Monthly Current Affairs April 2020

Easy to PICK1 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 APRIL 2020 PT-MAINS Copyright ©Aspire IAS All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Aspire lAS.

Easy to PICK2 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 S.No Topic Page . No. GS-1 1. 07 2. Jainism 09 3. IMD forcasts and EL Nino 11 4. World Heritage Day- UNESCO-World Heritage site of India 18 5. International Monetary and Financial Committee-IMFC 20 Covid-19 tests among the tribal population living along the Godavari river 6. 22 valley area 7. Safe drinking water supply and management –water crisis and 25 8. 27 management 9. Cultural heritage list 30 Home Minister issued standard operating procedures for the movement of 10. 35 11. stranded migrant 38 12. Child abuse and violence- Criminal law amendment bill - NCPCR 40 13. 42 (National commission for the protection of Child Rights) Sugar Industry in India Children in South Asia could face health crisis amid COVID-19: UNICEF Coping with today, planning for tomorrow A greater impact on women-COVID-19 GS-2 1. 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations India-China 44 2. South China Sea Dispute 51 3. Operation Sanjeevani 56 4. UNGA adopts ‘Global solidarity to fight the COVID-19’ resolution 57 5. “Arogya Sanjeevani”: IRDAI 58 6. Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019/2020 60 7. Tamil Nadu topped in micro-irrigation-Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai 64 Yojana (PMKSY) 8. Central government constitutes 10-member group headed by NITI Aayog 68 CEO Amitabh kant to fight corona 9. HRD Ministry has designated DigiLocker as National Academic 72 Depository (NAD) 10. '5 T plan' to fight coronavirus crisis in Delhi 74 11. Restrictions on Court Hearings Lawful 78 12. PCPNDT Act: AIDWA 81 13. ICDS HITS due to Lockdown 83

Easy to PICK3 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 14. COVID-19 and SHG – Self Help Group 84 15. PMUY beneficiary under Pradhan Mantri Kalyan Yojana- Pradhan Mantri 88 Ujwala Yojana 16. COVID-19 and TRIFED-Tribal rights 91 17. COVID-19 and Essential Commodities Act 96 18. Neighboring Rights Law – WIPO 101 19. Ebola Death in Democratic Republic of Congo 105 20. SHGs Fight against Covid-19- SELF HELP GROUP 107 21. Lockdown 2.0 COVID-19 and New guidelines 109 22. Poverty and Socio Economic Caste Census – SECC 112 23. Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme 117 24. India unravels monetary policy measures-G-20 virtual meeting 118 25. UNORGANISED SECTOR - Unorganised Worker Social Security 120 Act,2007 26. Analysis of Depreciating Rupee 123 27. Recent judgement and Forest Rights Act, 2006 128 28. USA-WHO-COVID-19 132 29. Essential Commodities Act 134 30. 'SWAYAM' and eLearning – Digital learning 136 31. Interstate Migrant Workmen Act 1979 140 32. Consumer Protection act 143 33. Acts of violence against health care workers as cognizable, non-bailable 151 offences 34. Corona virus pandemic becoming human right crises: Antonio Guterres 154 35. UNHRC 155 36. World Bank and IMF 158 37. e- GramSwaraj portal and Swamitva Scheme on National Panchayats Day 162 on 38. Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) 164 39. Alternative Academic Calendar for classes 6 to 8 171 40. COVID-19: China announces additional USD 30 million grants for WHO 173 41. PM asks Gram Panchayats to use digital platforms for better prices for 174 village produce 42. Reverse quarantine 176 43. New North American trade deal to come into effect in July 178 44. Nuclear Arm Race and Nuclear treaties 181 45. India’s Entry into NSG 193 46. Saudi led coalition in Yemen urges Emirates backed southern separatist to 197 honour RIYADH peace deal 47. Yemen crises 198

Easy to PICK4 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 48. Cut in UN agency’s funding for food can push millions into starvation: 200 Head of World Food Programme David Beasley 49. BRICS foreign Ministers discuss impact of covid-19 201 50. UIDAI permits Aadhaar updation facility through CSC-Banking 203 Correspondent 51. Common Services Centre (CSC) 205 52. 'one nation, one ration card' scheme for migrant workers, EWS 208 53. India listed among ‘countries of particular concern’ in US religious 212 freedom report-USCIRF 54. Only 30 lakh found MGNREGA - Mahatma Gandhi National Rural 214 Employment Guarantee Act work 55. Global Report on Internal Displacement 2020 217 56. Dams in China 219 GS-3 1. Alcohol Sanitizers and Coronaviruses 221 2. Indian Government’s Latest Moves - COVID-19 222 3. Covid-19 and the Orphan Drug Act – Rare diseases 224 4. COVID-19 and Globalisation 226 5. Globalization 4.0 229 6. Fund raising – COVID-19 233 7. Core Sector Growth at 5.5% 234 8. Indigenous Fuel Cell System 237 9. Lifeline Udan flights launched and COVID-19 241 10. United Nation’s COP 26 climate change summit postponed till 2021 243 11. Initiatives to Fight Coronavirus – Part-3 250 12. Impact of Lockdown on Banks 256 13. 3 new features of e-NAM platform to prevent crowding in mandis 258 14. National Security Act, 1980 / UAPA 262 15. Aarogya Setu App and security issues 266 16. ICMR approves TB machines for Covid-19 testing 269 17. NASA’s Artemis: First human base camp 270 18. NHAI achieved record 3,979 km highways construction 279 19. Fall in IHS Markit 282 20. Animals affected through COVID-19 284 21. India Revokes Ban on Export of Hydroxychloroquine 286 22. Angel Funds 291 23. 400 mn Indian workers to face poverty: ILO Monitor 295

Easy to PICK5 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 24. China became top patent filer via PCT system 298 25. “Reforming Indian Agriculture”-Agriculture reforms 302 26. Industrial revolution 4.0 306 27. Swachhata App and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan 309 28. NBFCs Face Moratorium Issue with Banks 313 29. COVID-19 and EPFO 315 30. COVID-19 and World reports 318 31. COVID-19 and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 320 32. Cognitive Science Research Initiative and SATYAM-Yoga 322 33. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) 324 34. Rural Industries – MSME ACT – MGNREGA 326 35. Chitra Gene Lamp- N makes confirmatory test results 330 36. Scientist’s unravelled biggest star explosion ever seen 331 37. Astronomers spot “missing link” black hole 332 38. RBI to infuse Rs 1 lakh crore – LTRO – RBI Rreforms 335 39. Earth Day and Earth Hour 343 40. Agriculture labourer problems and solutions 345 41. Kisan Rath App 347 42. Govt. nod mandatory for FDI from neighbouring countries 348 43. Water Quality Report - Draft notification on RO systems 354 44. Active pharmaceutical ingredients and Schemes Approved to Promote 359 Drug Manufacturing 45. COVID-19 and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) strategy 362 46. A shot of hope with a game changing vaccine 366 47. Bangalore Blue for Karnataka’s grape farmers 368 48. Fish gills for low-cost electro-catalysts – BIO FUEL CELL 372 49. FCI to use surplus rise to make alcohol-based sanitizers 373 50. e-Commerce and recent Rules-FDI 378 51. COVID-19 and Zoonotic diseases 383 52. Covid-19 and Economic shocks 385 53. RSTV Special: Oil Price War & Implications 387 54. Remittances likely to plunge 23%: World Bank 393 55. China Mars mission Tianwen-1 396 56. Chemicals and petrochemical industry became top exporting sector 398 57. UGC to suggest academic calender 400 58. Great Barrier Reef suffers third major bleaching event 403 59. RBI announces 50,000crore Special Liquidity Facility for Mutual Funds 408 60. Digital India programme 411

Easy to PICK6 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 61. Lockdown impact: Domestic sugar consumption 414 62. Largest hole in the ozone layer heals itself: Is it Coronavirus effect? 416 63. Blockchain technology boost economic recovery: WEF 419 64. No improvement in Ganga water quality 421 65. Gearing up for floods during coronavirus pandemic 423 66. India continues to be on the ‘Priority Watch List’ of the United States 425 Trade Representative (USTR)-Intellectual property (IP) rights 67. National Infrastructure Pipeline 429 68. MHA issued guidelines to allow inter-State movement of stranded migrant 432 workers 69. International Financial Services Centres 434 GS-4 437 440 COVID-19 – E-Learning –SWOT analysis Quarantine and quality time

Easy to PICK7 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 Jainism and Mahavir Jayanti Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Religion aparigraha (non-attachment) to his disciples and his teachings were  Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most called Jain Agamas.  Ordinary people were able to auspicious festivals in the Jain understand the teachings of Mahavira and his followers because they used community. Prakrit.  It is believed that the Mahavira passed  This day marks the birth of away and attained moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) at Vardhamana Mahavira, who was the age of 72 in 468 BC at a place called Pavapuri near modern Rajgir in the 24th and the last Tirthankara who Bihar. succeeded the 23rd Tirthankara, Jainism  The word Jaina comes from the Parshvanatha. term Jina, meaning conqueror.  According to Jain texts, Lord Mahavira  Tirthankara is a Sanskrit word was born on the 13th day of the bright meaning 'Ford maker', i.e., one who half of the moon in the month of is able to ford the river, to cross beyond the perpetual flow of earthly Chaitra. life.  Jainism attaches utmost importance to o As per the Gregorian calendar, ahimsa or non-violence.  It preaches 5 mahavratas (the 5 great Mahavir Jayanti is usually celebrated vows): o Ahimsa (Non-violence) during the month of March or April. In o Satya (Truth) o Asteya or Acharya (Non-stealing) 2020, Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated o Aparigraha (Non-attachment/Non- on 6th of April. possession) o Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity)  A procession is called with the idol of  Among these 5 teachings, the Brahmacharya Lord Mahavira called the Rath Yatra. (Celibacy/Chastity) was added by Mahavira.  Reciting stavans or Jain prayers,  The three jewels or Triratna of Jainism include statues of the lord are given a o Samyak Darshana (right faith). o Samyak Gyana (right knowledge). ceremonial bath called abhisheka. o Samyak Charitra (right conduct).  Jainism is a religion of self-help. Lord Mahavira o There are no gods or spiritual beings  Mahavir was born to King Siddhartha that will help human beings. o It does not condemn the varna system. of Kundagrama and Queen Trishala, a Lichchhavi princess in the year 540 BC in the Vajji kingdom, identical with modern day Vaishali in Bihar.  Mahavira belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty.  There are several historians who believe that he was born in a place called Ahalya bhumi and the land has not been plowed for hundreds of years by the family that owns it.  Lord Mahavir was named Vardhamana, which means “one who grows”.  He abandoned worldly life at the age of 30 and attained ‘kaivalya’ or omniscience at the age of 42.  Mahavira taught ahimsa (non- violence), Satya (truth), asteya (non- stealing), brahmacharya (chastity) and

Easy to PICK8 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020  In later times, it got divided into two  Develop areas step-by-step with the help of these three models: sects: Retrofitting. o Shvetambaras (white-  Redevelopment.  Greenfield. clad) under Sthalabahu.  Coverage and Duration: The Mission o Digambaras (sky-clad) under the covers 100 cities for the duration of five years starting from the financial leadership of Bhadrabahu. year (FY) 2015-16 to 2019-20.  Financing: It is a centrally  The important idea in Jainism is that Sponsored Scheme. the entire world is animated: even Key Points : stones, rocks, and water have life.  Non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants, and insects, is central to Jaina philosophy.  According to Jain teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma.  Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma and achieve the liberation of the soul.  The practice of Santhara is also a part of Jainism. o It is the ritual of fasting unto death. Swetambara Jains call it Santhara whereas Digambars call it Sallekhana. Smart City Mission  It is an innovative initiative under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life of people by enabling local development and harnessing technology as a means to create smart outcomes for citizens.  Objective: To promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of Smart Solutions.  Focus: On sustainable and inclusive development and to look at compact areas, create a replicable model which will act like a lighthouse to other aspiring cities.  Strategy: o Pan-city initiative in which at least one Smart Solution is applied city-wide.

Easy to PICK9 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 IMD Forecasts and EL Nino Part of: GS-I- Geography (PT-MAINS- the principal government agency in all PERSONALITY TEST) matters relating to meteorology, seismology and allied subjects. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD):  To take meteorological observations  A disastrous tropical cyclone struck and to provide current and forecast Calcutta in 1864 and this was followed by failures of the monsoon rains in meteorological information for 1866 and 1871. In the year 1875, the Government of India established the optimum operation of weather- India Meteorological Department, bringing all meteorological work in the sensitive activities like agriculture, country under a central authority.  The first Director General of irrigation, shipping, aviation, offshore Observatories was Sir John Eliot who was appointed in May 1889 at Calcutta oil explorations, etc. headquarters. The headquarters of IMD is at New Delhi.  To warn against severe weather  In the telegraph age, it made extensive use of weather telegrams for collecting phenomena like tropical cyclones, observational data and sending warnings. norwesters, duststorms, heavy rains  IMD became the first organisation in India to have a message switching and snow, cold and heat waves, etc., computer for supporting its global data exchange. which cause destruction of life and  India was the first developing country in the world to have its own property. geostationary satellite, INSAT, for continuous weather monitoring of this  To provide meteorological statistics part of the globe and particularly for cyclone warning. required for agriculture, water resource IMD has continuously ventured into new management, industries, oil areas of application and service, and steadily built upon its infra-structure in its exploration and other nation-building history of 140 years. It has simultaneously nurtured the growth of meteorology and activities. atmospheric science in India. Today, meteorology in India is poised at the  To conduct and promote research in threshold of an exciting future. meteorology and allied disciplines. IMD Mandate: India Meteorological Department was  To detect and locate earthquakes and to established in 1875. It is the National Meteorological Service of the country and evaluate seismicity in different parts of the country for development projects.’ IMD Forecasts:  Seasonal rainfall is likely to be 100% of the Long Period Average (LPA) with a model error of ± 5%, the IMD said.  A total of around 88 cm rainfall is forecast during the monsoon months from June to September.  The monsoon season in 2019 breached many records across India with a total of 968.3 mm rainfall.  The forecast probability, as reported by IMD, indicates 20 per cent chances of below-normal (90-96% of LPA), 41 per cent chances of normal (96-104%) and 21 per cent chances of above- normal rainfall (104-110%).

Easy to PICK10 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020  Further, the IMD report also states that  The cool surface water off the Peruvian neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation coast goes warm because of El Nino. (ENSO) conditions would be neutral When the water is warm, the normal over the Pacific Ocean during the trade winds get lost or reverse their monsoon season, with some models direction. indicating the possibility of weak La Niña conditions during the second half  Hence, the flow of moisture-laden of the season. winds is directed towards the coast of Peru from the western Pacific (the  The hero of monsoon 2019, Indian region near northern Australia and Ocean Dipole (IOD) is also likely to South East Asia). remain neutral during monsoon season.  This causes heavy rains in Peru during  The sea surface temperature the El Nino years robbing the Indian conditions over the Pacific and Indian subcontinent of its normal monsoon Oceans, as indicated by ENSO and rains. IOD, play a crucial role in determining the amount of rainfall and its  The larger the temperature and distribution across India during the pressure difference, the larger the monsoon season. rainfall shortage in India.  While El Niño has an adverse impact La Nina on the monsoon rainfall, a strong  La Nina means ‘little girl’ in Spanish positive IOD (like 2019) and La Niña conditions contribute to enhancing the and is also known as El Viejo or ‘cold overall rainfall across India. event’. Here, the water temperature in the Eastern Pacific gets colder than Note: Long Period Average (LPA) -refers normal. As a result of this, there is a to the average monsoon rainfall from strong high pressure over the eastern 1961-2010, which is 88 cm (880.6 mm to equatorial Pacific. Now, there is low be precise). Until 2019, the LPA stood at pressure in the Western Pacific and off 887.5 mm considering the average from Asia. 1951-2000. Monsoon rainfall between 96  La Nina causes drought in Peru and and 104 per cent is considered as the Ecuador, heavy floods in Australia, normal monsoon. The current forecast of high temperatures in Western Pacific, 100 per cent means a total of around 88 Indian Ocean, off the Somalian coast cm rainfall is likely during the monsoon and good monsoon rains in India. A La months from June to September. Nina is actually beneficial for the Indian monsoon. El Nino:  Generally, El Nino and La Nina occur  El Nino refers to the large-scale ocean- every 4 – 5 years. El Nino is more frequent than La Nina. Typically, the atmosphere climate interaction linked episodes last for nine to twelve to a periodic warming in sea surface months. temperatures across the central and east-central Equatorial Pacific. It is Key Points : associated with high pressure in the western Pacific.  El Nino adversely impacts the Indian monsoons and hence, agriculture in India.

Easy to PICK11 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 World Heritage Day-UNESCO-World Heritage site of India Part of: GS-I- CULTURE (PT-MAINS-  India has 38 world heritage sitesthat include 30 Cultural properties, 7 PERSONALITY TEST) Natural properties and 1 mixed site.  Every year 18th April is celebrated as  Its creation in 1965 is the logical outcome of initial conversations the International Day for between architects, historians and international experts that began in the Monuments and Sites or the World early twentieth century and that materialized in the adoption of Heritage Day.The International the Venice Charter in 1964. Council on Monuments and Sites UNESCO What are the objectives of UNESCO? (ICOMOS) established the day The UNESCO functions as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universal in 1982 and the United Nations agreements on emerging ethical issues. The Organization also serves as a clearinghouse Educational, Scientific and Cultural – for the dissemination and sharing of information and knowledge – while helping Organization (UNESCO) approved it Member States to build their human and institutional capacities in diverse fields. in 1983. UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the  Since then, it has been a day eradication of poverty and sustainable development. to celebrate and promote cultural UNESCO works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and heritage, and an opportunity to raise peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values. It is through this dialogue awareness about its that the world can achieve global visions of sustainable development encompassing diversity, its relevance, how vulnerab observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which le it can be and what the needs and are at the heart of UNESCO’s mission and activities. benefits of its conservation are. What global role does UNESCO play?  Theme for 2020: Shared Cultures, The role of UNESCO is critical, particularly in the face of terrorism, which constitutes an Shared Heritage, Shared attack against humanity. The world urgently requires global visions of sustainable Responsibility.It is an important development based upon observance of human rights, mutual respect and the expression of global unity in the face of the on-going worldwide health crisis (Covid-19 pandemic). International Council on Monuments and Sites- PT SHOTS  It is a global non-governmental organization associated with UNESCO.  Its mission is to promote the conservation, protection, use and enhancement of monuments, building complexes and sites.  It is an Advisory Body of the World Heritage Committeefor the implementation of the World Heritage Convention of UNESCO. o As such, it reviews the nominations of cultural world heritage and ensures the conservation status of properties.

Easy to PICK12 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 alleviation of poverty, all of which lie at the  Help countries implement a national heart of UNESCO’s mission and activities. strategy for sustainable development to Through its strategies and activities, reverse current trends in the loss of UNESCO is actively pursuing the environmental resources. Millennium Development Goals (succeeded by Sustainable Development  Combat infectious diseases such Goals), especially those aiming to: as HIV/AIDSand Malaria  Reduce the proportion of people living  Making efforts to reduce child in extreme poverty to half in mortality rates. developing countries International Days observed at UNESCO  Achieve the goal of universal primary Through the UNESCO, the United education in all countries Nations designates specific days, as occasions to mark particular events or topics  Eliminate gender disparity in primary in order to promote, through awareness and and secondary education action, the objectives of the Organization. International Days observed at UNESCO Date Name 27 January International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust 13 World Radio Day February 8 March International Women’s Day 22 March World Water Day 23 April World Book and Copyright Day 3 May World Press Freedom Day 25 May Africa Day/ Africa Week 5 June World Environment Day 12 August International Youth Day 15 International Day of Democracy September 5 October World Teachers Day 16 International Day for Tolerance November 1 World AIDS Day

Easy to PICK13 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 December World Heritage Sites in India centre in India until the 12th century A.D. A World Heritage Site is a place that is o Consists of monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries) all in listed by UNESCO for its special cultural different states of conservation most of which date back to the 2nd and or physical significance. The list of World 1st centuries B.C. Heritage Sites is maintained by the  Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004) international 'World Heritage o Prehistoric (chalcolithic) sites, a hill Programme', administered by the fortress of early Hindu capital, and remains of the 16th-century capital of UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The the state of Gujarat. United Nations Educational, Scientific and o Also includes, among other vestiges, fortifications, palaces, religious Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seek to buildings, residential precincts, agricultural structures and water encourage the identification, protection installations, from the 8th to 14th centuries. and preservation of cultural and natural o The Kalikamata Temple on top of heritage around the world considered to be Pavagadh Hill is considered to be an important shrine, attracting large of outstanding value to humanity. numbers of pilgrims throughout the year. This is embodied in an international treaty o The site is the only complete and called the Convention concerning the unchanged Islamic pre-Mughal city. Protection of the World Cultural and  Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004) Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in o Example of Victorian Gothic Revival 1972. India has 38 world heritage sites architecture in India, blended with themes deriving from Indian traditional that include 30 Cultural properties, 7 architecture. The building, designed by the British architect F. W. Stevens, Natural properties and 1 mixed site. became the symbol of Bombay as the ‘Gothic City’ and the major Cultural Sites in India (30) international mercantile port of India. The terminal was built over 10 years,  Agra Fort (1983) starting in 1878, according to a High Victorian Gothic design based on late o 16th-century Mughal monument medieval Italian models. Its remarkable stone dome, turrets, o Fortress of red sandstone pointed arches and eccentric ground plan are close to traditional Indian o It comprises the Jahangir Palace and palace architecture. the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i- Khas  Ajanta Caves (1983)  Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016) o Remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. o Includes stupas, shrines, viharas (residential and educational buildings) and important artworks in stucco, stone and metal. o Considered to be the most ancient university of the Indian Subcontinent.  Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) o It is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence and was a major Buddhist

Easy to PICK14 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020  Churches and Convents of Goa the Second, feature vimana (sanctum tower) of 53m and 24m respectively. (1986) o Brihadisvara and Airavatesvara temple o The churches and convents of Goa,  Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986) particularly the Basilica of Bom Jesus o This site was the last capital of the kingdom of Vijaynagar. indicate commencement of o These Dravidian temples and palaces were built by rulers of Vijaynagar evangelization in Asia. between the 14th and 16th centuries. o In 1565, the city was captured by o The Basilica of Bom Jesus also houses Deccan Muslim Confederacy and pillaged for a period of 6 months, the sacred tomb of St. Francis Xavier. before being abandoned.  Group of Monuments at o These monuments are well known for Mahabalipuram (1984) o This group of monuments was founded spreading- Manueline, Mannerist and by Pallava kings in the 7th and 8th centuries along the Coromandel Baroque art in major parts of Asia. coast of Bay of Bengal. o These temples boast of intricate and  Elephanta Caves (1987) unique architectural styles in the form of- rathas (temples in the form of o Located at Elephanta island or island chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries) of Gharapuri(literally- ‘City of Caves’) and giant open-air reliefs such as- ‘Descent of the Ganges.’ in the Sea of Oman, close to Mumbai. o It also encloses the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures dedicated o Contains a collection of rock art to the glory of Shiva.  Group of Monuments at Pattadakal connected to the Shaivite cult. (1987) o Pattadakal in Karnataka showcases a o It is a vital symbol of the greatness of unique blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India, Indian art, especially the huge high achieved under the Chalukya dynasty during the 7th and 8th centuries. reliefs in the main cave. o It comprises nine Hindu temples as well as a Jain sanctuary including the o They were constructed around the mid- Temple of Virupaksha, a masterpiece built in c.740 by Queen Lokamahadevi 5th to 6th centuries AD. to commemorate her husband’s victory.  Ellora Caves  Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013) o This site includes six majestic forts  Fatehpur Sikri (1986) situated in Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur and o Built during the second half of the Jhalawar, all situated in the state of Rajasthan. 16th century by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri or ‘The City of Victory,’ also served as the capital of the Mughal empire for a short time period. o It contains an array of monuments and temples, including one of the largest mosques in India- the Jama Masjid.  Great Living Chola Temples (1987, 2004) o Built by kings of the Chola empire, these temples manifest the precision and perfection of the Cholas in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting. o This site includes three 11th and 12th- century temples: Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. o The Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram built by Rajendra the First in 1035 and the Airavatesvara Temple built by Rajaraja

Easy to PICK15 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 o The magnificent and stalwart exterior decorated with intricately and of the forts manifests the lifestyle and beautifully carved sculptures. nature of the Rajput rule over this land  Mahabodhi Temple Complex at from 8th to 18th centuries. Bodh Gaya (2002) o This temple was earlier built by o These fortifications enclose urban Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century centres, palaces, trading centres and B.C.However, the present structure temples, where various forms of art dates back to the 5th or 6th centuries. and culture flourished. o It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick and o Some of the urban centres, as well as considered to be one of the four sacred most of the temples and other sacred sites associated with the life of places, have survived as the forts used Gautama Buddha. natural resources such as- hills, deserts,  Mountain Railways of India (1999, forests etc for protection. 2005, 2008) o This site includes three railways:  Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017) o Darjeeling Himalayan Railway o Located on the eastern bank of o Nilgiri Mountain Railway: This line, started in 1891 and completed till Sabarmati river, this city was founded 1908, is a 46-km long metre-gauge by Sultan Ahmad Shah in the single-track railway in Tamil Nadu. 15th century. It also served as the o Kalka Shimla Railway capital of the state of Gujarat for centuries.  Qutub Minar and its Monuments, o This city is a testimony to the Delhi (1993) harmonious existence of diverse religions on this land, exhibited by its o Qutub Minar was built in red architecture which includes the famous sandstone in the early 13th century, in Bhadra citadel accompanied by various Delhi. mosques, tombs as well as numerous Hindu and Jain temples. o It is 72.5 m high, with diameters of o The urban fabric consists of densely- 14.32 m and 2.75 m at its base and packed traditional houses (pols) in peak respectively. gated traditional streets (puras).  Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993) o The tower is surrounded by various o Built-in 1570, it has long-standing aesthetically-pleasing treasures, for cultural significance because it was the instance- the Alai Darwaza built-in first garden-tomb to be constructed in 1311 as well as two mosques including India. the Quwwatu’l-Islam, the oldest o This tomb was the inspiration behind mosque in northern India. several architectural innovations including the Taj Mahal.  Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell)  Jaipur City, Rajasthan(2019) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)  Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986) o Situated on the banks of Saraswati o These temples were built during the river, this stepwell was built as a Chandella dynasty, which reached at memorial to a king. its pinnacle between 950 and 1050. o Only 20 temples remain, belonging to o Stepwells are considered to be easily two different religions namely- accessible underground water Hinduism and Jainism, including the resources and storage systems, which famous Temple of Kandariya have been constructed in the Indian subcontinent since the 3rd millennium B.C.

Easy to PICK16 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 o This stepwell flaunts the Maru-Gurjara countries stands as a testimony of a architectural style, designed in the new form of architectural expression form of an inverted temple to weaved with modern traditions. emphasize the sanctity of water and is o These sites, in totality, propagate ideals endowed with more than thousand of the Modern movement and are also sculptures depicting a combination of considered as a significant response to religious, mythological and secular fundamental issues of architecture and imagery. society in the 20th century. o Complexe du Capitole, Chandigarh,  Red Fort Complex (2007) The Museum of Western Art in Tokyo o This was built as the palace fort of (Japan), the House of Dr Curutchet in La Plata (Argentina), Unité Shahjahanabad, the capital of Mughal d’habitation in Marseille (France) etc, Emperor Shah Jahan and is named are some of the well-known sites after its immense walls of red included in this property. sandstone.  The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010) o The Red Fort Complex in entirety, o Built in the early 18th century, Jantar includes the Red Fort as well as Mantar is designed to observe Salimgarh fort built-in 1546 by Islam astronomical positions with the naked Shah Suri. eye. A set of 20 main instruments are o Red Fort is a reflection of the acme of installed in this site to make accurate Mughal architectural innovation and observations. craftsmanship. The planning of the o It is a manifestation of astronomical palace is based on Islamic prototypes, skills and knowledge, dating back to but each structure mirrors architectural the Mughal times. elements derived from a combination  Victorian Gothic and Art Deco of Persian, Timurid and Hindu Ensembles of Mumbai (2018) traditions. o This site includes a collection of public o The row of pavilions are connected by buildings designed in Victorian Neo- a continuous water channel known as Gothic style in the 19th century and Art Nahr-i-Behisht (Stream of Paradise). Deco style in the 20th century.  Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003) o Both the styles are intermingled with o These shelters are located within the Indian architectural elements. For foothills of Vindhya range, on the instance- The buildings designed in southern edge of the central Indian Victorian Neo-Gothic styles are plateau. endowed with balconies and verandas. o Unearthed in the form of five clusters Similarly, the Indo- Deco is a term of natural rock shelters exhibiting used to describe the style emerged after paintings that date back to the adding Indian elements to Art Deco Mesolithic, and other periods imagery and architecture. succeeding it. Natural Sites in India (7) o The cultural traditions of the  Great Himalayan National Park inhabitants in surrounding areas are Conservation Area (2014) very similar to those displayed in the o Located in western part of Himalayan paintings. mountains in the state of Himachal  Sun Temple, Konarak (1984) Pradesh, this Park is well known for its  Taj Mahal (1983) high alpine peaks, alpine meadows and  The Architectural Work of Le riverine forests. Corbusier (2016) o This transnational serial property includes 17 sites spread across 7

Easy to PICK17 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 o It also encloses glacial and snow and is dominated by India’s second- meltwater sources of several rivers as well as the catchment area. highest mountain-the peak of Nanda o It is a biodiversity hotspot with 25 Devi. The Valley of Flowers, in types of forests inhabited by myriads of faunal species, several of which are contrast, flaunts aesthetically pleasing threatened. meadows of alpine flowers.  Kaziranga National Park (1985)  Keoladeo National Park (1985) o Numerous kinds of floral and faunal o This wetland is located in the state of species reside in these parks, along Rajasthan and served as a duck shooting reserve till the end of with a significant population of 19th century. However, soon enough the hunting ceased and the area was globally threatened species including- declared a national park in 1982. o This National Park is home to 375 bird Snow leopard, Himalayan Musk Deer species and various other life forms. It also serves as a wintering ground to etc. Palaearctic migratory waterfowl, critically endangered Siberian Crane as  Sundarban National Park (1987) well as to globally threatened- Greater Spotted Eagle and Imperial Eagle.  Western Ghats (2012) o It is acclaimed for its resident population of non-migratory breeding o Western Ghats consist of a chain of birds. mountains running parallel to India’s  Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985) o Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a Western Coast and passing from the biodiversity hotspot located in Assam. It is a part of Manas Tiger Reserve and states of Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa, sprawls alongside Manas river. o A range of forested hills, alluvial Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. grasslands and tropical evergreen forests are responsible for the o They cover an immense area in a 1600 breathtaking beauty and serene environment of the site. km long stretch and are interrupted o It also provides a habitable environment to a range of endangered only once by a 30km Palghat gap at species such as- tiger, greater one- horned rhino, swamp deer, pygmy hog around 11 degrees North. and Bengal florican.  Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers o They also influence the Indian National Parks (1988, 2005) o Both of these National Parks are monsoon weather patterns that mediate exceptionally beautiful high-altitude West Himalayan landscapes and fall the warm tropical climate of the region within the boundaries of the state of Uttarakhand. and act as a barrier to rain-laden o Nanda Devi National Park boasts rugged and high-mountain wilderness monsoon winds that sweep in from the south-west. o Western Ghats are also home to tropical evergreen forests, as well as to 325 globally threatened species. Mixed Site in India (1)  Khangchendzonga National Park (2016) o Located in Sikkim, this National Park is dominated by the world's third- highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga. o The Park comprises steep-sided valleys, snow- o clad mountains and various lakes and glaciers including the 26km long Zemu glacier, located around the base of Mount Khangchendzonga. o It covers almost 25% of the state of Sikkim and ensures a habitable environment to various endemic as well as threatened, plant and animal species.

Easy to PICK18 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 International Monetary and Financial Committee-IMFC Part of: GS-I- CULTURE (PT-MAINS- o Provision of relief to firms in statutory and regulatory compliance matters. PERSONALITY TEST) o Easing of monetary policyby Recently, the Union Minister of Finance & the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) and three-month moratoriumon loan Corporate Affairs attended the plenary instalments. meeting of the International Monetary o Creating a Covid-19 Emergency Fundfor the SAARCregion. and Financial Committee (IMFC) through video-conferencing. Imp Points International Monetary and Financial  This meeting’s Global Policy Agenda was “Exceptional Times – Committee Exceptional Action”.  The IMFC was updated by the  It is the Ministerial-level members on the actions and committee of the International measures taken by the member Monetary Fund (IMF). countries to combat Covid-19.  It meets twice a year, once during  The members remarked on IMF’s the Fund-Bank Annual Meetings in crisis-response package to October and once during the Spring address global Meetings in April. liquidity and members’ financing o This year, due to the Covid-19 needs. outbreak, the meeting took place  India also highlighted that the IMF has through video-conference. always played a pivotal role in  Functions: maintaining stability of the o It discusses the management of the international monetary and financial international monetary and financial system and that it should continue system. rendering this critical role to the global o It advises the IMF on any other financial architecture. matters of common concern affecting  Measures taken by India to respond the global economy. to the health crisis and to mitigate its  IMFC has 24 members, drawn from impact were highlighted. Few of them the pool of 189 governors, and are: represents all member o India Covid-19 Emergency Response countries. India is one of the current and Health System Preparedness members. Package: Allocation of $2 Billion  It operates on consensus, including on (₹15,000 crore) by the Government of the selection of its chairman. India for strengthening the healthcare system. Export curb removed from Paracetamol o Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan The Centre has permitted the export of Yojana:Announcement of a scheme of formulations (medicinal products) made social support measures amounting from Paracetamol. However, to $23 Billion (₹1.70 lakh the restriction on export of Paracetamol crore) to alleviate the hardship of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients poor and the vulnerable. (APIs) will continue.The API is the part

Easy to PICK19 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 of any drug that produces the intended Key Points : effects. Paracetamol  Paracetamol is a common fever medication globally.  Paracetamol is the most sought after and widely used drug ever since the Covid-19 outbreak.  According to sources, India is among the leading manufacturers of Paracetamol globally.The production capacity is estimated to be 5,000 tonnes a month.  From an export perspective, it is a low value, high volume product. Directorate General of Foreign Trade  DGFT is the main governing body in matters related to Exim (Export- Import) Policy.  It is an attached office of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry  The main objective of it under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 is to provide the development and regulation of foreign trade by facilitating imports into, and augmenting exports from India. Foreign Trade Act has replaced the earlier law known as the Imports and Exports (Control) Act 1947. Note: ITCHS codes are better known as Indian Trade Clarification (ITC) and are based on the Harmonized System (HS) of Coding. These were adopted in India for import-export operations. Indian custom uses an eight digit ITC (HS) code to suit the national trade requirements.

Easy to PICK20 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 Covid-19 tests among the tribal population living along the Godavari river valley area Part of: GS-I- CULTURE-Geography about 1465 km before outfalling into (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) the Bay of Bengal. Recently, a petition has been filed in the  Drainage Basin: The Godavari basin Supreme Court for directing the Andhra extends over states of Maharashtra, Pradesh government to conduct Covid- Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and 19tests among the tribal population living Odisha in addition to smaller parts in along the Godavari river valley area. Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Union Lack of awareness among the tribal territory of Puducherry. people, who live in dense forest and other  Tributaries: Pravara, Purna, Manjra, scheduled areas of the river valley, made Penganga, Wardha, Wainganga, them more prone to Covid-19 Pranhita (combined flow of infections.Konda reddis, Koyas and Wainganga, Penganga, Wardha), Kolam are the popular tribes living in Indravati, Maner and the Sabri. godavari valley. Konda reddis and Kolam are part of Particularly Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). (PVTGs) Polavaram Irrigation Project  Polavaram Project is located in  In India, tribal population makes up Andhra Pradesh on the river Godavari, near Polavaram village. for 8.6% of the total population.  It is a multi-purpose irrigation project as the project once completed  PVTGs are more vulnerable among the will provide Irrigation benefits and will generate HydroElectric tribal groups. Due to this factor, more Power. In addition, this project will also supply drinking water. developed and assertive tribal groups  It will facilitate an inter-basin transfer to the Krishna river basin through its take a major chunk of the tribal Right canal.  It will also provide indirect benefits development funds because of which such as development of Pisciculture (breeding and rearing of fish), tourism PVTGs need more funds directed for and urbanisation.  The Project has been accorded their development. national project status by the union government in 2014 (under Section-  In 1973, the Dhebar Commission 90 of Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014). created Primitive Tribal Groups Godavari River (PTGs) as a separate category, who are  Source: Godavari river rises from Trimbakeshwar near Nasik in less developed among the tribal Maharashtra and flows for a length of groups. In 2006, the Government of India renamed the PTGs as PVTGs.  In this context, in 1975, the Government of India initiated to identify the most vulnerable tribal groups as a separate category called PVTGs and declared 52 such groups, while in 1993 an additional 23 groups were added to the category, making it a total of 75 PVTGs out of 705 Scheduled Tribes.  PVTGs have some basic characteristics - they are mostly homogenous, with a small population, relatively physically

Easy to PICK21 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 isolated, absence of written language, relatively simple technology and a slower rate of change etc.  Among the 75 listed PVTG’s the highest number are found in Odisha. Key Points :

Easy to PICK22 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 Safe drinking water supply and management – Water crisis and management Part of: GS-I- Geography and climate increasing demand from agriculture and industry, pollution and poor change (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY water resource management are few other challenges which will intensify TEST) with the changing climate.  According to the data of the Ministry Recently, the Ministry of Health and of Water Resources in 2017, (merged into the Ministry of Jal Shakti in Family Welfare (MoHFW) has issued 2019) average annual per capita water availability fell from 1820 an advisory to state governments asking cubic meters assessed in 2001 to to 1545 cubic meters in 2011. The data them to ensure safe drinking water supply also highlighted the possibility of it reducing further to 1341 and 1140 and management during the in the years 2025 and 2050 respectively. nationwide lockdownthat has  The ministry also held that the water availability of water stressed/water been extended to 3rd May, 2020. scarce regions of the country is much below the national average due to Imp Points the high temporal and spatial variation of precipitation.  Advisory:State governments need o Water Stressed Condition: Where annual per-capita water availability to assess the requirements of water is less than 1700 cubic meters. o Water Scarcity Condition: Where purifying chemicals, including annual per- capita water availability is below 1000 cubic meters. chlorine tablets, bleaching  According to the Global Annual Report, 2018 by the powder, sodium hypochlorite WaterAid, the water and sanitation advocacy group, India ranked at the solution and alum and use them top of 10 countries with lowest access to clean water close to home, with wherever necessary.These purifying 16.3 crore people not having such access. products are classified under the list  However, the government's efforts (such as Jal Jeevan Mission) in of essential commodities(Essential solving the water crisis have been appreciated as well. It has been Commodities Act, 1955). highlighted that despite facing several challenges, India is one of the world’s For ensuring social distancing, states most-improved nations for reaching the most people with clean water. are recommended to increase water supply hours if demand goes up and people come to fetch water from the public stand post.  Reasons Behind the Advisory: The urgent need to ensure the availability of safe potable water to all citizens, mainly in the rural areas where medical sanitisers may not be available, has been highlighted in the wake of the Covid- 19pandemic.In the list of preventive measures for controlling the spread of coronavirus, frequent washing of hands with frothing soaps is the most efficient and effective measure. Water Crisis of India  India has been facing the challenge of lack of access to clean water for several years. Falling groundwater levels, drought,

Easy to PICK23 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 Jal Shakti Mantralaya as mandatory elements, National River Conservation like rainwater harvesting, Directorate (NRCD) has been shifted groundwater from the Ministry of Environment and recharge and management of Forest and Climate Change to Jal shakti household wastewater for Ministry. reuse, would be undertaken Move aims at consolidating administration in convergence with other government and bringing water-related issues like programmes/schemes. conservation, development, management,  The Mission is based on a community and abatement of pollution under a single approach to water and includes ministry.National River Conservation extensive Information, Education Directorate (NRCD) is responsible for and Communication as a key implementing the centrally sponsored component of the mission. national river conservation plan for all  JJM looks to create a jan andolan for water, thereby making it everyone’s rivers across the country except river Ganga and its tributaries (as issues related to Ganga priority. and its tributaries are taken up by National  Funding Pattern: The fund sharing Mission for Clean Ganga) pattern between the Centre and states Jal Shakti Mantralay: The government has is 90:10 for Himalayan and North- created a new Ministry called ‘Jal Shakti’ after merging Ministries of Water Eastern States, 50:50 for other states, and 100% for Union Territories. Resources, River Development & Ganga  The Central government has recently Rejuvenation along with Drinking Water released the operational guidelines and Sanitation.‘Jal Shakti’ ministry will for JJM. encompass issues ranging from For the implementation of JJM, providing clean drinking water, following institutional arrangement has international and inter-states water been proposed (PT SHOT) disputes, to the Namami Gange project  National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM) at aimed at cleaning Ganga and its the Central level tributaries, and sub-tributaries.The  State Water and Sanitation Mission ministry will roll out the government’s (SWSM) at the State level ambitious plan (‘Nal se Jal’ scheme under  District Water and Sanitation Mission jal jivan plan) to provide piped water (DWSM) at the District level connection to every household in India  Village Water Sanitation Committee by 2024. (VWSC) at Village level Every village will prepare a Village Jal Jeevan Mission Action Plan (VAP) which will have three  Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) envisages supply of 55 litres from 40 Liters of components: water per person per day to every rural household through Functional  Water source & its maintenance Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024.  Water supply and  JJM focuses on integrated demand and supply-side management of  Greywater (domestic wastewater) water at the local level. management. o Creation of local infrastructure for Water in the Constitution source sustainability measures  In the Constitution, water is a matter included in Entry 17 of List-II i.e. State List. This entry is subject to the provision of Entry 56 of List-I i.e. Union List.

Easy to PICK24 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 o Under Article 246, the Indian Constitution allocates responsibilities of the States and the Centre into three lists– Union List, State List and Concurrent List.  Most of the rivers in the country give rise to inter-state differences and disputes(Article 262) on the regulation and development of waters of these rivers. Key Points :

Easy to PICK25 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 Cultural heritage list Part of: GS-I- CULTURE (PT-MAINS- intangible cultural heritage are PERSONALITY TEST) already recognised by UNESCO. As Draft intangible cultural heritage per the 2003 UNESCO Convention list released by the Union Culture Ministry. for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the list has five Details: broad categories — oral traditions,  106 items have been listed as performing arts, social practices, intangible cultural heritage in the draft knowledge and practices related to released by the Union Culture Ministry nature and traditional as a part of the ministry’s Vision 2024 craftsmanship. programme. Out of these 13 traditions of Indian Some of the major mentions in the draft list: Kalaripayuttu (martial art form) Kerala Kolam (practice of making designs at the entrance of homes Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil and temples) Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Pachoti (Traditional folk festival- birth of a baby, particularly a male infant is celebrated with relatives and neighbours. Assam Related to the birth of Krishna) Kinnar Kanthgeet (Oral traditions of the transgender Delhi community) Patola silk textiles (Geometric and figurative patterns) Gujarat (Patan) Buddhist chanting Leh and Kargil districts Kalam Bhat or Qalambaft gharana of Sufiana music Jammu and Kashmir Khor (Rice Beer by Tangkhul community) Manipur Tying a turban or safa Rajasthan Other notable mentions include:  The Kumbh Mela and Ramlila  Devotional music of Qawwali and the traditions of different States. music of the oldest instrument in the  The compositions of Ameer Khusro. country, the Veena.

Easy to PICK26 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020  The making of gourd vessels and wicker baskets in Manipur.  Different forms of shadow puppet theatre — Chamadyacha Bahulya in Maharashtra, Tolu Bommalatta in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Togalu Gombeyatta in Karnataka, Tolpava Kuthu in Kerala and Ravanchhaya in Odisha — have also been included. The national list is an attempt to further awareness and protection to the valuable cultural heritage of India. Key Points :

Easy to PICK27 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 Home Ministry issued Standard Operating Procedures for the movement of stranded migrant Part of: GS-I- Geography -Migration urban areas (a pull factor) have been (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) drivers of internal migration.Also, distress The Home Ministry issued Standard due to unemployment or Operating Procedures for the movement of underemployment in agriculture, natural stranded migrant labourers for their calamities, and input/output market engagement in industrial, manufacturing, imperfections serves as the contributing construction, farming and MNREGA factors.Data show that employment- works within States and Union Territories seeking is the principal reason for where they are currently located. Under it, migration in regions without conflict. they have been allowed to go to places of work within a state with certain What are the problems faced by conditions. internal migrants? The SOP said, in the event that a group of Informal growth - A migrant’s lack of migrants wish to return to their places of skills presents a major hindrance in work within the state where they are entering the labour market at the presently located, they will be screened destination.Further, the modern formal and those who are asymptomatic will be urban sector has often not been able to transported to their respective places of absorb the large number of rural workers work. entering the urban labour market.This has During the journey by bus, it will be led to the growth of the ‘urban informal’ ensured that safe social-distancing norms economy, which is marked by high are followed and the buses are sanitized as poverty and vulnerabilities.The ‘urban per guidelines of the health authorities. informal’ economy is wrongly understood The local authorities will also provide for in countries such as India as a transient food and water for the journey. phenomenon, even though it has expanded In the SOP, Union Home Secretary has over the years and accounts for the bulk of made it clear that there will be no inter- urban employment. state movement of workers during the Jobs - Most jobs in the urban informal lockdown which has been extended till the sector pay poorly and involve self- 3rd of next month. employed workers who turn to petty The local authorities will also register the production because of their inability to labourers residing in the relief and shelter find wage labour.There are also various camps. Their skill mapping will be forms of discrimination which do not carried out for their suitability for various allow migrants to graduate to better-paying kinds of work. jobs.Migrant workers earn only two- thirds of what is earned by non-migrant Internal migration policy- PAST workers. ANALYSIS Cost of living - Further, they have to incur Internal migration can be driven by push a large cost of migration which includes and/or pull factors.In India, over the recent the ‘search cost’ and the hazard of being decades, agrarian distress (a push factor) cheated.Often these costs escalate as they and an increase in better-paying jobs in are outside the state-provided health care and education system.This forces them to

Easy to PICK28 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 borrow from employers in order to meet strategy of the rural households to improve their rural livelihoods. these expenses.However, frequent  Hence, local interventions by NGOs and private entrepreneurs need to borrowing forces them to sell their assets consider cultural dimensions reinforced by caste hierarchies and towards repayment of loans. social consequences while targeting migrants. Source Factor - Employment Why there is need for a national policy? opportunities, the levels of income earned, The need for a national policy towards internal migration is underscored by the and the working conditions in destination fact that less than 20% of urban migrants areas are determined by the migrant’s had prearranged jobs.Nearly two-thirds household’s social location in his or her managed to find jobs within a week of their entry into the city. village.The division of the labour market The probability of moving to an urban area with a prearranged job increases with an by occupation, geography or industry increase in education levels.Access to information on employment availability (labour market segmentation), even within before migrating along with social networks tend to reduce the period of the urban informal labour market, confines unemployment significantly. Social networks in the source region not migrants to the lower end.Also, such only provide migrants with information on employment opportunities, but are also segmentation reinforces differences in critical as social capital in that they provide a degree of trust.While migrants social identity, and new forms of interact with each other based on ethnic ties, such ties dissipate when they interact discrimination emerge in these sites. with urban elites to secure employment. The bulk of policy interventions for the What are the benefits associated with migrants are aimed at providing financial migration? services and directed towards poverty  Internal migration has resulted in the reduction.However, there is a dearth of direct interventions targeted and focussed increased well-being of households, on regions. especially for people with higher skills, Hence, a national policy should aim at social connections and assets. reducing distress-induced migration on one  Migrants belonging to lower castes and hand and address conditions of work, tribes have also brought in enough terms of employment and access to basic income to improve the economic necessities on the other. condition of their households in rural areas and lift them out of poverty. What should a national policy contain?  Circular migration or repeat  It should facilitate the integration of migration is the temporary and usually repetitive movement of a migrant migrants into the local urban fabric, worker between home and host areas, and building city plans with a regular typically for the purpose of migration forecast assumed. employment.  Data show that a circular migrant’s earnings account for a higher proportion of household income among the lower castes and tribes.  This has helped to improve the creditworthiness of the family members left behind where they can now obtain loans more easily.  Thus, there exists a need to scale-up interventions aimed at enhancing these benefits from circular or temporary migration.  Also, short-term migration to urban areas is a part of a long-term economic

Easy to PICK29 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020  Lowering the cost of migration, along Key Points : with eliminating discrimination against migrants, while protecting their rights will help raise development across the board.  Delhi is a classic example which has changed its focus from limiting urban migration to revitalising its nearby cities such as Meerut in building transport links and connectivity to accommodate migrants.  It should distinguish between the interventions aimed at ‘migrants for survival’ and ‘migrants for employment’.  It should also distinguish between individual and household migrants, because household migration necessitates access to infrastructure such as housing, sanitation and health care more than individual migration does.  It should provide continued dynamic interventions over long periods of time for seasonal migrants, instead of single-point static interventions.  It should provide more space to local bodies and NGOs which bring about structural changes in local regions.  It should focus on measures enhancing skill development would enable easier entry into the labour market.  Skill development can be supported by market-led interventions such as microfinance initiatives, which help in tackling seasonality of incomes.  It should consider the push factors, which vary across regions, and understand the heterogeneity of migrants.  Remittances from migrants are increasingly becoming the lifeline of rural households.  Hence, the policy should improve financial infrastructure to enable the smooth flow of remittances and their effective use require more attention from India’s growing financial sector.

Easy to PICK30 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 Child abuse and violence- Criminal law amendment bill - NCPCR (National commission for the protection of Child Rights) Part of: GS-I- Social issue (PT-MAINS- What are the issues with Child Abuse in PERSONALITY TEST) India? 336% increase in child rape cases from  According to a report by child rights 2001 to 2011. Figures are under reported as majority of child rape cases are not NGO CRY, sexual offence is reported to the police. 9/10 rapes and committed against a child in India sexual assaults are carried out by people every 15 minutes and there has been an known to the victim. Insensitivity and increase of more than 500 per cent unhelpful attitude of police, lawyers and over the past 10 years in crime against untrained hospital staff makes prosecution minors. The rising cases is a disturbing and conviction difficult. scenario.  As per NCRB statistics on rape of NOTE: 1 in 6 BOYS experience some women and children, 94% of the form of sexual abuse/ 1 in 4 GIRLS rapists are known to the victim, and experience some form of sexual abuse. almost half are a close relative, and neighbours. Why Child Rapes are Increasing?  The conviction rate of these crimes is  A rise in reporting due to lowering of very low, only close to 3% of the total number of cases, according to the 2016 the stigma attached + Rise of NCRB Report. One of the chief causes awareness mainly due to social media of low conviction rate is the lack of + celebrities opening up about being manpower and infrastructure in the abused in their childhood also criminal justice system. motivated parents to report  Previous Acts’ failure: In spite of the  POCSO in 2012 & Criminal Law POCSO Act being enacted in 2012, (Amendment) Act in 2013 led to there has been no reduction in the higher reporting of rape against number of crimes committed against children children. The new law enacted did not  Definition of rape now includes many act as a deterrent. more sexual actions than were earlier  Justice Delay: Court cases typically classified as sexual assault last for years or even stretch to decades  Age of consent for girls has been in many cases. One reason for this is raised from 16 to 18 years. This means the shortage of judges. Over six boys who have consensual sex can be million cases are pending for more charged with rape. than ten years. Because of the  The Parliament recently passed the pendency of cases and the lack of Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2018, required facilities, investigations are which awards death penalty to convicts hardly completed on time, and of child rapes in India. recording of evidence, etc. do not  The Bill provides for death penalty as happen on time. the maximum punishment in cases of  Attitude of the politicians – Senior rape of a child under 12. political leader and Supremo of the Samajwadi Party commented on record

Easy to PICK31 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 in 2014 that rapes should not be Jammu and Kashmir and the rape of punished with death since “boys are another woman at Unnao in Uttar boys and they make mistakes”. Pradesh.  A 2017 report titled “Everyone Blames  The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill Me” cited that survivors, especially 2018 will amend relevant Sections of from marginalised communities, find it the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code hard to register police complaints. of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and also  The survivors are often humiliated by the Protection of Children from Sexual the police personnel and at the hospital Offences Act (POCSO Act) 2012. where they are subjected to degrading  The Bill provides for a time-bound medical tests in the name of medical investigation in cases of rape of girl examination. They feel scared and children. The investigation into the intimidated when the case does reach rape of a child must be completed the court. There are major obstacles to within two months. obtaining vital support services such as  The cases are to be tried in a fast track counseling, health care and legal aid. court. The Bill states that any appeal against a sentence by the trial court Some incidents: must be disposed of within six  The brutal gang rape and murder of an months.  Under the new law, if the victim is eight-year old girl Asifa Bano, who under 12 years of age, the culprit faces belonged to a Muslim nomadic tribe on a minimum sentence of 20 years. The 17 January near Kathua, a town in maximum punishment is death. In the Kashmir shook the collective cases of gangrape of a child under 12, conscience of the nation and sparked the minimum punishment is life outrage and anger across India. sentence while the maximum is death  In the Nagaon district of Assam, an 11- penalty. year-old girl was raped and then burnt  In cases of children aged between 12 alive, and then an entire village came and 16, the offence of rape is together to help the police catch the punishable with the minimum sentence accused. of 20 years. The maximum punishment  It gets more disgusting. A four-month- in such cases is life imprisonment. If a old baby was raped and murdered in girl aged between 12 and 16 is the historic Rajwada area of Indore. gangraped, the convicts face a Hardened policemen were nearly minimum punishment of life sentence. moved to tears as they conducted a  If the victim is aged between 16 and preliminary examination of the ravaged 18, the offence of rape is punishable body. with a minimum punishment of 10-  Seventeen men have been charged in year jail term and the maximum is life India with the gang-rape of an 11-year- imprisonment. Repeat offenders will old deaf girl in the city of Chennai in be punished with life imprisonment or July 2018. death.  However, the punishment for rape of Salient features of the Criminal Law boys has remained unchanged. This (Amendment) Bill 2018 has resulted in greater difference in the  The Bill seeks to replace the Criminal quantum of punishment for rape of minor boys and girls. Law (Amendment) Ordinance Demerits of the Capital Punishment/ promulgated on April 21, 2018 Arguments against the provisions: following an outcry over the rape and murder of a minor girl in Kathua in

Easy to PICK32 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 Capital punishment is a debatable subject any national victim and witness and criminologists, sociologists and the protection law making them highly legal fraternity are always divided on this vulnerable to pressure from the issue. accused as well as the police. Children  Justice P Bhagwati while delivering a are even more vulnerable due to pressure from family and society. dissenting opinion in the case of Increase in punishment, including the Bachan Singh vs State of Punjab death penalty may lead to a decrease in (1982) case held capital punishment to reporting of such crimes. be unconstitutional.  The Law Commission of India in its Other initiatives report on death penalty said that after POCSO Act Significance many years of research and debate a  Gives exclusive definition to the crime view has emerged that there is no evidence to suggest that the death of sexual offences against children penalty has a deterrent effect over and  Deal with sexual assault & sexual above its alternative – life imprisonment. harassment against children while  The Justice JS Verma committee, safeguarding the interests of the child which was formed after the December at every stage of judicial process 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder case, in its report concluded that death However, the provisions of POCSO are penalty would be a regressive step in not properly applied by the police and the field of sentencing and other parties. Consequently, child reformation. offenders get away despite a stringent law.  Human Rights Watch opposes the use There is a need for greater awareness, of the death penalty in all cases. training and familiarization of application Capital punishment for rape is the of the law by police. easiest and most convenient demand to raise, yet the most harmful one for rape Child Pornography: SC Stand survivors. It is all about retribution,  Centre to suggest ways and means to disregards the reformative aspect of the criminal justice system, and, most curb child pornography importantly, is said to have little  One needs to draw a distinct line deterrent effect.  There are rapists who kill the victims, between art and obscenity and child and there are rapists who don’t. Now, pornography cannot be justified in the if the maximum punishment in either name of freedom of speech and case is the same, the rapist would expression reason that by killing victim he/she  Parameters regarding pornography has may never be exposed. There are to be decided as 19 (1)(a) of the numerous instances of the perpetrators Constitution is not “absolute” and is killing their victims, so stringent anti- subject to reasonable restrictions rape laws are perceived not to be  Asked the Centre to seek advice from deterrents but measures that further the experts and suggestions from NCW instigate rapists to kill the victims. on banning of websites dealing with  Rape is already underreported in India adult and child pornography largely because of social stigma, victim-blaming, poor response by the Government Stand criminal justice system, and lack of  Agencies like Interpol & CBI are taking necessary steps to block sites related to child pornography

Easy to PICK33 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020  It is possible to ban child pornography 1. Deprivation and violation of child but it is not possible to ban rights; pornographic websites as they are not under any country’s jurisdiction. 2. Non-implementation of laws providing Moreover most servers are located for protection and development of outside India children;  The method of blocking the URLs of 3. Non-compliance of policy decisions, such webites is usually ineffective as guidelines or instructions aimed at most such websites continue to operate mitigating hardships to and ensuring by simply changing their URLs. welfare of the children and to provide relief to such children; Aarambh Initiative – Country’s first ever hotline to curb sexual abuse of children 4. Or take up the issues arising out of through Internet & to remove child such matters with appropriate pornographic content online. authorities. CBI Functions and Powers The Central Bureau of Investigation The Commission shall perform all or any (CBI) has set up an Online Child Sexual of the following functions, namely: Abuse and Exploitation (OCSAE)  Examine and review the safeguards Prevention/Investigation Unit at its headquarter in New Delhi. provided by or under any law for the  The unit will function under the CBI’s time being in force for the protection of child rights and recommend Special Crime Zone. measures for their effective  The unit's territorial jurisdiction implementation.  Present to be central government, would be throughout the country. annually and at such other intervals, as Functions of the Unit the commission may deem fit, reports  It will probe offences covered under upon working of those safeguards;  Inquire into violation of child rights various provisions of the Indian Penal and recommend initiation of Code (IPC), the Protection of proceedings in such cases; Children from Sexual Offences  Examine all factors that inhibit the (POCSO) Act and the Information enjoyment of rights of children Technology (IT) Act, apart from other affected by terrorism, communal relevant laws. violence, riots, natural disaster,  It will collect and disseminate domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, information on online child sexual trafficking, maltreatment, torture and abuse and exploitation. exploitation, pornography and prostitution and recommend NCPCR appropriate remedial measures; The Ministry has enacted the Commissions  Look into matters relating to children for Protection of Child Rights Act in need of special care and protection, (CPCR), 2005, extending pan-India except including children in distress, the State of Jammu and Kashmir, under marginalised and disadvantaged which National Commission for Protection children, children in conflict with law, of Child Rights (NCPCR) is mandated to juveniles, children without family and function for protection and promotion of children of prisoners and recommend child rights. The Commission may inquire appropriate remedial measures. into complaints and take suomotu notice of  Study treaties and other international matters relating to- instruments and undertake periodic

Easy to PICK34 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 review of existing policies, Key Points: programmes, and other activities on child rights and make recommendations for their effective implementation in the best interest of children.  Undertake and promote research in the field of child rights.  Spread child rights literacy among various sections of society and promote awareness of the safeguards available for protection of these rights through publications, media, seminars and other available means.  Inspect or cause to be inspected any juvenile custodial home or any other place of residence or institution meant for children, under the control of the Central Government or any State Government or any other authority including any institution run by a social organization, where children are detained or lodged for the purpose of treatment, reformation or protection and take up with these authorities for remedial action, if found necessary.  Inquire into complaints and take suo moto notice of matters related to: 1. Deprivation and violation of child rights. 2. Non implementation of laws providing for protection and development of children. 3. Non compliance of policy decisions, guidelines or instructions aimed at mitigating hardships to and ensuring welfare of the children and to provide relief to such children or take up the issues arising out of such matters with appropriate authorities  Such other functions as it may consider necessary for the promotion of child rights and any other matter incidental to the above functions.

Easy to PICK35 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 Sugar Industry in India Part of: GS-I- Geography (PT-MAINS- Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and several PERSONALITY TEST) other states, it is the main source of employment. Sugarcane farmers are facing a payments  Source of employment: A sugar industry is source of livelihood for 50 crisis running into thousands of Crores of million farmers and their families. It Rupees. In Maharashtra alone the state’s provides direct employment to over 5 lakh skilled laborers but also to semi- sugar mills failed to disburse the entire skilled laborers in sugar mills and allied industries across the nation. amount of Rs 7,450.9 crore as payment for  Byproducts: The various byproducts of sugar industry also contribute to the cane to farmers as the ‘fair and economic growth and promote a number of allied industries. Sugarcane remunerative price’(FRP), according to has emerged as a multi-product crop used as a basic raw material for the Maharashtra government’s production of sugar, ethanol, paper, electricity and besides a cogeneration commissionerate of sugar. Similar of ancillary product.  For livestock feeding: Molasses from situation regarding delays in Uttar Pradesh sugar cane is used for alcohol production and livestock feeding since led to recent farmer protest bringing in it is highly nutritious.  Biofuel: In India, the vast majority of light the crisis in sugar industry. ethanol is produced from sugarcane molasses, a by-product of sugar. Background Ethanol blended fuel can help in reducing crude oil imports.  A major player in the worldwide sugar  Bagasse: Basic utilisation of baggase continues to be as a fuel. But it is also trade, India produced 33 million metric suitable raw material for paper industry. 30% of cellulose requirement tons in 2017/2018. The nation is seeing comes from agricultural residues. However, since the mills are scattered record levels of sugar production and is all over the country, collection of surplus baggase poses a problem and set to overtake Brazil as the highest makes paper units uneconomical. Problems of Sugar Industry sugar producer.  Uncertain Production Output  India’s sugar production rose 11.5% o Sugarcane has to compete with several other food and cash crops like cotton, during the 2014 to 2015 season on oil seeds, rice, etc. This affects the supply of sugarcane to the mills and bumper cane production. This increase the production of sugar also varies from year to year causing fluctuations in production led to an extensive surplus in Indian sugar with mills struggling to pay fair wages to workers. Sugar Industry’s Location in India  Sugar industry is broadly distributed over two major areas of production- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana and Punjab in the north and Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in the south.  South India has tropical climate which is suitable for higher sucrose content giving higher yield per unit area as compared to north India. Significance  Multiple linkages: Sugar is a labour- intensive industry, up the entire value- chain from cane-growing to sugar and alcohol production. Across multiple districts of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra,

Easy to PICK36 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 in prices leading to losses in times of o Abolition of the quantitative controls excess production due to low prices.  Low Yield of Sugarcane on export and import of sugar, these o India yield per hectare is extremely low as compared to some of the major should be replaced by appropriate sugarcane producing countries of the world. For example, India’s yield is tariffs. only 64.5 tonnes/hectare as compared to 90 tonnes in Java and 121 tonnes in o Committee recommended no more Hawaii.  Short crushing season outright bans on sugar exports. o Sugar production is a seasonal industry with a short crushing season varying o The central government has prescribed normally from 4 to 7 months in a year. o It causes financial loss and seasonal a minimum radial distance of 15 km employment for workers and lack of full utilization of sugar mills. between any two sugar mills, this  Low Sugar recovery rate o The average rate of recovery of sugar criterion often causes virtual monopoly from sugarcane in India is less than ten per cent which is quite low as over a large area can give the mills compared to other major sugar producing countries. power over farmers. The Committee  High Production cost o High cost of sugarcane, inefficient recommended that the distance norm technology, uneconomic process of production and heavy excise duty be reviewed. result in high cost of manufacturing. o Most of the sugar mills in India are of o There should be no restrictions on sale small size with a capacity of 1,000 to 1,500 tonnes per day thus fail to take of by-products and prices should be advantage of economies of scale.  Government policy and control market determined. States should also o Government has been controlling sugar prices through various policy undertake policy reform to allow mills interventions like export duty, imposition of stock limit on sugar to harness power generated from mills, change in meteorology rule etc., to balance supply demand mismatch. bagasse. o But these controls have resulted in unremunerative sugar prices, o Remove the regulations on release of increasing arrears for sugar mills and dues to be paid to sugarcane farmers. non-levy sugar. Removal of these Government Initiative  Rangarajan committee (2012) was controls will improve the financial set up to give recommendations on regulation of sugar industry. Its major health of the sugar mills. This, in turn, recommendations: will lead to timely payments to farmers and a reduction in cane arrears.  Based on the report, Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) recommended a hybrid approach of fixing sugarcane prices, which involved fair and remunerative price (FRP).  The year 2013-14 was a water-shed for the sugar industry. The Central Government considered the recommendations of the committee headed by Dr. C. Rangarajan on de- regulation of sugar sector and decided to discontinue the system of levy obligations on mills for sugar produced after September, 2012 and abolished the regulated release mechanism on open market sale of sugar.  The de-regulation of the sugar sector was undertaken to improve the financial health of sugar mills, enhance cash flows, reduce inventory costs and also result in timely payments of cane price to sugarcane farmers.

Easy to PICK37 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020  The recommendations of the research is required to increase the Committee relating to Minimum sugarcane production in the Distance Criteria and adoption of the agricultural field and to introduce new Cane Price Formula have been left to technology of production efficiency in State Governments for adoption and the sugar mills. implementation, as considered  Production cost can also be reduced appropriate by them. through proper utilisation of by- products of the industry.  With the aim of benefitting Sugar  Government should encourage ethanol farmers and in order to clear their production. It will bring down the arrears/cane dues, the Union country’s oil import bill and help in Government has decided to increase diversion of sucrose to ethanol and to the Minimum Selling Price (MSP) of balance out the excess production of Sugar from Rs. 29 to Rs. 31 for the sugar. year 2019-20. Conclusion The sector needs infusion of capital, but Fair and Renumerative Price also policy measures and structural  FRP is the minimum price that the changes. Technological upgradation in age old mills especially in Uttar Pradesh and sugar mills have to pay to farmers. Bihar to improve efficiency in  It is determined on basis of production.Major sugar producing States like Maharashtra and Karnataka have recommendations of Commission for migrated to the progressive revenue- Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) sharing formula other states should also and after consultation with State introduce revenue-sharing formula to Governments and other stake-holders. ensure farmers receive a share in the State Advised Price (SAP) profits.When domestic production is likely  In other key growing states of Uttar to be in excess of domestic consumption Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Tamil Nadu government should encourage exports and Uttarakhand, farmers get the State through policy changes. Advised Price (SAP) fixed by state governments which is usually higher Key Points : than FRP.  Apart from this, the government has also provided incentives on producing ethanol from B-heavy molasses and cane juice to divert the sugar surpluses towards biofuel, thus indirectly supporting sugar prices. The new Biofuel Policy 2018 has fixed a target of achieving 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by 2030. Way Forward  Mills should be allowed to produce more alcohol (a higher value product with massive industrial demand). Exports of sugar and alcohol should also be decontrolled. It will improve financial situation of mills and could afford to pay farmers a price based on the market prices of sugar.  The production cost of sugar in India is one of the highest in the world. Intense

Easy to PICK38 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 Children in South Asia could face health crisis amid COVID-19: UNICEF Part of: GS-I- Child issue (PT-MAINS- 4. Vaccine stocks are running dangerously PERSONALITY TEST) low in some countries of the region as Almost a quarter of the world’s supply chains have been disrupted with unimmunised or partially immunised travel bans and cancelled flights. children – about 4.5 million children – 5. The manufacturing of the vaccines has live in South Asia. also been disrupted, creating additional Expressing concern over the disruptions shortages. caused in immunisations due to the 6. Many of the health facilities throughout coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the the region, where millions of children are United Nations Children’s Fund normally vaccinated, have been closed and (UNICEF) warned that South Asia outreach sessions have been suspended, could face yet another health emergency adding to the challenge. if children across the region did not 7. South Asia could face yet another health receive their life-saving vaccine shots. emergency if children across the region do not receive their life-saving vaccine shots, Important Points the UNICEF said. 1. Almost a quarter of the world’s 8. As long as frontline health workers take the appropriate precautions, particularly unimmunised or partially immunised washing their hands, there is no reason not children – about 4.5 million children – to vaccinate – in fact, it is crucial that live in South Asia. Almost all of them, vaccination continues or 97%, live in India, Pakistan and The UNICEF strongly recommends that, Afghanistan. where immunisation campaigns are 2. Across the region, national mass suspended, governments begin rigorous vaccination campaigns have been planning now to intensify immunisation postponed. Bangladesh and Nepal have activities once the COVID-19 pandemic is postponed their national measles and under control. rubella campaigns while Pakistan and Afghanistan have suspended their United Nations International Children’s polio campaigns. Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Reasons 1.With lockdown in place as a part of the  It is a United Nations novel coronavirus response, routine immunisations have been severely agency responsible for disrupted and parents are increasingly reluctant to take their children to health providing humanitarian and centres for routine jabs. 2. Sporadic outbreaks of vaccine- developmental aid to children preventable diseases, including measles and diphtheria, have already been seen in worldwide. parts of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. 3. The South Asia region is also home to  It is among the most widespread and two of the last polio endemic countries in the world, Afghanistan and Pakistan. recognizable social welfare organizations in the world.  UNICEF’s activities include: o Immunizations and disease prevention o Administering treatment for children and mothers with HIV o Enhancing childhood and maternal nutrition

Easy to PICK39 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 o Improving sanitation o Promoting education o Providing emergency relief in response to disasters  UNICEF relies entirely on contributions from governments and private donors.  Its Headquarter is in New York City, US. Key Points :

Easy to PICK40 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 Coping with today, planning for tomorrow Part of: GS-I- CULTURE (PT-MAINS- infection. It appears less promising PERSONALITY TEST) than it appeared initially. (By Dr. Ramasubramanian is Consultant, 6. Discipline of the community at large, Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospital, and in times like this, is an enormous Director, Capstone Clinic; Dr. Aruna challenge. Mohan is Consultant Paediatric Dentist, Issues after lockdown ends and Director, Capstone Dental Care )  Purpose of lockdown: Lockdown has Quote for essay (Ethics) helped only to slow down the “And once the storm is over, you won’t progression of the infection and has remember how you made it through, how done precious little to eradicate it. you managed to survive. You won’t even Flattening the curve only gives the be sure, whether the storm is really over. healthcare system a breather, to But one thing is certain. When you come prepare for the onslaught of the virus. out of the storm, you won’t be the same  At present, infections are doubling person who walked in. That’s what this every eleventh day in India. Once the storm is all about” - Haruki Murakami. lockdown is lifted and life resumes, Issues in tackling the COVID19 : there is bound to be a surge in the 1. Does a negative PCR swab test rule out number of cases.  The pandemic will end only when the infection? Even though the PCR over 60% of the population is test is currently considered the gold infected, leading to herd immunity, standard, it has only 60-70% or if a vaccine is available, both distant sensitivity in picking up the infection. options at this time. 2. Can patients become re-infected? Up  We will be in a position to lift the to 10% of patients in China and South lockdown only if we have had no new Korea who were discharged from cases for at least two weeks. hospitals after recovering from the What can happen with increasing the infection subsequently tested positive lockdown period? by nasal swab PCR. The implications  This would wreak havoc on the are unclear. economy of any country. 3. Do masks for the public help? With  Detrimental to the health of infected increasing evidence of transmission persons, and also deleterious in the from asymptomatic persons with management of non-COVID health COVID-19 and the possibility that issues. masks may partially help prevent viral  It will lead to massive unemployment transmission, cloth masks for all public and recession and ruin the economy. is likely to be recommended.  Even when the ban is lifted, several 4. Will an early vaccine release help the industries may not show revival for up pandemic? Vaccines, if effective, will to a year. So the current lockdown, be a definitive answer to the pandemic. however harsh it may seem, is our best However, vaccines need to undergo option. safety and efficacy studies in an animal Stockdale Paradox (Accepting Realism model followed by human volunteers, is the key for survival) which will take up to 12-18 months.  ‘Stockdale Paradox’, named after 5. Is plasma therapy an answer? It is too Admiral Stockdale of the U.S. Navy, premature to expect that it will cure the

Easy to PICK41 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 who was imprisoned and tortured for living well. Let us work on an economy that conserves earth seven years during the Vietnam War. resources, avoids future pandemics, and enhances physical and mental The psychological duality of well-being. ‘balancing realism with steadfast optimism’ defined his endurance and Key Points : survival.  The implications of this crisis vary from financial catastrophe to emotional black holes. We are on different ships looking to survive, and survive we will. One has to be realistic, yet solid in the belief that ‘this too shall pass’.  We need to face this period of turbulence with calm efficiency. “Maturity of mind is defined as the capacity to endure uncertainty” said John Finley, an English historian and mathematician. Way ahead  India needs to invest in community education and community participation.  Trust in the government is an important component in any emergency health response.  An increased expenditure in a robust public health system is important to building trust and confidence.  Bolster infectious diseases surveillance.  The media and the public health system should ensure that the correct messages reach the common man.  Scientific and evidence-based information needs to be disseminated.  Humans cope with trauma by repressing its memory. The temptation to forget COVID-19 and move on will be overwhelming. But India must let not let that happen. These crises create opportunities for innovation.  We need a vision of a post-COVID-19 economy that is not ‘simply a return to normal’. A new normal can build upon what we have discovered under lockdown, about making a living and

Easy to PICK42 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 A greater impact on women-COVID-19 Part of: GS-I- Social issue-Women (PT- economic downturn accompanying the MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Introduction pandemic is likely to have a distinctly Early signs are that SARS-CoV-2 poses a greater direct health risk to men, and female face. particularly older men. But the pandemic is exposing and exploiting inequalities of Unfair, unequal treatment all kinds, including gender inequality. In the long term, its impact on women’s  Women are disproportionately health, rights and freedoms could harm us all. represented in poorly paid jobs Problems of women during lockdowns  Women are already suffering the without benefits, as domestic workers, deadly impact of lockdowns and casual labourers, street vendors, and in quarantines.  The risk of violence towards women small-scale services like hairdressing. trapped with abusive partners has increased enormously.  The International Labour  Recent weeks have seen an alarming global surge in domestic violence; the Organization estimates that nearly largest support organisation in the U.K. reported a 700% increase in calls. 200 million jobs will be lost in the  COVID-19 poses a threat to women’s next three months alone – many of livelihoods and increases their burden of work at home them in exactly these sectors. Steps taken by government to protect women and girls  And just as they are losing their paid  More than 143 governments have committed to supporting women and employment, many women face a huge girls at risk of violence during the pandemic. increase in care work due to school  Every country can take action by moving services online, expanding closures, overwhelmed health systems, domestic violence shelters and designating them as essential, and and the increased needs of older increasing support to front line organisations. people.  The United Nations’ partnership with the European Union, the  In some villages in Sierra Leone, Spotlight Initiative, is working with governments in more than 25 countries school enrolment rates for teenage on these and similar measures, and stands ready to expand its support. girls fell from 50% to 34% after the But the threat to women’s rights and freedoms posed by COVID-19 goes far Ebola epidemic, with lifelong beyond physical violence. The deep implications for their well-being and that of their communities and societies.  Many men, too, are facing job losses and conflicting demands. But even at the best of times, women do three times as much domestic work as men. That means they are more likely to be called on to look after children if businesses open while schools remain closed, delaying their return to the paid labour force.  Entrenched inequality also means that while women make up 70% of healthcare workers, they are vastly outnumbered by men in healthcare management.  Women comprise just one in every 10 political leadersworldwide . Way Ahead  We need women at the table when decisions are taken on this pandemic,

Easy to PICK43 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 to prevent worst-case scenarios like a Key Points : second spike in infections, labour shortages, and even social unrest.  Women in insecure jobs urgently need basic social protections, from health insurance to paid sick leave, childcare, income protection and unemployment benefits.  Measures to stimulate the economy, like cash transfers, credits, loans and bailouts, must be targeted at women – whether they are working full-time in the formal economy, as part-time or seasonal workers in the informal economy, or as entrepreneurs and business owners. This pandemic is not only challenging global health systems, but our commitment to equality and human dignity. With women’s interests and rights front and centre, we can get through this pandemic faster, and build more equal and resilient communities and societies that benefit everyone.

Easy to PICK44 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations India-China Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II-IR promote China-India cooperation in information technology and high India and China mark the 1st April 2020 as technology. the 70th anniversary of the establishment  Defense of diplomatic relations between them o ‘Hand-in-Hand’ joint anti-terrorist starting from 1950 till now. exercises to enhance mutual Facts and Figures on China-India understanding and trust, exchange training experiences and jointly Cooperation improve anti-terrorism capabilities. o China-India defense and security  Political and Diplomatic Relations consultation to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the defense field. o The Communist Party of China (CPC) has maintained friendly exchanges with 9 major Indian political parties including the BJP, Congress and left-wing parties for a  People-to-People Exchanges long time. o Both nations have held meetings o 20 Inter-parliamentary friendship of China-India High-Level People- groups have been set up by China and to-People and Cultural Exchanges India. Mechanism. The two sides have made o There are 50 dialogue new progress on exchanges and mechanisms between China and India cooperation in the fields of art, for exchanging views on various topics publishing, media, film and television, of bilateral, regional and global museum, sports, youth, tourism, concern. locality, traditional medicine, yoga, education and think tanks.  Economy and Trade o Sessions of China-India High Level o Since the beginning of the 21st century, Media Forum and China-India trade between China and India has grown from less than $3 billion to Think Tank Forum were held to nearly $100 billion, an increase of strengthen exchanges and cooperation about 32 times. in the field of media and think tanks. o The two countries have established pairs of sister cities and  In 2019, the trade volume between provinces. For example, sister China and India was $92.68 billion. provinces and cities between Fujian o With a combined market of over 2.7 Province and Tamil Nadu State, billion people and a GDP of 20% of Quanzhou City and Chennai City. the world's total, China and India o The number of Indian pilgrims to enjoy huge potential and broad Xizang Autonomous Region of prospects for economic and trade China has surged from several cooperation. hundreds in the 1980s to more than  Science and Technology 20,000 in 2019. o Both nations have held Joint Research workshops on Science and The Progressing Relations After the Doklam issue of 2017 & the Technology Innovation. Chumar issue of 2014 the relationship between the two countries suffered from o Indian companies have set up IT corridors in China, which help

Easy to PICK45 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 mistrust and border issues, but the Astana gradually reducing the size of Consensus and the Wuhan spirit changed something by a series of small the entire chemistry between the two incremental steps) that keeps on nations. happening on our 4000 km long border, forces us to be on our guard & Astana Consensus improve our military infrastructure and  In June 2017, on the sidelines of the readiness. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation  South Asian Angle: The dramatic Summit, India & China interacted in shift of economic growth from West to Astana. East demands our focus and concern  The two countries agreed upon the fact on the enhanced role in the Indo- that their differences should not be Pacific region. allowed to become disputes, & if these disputes were handled carefully they o By 2020, more than 50% of the may even turn into opportunities. world’s economy will be in Asia, i.e, dealing with China, Japan, India, and Wuhan Summit the ASEAN nations. So we need to  The Wuhan meeting of April 2018, an play the cards cautiously & take the positive lead in the region in order to informal summit between Prime balance China’s aggression. Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping opened a new o Also, China’s aggressive policy and chapter in the relations of the two our Act East Policy demands timely countries as they engaged in the wake intervention in South Asia so that it of post-Doklam rhetoric. could be seen as assertive rather than  Earlier the summit was perceived as a coming late on the issue. window dressing over deeper frictions, but in reality, it proved to be a crucial  Global Issues: Changing US-China rapprochement policy. relations and related trade conflicts,  It was a form of cultural integration & Asia’s growing self-reliance on its own people to people interaction program, produced goods, & enhanced which gave impetus to the cordial dependence of nations on the role of relations between the two countries. multilateral institutions like the UN for The enhanced interaction between the two peace-keeping and not one single nations in the past 5 years, in the form of power in the West, demands the 9-10 bilateral meetings has paved the way amicable Sino-Indian relations. in eliminating their differences and clearing the misgivings & doubts.  Pakistan’s Angle: Pakistan’s assertion on China to raise the issue of Challenges in the Path of Progress abrogating provisions of Art. 370 in  China’s Aggression: China has been the UNSC. The CPEC, BRI and other China Pakistan initiatives expect China following a rather assertive-rather to take the side of its strategic partner aggressive policy, which was clearly on multinational platforms, and act visible in its past actions like entering against Indian interests. into the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Vietnam and Philippines. The two countries convened their first This made other ASEAN nations wary Informal Summit in central China’s of its intentions. Wuhan in April 2018, where they o China's Chumar & Doklam fiasco, & the Salami-slicing (the process of

Easy to PICK46 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 exchanged views on issues of global and joining the China-backed RCEP deal. This bilateral significance. deal seeks to form a free trade zone among the ASEAN members - China, Australia, What are Informal Summits? New Zealand and India. 1. They act as supplementary India - which has a FTA with most of exchanges to annual Summits and other these nations - has a trade deficit with most formal exchanges such as the G20 of these nations, and the fear is that this Summit, EU-India Summit and the BRICS deal might flood the domestic market with Summit among others. more imports, while exports might not 2. They allow for “direct, free and increase at the same manner. candid exchange of views” between countries, something that may not be Working together on international possible to do through formal bilateral and issues multilateral meetings that are agenda Modi and Xi agreed that there must be a driven, where specific issues are discussed, rules-based and inclusive international and outcomes are more concretely defined. order, the MEA statement said. They 3. They are impromptu in the sense agreed that there must be reforms that that they take place when a need for them reflect the new realities of the 21st century. is perceived by the concerned nations. They also agreed that rules-based multilateral trading systems must be 2nd India-China Informal Summit supported and strengthened. The nations Here are five big takeaways: also reinforced their commitment to work Trade together for open and inclusive trade One of the main issues between India and arrangements that will benefit all China is trade. During this summit, Modi countries. They also made a commitment and Xi reinforced their commitment to to address global developmental improve trade relations. This was one of challenges, including climate change and the key agreements of the Wuhan summit. meet the Sustainable Development Goals. The leaders agreed to a new set up new mechanisms to achieve this goal. The takeaway: India and China have The High-Level Economic and Trade many similar interests at the World Trade Dialogue mechanism will look into Organisation and at the UN. Both nations achieving enhanced trade and commercial have been under stress because of US relations. It will also seek to address the President Donald Trump's trade war and trade deficit and issues related to due to the rising tensions in West Asia. If investment. It seeks to build a they can come together and effect meaning 'manufacturing partnership' between India change to resolve these issues, then other and China. emerging economies will also stand to benefit. The takeaway: China is one of India's India has trying to exert its influence on largest trading partners. A Reuters report the global stage for a while now. China has stated that the bilateral trade between the blocked India's entry in the Nuclear two nations reached $95.54 billion in Suppliers Group and has been slow to 2018, but the trade deficit was at $53 accept reforms in the United Nations. It billion in China’s favour. This is the seems unlikely that China will allow any biggest India has with any country, it major reform or change that doesn't serve added. its national interest, although India must This assurance from China comes at a time push for it. when there is a lot of opposition to India

Easy to PICK47 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 People to people contact an \"in-depth exchange of views in a To celebrate the 70th year of diplomatic friendly atmosphere.\" relations between the two nations, the year It also reinforced that this 'informal meet' 2020 will be designated as Year of India- concept works in the India-China context. China Cultural and People to People It also set the ball rolling for more people Exchanges, the MEA said. To mark the to people contact. occasion, many events will be planned, it added. Jammu and Kashmir To celebrate the civilisational ties between The discussion, or the lack of it, is the the nations, the MEA said that the two reason for Jammu and Kashmir to figure in leaders have decided to form a 'Sister-state this list. relationship' between Tamil Nadu and In August, India scrapped Article 370, Fujian Province. There is also a proposal which gave special status to the state. This to set up an academy to study these links. irked China, which has several interests in the state (they have invested in PoK, and Takeaway: The focus on tourism and claim a portion of the state). They lent contact among the people of both nations their support to their \"all-weather friend\" will not only boost trade, but it will help in Pakistan, when the latter raised this in building trust between them. Establishing multiple international forums, including such confidence-building measures can the UNSC. However, India had responded help integrating the people by removing to them saying that the matter was an stereotypes. internal one and the move was done to improve the lives of the people of the state, Chennai connect and most nations sided with India on this In his address at the delegation-level talks, matter.This issue happened right before the Modi said that the summit had set the path summit, and many believed that India for future discussions. He said that they should raise this matter with China. But it discussed bilateral and global matters. was not even a part of the discussion. \"The Wuhan spirit has given our relations new momentum and trust. Today, our The takeaway: The takeaway from this is Chennai vision will begin a new age in that India was firm on its viewpoint, and relations between our two countries,\" didn't allow another nation to talk about Modi said. the nation's internal affairs. Would China Xi said that he was happy with the allow India to raise the protest in Hong welcome he received and said that invited Kong? No. Modi for another round of discussion The lack of Kashmir in the talks also China next year. The two leaders also shows that both nations are willing to look made a commitment to manage beyond, at least at the leadership level. differences in such a way that they would \"not allow differences on any issue to Chronology become disputes\", the MEA statement  1950 said. o India and China The takeaway: The 'Chennai connect' sets established diplomatic the tone for future discussions. Here, the relations on 1st April 1950. two leaders agreed to set up a new o India was the first non-socialist mechanism to have better cooperation in country to establish relations with the trade and defence. In a statement, the People's Republic of China and the MEA said that the two leaders engaged in catchphrase ‘Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai’ became famous.

Easy to PICK48 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020  1955 o Agreement between the Government o Both countries attended the Asian- of China and the Government of India on Confidence Building Measures in African Conference in which 29 the Military Field along the Line of countries participated in Bandung, Actual Control in the India-China Indonesia and jointly advocated Border Areas was signed. the Bandung Spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation.  2000 o It has led to the decolonisation of the o Indian President K R Narayanan whole of Asia and Africa and to the formation of a Non-Aligned visited China on the occasion of Movement as the third Way between the 50th anniversary of the the Two Blocs of Superpowers. establishment of diplomatic o The First NAM Summit Conference ties between China and India. took place in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in September 1961.  2008 o \"A Shared Vision for the  1962 o The border conflict led to a serious 21st Century\" was agreed upon by the two governments. setback in bilateral relations.  2010  1976 o The 60th anniversary of the o China and India restored establishment of diplomatic ambassadorial relations and bilateral ties between China and India. ties improved gradually. o In December, the two countries issued a Joint Communiqué.  1988 o Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi  2011 o It was the ‘China-India Exchange visited China, initiating the process of normalization of bilateral relations. Year’. o The two sides agreed to look o Both sides held a series of people-to- forward and develop bilateral relations actively in other fields while seeking a people and cultural exchange mutually acceptable solution to activities. boundary questions. o Both of them signed a memorandum on joint compilation for  1992 the ‘Encyclopedia of India-China Cultural Contacts’. o Indian President R.  2012 Venkataraman visited China. o It was the ‘Year of China-India o He was the first President who Friendship and Cooperation’. o The head of the governments met each visited China since the independence other on the sidelines of the of the Republic of India. 4th BRICS Summit and the United Nations Conference on Sustainable  1996 Development. o Chinese President Jiang Zemin visited  2015 India. o The two sides met on the sidelines of o He was the first head of state from the 7th BRICS Summit in Ufa, China who visited India since the establishment of bilateral ties.

Easy to PICK49 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 Russia and the Leaders' Meetings on Way Forward East Asia Cooperation in Malaysia.  Today's achievements of India-China o China decided to open the Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) to Indian official relations embodied the great efforts of pilgrims to Xizang. several generations. o India celebrated the India Tourism  Both nations need to master the four Year in China. keys of: o Leading: It means to reach consensus  2018 and guide the direction of the o Chinese President held an informal development of bilateral relations under the guidance of leaders from meeting with Indian Prime Minister both nations. in Wuhanwhich set up a new model of o Transmitting: It means to transmit the exchanges between two leaders. leaders’ consensus to all levels and o Indian Prime Minister visited China to translate it into tangible cooperation attend the SCO Summit in Qingdao. and outcomes. o The two leaders met again on o Shaping: It means to go beyond the the sidelines of the 10th BRICS mode of managing differences, shape Summit and the G20 Summit in bilateral relations actively and Buenos Aires. accumulate positive momentum. o Integrating: It means to strengthen  2019 exchanges and cooperation, promote convergence of interests and achieve o The second informal meeting was common development. At this moment, it is particularly important held in Mamallapuram, to revisit the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations 70 years Chennaiwhich reaffirmed the ago and carry forward the spirit of good neighborliness and friendship, unity and Wuhan consensus. cooperation. o Both nations agreed to build a closer Conclusion Past has revealed that whenever the global partnership for development, enhance opportunities have demanded the positive Sino-Indian relations, both the nations the in-depth strategic communication, have tried to tackle their problems in a mature fashion and leave aside the promote mutually beneficial differences. The best example of this could be seen in China’s recognition of bottom- cooperation in various fields and up cultural people to people interaction while granting visas to Indian Mansarovar advance exchanges and mutual pilgrims.China needs to take into consideration the ground realities while learning between the two civilizations. looking at India-Pakistan relations in order to bring regional peace. o Both sides met on the sidelines of The balance of power is changing both domestically & regionally, the world in the SCO Summit in Bishkek and the general and China in specific needs to understand that India has a cartographic 11th BRICS Summit. position along Line of Actual Control &  2020 o It marks the year of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. o It is also China-India Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges, where the two sides agreed to hold 70 celebratory activities to demonstrate the historic connection between the two civilizations as well as their growing bilateral relationship.

Easy to PICK50 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” - April 2020 there are disputes still in place, but that all Key Points : forms the part of internal matters of India.During this period of economic slowdown, India can bring more structural reforms in order to attract and enhance foreign Chinese capital inflow. The need for the positive role of the two nations: The geo-political dynamics have changed in the recent past. It has been said that this century is Asia’s century, so in the light of this perception, both countries need to focus their energies more on domestic socio-economic development rather than frittering it away militarily.The greater responsibility lies on China’s shoulder to engineer greater trust and to stop creating obstacles in the path of progress on India, be it on India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), or designating Masood Azhar as the global terrorist. China’s dominating role simultaneously demands India to stay prepared on all fronts, i.e, militarily, economically, or diplomatically.The reorganization of the state of J&K opens the door for resolving the border dispute along LAC with China.Synergizing the efforts in order to resolve the existing conflicts is the need of the hour for mutual progress and harmony.