct way to measure black holes. And, a spin rate can be anywhere between 0(min) and 1(max). This black hole was spinning at the rate of 0.9 very close to maximum. It rotates at one of the highest speeds ever recorded. NASA and ISRO Found A Black Hole That Rotates So Fast That It Can Spin Space Black Hole Mystery Einstein’s theory further implies that if a black hole spinning that fast, then it is capable of making space itself rotate. In fact, if the conditions around black holes are hypothesized to be correct, then the high spin rate couple with the gaseous elements entering the black hole and high temperatures, could be the key to understanding how galaxies are formed. A black hole is smaller than a star, but they are very dense and very heavy and can suck light. The team of researchers, whose study will be published in The Astrophysical Journal, stressed that the finding is important because it tests the theory of relativity and, in general, shed more light on how the Universe works and how the galaxies formed. 24

27. measure the black hole spin rate, which was consistent with results from our contemporaneous Chandra satellite data. In the long term it will benefit ISRO (India). It is an opportunity for India. NASA will not work with China's space agency. Significance Of Discovery • Including the black hole discovered by the AstroSat, there are only five black holes have accurately measured high spin rates. • Even if you’re not taking spin rates into account, this black hole of one of only 20 others that have been spotted in the Milky Way Galaxy. • • • More About Astrosat AstroSat was launched in 2015 by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). A lifetime of ASTROSAT is 5 years that is up to 2020. Astrosat-Chandra Study • This first cooperation of India and US is using AstroSat and Chandra satellites regarding black hole studies should open up ways for future such collaborations. • The SXT and the Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) aboard the first dedicated Indian astronomy satellite AstroSat played a key role to 5. Three identical Large Area Xenon Proportional Counters 1. The UV Imaging Telescope 2. The Scanning Sky Monitor 3. The Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride Imager 4. The Soft X-ray Telescope, and Astrophysics Facility (AXAF), is a Flagship- class space observatory launched on STS-93 by NASA on July 23, 1999. • Chandra is one of the Great Observatories, along with the Hubble Space Telescope, Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (1991– 2000), and the Spitzer Space Telescope. • The telescope is named after the Nobel Prize winning Indian-American Subrahmanyam Chandrasekhar. astrophysicist Chandra X-Ray Observatory • The Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO), previously known as the Advanced X-ray (Scan the QR Code to watch video) NOTES : 25

28. Ø nuclear submarine INS Arihant achieved a milestone by conducting its first deterrence patrol. Ø It essentially means that Arihant is now prowling the deep seas carrying ballistic missiles equipped with nuclear warheads. Ø The second submarine in the series, Arihant is now undergoing sea trials after which it will be inducted into service. This was after indigenous ballistic missile With INS Arihant, India is now Nuclear Triad Nation Perspective of UPSC – GS paper 1, Mains, India’s Defense What Is It About Currently: INS Arihant, India’s first nuclear ballistic missile submarine has completed its first deterrence petrol on November 6, 2018. It means, the submarine is fully operational and if deployed, can target the adversaries of India. INS Arihant (Slayer of the Enemies): Ø Builder: Shipbuilding Vishakhapatnam, India Ø Launched: July 26, 2009 (on Vijay Diwas, Kargil Victory Day) Ø Acquired: December 13, 2014, Commissioned: August 2016 Ø Status: In Service Ø Displacement: Surface: 6,000 tons Development of INS Arihant: Ø INS Arihant, a strategic asset, was developed for over two decades under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) program. Ø INS Arihant is India’s first indigenously- designed, developed and manufactured nuclear- powered ballistic missile submarine, and three more such submarines are reportedly under various stages of construction. Ø INS Arihant development project was officially acknowledged 1998 and the submarine was launched in 2009. Ø The nuclear reactor of the submarine went critical in it was commissioned three years later. Ø It comes directly under the Nuclear Command Authority headed by the Prime Minister. Ø Given India’s stated position of ‘No-First-Use’ (NFU) in launching nuclear weapons, the SSBN is the most dependable platform for a second-strike. Ø Because they are powered by nuclear reactors, these submarines can stay underwater indefinitely without the adversary detecting it. The other two platforms: land-based and air-launched are far easier to detect. Centre (SBC), in India Announces Complete Nuclear Deterrence: Nuclear Deterrence –The military doctrine according to which the possibility that a country will use the nuclear weapons it possesses in retaliation will deter an enemy from attacking. Which means that if a country attacks a country with nuclear weapons, so the country which faced a nuke attack can retaliate with the nuclear weapons, which may stall and avert those wars involving nukes. 2013 and Deterrence Patrol: A Cold War-era practice where nuclear-armed submarines are deployed in waters from where they can fire on the adversary, if attacked. Reliability of INS Arihant: Ø It comes directly under the Nuclear Command Authority headed by the Prime Minister. Ø Given India’s stated position of ‘No-First-Use’ (NFU) in launching nuclear weapons, the SSBN is the most dependable platform for a second-strike. Ø Because they are powered by nuclear reactors, these submarines can stay underwater indefinitely without the adversary detecting it. The other two platforms — land-based and air-launched are far easier to detect. Ø This places India in the league of the few countries that can design, construct and operate SSBN. Since the Chinese deployment of a nuclear submarine in 2013 for so-called ‘anti-piracy missions’ off the east coast of Africa, there has been a firming of belief in New Delhi that development of the ‘nuclear triad’ — a stated policy for more than 30 years — must be treated with urgency. This places India in the league of the few countries that can design, construct and operate SSBN. India’s Stand Now on Deterrence: Ø India has declared that its nuclear triad, stated in its nuclear doctrine, is operational. Nuclear Triad – Capability to fire nuclear weapons from air, land and sea. Chinese Capability: The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is estimated to have four Jin-class SSBNs (ballistic missile submarines) plus nine SSNs (nuclear-powered 26

29. submarines). It is estimated to be maintaining a fleet of 40-plus diesel electric submarines. NOTES : Notes: Ø strike’ policy in its nuclear doctrine. It believes that its maritime capability to launch nuclear weapons complements its variants of land-based road and rail launched strategic missiles. Ø Pakistan's National Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz defended the policy of first use. Aziz stated that Pakistan's first use doctrine is entirely deterrent in nature. He explained that it was effective after the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and argued that if Pakistan had a no first use policy, there would have been a major war between the two countries. Ø Sagarika also known by the code names K-15 or B-05 is a nuclear submarine launched ballistic missile with a range of 750 kilometers. On November 25, 2015, a dummy or unarmed Sagarika Missile was successfully test fired from Arihant Like India, China also professes a ‘no first India has 14 conventional submarines, half-a-dozen of which are now going through upgrades of different kinds. Plus, it has the INS Chakra SSN on a 10-year lease from Russia, and now the Arihant. At least two more of the Arihant class are in the works. But India’s progress on long-range submarine- launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) is a secret, with little or no information put out officially. A variant of the Sagarika missile that arms the Arihant is estimated to have a range of 750 km. The Chinese JL-2 missiles that arm its Jin-class SSBNs are said to have a range upwards of 4,000 miles (over 6,400 kms). (Scan the QR Code to watch the video) 27

30. That is why grooves are visible in Phobos. (Scan the QR Code to watch video) (Click on the image above to watch the video) NOTES : Grooves Moon UPSC Perspective: Prelims and GS Paper 3 under the section space technology. A new study bolsters the idea that strange grooves crisscrossing the surface of the Martian moon Phobos were made by rolling boulders. Cut and depressions of unique pattern on the above picture. Ø The research, published in Planetary and Space Science. Ø These grooves are a distinctive feature of Phobos, and how they formed has been debated by planetary scientists for 40 years. Ø Phobos’ grooves, which are visible across most of the moon’s surface, were first glimpsed in the 1970s by NASA’s Mariner and Viking missions. Over the years, there has been no shortage of explanations put forward for how they formed. Ø Some scientists have posited that large impacts on Mars have showered the nearby moon with groove-carving debris. Ø Others think that Mars’ gravity is slowly tearing Phobos apart, and the grooves are signs of structural failure. Ø Because of Phobos’ small size and relatively weak gravity, Phobos has Stickney(crater (large hole)) stones just keep on rolling, rather than stopping after a kilometer or so like they might on a larger body. Ø In fact, some boulders(very big rocks) would have rolled and bounded their way all the way around the tiny moon. Ø Large boulders or big rocks come out of this Stickney. Rocks are moving and due to gravitational force they will stop after some time Very less gravitational force in Phobos so rocks cannot go very far. 28

31. • EXTRA free radicals are then converted into the body as stable molecule. The negative impact of free radicals is decreased by this. • Antioxidants And Free Radicals Are Both Important • Free radical kills the bacteria in our body and they are very important for us. • Free radicals are important for our immunity and kill the bacteria. • If free radical are in the large amount then they will damage our body (Click on the image above to watch the video) What Are Antioxidants? How Antioxidants can defeat Non Communicable Diseases. UPSC Perspective : GS Paper Oxidation: When an electron is donated by atom, then providing electron to that atom. Antioxidants further provide electrons to that atom. Neutralizing the oxidation. Vitamin E, C, A and the carotenoids such as beta- carotene, lutein, selenium and lycopene are examples of the primary antioxidants in your diet. Antioxidants: (Scan the QR Code to watch video) NOTES : What Are Antioxidants, And How Do They Work? • All matters in the universe are made of atoms. • Atoms are composed of a core with protons and neutrons, and a bunch of electrons that revolve around the core. • Atoms combine an make molecules. • Molecules are made up atoms. Human body have may atoms present in it change in atoms (donating of electron) with directly change the protein and molecules. Humans and other organisms maintain their structure and function by chemical reactions. All the chemical reactions needed to sustain life are collectively known as metabolism. • In order for a molecule to be stable, it must contain the right amount of electrons. If the molecules lose an electron when it is not supposed to, it can turn a free radical. • Free radicals are unstable, electrically charged molecules in the cells, that can react with other molecules (like DNA) and damage them. • They can even form a chain reaction and convert other molecules into free radicals. • Antioxidants provide extra electron to the free radical. 29

32. It is a planet that does not orbit the Sun and instead orbits a different star, stellar remnant, or a brown dwarf. It is also termed as an extrasolar planet. The first such planet orbiting star similar to our own Sun was detected only in 1995. Today, some 3,600 exoplanets have been found, ranging from rocky Earth-sized planets to large gas giants like Jupiter. After Kepler What's Next? The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is a space telescope for NASA’s Explorers program, designed to search for exoplanets using the transit method in an area 400 times larger than that covered by the Kepler mission. While Kepler had cost US$640 million at launch, TESS cost only US$200 million (plus US$87 million for launch). (Click on the image above to watch the video) UPSC Perspective Very important for prelims 2019 or 2020 NASA Retires Kepler Space Telescope: • NASA launched the Kepler Space Telescope in 2009. • It was NASA’s first planet - hunting mission. • It was named after German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler. • During its over nine year life, Kepler had observed 530,506 stars and detected 2,662 planets. (Scan the QR Code to watch video) Kepler Space Telescope: It used transit photometry detection method for searching for excellence, which looked for periodic, repetitive dips in visible light of stars caused by planets passing or transiting in front in front of its host star. NOTES : Transit Detection Method: • If any star has a planet, then the star will orbit that planet. • Using Kepler, which is used to check that, whenever the planet will come in front of the star, how much star’s light it will cut for Kepler. • From there we can check what type of planet it is. Goldilocks zone states that star and planet should have a perfect distance between them. Exoplanet Kepler’s work was to find exoplanets. 30

33. PSLV • PSLV is designed mainly to deliver the “earth observation” or “remote-sensing” satellites with liftoff mass of up to about 1750 Kg. PSLV is a four-staged launch vehicle with first and third stage using solid rocket motors and second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Some notable payloads launched by PSLV include India's first lunar probe Chandrayaan- 1, India's first interplanetary mission, the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and India's first space observatory, AstroSat.GSLV The GSLV is designed mainly to deliver the communication-satellites elliptical (typically 250 x 36000 Km) Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). GSLV MK III - GSLV Mk III is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO. The vehicle has two solid strap-ons, a core liquid booster and a cryogenic upper stage. • • (Click on the image above to watch the video) • What Is It In News? On November 14, 2018, ISRO launched the communication satellite GSAT-29 on board its second developmental flight GSLV-Mk III D2 (launch vehicle used) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh) to the highly • • Specifications Of GSAT-29 (Scan the QR Code to watch video) • Weighing 3,423 kg at lift-off, GSAT-29 is the heaviest satellite to be launched from India. With a mission life (life span) of 10 years, it is the 33rd communication satellite built by ISRO. According to ISRO, “GSAT-29 is a multi- beam, multiband communication satellite.” Communication like telephonic communication. Its payloads are designed to mainly focus on connectivity to the users in the hilly and geographically inaccessible areas, especially those in Jammu & Kashmir and North Eastern regions of India. It will improve the connectivity between the inaccessible areas. It also carries a Geo High-Resolution Camera to aid in high-resolution imaging. For the first time, an optical communication payload will be utilized for data transmission at a very high rate.A combination of high throughput satellites -- GSAT-19, GSAT-29, GSAT-11 and GSAT-20 -- would provide the high speed internet needed for the success of the Digital India programme. • NOTES : • • through internet, • • • • Specifications Of GSLV MK III What is the difference between GSLV and PSLV? PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) and GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) are the satellite-launch vehicles (rockets) developed by ISRO. 31

34. POLITY Ø SC stated that the Director of CBI should be appointed by a committee, which must be comprised of: Central Vigilance Commissioner – Head of the committee, Home Secretary and Secretary in DoPT (Dept. of Personnel and Training) as its members. Earlier SC gave a moniker to the CBI, a ‘Caged Parrot with many Masters’ on account of political interference in CBI’s functioning. Ø Government Initiatives: • Governments facilitated the CBI with CBI Courts for effective prosecution, a separate court. • Exempted from the consultation with the UPSC (Union Public Service recruitment of the post of DSPs for a period of 3 years in 2017. • Advanced Certified Courses for CBI officers to enhance their investigation skills, forensic data collection, collection of evidences, etc. by training from National Law School of India University and IIM Bangalore. • Various Schemes for Modernization of training centers in CBI. (Click on the image above to watch the video) Commission) for CBI vs CBI Controversy, Reforms for CBI About the CBI: § CBI is the premier investigative agency in the country. § Was set up by a resolution of Ministry of Home Affairs in 1963 after Santhanam Committee recommendations. § Agency’s origins are to the Special Police Establishment, a Central Government Police, in 1946 by the Government of India. § Superintendent of CBI rests with CVC in corruptions and with Department of Personnel and Training in other matters. • H.Q. –New Delhi. Motto - Industry, Impartiality, Integrity (Scan the QR code to watch the video) Predicaments of the Agency: Political Pressure: • Though less than 10 percent of the cases have political intertwinements, and there is some truth in charge of politicization of investigations. • So, there is strong need of the reliable team unyielding to the external pressures when it conerns with the high profile investigations. NOTES : Delayed Closures: • Several cases are still in doldrums and these delays in the investigations smear the agency’s credibility. Unpopular as Medium of Employment: • Working in the CBI is not very popular among the youths today, as the getting a job in the agency is a tough job Compulsory State Coordination: • Since, CBI acts according to the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure), it becomes like police. Since Police is in the State List of the constitution, it becomes the matter of state also and the agency need to take permission from the state government. • In such situations, an issue of consent or authorization with the state arises case by case. Sometimes it get delayed to attain approvals from the states which hamper the investigations. Supreme Court Judgment on Autonomy of the CBI: Ø In Vineet Narain case, SC suggested to make the CBI independent. 32

35. involving a central government official or a private person without getting case-specific consent of the states. This shows that a general consent is not sufficient enough to investigate and CBI has to get case-specific consent of the states. It simply means that CBI officers will lose all powers of a police officer as soon as they enter the state unless the state government has allowed them. It also makes them to seek permission of the state government for every case and every search it conducted on central government employees. Over the years, several states have withdrawn general consent, including Sikkim, Nagaland, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, which stands out as an example of the recent move. Ø Ø Ø (Click on the image above to watch the video) Withdrawal Of General Consent The Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal governments recently withdrew general consent to the CBI for investigating cases in their respective states. CBI will not be able to open fresh cases in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal in for time being. What Is The Reason Behind? Ø The two state governments said that they had lost faith in the CBI in the backdrop of its internal turmoil marked by the open war among the agency’s top officers. Ø They have also alleged that the Centre is using the CBI to unfairly target Opposition parties. Ø However, the Centre argues that there is no sovereignty for any state in the matter of corruption. Ø It accuses the states that this was motivated by a general fear of what investigations might reveal rather than by any particular case. Ø CBI Can No Longer Probe Any Case In The Two States? Ø The general consent has been withdrawn from the two states under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. Ø Section 6 of the Act bars any member of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise powers and jurisdiction in any area in a State, without the consent of the Government of that State. CBI Can No Longer Probe Any Case In The Two States? Ø However, the CBI would still have the power to investigate old cases registered when general consent existed. Ø Also, cases registered anywhere else in the country, but involving people stationed in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, would allow CBI’s jurisdictions to extend to these states. Ø There is ambiguity on whether the agency can carry out a search in either of the two states in connection with an old case without the consent of the state government. What Is a General Consent? Law and order are the state subjects .The CBI is governed by the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act that makes consent of a state government mandatory for conducting investigation in that state. CBI needs consent of states to investigate in a particular state. Ø There are two kinds of consent in the form of case specific consent and general consent(CBI can file a case on anyone) Ø Central government through notification can ask the CBI to investigate against central government employees against Income tax violations, conspiracy against nation, spying etc. What Happens In Fresh Cases? Ø Withdrawal of consent will only bar the CBI from registering a case within the jurisdiction of Andhra and Bengal. Ø The CBI could still file cases in Delhi and continue to probe people inside the two states. Ø The Delhi High Court has made it clear recently that the agency can probe anyone in a state that has withdrawn “general consent” if the case is not registered in that state. Ø The order was given with regard to a case of corruption in Chhattisgarh, which also gives consent on a case-to-case basis. Notes: Ø As law and order belong to the states, all states normally gave a general consent to CBI for these investigations. “General consent” is normally given to help the CBI seamlessly conduct its investigation into cases of corruption against central government employees in the concerned state. For example, if CBI wanted to investigate a bribery charge against a Western Railway clerk in Mumbai, it would have to apply for consent to the Maharashtra registering a case against him. Ø Ø Bottom Line Ø Thus, if a state government believes that the ruling party’s ministers or members could be targeted by CBI on orders of the Centre, and that withdrawal of general consent would protect them, it would be a wrong assumption. CBI could still register cases in Delhi, which would require some part of the offense being government before Withdrawal Of A Consent Ø Withdrawal of a consent means that the CBI will not be able to register any fresh case Ø 33

36. connected with Delhi and still arrest and prosecute ministers or MPs. (Scan the QR Code to watch video) NOTES : (Click on the image above to watch the video) UPSC Perspective: Mains GS Paper 2 What is Private Member Bill in Indian Parliament? As the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid pot bubbled --- nominated Member of Rajya Sabha Rakesh Sinha said he would bring a private member’s Bill “on the Ram Temple”. India democracy is a parliamentary form of democracy having three pillars : • Legislature : Law making body • Executive : Implementing the law • Judiciary : Law is in proper structure or not . An Example Suppose we have to make law related to transport then the content will be made by the ministry of transport which will further approved by cabinet ministry. Ministers are part of the parliament they will introduce that bill in parliament if that bill gets passed in the parliament it will be approved as an act. Two people can do this Any MP who is not a Minister is referred to as a private member. Parliament’s key role is to debate and make laws. Both Ministers and private members contribute to the lawmaking process. Bills introduced by Ministers are referred to as government bills. They are backed by the government and reflect its legislative agenda. Private member’s bills are piloted by non-Minister MPs. Their purpose is to draw the government’s attention to what individual MPs see as issues and gaps in the existing legal framework, which require legislative intervention. MP’S are given freedom to make law known as a private member’s bill for helping out the local people. Rajya Sabha And Lok Sabha • The admissibility of a private member’s Bill is decided by the Rajya Sabha Chairman. • In the case of the Lok Sabha, it is the Speaker; the procedure is roughly the same for both Houses. The Member must give at least a month’s notice before the Bill can be listed for introduction; the House secretariat examines it for compliance with 34

37. Ø constitutional provisions and rules on legislation before listing. On the scheduled Friday, the private member moves a motion for the introduction of the Bill, which is usually not opposed. Only a fraction of private member’s bills that are introduced, are taken up for discussion. Ø Rajya Sabha Secretariat and Lok Sabha Secretariat They provide administrative support to Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Secretariat’s keep a check whether the rules are being followed or not. Further followed by Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha’s Speaker whether the bill should be allowed or not. The Private Member’s Bill In Rajya Sabha (Scan the QR code to watch the video) Ø Rajya Sabha draws a ballot to decide the sequence of discussion of Bills. If a Bill is successful in the ballot, it has to wait for the discussion to conclude on a Bill currently being debated by the House. Over the last three years, Rajya Sabha saw the introduction of 165 private member’s Bills; discussion was concluded on only 18. A private member’s Bill that is introduced, but not discussed in Rajya Sabha, lapses when Member retires. Upon conclusion of the discussion, the Member piloting the Bill can either withdraw it at the request of the Minister concerned, or he may choose to press ahead with its passage. In the latter case, the Bill is put to vote and, if the private member gets the support of the House, it is passed. In 1977, Rajya Sabha passed a private member’s Bill to amend the Aligarh Muslim University Act. NOTES : Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø NOTE Ø Up to 1997, private members could introduce up to three Bills in a week. This led to a piling up of Bills that were introduced but never discussed; Chairman therefore, capped the number of private member’s Bills to three per session reducing the work burden. While government Bills can be introduced and discussed on any day, the private member’s Bills can be introduced and discussed only on Fridays. The Private member’s Bills have been introduced and discussed in Rajya Sabha on 20 days in the last three years. The Private member’s Bills not given much importance K R Narayanan, Ø Ø Ø 35

38. 95 people vote for NOTA, and rest of the five votes for any candidate, the candidate will be declared a winner, despite of those 95 dissents of the voters. Now, it will improve the elections, at least in the locals of the Maharashtra. Political parties will have to project good, diligent and meritorious candidates. Humongous population still believes that NOTA is somehow not an eclectic choice to opt because of its inactivity and they had to vote for those candidates even the voters don’t want to approve them. But, now those voters in the local elections of Maharashtra have a splendid chance to reflect their choice. It might also bolster the decentralization of the power and authorities in the state. As the 73rd and 74th amendments were to introduce Panchayati Raj and Municipalities respectively, for the decentralization of the power. Ø Ø Ø (Click on the image above to watch the video) Electoral reforms in Maharashtra Ø What is it About: MSEC (Maharashtra State Election Commission) recently ruled if NOTA gets the maximum votes in an election, re-elections will be held. Haryana state EC has also declared NOTA as a fictional candidate. Decision by the State Commission: Ø Union Election responsibility to conduct the elections of Parliament and State Assemblies, the state election commission has a role to play in rural and urban local bodies in the states; primarily municipals and gram panchayats. Ø For the local body elections of the states, now NOTA will play this role. MSEC has entitled the NOTA as a ‘Fictional Candidate’. Ø This decision will be applicable to the all Polls within the state, by-polls, municipals and nagar panchayats. Other Initiatives by MSEC: Ø EC of Maharashtra made it compulsory to file the nominations and affidavits of the candidates in an absolute digital way, infusing more transparencies. Ø Instant dissemination of information of the candidates could be pervaded into the voters’ population. Ø It is the first state EC body in the nation which has annulled more than 250 state political parties in aftermath of failure of their submission of audited accounts. Ø MSEC is the first state EC body which has disqualified an elected representative because of not disclosing the expense accounts regard to election. Commission has a NOTA, Section 49 (O) and Form 17A: Ø The decision to introduce NOTA in the EVMs came on September 27, 2013 when People’s Union for Civil Liberties (an NGO) filed a petition at Supreme Court to ameliorate the existing method of negative voting in elections. Ø Under Section 49 (O) of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, a voter can put her/his electoral serial number on a particular Form 17A and cast a negative vote. The presiding officer would then put a remark in the form and get it signed by the voter. This was done to prevent fraud or misuse of votes. Ø But the quandary of the Form 17A was: first, it will reveal the identity of the voter which is against the ethics of the elections and can also put the voter’s life in danger, second officials may find the reason of rejection by the voter’s remarks over the Form 17A. Ø Official Symbol of NOTA was devised by National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad in September, 2015. (Scan the QR code to watch the video) NOTES : Significance of the Decision: Ø In elections by Election Commission, NOTA is still valid but somehow ‘ineffective’ option for the voters. In any constituency if any candidate gets majority vote even against, will be declared a winner in the region. E.g. Suppose if there are 100 voters in a constituency. Even if 36

39. Ø Aftermath of the request, since the year 2000, Pakistan govt. had allowed Indian Sikhs to visit the gurudwara without requirement of any visa. Corridor starts – Dera Baba Nanak Village, Gurudaspur, Punjab, Termination – Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Pakistan Length – 4km, 2km each sides of the two nations. Ø India Ø Qamar Bajwa – Navjot Siddhu Conversation: Navjot Singh Siddhu, parliamentarian, went into the swearing ceremony of elected prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan. In an encounter with the army chief of Pakistan, Qamar Bajwa, told him that Pakistan will allow the construction of the corridor soon. But, it was just an informal proposal. Decision: After the informal proposal, Punjab government tabled a resolution in state assembly for the ratification of the corridor. Assembly unanimously passed the resolution. After it, GoI further ratified for the corridor. The decision was to lay the foundation stone on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. What Next: 1974 Protocol on visits to religious shrines – the protocol is for the pilgrims in the two nations. There is a list of shrines in both the nations. The listed shrines are required the visa for other countries, including India. But, Pakistan exempted Kartarpur Gurudwara from the visa requirement. So, the whole action will necessitate a separate treaty for the Kartarpur Corridor as it is exempted from the 1974 Protocol. (Click on the image above to watch the video) What is it About: Cabinet approved the development of a corridor to enable smooth passage of pilgrims seeking to visit Pakistan’s Kartarpur Sahib. Background: Gurudwara Darbar Kartarpur Sahib: Ø A gurudwara in kartarpur, Narowal District, Punjab, Pakistan, Ø Located 120km from Lahore, but only 3-4 kms distant from Indian border. Ø Est. in 1522, on the banks of Ravi river Ø Founder of the Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, amassed a Sikh community and built the Gurudwara. Ø Guru Nanak Dev had spent last 18 years of his life till death (in 1539) at the Gurudwara. Ø Since, Guru Nanak Dev had died there, by this significance the place holds a prominence among Sikhs of the India, along with the world also. the cricketer turned What is Kartarpur Corridor: Ø Sikh Community, especially Indians, had requested the government to make an easy commutation to the place. Ø The request was first dealt in 1999, by then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his Delhi-Lahore Bus trip (officially known as Sada-e-Sarhad, inaugurated on February 19, 1999). In that bus trip, Kartarpur was one of the stoppages. (Scan the QR code to watch the video) NOTES : 37

40. GOVERNANCE & SOCIAL ISSUES migrant workers from the other states meet the need of this requirement. Small and Medium Industries used to be dependent on cheap labor, provided by the rest of the nation. Now, those industries are not getting the needed amount of cheap labor so the prices in the commodities produced may escalate. Many works of construction is facing halts because of the returning to their native states of the migrant workers. § § Lack of Labor Law: (Click on the image above to watch the video) Majority of the workers are coming from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra. In case of Gujarat and other states too, due to lack of proper documentation, employers are exploiting the workers. Migrant worker aren’t also getting the proper wage. They are being paid only the minimum wage which is just enough to meet their necessity, not helping in their rise of living standards and social status. Migrant workers work also in very risky places. There were two laws addressing to this plight in earlier time: 1. Inter-state Migrant Workman Act, 1979 2. Unorganized Workers Social Security Act, 2008 Note: - Unemployment in the educated youths of India is 16% currently. Northern states of the nation are highly affected because of the lower wages of the worker. UPSC Perspective – GS Paper 2 Ignition to the Crisis: Rape of a minor girl by a migrant worker enraged people in Gujarat and the rapist was a native of Bihar who went to Gujarat for work. This crime led people to attack on people from Bihar. Prologue to the Plight: § Gujarat is a highly industrialized state and there is very high demand of unskilled labors. People from rest of the India migrate to Gujarat in search of the job, despite most of them are not infused with proper skills. Cheap labor from other parts of the nation has led people to go to Gujarat. § Since, this cheap labor from rest of the India is getting available in Gujarat, native people from Gujarat are not able to find jobs in the state. In order to address the situation, Gujarat Government has decided to reserve 80% employments in manufacturing and service sector for the native residents of Gujarat. § Rape of the minor girl ignited many mob attacks onto the migrant workers. (Scan the QR code to watch the video) Repercussions of the Internal Migration within the nation: 1) Uneven growth of the different states is already in rife and will still continue if the respective governments don’t provide jobs to the people of the state, because of the migration to the different state. On average, 2 out of 10 workers are from different states within the nation. 2) Marriage and employment also add fuel to fire of the crisis. 3) Formation of slums because of not getting proper accommodation because of rural to urban migration, in search of better jobs. 4) And thus the congestion in the urban areas is pouring the paucity of resources within the cities, which creates further rift among the people. 5) Voting crisis – Because the workers live in different states, they are not able to vote many times when the elections are running their native state. NOTES : How it affects Gujarat: § Gujarat has adopted a model of economic development by industrialization and through industries and service sector. For those sectors, 38

41. • Migrant workers earn only two-thirds of what is earned by non-migrant workers. Cost of living Ø Further, they have to incur a large cost of migration which includes the ‘search cost’ and the hazard of being cheated. Often these costs escalate as they are outside the state-provided health care and education system. Frequent borrowing forces them to sell their assets towards repayment of loans. Ø Ø Factors Affecting Employment Ø According to a study, less than 20% of urban migrants had prearranged jobs and nearly two- thirds managed to find jobs within a week of their entry into the city. Ø The probability of moving to an urban area with a prearranged job increases with an increase in education levels. Ø Access to information availability before migrating along with social networks tend to reduce the period of unemployment significantly. Ø Social networks in the source region not only provide migrants employment opportunities, but are also critical as social capital in that they provide a degree of trust. Ø While migrants interact with each other based on ethnic ties, such ties dissipate when they interact with urban elites to secure employment. (Click on the image above to watch the video) What are the factors driving internal migration? Internal migration can be driven by push and pull factors. Ø In India, over the recent decades, agrarian distress (a push factor) and an increase in better- paying jobs in urban areas (a pull factor) have been drivers of internal migration. Ø Eg: Uber eats – can be seen in urban and semi urban areas. Ø Also, distress due to unemployment or underemployment calamities, and input/output market imperfections serves as the contributing factors. Ø Data shows that employment-seeking is the principal reason for migration in regions without conflict. Ø Majority of migration unemployment. Ø Better education and standards of living. on employment in agriculture, natural with information on happens due to Need For Policy Interventions Ø In India the bulk of policy interventions, which the migrants are aimed at providing financial services and directed towards poverty reduction. Ø However, there is a dearth of direct interventions targeted and focused on regions. Ø Hence, a national policy should aim at reducing distress-induced migration on one hand and address conditions of work, terms of employment and access to basic necessities on the other. What are the benefits associated with migration? Ø Internal migration has resulted in the increased well-being of households, especially for people with higher skills, social connections and assets. Ø Migrants belonging to lower castes and tribes have also brought in enough income to improve the economic condition of their households in rural areas and lift them out of poverty. Ø Improve the credit worthiness of the family members left behind where they can now obtain loans more easily. Recommendation Of The Working Group On Migration Setup By MoHUPA(Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation) Ø Migrants should be enabled to avail benefits of Public Distribution System (PDS) in the destination State by providing for interstate operability of PDS. Ø States should be encouraged to proactively eliminate the requirement of domicile status to prevent any discrimination in work and employment. Ø States are also to be asked to include migrant children in the Annual Work Plans under Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) to uphold their Right to Education. What are the problems faced by internal migrants? Ø Informal growth - A migrant’s lack of skills presents a major hindrance in entering the labor market. Ø The ‘urban informal’ economy is wrongly understood in countries such as India as a transient phenomenon, even though it has expanded over the years and accounts for the bulk of urban employment. Ø Jobs - Most jobs in the urban informal sector pay poorly and involve self-employed workers who turn to petty production because of their inability to find wage labor. Various forms of discrimination which do not allow migrants to graduate to better-paying jobs. 39

42. Ø Vast network of post offices needs to be made effective use of by reducing the cost of transfer of money to avoid informal remittances. Migrants should be enabled to open bank accounts by asking banks to adhere to RBI guidelines regarding Know Your Customer (KYC) norms and not insist on documents that were not required. The hugely underutilized Construction Workers Welfare Cess Fund should be used to promote rental housing , working women’s hostels etc. the benefit of migrants. NOTES : Ø Ø What Is Required? Ø There is a need to distinguish between the interventions aimed at ‘migrants for survival’ and ‘migrants for employment’. Ø Continued dynamic interventions over long periods of time for seasonal migrants, instead of single-point static interventions. Ø Local bodies and NGOs which bring about structural changes in local regions. Ø It should focus on measures enhancing skill development would enable easier entry into the labor market. Ø It should also distinguish between individual and household migrants, migration necessitates access to infrastructure such as housing, sanitation and health care more than individual migration does. Ø Skill development can be supported by market- led interventions such as microfinance initiatives, which help in tackling seasonality of incomes. Ø It should consider the push factors, which vary across regions, and understand the heterogeneity of migrants. Ø Remittances from migrants are increasingly becoming the lifeline of rural households. Ø Hence, the policy should improve the financial infrastructure to enable the smooth flow of remittances and their effective use require more attention from India’s growing financial Sector. because household (Scan the QR Code to watch video) 40

43. • That will ensure that school going students continue to higher levels of schooling and higher education. Provide vocational education. Their skills will improve which will fetch them with better jobs, hence they will have more access to job market will find better income. When they have better income their standard of living will improve hence they can attain a better education for the coming generation. Further improving the economic conditions . • • • • (Click on the image above to watch the video) Economic condition of Indian Muslims, National Sample Survey Office Labor Force Survey Report. What Is The Current Affair? According the (National Sample Survey Office) NSSO labor force survey the economic condition of Muslims does not show any signs of improvement in India. What are the report findings of NSSO? The NSSO’s 68th round (2011-12) provides estimates of education levels and job market indicators across major religious communities in India. • The educational attainment of Muslims is the least. • In urban areas, the number of male Muslim postgraduates is as low as 15 per 1,000. • Condition for women is even worse. • This number is about four times lower than that of other communities, Christians and Sikhs. • The number of male graduates among Muslims is 71 per 1,000, less than even half the number of graduates (per 1,000) in other communities. • Secondary and higher secondary levels are 162 and 90 per 1,000 persons, respectively, again the least among all the communities. • The average per capita consumption expenditure (used as an indicator of income) among Muslims is just Rs. 32.66 per day, which is the least among all religious groups. (Scan the QR Code to watch video) NOTES : including Hindus, Concerns An analysis of the data on economic and educational indicators for various religious groups reveals that Muslims are facing a vicious circle of poverty. Low levels of school education or illiteracy. Low attendance rates and educational attainment. Low consumption expenditure and poor job market indicators. • • • • What measures needs to be taken? • The Central and State governments could take concerted steps to help Indian Muslims escape this vicious circle of poverty. • One way to improve their situation is to provide a special incentive and subsidy system for higher education. 41

44. in the intestine and enters into the bloodstream , triggering a protective immune response in the child. The Child will excrete the virus in stool. The virus excreted in the stool is not the original virus, but the genetically altered vaccine virus. Child excretes the vaccine virus for the period of 6 to 8 weeks. In the areas of open defecation, this excreted vaccine virus can quickly spread in the community and infect children with lower immunity. • • • (Click on the image above to watch the video) Polio Vaccine Contamination & types of Polio, Does Polio still exist in India? ISSUE • When Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV) are given to the children, this OPV contains live polio viruses and this virus are shed by children who take this OPV by their stool. • Because of this government and regulatory authorities are worried that if type 2 viruses can pass into the sewage or the water system which can lead to a spread in the Polio. • This type 2 change was seen in Hyderabad, Delhi, Bihar and Gujarat • Most prone in the places of more open defecation. Vaccine-Associated Paralytic Poliomyelitis (VAPP) • VAPP occurs when the virus turns virulent within the body of a recently vaccinated child and causes polio. The frequency of VAPP cases varies across countries. • With high-income countries switching to the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) that uses dead virus to immunize children, the VAPP burden is concentrated in low-income countries which continue to use the OPV. • The low income countries cannot afford IPV because India it is a middle income country IPV VS OPV • IPV given through injection contains inactivated virus, considered to be safer than OPV that contains live virus. INDIA’S STATUS IN THIS REGARD • India was officially declared polio free by WHO in March 2014. • The last Case of polio virus Type2 in the country was in 1999 • India attained a Polio free status in 2014 after successfully eliminated the wild p1 and p3 strains. It is easier to administer the OPV than the IPV and the cost per dose of OPV is also lower than that of the IPV. However, the OPV fared poorly on two important counts: safety and efficacy. CHALLENGES ASSOCITED WITH OPV IN INDIA. • The World Health Organization is asking all countries using the OPV to include a “continuous and effective system of surveillance” to monitor the frequency of VAPP in 1982, India did not comply. • Many member countries autonomously choose the IPV over the OPV, mainly to avoid any risk of VAPP. In India, the VAPP cases can be avoided once the government stops using the OPV to immunize children. • Despite knowing that there is a higher burden of polio caused by oral vaccines, India continued to use the OPV. • While high-income countries preferred the IPV, India and other low-income countries continued to rely on the OPV. India licensed the IPV only in 2006 but did not introduce it in routine immunization. WHAT IS POLIO? • It is a highly infectious viral disease, mainly affects children. • According to WHO virus is transmitted through one person to another through fecal - oral route. • Invades nervous system, causes paralysis and sudden muscle weakness and pain in the limbs. STRAINS • There are three types of polio viral strains - P1, P2 and P3. P2 was eradicated globally in 1999. India attained a polio free status in 2014 after successfully eliminated the wild p1 and p3 strain. • • What is a Vaccine Derived Polio Virus (VDPV) ? • The source of the virus is vaccine itself. When the child is given the vaccine (OPV) Polio drops it contains live polio virus, a virus spread through the vaccine and the virus is replicated 42

45. SOLUTIONS NOTES : • In India, the VAPP cases can be avoided once the government stops using the OPV to immunize children. The IPV is essential for post wild-type polio virus eradication, to get rid of VDPV and VAPP. A continuous and effective system of surveillance is required in India • • (Scan the QR Code to watch video) 43

46. When water or food has this bacteria and if human consume this, after reaching the human intestine, these bacteria get multiplied in the intestine. This disease is basically spreading in the North East Area of Africa .(Yellow part of the above diagram) About The Conflict Boko Haram: established in 2002 made by Mohammad Yusuf to establish Islamic States. Nigeria's militant Islamist group Boko Haram - which has caused havoc in Africa's most populous country through a wave of bombings, assassinations and abductions - is fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state. The Boko Haram insurgency began in 2009, when the Jihadist rebel group Boko Haram started an armed rebellion against the government of Nigeria. The insurgency took place within the context of long- standing issues of religious violence between Nigeria's Muslim and Christian communities. There is a conflict between the both. Due to this Boko Haram was established. (Click on the image above to the watch the video) GS Paper 3: Terrorism. Spread Of Cholera In Nigeria Spread Of Cholera Due To Terrorism. Condition Got Worst Suspected cholera cases have jumped in northeast Nigeria, where Boko Haram violence has forced tens of thousands of people to seek refuge in crowded camps Cause The cause of cholera is infection by the V. Cholera bacteria. Mohammed Yusuf founded the sect that became known as Boko Haram in 2002 in Maiduguri, the capital of the north-eastern state of Borno. Maiduguri, the birthplace of Boko Haram, is housing 243 000 displaced people in crowded camps with poor hygiene facilities, creating a fertile environment for cholera to spread. The humanitarian group said 10 000 people have been affected by the fast-spreading cholera outbreak and 175 people have died in the northeast states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. • The congestion in the camps that makes it difficult to provide adequate water, sanitation and hygiene services. • The above picture is of the Refugee Camp. • High population density cause people have displaced from their house. • Enough water not present for everyone. • Proper sanitation is not provided. • The conflict has kept on increasing between both the communities. • Cholera disease is spreading in large amount. • When contaminated food or water • Is consumed by the person he/she gets infected. • Waste material excreted by this has the V. Cholera bacteria which are transferred to the environment through human excretion. • Many people have died due to this. The rainy season has also worsened the conditions due to the collection of water. If more land is not urgently provided for camp decongestion and construction of health and sanitation facilities, Nigeria is steering towards yet another cholera outbreak in 2019. It is challenging for Nigerian Government. Solution: International and national groups to come together and help the Nigerian people and end the conflict between both the communities. More than 1.8 million people have been displaced by the bloody conflict, which has claimed more than 27 000 lives. 44

47. (Scan the QR Code to the watch video) NOTES : (Click on the image above to watch the video) Ageing Medicine Important for Esaay Part and GS Paper 3 Discovery Of An Ayurvedic Medicine To Combat Aging An Indian Ayurveda university has claimed to have made a major breakthrough in the research to combat ageing. A study by the Jamnagar-based Gujarat Ayurveda University has concluded that the consumption of heart -leaved moonseed or Giloy — a shrub — increased the lifespan of the common fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). Picture Of Giloy Drosophila Melanogaster(Fly) Ø The flies are among the most extensively studied animal models for understanding the process of ageing and longevity. Ø The lifespan of the flies, which is not more than 29 to 30 days, increased to about 85 days after they were fed concentrations of Giloy powder for 30 days, the study has claimed. Ø It has been published in the Netherlands- based Wolters Kluwer, a reputed journal on healthcare. Ø The increase in the lifespan of the flies due to the Giloy powder can be attributed to its high antioxidant properties. What Are Antioxidants, And How Do They Work? Ø All matters in the universe are made of atoms. 45

48. Ø Atoms are composed of a core with protons and neutrons, and a bunch of electrons that revolve around the core. Atoms combine an make molecules. Molecules are made up atoms. Ø Ø Molecules react with themselves and chemical is released which is needed for the metabolism of the body. Giloy powder Ø Giloy powder is referred to as guduchi churna in the paper and is deemed a longevity promoting herb. “Although the exact mechanisms of the action of guduchi churna on enhancing the survivability of D. melanogaster could not be ascertained, it has validated the concept of Rasayana effect of guduchi churna,” Rasayana, is one of the most essential branches of Ayurveda and deals with a group of medicinal preparations, which stimulate immunity and prevent the causation of many ailments such as untimely ageing. (Click on the image above to watch the video) Child death due to Pneumonia in India UPSC Perspective – GS Paper 3 What is the issue: Recently, Pneumonia and Diarrhea Progress Report has been published in India and in it, all the factors causing the deaths of the children is published. What is Pneumonia: § Happens in Lungs in Air-sacks § Bacteria, Viruses, mycoplasma and other infectious agents, such as fungi can cause pneumonia. § Can happen in any age. People with lungs ailments can be vulnerable to this disease, especially who have a tussle with the cold and cough. § Atypical pneumonia is caused by bacteria such as Legionella Mycoplasmapneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumonia § Viral pneumonia caused by the influenza virus may be severe and sometimes fatal. The virus invades the lungs and multiplies. § Mycoplasmas are the smallest free-living agents of disease. They are not classified as to whether they are bacteria § Mycoplasma usually causes a mild form of pneumonia but may be severe with certain symptoms lasting a long time. Ø Ø Pneumophilla, (Scan the QR Code to watch video) NOTES : Pneumonia and Diarrhea Progress Report released: § India continues to have the highest burden of pneumonia child deaths in the world, with 1,58,176 pneumonia. § The report reveals India as a woeful nation where children are the most vulnerable to this ailment. § Globally, pneumonia and diarrhea led to nearly one of every four deaths in children under five years of age in 2016. § The report analyses how effectively countries are delivering breastfeeding, vaccination, access to care, use of antibiotics, oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc supplementation – to help protect against, prevent, and treat, pneumonia and diarrhea. § The measures are proven to help prevent death due to these illnesses and could help achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals target of reducing under-five mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births by 2030. key interventions – 46

49. Progress in India: Mixed progress is found in India – home to more under- five pneumonia and diarrhea deaths than any other country in 2016. In 2017, the Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine was introduced, but it was limited to only 6 states. (Click on the image above to watch the video) Maratha Reservation Bill What is it About: Maharashtra cabinet recently ratified the decision to grant reservation to the Maratha community under a newly created independent category. Maratha Community: Ø Maharashtra came into statehood on May 1, 1960. State of Bombay was bifurcated into two states: Maharashtra and Gujarat, by the Bombay Reorganization Act 1960. Ø Since 1960, state held 18 chief ministers, 11 out of these 18 were from Maratha Community, which indicates that the community is quite politically active. Ø One-third population of the state is from Maratha community and historically they are identified as ‘Warrior Class’. Ø The community also has huge land holding. Most of them rely on agrarian labor for the employment, making a considerable contribution in the state’s GDP (Scan the QR code to watch the video) NOTES : Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission: Govt. of Maharashtra says that according to MSBCC’s report (Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission) highlighted the community is socially, economically and educationally backward. According to the commission’s report; Ø 37% of the Marathas were living below the poverty line. Ø Approximately 62% of the Maratha population holds small or marginal land holding Ø 70% of Maratha population is living in Kachcha ghar (mud houses) Ø Educational backwardness is also in more magnitude in Maratha community people, rather than other communities of the state. Is The Decision Justified: Ø Don’t go well with available data – As the Jat community in Haryana and Patel entertains socio- economic class in the respective states, similarly, Maratha also enjoys the same status. Ø There is no social issue that Marathas face any social slur like the other states. Ø Lack of employment opportunities and their sluggish agrarian economic status are definitely considerable reasons for their uplift. But these two issues can be resolved by policy action. Reservation Plan: Demand is for 16% reservation in the state bythe community but the government hasn’t agreed to the demand. 47

50. The cabinet has constituted a committee to scour over the matter and to fix the quantum of the reservation. NOTES : Current Reservation Slab: Currently, SC – 13%, ST – 7%, OBC – 19% and the 4% has been dedicated to the special backward classes and rest of the reservation is for nomadic tribes of the state. Challenges of the Reservation: Ø Category – Maratha Kranti Morcha, who led the agitation, demanded initially for the quota under the OBC category and by this OBCs started to speculate that the new quota will include the Maratha in the exisiting OBCs’ share. This situation may bring the conflicts within the OBC community. Ø Shares - OBCs in the state of Maharashtra are demanding to increase the share of their reservation from the present 19% to 27%. The Dunga community, a shepherd community, demanded they want to move from OBC to ST category. Muslims have also demanded reservation of 5%. Ø Total Reservation Share - Since Supreme Court had already capped the limit of the reservation at 50% (Indra Sawhney vs Union of India, 1992). Maharashtra is already entertaining more than 50% reservation within the state. So, now the 16% more reservation will cumulatively do the reservation up to 68% which is almost equal to Tamil Nadu, 69% reservation. Government Clarification: Ø Government of Maharashtra states it will not affect the existing reserved sections of any of the class, be it OBC or any other class Government plan is to introduce a new independent quota and this quota will be known as Socially and Educationally Backward Class. Third argument of the Maharashtra government is that there is no ceiling on quota in constitution of India. It is a verdict of Supreme Court’s verdict. State also says, constitution provides a provision for the quota under the extraordinary and exceptional cases, for example – Tamil Nadu’s 69% of the reservation petition is still in pending at SC. Ø Ø Ø (Scan the QR code to watch the video) 48