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PIB

IASbaba Press Information Bureau (PIB)- 28th Jan to 3rd Feb, 2017

IASbaba Press Information Bureau (PIB) – 28th Jan to 3rd Feb 2017 ARCHIVES GS-2 ‘India Pharma 2017’ & ‘India Medical Device 2017’: for responsible Healthcare (Topic: Issues related to health) Aim: To Project India as an attractive investment destination and global hub for pharma and medical devices sector Vision: ‘For Responsible Healthcare’ About: The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, along with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), is organised ‘India Pharma & India Medical Device 2017’. Themes: Medical Devices- 'Shaping the Future-Making the Right Choices' and Pharma -'Shaping the future of India Pharma'. Advantages The International event would not only provide a platform to tap global potential for the Indian Pharmaceutical and Medical Device sector, but also provide an opportunity to project India as an attractive investment destination for this sector. Brings foreign investment to new areas such as Research & Developments, Clinical Trials by promoting Joint Ventures with the Indian Manufacturers and bringing in best practices in the sector from around the world. It would play the role of a meeting point for International Drug Regulators, International Buyers, Investors and CEOs from the Global Pharma & Medical Devices sector that will provide ample opportunities to the participating stakeholders to network and learn amongst themselves. The Conference will be a Pharma Kumbh and the highlight would be the International Drug Regulators meet. Government is constantly working in setting up National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs). Steps to be taken Need for India to have a lion’s share in manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and bulk drug formulations with special emphasis on indigenous manufacturing of Medical devices. Need to increase collaboration with the Industry in the field of Pharma & Medical Devices Innovation. In this direction, the Department of Pharmaceuticals is working on a scheme to establish Pharma parks & clusters in various States that will help bringing down the production costs significantly. Need to encourage the Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) sector to increase exports in the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Device sector. “SWAYAM” Platform will be launched to leverage Information Technology  (Topic: HRD) About—In Budget 2017-18, FM said that Government proposes to leverage information technology and launch SWAYAM Platform with at least 350 online courses. Access to SWAYAM would be widened by linkage with DTH channels, dedicated to education. This will enable students to-- Virtually attend the courses taught by the best faculty Access high quality reading resources Participate in discussion forums Take tests and earn academic grades Action plan to eliminate Kala-Azar and Filariasis by 2017, Leprosy by 2018 and Measles by 2020 (Topic: Issued related to health) Objective: Government has prepared an action plan to eliminate Kala-Azar and Filariasis by 2017, Leprosy by 2018 and Measles by 2020. Elimination of tuberculosis by 2025 is also targeted. Similarly, action plan has been prepared to reduce IMR from 39 in 2014 to 28 by 2019 and MMR from 167 in 2011-13 to 100 by 2018-2020. 1.5 lakh Health Sub Centres will be transformed into Health and Wellness Centres. Kala Azar(Visceral leishmaniasis) Also called as black fever or dumdum fever Disease caused by the protozoan parasites This disease is second largest parasitic killer in the world (after Malaria) The parasite migrates to internal organs such as liver, spleen (hence "visceral") and bone marrow, and, if left untreated, will almost always result in the death of the host. Signs and symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and substantial swelling of the liver and spleen. Filariasis This is a parasitic disease caused by an infection with roundworms of the Filarioidea type. These are spread by blood-feeding black flies and mosquitoes. This disease belongs to the group of diseases called helminthiases. Leprosy It is a long-term infection by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Leprosy is spread between people. This is thought to occur through a cough or contact with fluid from the nose of an infected person. Leprosy occurs more commonly among those living in poverty. Leprosy is curable with a treatment known as multidrug therapy. Measles Measles is a highly contagious infection caused by the measles virus. Measles is an airborne disease which spreads easily through the coughs and sneezes of those infected. It may also be spread through contact with saliva or nasal secretions. First combined Budget of Independent India, that includes Railways, presented (Topic: Infrastructure) About: Total capital and development expenditure of railways pegged at Rs. 1,31,000 crores Railways will focus on four major areas Passenger safety A ‘Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh’ will be created with a corpus of Rs.1 lakh crores over a period of 5 years, to be funded by seed capital from the Government, Railways’ own revenues and other sources. Government will lay down clear cut guidelines and timeline for implementing various safety works to be funded from this ‘Kosh’. Unmanned level crossings on Broad Gauge lines will be eliminated by 2020. Expert international assistance will be harnessed to improve safety preparedness and maintenance practices. Capital and developmental works Railway lines of 3,500 kms will be commissioned in 2017-18, as against 2,800 kms in 2016-17 and steps will be taken to launch dedicated trains for tourism and pilgrimage. In the next 3 years, the throughput is proposed to be enhanced by 10%. Railways have set-up joint ventures with 9 State Governments and 70 projects have been identified for construction and development. Cleanliness SMS based ‘Clean My Coach Service’ has already been started. It is now proposed to introduce the ‘Coach Mitra’ facility, a single window interface to register all coach related complaints and requirements. By 2019, all coaches of Indian Railways will be fitted with bio toilets. Finance and accounting reforms As part of accounting reforms, accrual based financial statements will be rolled-out by March 2019. The tariffs of Railways would be fixed, taking into consideration costs, quality of service, social obligations and competition from other forms of transport. GS-3 India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) launched (Topic: Finance) Motto: “No customer is too small, no transaction too insignificant, and no deposit too little”. About: Financial Inclusion is critical for the socio-economic development of the country, but there are significant gaps in this area and a large proportion of country’s population remain unbanked or underbanked. IPPB will effectively leverage the ubiquitous post office network with its pan-India physical presence, long experience in cash handling and savings mobilization, backed by the ongoing project of IT-enablement, to bridge this gap in Financial Inclusion. Working The objective of IPPB will be public service rather than promoting commercial interests. (IPPB) would focus on providing basic financial services such as all kinds of payments; including social security payments, utility bill payments, person to person remittances (both domestic and cross-border), current and savings accounts up to a balance of Rs 1 lac, distribution of insurance, mutual funds, pension products and acting as business correspondent to other banks for credit products especially in rural areas and among the underserved segments of the society. IPPB will usher in state of the art internet and mobile banking platforms, digital wallets and use innovative and emerging technologies to catalyse the shift from a cash dominant to a less cash economy. Navy’s Theatre Level Exercise, TROPEX 17 (Topic: Various security forces and agencies and their mandate) Aim: The exercise is aimed at testing combat readiness of the combined fleets of the Indian Navy, and the assets of the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and the Indian Coast Guard. It will also strengthen inter-operability and joint operations in a complex environment. About: Exercise will have ships and aircraft of both the Western and Eastern Naval Commands, as also assets from the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and the Indian Coast Guard exercising together. The exercise is being conducted off the Western Seaboard. The last edition of the exercise was conducted in January 2015. Highlights TROPEX has grown in scale and complexity over the years and will see participation of major surface combatants and air assets of the Indian Navy including the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya, nuclear submarine Chakra, Landing Platform Dock (LPD) Jalashwa, the recently commissioned destroyer Chennai, the P-8I long range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft operating alongside SU-30 MKI, Jaguars, AWACS, IL-78 Flight Refuelling Aircraft of the Indian Air Force and Infantry units of the Indian Army. The exercise will be conducted in various phases, both in harbour and at sea encompassing the various facets of war-fighting and combat operations. TROPEX 17 assumes special significance in the backdrop of the current security scenario. Income Tax Department (ITD) launches Operation Clean Money (Topic: Finance) About— Income Tax Department (ITD) has initiated Operation Clean Money, initial phase of the operation involves e-verification of large cash deposits made during 9th November to 30th December 2016. Data analytics has been used for comparing the demonetisation data with information in ITD databases. In the first batch, around 18 lakh persons have been identified in whose case, cash transactions do not appear to be in line with the tax payer’s profile. Working Data analytics will be used to select cases for verification, based on approved risk criteria. If the case is selected for verification, request for additional information and its response will also be communicated electronically. The information on the online portal will be dynamic getting updated on receipt of new information, response and data analytics. The response of taxpayer will be assessed against available information. In case explanation of source of cash is found justified, the verification will be closed without any need to visit Income Tax Office. The verification will also be closed if the cash deposit is declared under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna (PMGKY). Help to Farmers by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) (Topic: Agriculture) About— The Agro-meteorological Advisory Services (AAS) under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GKMS) is operated to prepare biweekly weather based AAS bulletins for wider dissemination to the farmers at district scale through multimedia channels and also through SMS so as to plan farm operations accordingly. As per the recent National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) report, farming community of the country is using the GKMS service products for critical farm operations viz. Management of sowing (Delayed onset of rains) Changing crop variety (Delay in rainfall) Spraying Pesticides for disease control (occurrence of rainfall) Managing Irrigation (Heavy rainfall Forecast) According to a survey, the weather forecast based AAS of IMD is found to be reliable by more than 93% of surveyed farmers and 95% of the farmers say that forecasts of IMD have improved during last 2-4 years.

PIB

IASbaba Press Information Bureau (PIB)- 21st Jan to 27th Jan, 2017

IASbaba Press Information Bureau (PIB) – 21st Jan to 27th Jan 2017 ARCHIVES GS-2 Population based prevention, screening and control programme for five non-communicable diseases. (Topic: Issues related to health) About— Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs) which are Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) such as heart attacks and stroke, Diabetes, Chronic Respiratory Diseases (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases and Asthma) and Cancer inter alia account for over 60% of all mortality in India. According to the World Economic Forum, India stands to lose $ 4.58 trillion between 2012 and 2030 due to non-communicable diseases. Importance of early identifying Since these conditions do not exhibit symptoms until complications set in, it is essential to detect them early. Early detection of NCDs not only enables onset of treatment but prevents high financial costs and suffering. For some cancers, survival rates are good when they are detected and treated in the early stages. Screening for these conditions, which can be undertaken at the level of the sub centre or Primary health Centres helps early detection and also serves to raise health awareness among people to lead healthy lifestyles. Given that primary health care, including prevention and health promotion can lead to improved health and developmental outcomes at much lower cost. As part of the National Health Mission, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is launching population based prevention, screening and control programme for five common non-communicable diseases, namely— Hypertension Diabetes Oral cavity cancer Breast cancer Cervix cancer Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana - 2017 (Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections) Objective--- To provide social security during old age and protect elderly persons aged 60 years and above against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions. Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana(VPBY)-2017 The scheme will provide an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return of 8% per annum for ten years, with an option to opt for pension on a monthly / quarterly / half yearly and annual basis. The differential return, i.e., the difference between the return generated by LIC and the assured return of 8% per annum would be borne by Government of India as subsidy on an annual basis. VPBY-2017 is proposed to be open for subscription for a period of one year from the date of launch. Implemented through LIC IIMs to be declared as Institutions of National Importance  (Topic: HRD) About--- The Union Cabinet has approved the Indian Institute of Management(IIM) Bill, 2017, under which the IIMs would be declared as Institutions of National Importance which will enable them to grant degrees to their students. Salient features of the Bill: IIMs can grant degrees to their students The Bill provides for complete autonomy to the Institutions, combined with adequate accountability. Management of these Institutions would be Board driven, with the Chairperson and Director of an Institution which will be selected by the Board. A greater participation of experts and alumni in the Board is amongst other important features of the Bill. Provision has also been made for inclusion of women and members from Scheduled Castes/Tribes in the Board. The Bill also provides for periodic review of the performance of Institutions by independent agencies, and placing the results of the same on public domain. The Annual Report of the Institutions will be placed in the Parliament and CAG will be auditing their accounts. There is also a provision of Coordination Forum of IIMs as an advisory body. GS-3 Joint International Taskforce on Shared Intelligence and Collaboration (JITSIC) (Topic: Finance) About-- India participated in the Joint International Taskforce on Shared Intelligence and Collaboration (JITSIC) meeting held in Paris. 30 Revenue Authorities shared their findings on investigations arising from the Panama Papers;  including the role of tax intermediaries  such as financial institutions, advisers  etc, who facilitate tax evasion. JITSIC The meeting included sharing of best practices and information between participating member countries based on legal instruments under the tax treaties and OECD and Council of Europe Multilateral Convention. The sharing of this information within a group of this size is unique and sets the basis for greater cooperation amongst tax administrations. Significant achievements have been made including the development of uniform approaches to requesting information between treaty partners, clearer understanding of the evasion typologies adapted by intermediaries, and new techniques for collating intelligence. JITSIC will continue to draw on the best intelligence capabilities from tax authorities around the world and share best practices for data analysis and collaboration on intelligence. Rubber Soil Information System (RubSIS) for Rubber Growers (Topic: Commerce and Industry) About-- Rubber Soil Information System (RubSIS), an online system for recommending application of appropriate mix of fertilizers to the specific plantations of rubber growers depending upon their soil nature. Advantages of RubSIS Provides soil data to the rubber growers and recommends the optimum mix and quantities of chemical fertilizers that his holding requires. It is a cost effective tool for sustainable &scientific; management of rubber growing soils. Apart from preventing indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and soil degradation, adoption of RubSIS will lead to reduction in the cost of production of rubber, increase in productivity and reduction in environmental pollution. Scheme launched in Kottayam (Kerela), the largest rubber growing district of India which will be extended to the entire traditional rubber growing region i.e. the states of Kerela and Tamilnadu this year. Ratification of the Second Commitment Period of Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Topic: Climate change) About—Cabinet has given its approval to ratify the Second Commitment Period of the Kyoto Protocol on containing the emission of Green House Gases (GHGs). The second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 2012. So far, 75 countries have ratified the Second Commitment Period. Significance for India Underlines India's leadership in the comity of nations committed to global cause of environmental protection and climate justice. Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by India will encourage other developing countries also to undertake this exercise. Implementation of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects under this commitment period in accordance with Sustainable Development priorities will attract some investments in India as well. Background The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) seeks to stabilise Green House Gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would minimize interference with the climate system. Recognizing that developed countries are principally responsible for the current high levels of Greenhouse Gas (GHGs) in the atmosphere, the Kyoto Protocol places commitments on developed nations to undertake mitigation targets and to provide financial resources and transfer of technology to the developing nations. Developing countries like India have no mandatory mitigation obligations or targets under the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 First commitment period was from 2008-2012. At Doha in 2012, the amendments to Kyoto Protocol for the 2nd commitment period (the Doha Amendment) were successfully adopted for the period 2013- 2020. Developed countries have already started implementing their commitments under the 'opt-in' provisions of the Doha Amendment. India has always emphasized the importance of climate actions by developed country Parties in the pre-2020 period. Besides, it has advocated climate actions based on the principles and provisions of the Convention, such as the principle of Equity and Common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR & RC).   CBDT issues Guiding Principles for determination of Place of Effective Management (POEM) of a Company (Topic: Finance) About-- The concept of Place of Effective Management (POEM) for deciding the Residential Status of a company was introduced by the Finance Act, 2015. Highlights The intent is to target shell companies and companies which are created for retaining income outside India although real control and management of affairs is located in India. It is emphasised that these guidelines are not intended to cover foreign companies or to tax their global income, merely on the ground of presence of Permanent Establishment or Business connection in India. POEM guidelines shall not apply to companies having turnover or gross receipts of Rs. Fifty (50) Crore or less in a financial year.

PIB

IASbaba Press Information Bureau (PIB)- 14th Jan to 20th Jan, 2017

IASbaba Press Information Bureau (PIB) – 14th Jan to 20th Jan 2017 ARCHIVES GS-2 ‘Nagaland Health Project’. (Topic: Issues related to health) About— ‘Nagaland Health Project’ was signed with the World Bank Objectives Improve health services and increase their utilization by communities in targeted locations in Nagaland. Communities in targeted locations will benefit from project activities at the community and health facility levels while the population of the state as a whole will benefit from improvements in higher-level facilities as well as system-wide investments. The project will directly benefit about 600,000 people. It will support and complement existing systems and mechanisms involving communities under the National Health Mission. The closing date of Nagaland health Project is 31st March, 2023. Life and Fire Safety in Healthcare Facilities in India (Topic: Health and Family Welfare) Objective--- The main objective is to sensitize the hospital administrators and engineering heads about important issues related to life and fire safety in healthcare buildings. Fire safety steps to be taken in hospital Doctors and engineering staff should be fully aware of their role towards fire and life safety. Doctors and nurses would provide the guidance and support if patients are to be moved and where they have to be moved considering the condition of patients. It has been noticed that corridors, staircases are not properly maintained to provide safe egress, sometimes emergency doors are locked even when patients are in a position to move out. This is fundamental but often ignored, due to security reasons. Hospital administrations should resolve this problem in consultation with security experts. To ensure that access and egress is not compromised and proper fire escape routes and measures are in place especially in operation theatres and ICUs so that patients inside these rooms can be evacuated properly during emergencies. National Alliance on Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (Topic: Women and child development) Aim--- Developing a comprehensive outreach system  to engage parents, schools, communities, NGO partners and local governments (PRIs and ULBs) as well as police and lawyers to ensure better implementation of the legal framework, policies, national strategies and standards in relation to child protection and child rights. Child abuse Child sexual abuse is a multi-layered problem which negatively impacts children’s safety, health and wellbeing. Research from world-wide indicates that children’s exposure to violence and abuse is associated with long-term physical, psychological, and emotional harm. Child abuse is finding new forms and channels through mobile and digital technologies. Online child abuse and exploitation amplifies existing forms of offline bullying, stalking and harassment. It also facilitates the sexual exploitation of children through the production and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials and by facilitating the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. Online abuse knows no national boundaries. Even though India has a comprehensive legal framework for protection of child rights in the form of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, POCSO Act, 2012 along with RTE Act 2009 and recently amended Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2106, there is limited awareness of online risks for children, both among parents and guardian and children themselves. Objective Bring a common definition of child pornography including amendment of acts (Information technology Act, POCSO Act). Set up a multi-member secretariat based in Ministry of Women and Child Development with a portal inclusive of a hotline for reporting and strengthening existing service delivery systems. Provide a platform for Government/ NGOs and other child rights activists for networking and information sharing. Document and showcases success stories and best practices in terms of prevention of online abuse and exploitation of children. Inform and educate member organisations, parents, teachers, front line service providers and children on the rights of the children and various issues related to online child abuse and exploitation. Provide a forum for advocacy for child rights and policy inputs based on  research and studies MSME Cooperation with Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Member Countries (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests) About-- Ministry of MSME finalised MoU on MSME Cooperation with Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member countries. Focus areas To finalise linkages and alliances amongst MSMEs organizations, associations and various institutions engaged in MSME development in their countries. Exchange best practices, policies and programs for MSME development Exchange greater involvement of MSMEs in the global supply chain, increase their market access. Promote youth and women’s economic empowerment. Encourage synergies with the IORA forum. Background MSME Cooperation amongst Indian Ocean Rim Association member countries will provide an appropriate platform to IORA MSMEs to interact with each other, participate in trade fairs, facilitate buyer-seller meetings and visits of delegations, acquire appropriate technology and explore trade and investment opportunities. The MoU will enhance market access, promote access to finance, promote innovation as a key competitive advantage for MSME, build capacity in management and entrepreneurship. MSMEs constitute more than 90% of all business enterprises in the world and provide nearly 70% of global employment. The overwhelming majority of MSMEs in the developing world are micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees. India has more than 48 million MSMEs. These contribute more than 45% of India’s industrial output, 40% of the country’s total exports and create 1.3 million jobs every year. India’s Membership in the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), South Korea (Topic: Issues related to health) About: In 2007 with the approval of Union Cabinet, India joined IVI. Since then India is a long-term collaborator and stake-holder of IVI. In 2012, IVI’s Board of Trustees (BOT) had approved the formation of its new governance structure. As per the new structure of its member state has to contribute to the IVI by paying a portion of its core budget. Since India has been classified in Group-I, it has to pay an annual contribution of US $50,000. Background International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul, South Korea, established in 1997 on the initiatives of the UNDP, is an IVI is an international non-profit organization devoted to developing and introducing new and improved vaccines to protect the people, especially children, against deadly infectious diseases. Its work is exclusively on vaccine development and introduction specifically for people in developing countries, with a focus on neglected diseases affecting these regions. Currently, IVI has 40 countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) as signatories to its Establishment Agreement. GS-3 'SEZ India' App (Topic: Finance) About-- App would help the SEZ Units and Developers to find information easily and track their transactions on SEZ Online System. Now the SEZ Developers & Units can file all their transactions digitally through SEZ Online system and track the status on the go through the SEZ India mobile app. The SEZ online transaction is a dynamic submenu that tracks the Bill of Entry and Shipping Bill processing status, besides doing verification. Salient Features of the App. 1.SEZ INFORMATION: It gives up to date comprehensive details on all the aspects. 2.TRADE INFORMATION: This provision gives access to important information / tools such as Foreign Trade Policy, Hand Book of procedure , Duty Calculator , Customs & Excise Notification and MEIS Rates. 3.CONTACT DETAILS: It provides contact details of all Development Commissioners Office, DGFT, DG System, DGCI & S and SEZ online. 4.SEZ online Transaction: This is a dynamic submenu that tracks the Bill of Entry / Shipping Bill processing status and also does verification. The app also helps the Importers / Exporters to track the status of 'Bill of Entry / Shipping Bill”. MoU between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for cooperation in the field of outer space (Topic: Science and Technology) About-- The purpose of this MoU is to pursue future cooperative activities in the exploration and use of outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes in accordance with the laws and regulations applicable in each country and their international obligations.             Framework MoU would lead to joint activity in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity. Thus all sections and regions of the country will get benefited. Background India and Japan pursue space cooperation for more than 5 decades and carried out studies in the field of atmospheric study, observation of universe and scientific investigation in remote sensing. With the formation of JAXA in 2003, an "arrangement concerning the considerations of potential future cooperation in the field of outer space" was signed in October 2005 between ISRO/ Department of Space (DOS) and JAXA. Both agencies have signed cooperative documents addressing lunar exploration, satellite navigation, X-ray astronomy and Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF). During the ISRO-JAXA bilateral meeting held at New Delhi on April 05, 2016, both sides stressed the need for updating the contents of '2005 Arrangement' with enhanced scope of cooperation. Accordingly, both sides have arrived at the draft of new 'Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ISRO and JAXA concerning cooperation in the field of outer space’.

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 9th March, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 9th March 2017 Archives CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING   TOPIC: General Studies 3 Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Disaster and disaster management. Environment, Security Montreal protocol and its implementation. Introduction Hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are detrimental to ecological balance and main elements responsible for climate change and global warming. With rapid urbanisation and uncontrolled growth the use of modern urban amenities has added to the incidence of global warming. It’s time for energy-efficient temperature limits for air-conditioning units in public facilities Issue: India has launched the second phase of the programme to eliminate the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) as part of its commitment under the Montreal Protocol, which requires the complete removal of chemicals that result in ozone depletion and aid global warming. These are used mainly in the air-conditioning, refrigeration, polyurethane foam manufacturing and cold chain sectors, and must be replaced with better alternatives. All these sectors are in high growth mode as emerging economies witness greater urbanisation and higher agricultural productivity. The data for refrigerant consumption during 2015 compiled by the European Union show that in the developing world, split air-conditioning units, car ACs and commercial refrigeration record the highest use of these chemicals. It is imperative the Central government ensures that its efforts to upgrade industries using the $44.1 million in funding available under the Protocol are scaled up to meet the need fully. Modernising the technology used by 400 industrial units, many of them small and medium enterprises, by 2023 has to be complemented by policy changes that encourage adoption by consumers. Systemic change requires the active participation of State governments, which can enact and enforce new building codes and purchase regulations that are envisaged in the current phase. Newer refrigerants with lower global warming potential are available to industry, and there are some early adopters, while research on chemicals with greater energy reduction and very low contribution to global warming has to continue. Credentialed training of service technicians in the newer technologies is welcome as it will bring about change of refrigerants used in the repair and replacement market and create additional employment. It is important to make consumers aware of green options among products in terms of the underlying technologies, and incentivise adoption through tax structures. Environment Ministry’s proposal: The Environment Ministry’s proposal to prescribe energy-efficient temperature limits for air-conditioning units in public facilities is promising. A lot of energy is wasted because of poor infrastructure and lack of understanding of efficiency metrics. Equally, the Centre should conduct audit of public buildings to determine whether they are suitably designed, as climate control relies as much on passive influences such as insulation, green roofing and the nature of materials used in construction. It is possible, for instance, to adopt the Paris idea and ask all major buildings to incorporate solar panel roofing or suitable green cover. The continued success of the Montreal Protocol in its goal to eliminate HCFCs by 2030 will depend on reducing the acquisition costs of cleaner technologies. The greater affordability of solar photovoltaic power and its rapid adoption at various scales is a clear pointer. More people will have access to air-conditioning and refrigeration in coming years, and the focus of government policy must be to make them energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Conclusion: In light of the Paris Summit actions and the SDGs adopted it is important that state lead measures are initiated for curbing climate change and limiting global warming to sustainable levels. Further it is also important to ensure there is bipartisan support and common but differentiated responsibility principle adopted in letter and spirit. Change of attitude from each household level is important. Connecting the dots: Sustainable development is the need and necessity for the generations to come by. Critically analyse the government efforts especially w.r.t Montreal protocol and its implementation.   NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Role of civil services in a democracy. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Police Reforms: When will it see light of the day? In news: The Ramjas college violence incidence which brought the Delhi Police under NHRC scanner show how Supreme Court’s order to usher in police reforms have been unheard over the past several years. Also, a petition has been filed in SC which seeks direction to the Centre, State governments and the Law Commission to implement police reforms and the Model Police Act, 2006 to ensure an “effective and impartial police system.” Initiation of reforms The National Police Commission (1977-79), set up by the Janata government kick-started the police reforms. And the credit for keeping the debate alive and taking it to the highest judicial forum goes to former Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh and a former Border Security Force chief, Prakash Singh Badal who filed a PIL in 1996 and sought major changes to the police structure. There was a need to begin the police reforms with more autonomy to police and more space for police professionalism by giving a fixed tenure for police officers in crucial positions beginning with the DGPs in the States. This reform road began with the time consuming process of consultation with all states as police was a ‘state’ subject which culminated into SC’s 2006 direction in Prakash Singh versus Union of India. Recommended police reforms Fixed tenure of two years for senior officers in crucial positions Setting up of a State Security Commission (in which the leader of the Opposition party also had a role)- to seal police forces from unwarranted political affluences, give policy directions to the police and evaluate performance of state police. The clear separation of law and order and crime functions of the police. Creation of a Police Establishment Board to regulate police placements. Appointments in top positions like DGP through a merit-based, transparent process. Establish a Police Complaints Authority to look into public complaints against police officers of and above the rank of Superintendent of Police in cases of serious misconduct. A new Police Act on the basis of a model Act prepared by the Union government and to be circulated to the States. Nobody listens to the highest court However, three years later, SC had to say that not a single state was willing to cooperate with the orders. Several State governments were devising their own means to dilute the SC directions. The states found that the court had stepped in mainly because there was no law on the subject, many States brought in quick legislation to water down the essentials of the Supreme Court direction. On the face value, the new Police Acts appeared to be fully compliant with the judicial prescription. However, they were merely formulated to outwit the courts. It is seen from the fact that though DGPs are handed out a two-year tenure on paper, they are given marching orders midway into their tenure without any solid reason. The objective of Police Establishment Board had been to depoliticise appointments and transfers. However, still DGPs get prior informal political approval from the Chief Minister/Home Minister with a view to have politically amenable officers in vital places in the police hierarchy. The latest reaction of SC on no movement on police reforms shows its helplessness in the matter. The reaction of the SC characterises the pathetic state of affairs in public administration in the country. Who is responsible? As contrary to popular beliefs, there is not always a politician coming in front of police duties. There do exist many dishonest policemen in every State police who get away with accusing the politician of preventing them from discharging their duties. The reality is different as visible from pathetic state of police stations, lateness in responding to the common man, constantly complaining of getting bullied etc. It is seen that police often ignore complaints and when they do take note of complaint, they often side with the aggressors. Many a times, the perpetrators have been treated as witnesses and victims of crime have been converted to be accused. The petitions, requests, causes taken up in public interest such as additional traffic lights on busy junctions, finding the lost properties of people, action against policemen unnecessarily inflicting police excesses have been largely ignored by police officials responsible for it. The callousness towards the common man’s simple, legitimate and uncomplicated requests have been regularly reported of being unheard by the police. The excuse of preoccupation with law and order problems and inadequate manpower cannot fully explain the tendency for inaction that has become routine in policing. This is the reason why the debate on police reforms sounds irrelevant and unappealing to the average citizen. Can there be improvements? It is true that many young IPS officers lose their idealism early in their careers, because of fear of vengeful politicians or disloyal subordinates. Also, there exists fear among the proactive and dedicated officers about reprisal over honest action against powerful men in society and politics. But there is a limit to how much citizen can be satisfied with a non-performing police force. No doubt, there is a scope for measurable improvement in the quality of policing subject to positive actions from police leadership. There should be motivation for self-correction within the police, a process initiated by the DGP and his aides. This will push the change in the manner in which policing is carried out in most parts of the country. Conclusion The arbitrary nature and unaccountable functioning of police has led to complete alienation of many citizens from the State. Adding to it, the politicisation of police force has have been habitually abusing their powers to drop serious criminal charges against their supporters and foist false cases against their opponents led to highly partisan crime investigation. These characterisation of police forces require a 360 degree turnaround in their orientation. Until and unless, the demand from within the police force will not be heard to become more citizen-friendly and less politically motivated, police reforms inspite being a hand away, will continue to be at horizon. Connecting the dots: Time for police reforms has now saturated. If action is soon not taken in favour of reviving the police force in consonant with the changing times, there will no time when people will take laws in their hands. In light of this, identify the possible areas of police reforms and means to implement them. Related article: Police Reforms in India MUST READ The clarity the secret ballot enables Hindu   The Wrong Antidote Indian Express   What is ISIS Khorasan module? Indian Express   Aadhaar may be getting too big for its own good Livemint   The missing Made-in-India tag on our guns and jets Livemint   Chhattisgarh: The optics of human rights Livemint   Canada and beyond Business Line   Touch of pragmatism in foreign policy Business Line  

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 133]

IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 133] Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Q.1) The Global Fund is a partnership organization designed to accelerate the end of which of the following diseases? AIDS Tuberculosis Malaria Dengue Select the correct code: 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 Only 1 1, 2 and 4 Q.2) Women's Indian Association (WIA) was founded by Sarojini Naidu Annie Besant Margaret Cousins Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Which of the following countries are members of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)? Kenya Mozambique Ghana Select the correct code: 1 and 3 2 and 3 1 and 2 All of the above Q.4) Which of the following statements is/are correct? India is the only large economy with an income tax exemption threshold that is 2.5 times the average national per capita income ICE 360° Survey is conducted by People Research on India's Consumer Economy (PRICE) Both (a) and (b) Neither (a) nor (b)  Q.5) Which Article in the Constitution on India provides for the post of Solicitor General of India? Article 76 Article 165 Article 148 None of the above Download the Solution- Click here All the best IASbaba

AIR

All India Radio - Energy Conservation and Clean Energy Choices

Energy Conservation and Clean Energy Choices ARCHIVES Search 14th December here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation Infrastructure: Energy Indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Climate change concern the population as well as economic growth. There are two alternatives for having less carbon footprints: Alternate energy sources Energy Conservation These are the two main ways in which government across globe, specifically in India need to be concentrating upon. India is a growing economy and hence it has the choice of consuming energy as well as protect environment with sustainable policy goals. Energy conservation The natural resources at disposal are limited. The primary energy sources- coal and other fossil fuels constitute 85% of India’s energy. Remaining comes from nuclear/water/other renewable energy resources. The primary sources are converted either into heat energy or electrical energy through a process. While transferring energy, there is loss of energy which is called as transmission and distribution loss. It is estimated that if 1 unit of electricity is saved, it translates into saving of 1.2 units of electricity. As per Energy Conservation Act 2001, BEE was established to make policies and implement it, which includes among others, creating awareness and disseminating information on energy efficiency and conservation. In 2015-16, by taking various energy efficient or conservation methods, India was able to save equivalent to 9500MW capacity of power, i.e. 1900 crore units of electricity, thereby saving carbon emissions of four crore tonnes. Thus, importance of energy conservation is self-evident. Thus, the conservation drive is pushing people to adopt energy efficient methods. This is also backing up centre’s efforts in promoting renewable energy development. Waste of energy However, despite publicity, IEC campaigns, huge commercials, lot of electricity is wasted whether it is in industry or in household or offices. Efforts have to be made at all levels to save energy: Enhance productive efficiency of the plant where more electricity is generated from same plant. Alternative sources of energy should be developed on priority basis. Government should give incentives to conserve energy. For example, saving of electrical energy can be incentivised as it is most precious and most useful form of energy There should be increased use of energy efficient sources such as LED lights instead of CFL. It consumes 10-20% less energy. With smaller light intensity and longer lifetime, it should be encouraged to be used at industries and agricultural fields apart from households. It can be done through reducing cost and increasing distributive mechanism. Taxation incentive should be given in using LED bulbs. The production cost of bulb is Rs. 65 but after adding taxes, the final cost arrives at Rs. 85-90 which deters people to make such useful investment. Maximum saving of electricity can be done during summers by households by keeping AC temperature within premises at 25-27 degrees instead of 16-18 degrees which consume more energy. Also, switching off appliances when not in use will help a lot. With decreased temperature, a simple water cooler may also help to cool down the surrounding temperatures. BEE star rating on appliances should be made more visible and also educate people about such rating. The meaning of more the rating, less the energy consumption should be made understand to people and advertise in a manner that people ask only for higher star appliances. This will make selling of more energy saving devices than rest. The consumers have to be convinced that it shall be one time investment and combination of higher technology and tax incentives will make it affordable in linger run. Yet if one time investment is much to ask for from extremely poor families, then the cost of investment can be distributed with electricity bill- for example, Rs. 10 per month in the bill is added. Thus, the cost can be recovered without much burden and energy saving can also be done. Energy saving will lead to decrease in rate of climate change. Fuel saving whether on road or in diesel pumps for irrigation in agricultural fields through more efficient machines can be used. Solar operated pumps can also be used. The automobile industry can also enhance efficiency of automobiles through emission norms. Bharat IV norms should be upgraded to Bharat VI norms at the earliest. Public transport should be encouraged to save energy. The extraction techniques of coal mines can be improved to make the coal mining a technologically efficient technique. The coal plants can use new technology such as super critical and ultra critical boilers which can convert 50% of raw material into electricity as against sub critical boilers which have only 36-38% efficiency. It means that out of 100Kal generated, 36% converted into electricity and rest goes into atmosphere. It has been proved that even if plant efficiency is increased by 1%, 1 million tonnes of coal can be saved. Conclusion What lacks is awareness regarding critical importance of energy efficiency which can be gained by adopting new technology. Certain percentage of penetration of energy efficient devices in public, particularly in cities where lot of electricity is consumed can spearhead motivation even in rural areas. Renewable energy development plays an important role in providing sustainable sources of energy. Hence, the people should cooperate with government’s efforts to introduce more renewable resources of energy. Saving energy is going to be beneficial for generations to come as well as be a part of healthy lifestyle which is required in this times of excess pollution. Clean energy choices will support the economy to grow at a more sustainable pace than rampant energy usage for short term development goals. Connecting the dots: What is the essence of ‘energy conservation’ in today’s time period? Examine the role of energy in one’s life with respect to sustainability of that source.

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 8th March, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 8th March 2017 Archives ART AND CULTURE  TOPIC: General Studies 1 Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Censor board and cinematography act Introduction India is a country with rich art and culture. Cinematography and art are crucial areas for expression and any curb on the same is discriminatory and violatory. All Censor Board chiefs have grappled with the guidelines even though censoring films is not their job. Issue: In recent days actions of the censor board is in news for all the wrong reasons. Known as the Central Board for Film Certification it has overstepped its bound repeatedly. Perhaps it is the provocative title of the film or perhaps it is that women are seen engaging, or even grappling, with their sexuality. But clearly something about Lipstick Under My Burkhahas set the Central Board of Film Certification’s teeth on edge. The Examining Committee of the Board stated by way of explanation for denying the film certification: “The story is lady oriented, their fantasy about life. There are continuous sexual scenes, abusive words, audio pornography and a bit sensitive touch about one particular section of society [they were not referring to women here], hence film refused…” What’s in a name? In 1983, the Central Board of Censors was renamed the Central Board of Film Certification, but the hangover seems to continue. When asked why Lipstickwas axed instead of being given a more nuanced certification for distribution, Board officials had no answers. They referred to the guidelines crafted by Information and Broadcasting Ministry officials for certification, which, in turn, draw from reasonable restrictions to free speech in the Constitution. The 1991 principles for guidance in certifying films cover everything from depiction of sex to double entendres, to stoking communal passions, to protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the country. CBFC’s record: According to Board officials, of the 1,700-odd films that come up for certification in a year, only 90 are denied a certificate. Lipstickparticularly failed to adhere to Clause 3 in the guidelines, which requires the Examining Committee to ensure that “the film is judged in its entirety from the point of view of its overall impact and is examined in the light of the period depicted in the films and the contemporary standards of the country and the people to which the film relates provided that the film does not deprave the morality of the audience.” Given this tall, tall order, it is no wonder that conforming to the guidelines and obtaining certification for a film that pushes the envelope a little is no easy task. Conclusion: The answer as solution to all the above lies in the fact that appointments are political and not by merit. Further it has to be ensured all standards of film certification are ensured in letter and spirit and not popular perceptions. The recommendations of the Shyam Benegal Committee have to be adhered to and government has to meet the necessary requirements. Connecting the dots: CBFC is more acting a Censor board and less a certification board. Critically analyse the functions of the same in light of recent controversies.   WOMEN ISSUES TOPIC: General Studies 1 Role of women and women's organization, population and associated issues Social empowerment General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes Women, employment and empowerment Data at a glance As per recent report by ILO, India and Pakistan have the lowest rates of women’s labour force participation in Asia. In India, the worrying cause is further declining of labour force participation. According to National Sample Survey, in 1999-2000, 25.9% of all women worked and by 2011-12 this proportion had dropped to 21.9%. This is in contrast with global trends as well as countries like Nepal, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in Asia that have the highest women labour force participation. Even countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia are placed behind them. Of the 185 nations that are part of the ILO database, since the 1990s, 114 countries have recorded an increase in the proportion of women in the workforce. 41 countries have recorded the decline and India is leading the pack here. Even the Economic Survey 2016-17 expressed concern that the demographic dividend is already receding, reducing the opportunity for the Indian economy to catch up with its East Asian counterparts. The declining participation of women in labour force and subsequently in economy tells a sorry story about India’s growth. It needs to be seen what ails the falling down of women participation. Access One explanation can be, with rising incomes, women have the opportunity to escape harsh labour in farms and on construction sites. They can now focus more on families. But another view, possibly more realistic one is- with declining farm sizes, rising mechanisation, and consequently dwindling labour demands in agriculture, women are being forced out of workforce. If the latter view is true, it has a serious implication on future policies pertaining to agriculture, economy and women empowerment. Research shows that when women have access to more work opportunities, they take them instantly. India Human Development Survey (IHDS) with other partners found that work provisions under MGNREGA has brought more rural women into wage labour. This can be verified from the fact that 45% were not in wage labour before the scheme was initiated. Moreover, increased availability of wage work also enhances women’s control over household decision-making. Creating opportunities However, it is imperative to explore other avenues for work for women as MGNREGA cannot be expected to provide consistent stable employment. From policy perspective, two main challenges have to be addressed for augmenting women’s workforce participation rates: Agricultural to non agricultural work Because of shrinking farm work, there is need to create opportunities for women to move from agricultural to non-agricultural manual work. A research by University of Maryland finds that where roads were constructed between the first (2004-05) and second (2011-12) survey of IHDS, both men and women were more likely to undertake non-agricultural work but this effect was greater for women. The construction of roads has cascading effect such as improvement in transportation services such as buses, which in turn can facilitate movement of the rural workforce, especially women, into non-agricultural work in neighbouring villages and towns. White collar job access On the other end of the employment spectrum too, it is necessary to make possible for educated women to continue work even while raising families. In India, the prevalence of a rigid work environment and dearth of family-friendly work institutions create impediments to women’s access to white-collar jobs in the formal sector. Also, long distances between the home and the workplace increase both commuting time and work burdens, leaving workers with even less time for family duties. Hence, there must be a work environment that allows more women, especially urban and educated women, to take up salaried jobs. Single handed responsibility It has been known worldwide that women continue to bear the major share of household work and childcare. The women are expected to invest more in child’s education over professional achievement thereby surfacing the skewed work-family equation. However, this highlights the contrasting situations- in west, there is decline in fertility rates because women prefer to opt out of marriages for better employment prospects whereas here, children’s future achievements take the front seat instead of career development. This has led to urban and educated Indian women dropping out of the labour pool. Neither of these, however, seems an optimal outcome for society. The only thing that can address this issue is by encouraging workplaces to become more responsive to family needs and to promote sharing of household responsibilities between both genders. Sharing the burden The global competition has made the companies make the employees work even on weekends as well as increasing the work hours. A study has found that young workers in India worked 52 hours per week as against 42 hours by their counterparts in Canada. Work-family balance requires increased participation by men in household chores and caring for children. However, workplace inflexibility makes for difficult choices, involving trade-offs between investing in careers of either of couple, often resulting in women taking a back seat and at times even dropping out of the workforce. IASbaba’s views Japan’s ‘Womenomics’ needs to play an important role in the Indian economy by investing and encouraging more female participation in workforce and in positions of leadership. The beginning has been done in terms of passage of a landmark Maternity Benefits Bill which will benefit women returning to the workforce with availability of quality childcare centres at workplace. Beyond education, skilling, pay parity and board positions, India’s agenda should also include providing women leadership positions in political life. The recent violent experience in Nagaland, wherein the local community refused to let women have 33% reservation in local governments, shows how far the distance has to be covered yet. Connecting the dots: Critically analyse the role of women in Indian economy. Women as home makers or women as professionals? In your opinion, what should be the role of women in helping India’s growth? MUST READ How to tame our forest fires Hindu   The lawmakers we need Indian Express   The compelling virtue of treason Indian Express   Genesis of a vote bank Indian Express   Price control is a blunt instrument in healthcare Livemint   Building grass-roots student innovators Livemint   Women power? Hardly Business Line   What’s so good about a bad bank? Business Line  

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 132]

IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 132] Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN) It is an agreement under International Energy Agency (IEA) India is one of the founding members of ISGAN Select the correct statements Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about TIR Convention It was adopted under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) The TIR system only covers customs transit by road Select the correct statements Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) is under Ministry of Finance Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Reserve Bank of India Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Q.4) Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP)/Turkistan Islamic Movement (TIM) was founded in which of the following countries? Turkey Iraq Syria China  Q.5) ‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’ is concerned with Electoral reforms Labour reforms Governance Western Ghats Download the Solution- Click here All the best IASbaba

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