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PIB

IASbaba Press Information Bureau (PIB)- 25th Dec to 31st Dec, 2016

IASbaba Press Information Bureau (PIB) - 25th Dec to 31st Dec 2016 ARCHIVES Note: The number of articles covered is just three as all Ministries and Departments have uploaded Year End Reviews, Christmas and New Year Wishes. Important articles from year end reviews will be uploaded separately. Keep track of it. GS-2  Swachh Swasth Sarvatra initiative (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to health) About-- An inter-ministerial joint initiative between the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched Swachh Swath Sarvatra initiative to strengthen health centres in open defecation-free (ODF) blocks. The three key components of Swachh Swasth Sarvatra are: Community Health Centres (CHCs) in ODF blocks supported to achieve Kayakalp certification Gram Panchayat of Kayakalp Primary Health Centres (PHCs) prioritized to become ODF Training in WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene ) of CHC/PHC nominees   GS-3  Successful Test Flight of Agni-5 (Topic: S&T) About- Agni-5, the Long Range Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile was successfully flight tested by DRDO from Dr. Abdul Kalam Island (formerly known as Wheeler Island), Odisha. Ballistic Missile A ballistic missile is a missile that follows a ballistic trajectory (the path of a missile moving only under the influence of gravity, neglecting all other forces, such as friction from aerodynamic drag) with the objective of delivering one or more warheads to a predetermined target.   Insertion of LEAP SECOND in the Indian Standard Time (Topic: Science and Technology) About-- Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) -National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) is the custodian of Indian Standard Time (IST) and has the responsibility for realization, establishment, maintenance and dissemination of IST through an act of Parliament. LEAP SECOND A leap second is a one-second adjustment that is occasionally applied to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in order to keep its time of day close to the mean solar time, or UT1. Atomic clocks are very accurate and are stable within 1 second over a period of millions of years. Since 1972, 36 “Leap Seconds” have been added at intervals varying from six months to seven years. 37th “Leap Second” added to UTC at the midnight of December 31, 2016 in the countries within this time zone. However, countries in other time zones will have “Leap Second” inserted according to their longitude. The “Leap Second” adjustment is not so relevant for normal everyday life; however this shift is critical for applications requiring of time accuracies in the nanosecond e.g. astronomy, satellite navigation, communication networks etc.  

RSTV Video

The Big Picture - India-UAE Relations: The Way Ahead

India-UAE Relations: The Way Ahead Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests India and UAE share strong relations owing to age old cultural and economic ties. The ties flourished after Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan took over as Sultan of Abu Dhabi in 1966 and creation of UAE in 1971. Since then, both sides have indulged in sincere efforts to improve relationship in all fields. The renewed ties received impetus through frequent high level visits between the nations, especially when PM of India visited Abu Dhabi in 2016 after 34 years of the last visit by an Indian PM and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabhi was invited as Chief Guest at Republic Day parade, 2017. What boosted the ties? The geopolitical conditions are right for the improved and increased bilateral relation between India and UAE. The rise of Daesh on borders of UAE, low oil prices, shift to service oriented economy from oil based economy, US’s departure from oil imports reduced the oil exports, waning of US commitment to maintain security in Gulf and emergence of India as a growing economy led to realignment of interests which led to convergence of interests between both nations. Importance of UAE UAE has a strategic location in the Gulf. It has influence in the region through its policies on Libya, Yemen and Syria. It has also moderate polices for Iran as well as Saudi Arabia where it tries to balance and maintain good ties without antagonising the other. If also doesn’t support nor subscribes for extremis and terrorism. It strongly supports and finance moderate Islamic groups such as sufi foundations and conferences and has distanced from Saudi Arabia on certain matters inspite of having close relationship with it. At UNGA last year, the UAE foreign minister said that the region is facing serious threats since WW-II from forces of extremism and UAE is trying to position itself in a manner to bring some moderation in the region. It was earlier close to Pakistan but now has been expanding its outreach in Asia, and has been eyeing India in a larger context of nuclear capability, economic power, withdrawal syndrome, Chinese influence and US’s pivot to Asia policy. Thus, India and UAE have seen a paradigm shift in their relationship where India is balancing its ties with with various nations such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE through PM’s visit and aiming to sustain and expand the relationship to other GCC countries. India-UAE-Pakistan UAE considered Pakistan its backbone in 1990s when it was looked upon as a last resort. It even supported the Taliban regime of Pakistan. Therefore, it was a strategic ally of Pakistan even if economic relationship with India was more. However, during the Yemen war when UAE and Saudi Arabia were fighting the rebels who were alleged to be incited by Shia Iran, Pakistan refused to provide with military support. This made UAE realise the importance and need of dependence on Pakistan. UAE had invited PM to visit the state. However, India was not willing to increase its ties much as they were still close allies of Pakistan and hence the visits were futile. However, UAE had responded that the relationships were no longer the same and that is when frequent visits were made by NSA head to UAE before PM visited the state. Since then, UAE has looked forward to strengthening ties with India. Hence, when India was victim of terror attack in Pathankot and Uri, UAE was among the first ones to condemn such as act of terror, thereby solidifying its support to India against terrorism. Economic relations The trade relations of India with UAE is more than 50 billion USD and is seven times that of Pakistan’s trade with UAE. 14 new agreements have been signed between India and UAE where the bilateral relationship has been upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The trade and industry partnership have to complement each other and make the region peaceful and with growth opportunities. From the economic point of view, UAE is the largest trading partner of India. Trade is important in the region as once the region settles down, demand will be created for goods and services and India can tap into this market. The history of UAE investments in India has not been encouraging and it is expected to grow in near future as they are also interested in a steady income through its investments spread across the region. Security Defence and security are expected to play a larger role in the bilateral relationship. Though India has conveyed that it has no interest in becoming the military power of the Gulf region, UAE has tried to convince India of becoming the same. The reason being India’s maximum military strength in the region, US has backed India in the region, Pakistan is useless and India wants to become a part of Gulf power. Hence, 10-20 years later, it will be logical for India to be a military power in Gulf. The defence agreement signed between both the nations is a first step towards defence cooperation. Also, the participation of Arab troops in Republic day parade is a message that India is looking beyond the visits of the Indian ships at UAE’s ports. Previous government had signed a defence agreement with Qatar and Oman and it was expected that India will upgrade its presence in Gulf. Now Gulf countries are looking forward to India’s increased defence commitments. It is significant as these countries are monarchies and after Arab Spring, they want to safeguard their rules as well as region by the de-stabilisation caused by removing monarchs such as Gaddafi, Saleh and now attempts to remove Assad. Terrorism Recently, UAE diplomats were targeted in Afghanistan which was an indirect message from Pakistan about dangers of it coming close to India. Though, Taliban has repeatedly denied its involvement in the issue as it has always considered UAE an ally. Hence, the terror of Daesh has been threatening UAE and its security. Thus, India’s terror concern coming from Pakistan and UAE’s concern coming from West Asia are effectively the same. Conclusion Though UAE has been increasing its closeness with India through extensive support (Dawood banned from UAE), agreements with India on terrorism, intelligence sharing and cooperation, it should not give the impression that it has abandoned Pakistan as a military player. As UAE and Pakistan get their military equipment from USA, UK and France and Pakistan military trains UAE forces, the closeness is bound to remain. Over and above, UAE has seen emergence of two factions where one supports India whereas other is for Pakistan. Thus, India should always be vigilant in its approach. UAE is not an ally yet but the strategic partnership is first indicator. Good alliance is expected if India gets into more defence training and supply to it such as selling warships. That will be the real test of strategic relationship. Also, if UAE truly invests in Indian infrastructure as promised, then improvement in ties can be terms as progressive. UAE has opened up its relations with China too and thus it is testing various strategies across the world as India to identify the allies. For now, the strongest degree of convergence is with each other rather than other countries in the region. Connecting the dots: India and UAE relations are on growth trajectory. Examine.

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 127]

IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 127] Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about Urban Reform Incentive Fund The funds under URIF would be utilized by the States only for Housing, Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation projects/schemes including filling of any gaps in the funding of such projects/schemes Ministry of Urban Employment & Poverty Alleviation will recommend releases of funds under URIF to the Ministry of Finance on the achievement of milestones as assessed by the Empowered Committee Which of the following statements is/are correct? Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Algorithmic Trading It is a system of trading which facilitates transaction decision making in the financial markets using advanced mathematical tools It is also called as black box trading Which of the following statements is/are correct? Only 1 Only 2 Both1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2  Q.3) Nyokum Yullo festival is celebrated in which of the following states? Arunachal Pradesh Mizoram Meghalaya Assam Q.4) Consider the following statements about ‘None of The Above’ (NOTA) option in the Indian electoral system NOTA was introduced in India following the 2013 Supreme Court directive in the People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India judgment India is the first country to institute negative voting It provides for ‘right to reject’ Which of the following statements is/are correct? Only 1 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 Q.5) Which of  the following statements about National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is/are correct? It was established by amending Article 338 and inserting a new Article 338A in the Constitution through the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003 The Chairperson of NCST has been given the rank of Union Cabinet Minister, and the Vice-Chairperson that of a Minister of State and other Members have the ranks of a Secretary to the Government of India Both (a) and (b) Neither (a) nor (b) Download the Solution- Click here All the best IASbaba

AIR

All India Radio - Parliament Debates and Opposition’s Role

Parliament Debates and Opposition’s Role ARCHIVES Search 10th December here http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. The winter session was washed out amidst furore by opposition parties on demonetisation. The Prime Minister spoke about the demonetisation policy decision everywhere but Parliament as the entire session worked only for 3 days. This session was termed as one of the most unproductive session in recent times, ironically when it was expected to be the most productive as demonetisation had gripped the nation. The Parliament debates underline the state of affairs. The first debate on demonetisation was initiated in Rajya Sabha but after one day debate, the opposition showed its unwillingness to continue with the debate. It started the demand of continuing the debate under Rule 56 which ends with the vote. However, the treasury benches was not ready to accept it and instead wanted to discuss under Rule 193. An argument on such issue had to be more focussed on pros and cons got entangled between how to be conducted. Here, the opposition had an important role to play to make the government answer for its demonetisation action but the chance was missed due to political brakes. Demonetisation is a serious issue where reasons could have been asked by the opposition parties and government would have given answers for its actions. The people were looking forward to a demonetisation debate which would have shed light on the one month ordeal they had to face without adequate cash. Instead, the debate lost its way in deciding under which article to discuss it. If both government and opposition stick to their own guns and don’t listen to what others have to say, the democracy will not work well. For problems that concern people, there is necessity of discussion and debate in Parliament. In case of demonetisation, it was reported as government wanted to discuss but opposition was not ready for it. Un-united opposition The opposition parties led by Congress and inclusion of other parties such as JDU, BJD, AIADMK etc. were not on same page for demonetisation debate. Also it was seen that the debate was hijacked by WB Chief Minister and visiting Delhi to register her opposition against demonetisation. This all was not going well with opposition parties which led to no united stand and thereby resulted in weak counter arguments. The opposition also lost an opportunity to corner the government on the way it implemented the demonetisation decision, fading RBI’s autonomy, lack of cash in banks and ATMs, how bank staff coped up with sudden cash inflow and how the top officials of private banks could provide enormous cash to its privileges customers when public was not getting even the stipulated amount. People were able to horde lot of cash and created fake cash unavailability situation thereby putting lives of poor and marginal into doldrums. The opposition could have asked what future actions were to be taken by government and how it was going to bring economy on track post demonetisation. This issue could have been also raised under adjournment motion which allows setting aside the normal business of the House for discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance. Unfortunately, the debate did not take place fruitfully. The role of opposition Opposition has a role to oppose the government and its decision in legislature. However, it also has a role to conduct and allow conduct of debates, discussions, legislation initiation and passage etc. This time, the opposition tried to capitalise on the anger visible on streets due to demonetisation in Parliament, but due to no discussion, the public and the opposition lost a good chance to have insight into demonetisation decision. Also, the opposition’s demand of presence of PM in Parliament all the time while the debate happens is not practical as PM has certain agendas and protocols to be followed throughout the day. When the opposition was in power and the current government was in opposition, it did not allow smooth functioning of the Parliament. Hence, the present opposition is following the same standards. This however is helping none as precious time is wasted, important legislations are getting delayed in introduction, discussion and passing. Even the President had to mention that Parliament is a platform to hold discussion and not dharna. The legislators going to well in protest is an unparliamentarily behaviour. There need not be consensus on all things said and done but doesn’t mean that discussions should be not held. Instead a practice should be established before every parliamentary session to agree on holding the session with peace and allow it to function it smoothly. It is the place from where the government functions, the legislators can bring forward their issues and people have knowledge about the current happenings. Connecting the dots: The role of opposition in parliament is an important one yet it has been observed recently that it has been nearly reduced to the role of ‘opposition’ without any productive outcomes. Identify and compare the role of opposition in current and past post independence in India.

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 28th February, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 28th February 2017 Archives TERRORISM AND SECURITY TOPIC: General Studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Important International institutions, agencies and fora their structure, mandate. General Studies 3 Role of external state and non‐state actors in creating challenges to internal security. Spread of ISIS in India Introduction Terrorism is a major challenge to the world today. Spread of ISIS and use of technology to carryout remote and lone wolf style attacks is spreading fear across the globe. India with porous borders and difficult neighbourhood is prone to challenges on the similar front. Issue: The arrest of two suspected Islamic State associates from Gujarat once again raises the question whether the terrorist group is finding support in India. Coincidentally, the arrests happened the same day that Hafeezudin T.K., one of the 21 persons who went missing from Kerala last year and were believed to have joined the IS, was reported to have been killed in a drone strike in Afghanistan. If these allegations and reports are correct, it would show that the IS is gaining some influence at least among a handful of youth in India. In recent months, anti-terror officials have arrested young people from different parts of the country — in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal and Rajasthan. The IS thrives on support from foreign jihadists, largely the young. Ever since the organisation declared a ‘Caliphate’ in 2014, it has attracted tens of thousands of fighters from around the world. It used two tactics — urging sympathisers either to travel to Iraq or Syria, its strongholds, and join the war, or carry out terror attacks in their own countries after declaring allegiance to the ‘Caliph’, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. India has remained largely insulated from this trend. The number of Indians to have joined the ranks of the IS is very small. According to a December 2015 report by the intelligence company Soufan Group, the number of Indians who have joined the IS was 23, compared to 760 from the U.K. and 150 from the U.S. The IS Phenomenon and India The IS’s censorious or strict, one-size-fits-all brand of Islam hasn’t found much resonance in India. Given the unique and diverse nature of Indian Islam, it is extremely difficult for groups such as the IS to become popular among Muslims, as it did in parts of Iraq and Syria. But lone- wolf attacks, inspired by the IS world view and tactics, could pose security risks. The IS is not recruiting people through local communities as in the case of other terror organisations or, as in Pakistan and Afghanistan, through madrasas. The IS’s medium is the Internet. It reaches out through online propaganda. It is all the more significant at a time when the IS is under attack in its core territories and is desperate to expand its reach beyond West Asia. Of late it has carried out major terrorist attacks in India’s neighbourhood — in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, including the deadly bombing at the Sehwan Sufi shrine in Sindh. This outreach to South Asia should worry India. To prevent the group from gaining a foothold on its territory, India needs high-level intelligence and counter-terror operations to continue. Equally important is better coordination between the state and Muslim religious leaders in countering radicalisation and having in place specific de-radicalisation programmes, as western governments do. It is important to not let these isolated arrests be blown out of proportion to target the larger Muslim population, which right-wing elements often try to do. Bigotry cannot be checked with bigotry. Conclusion: Terrorism like issue should be dealt with global consensus and most importantly bipartisan support. It should be politicized and this will help counter the spread of the threat. Measures should be holistic from security initiatives to social and political brainstorming. Connecting the dots: How can the spread of IS like groups in India be countered. Especially with the use of technology and remote reach as observed in recent days enumerate the measures that can be initiated.   NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries NOTA option- Result yielding option Background In 2013, Supreme Court of India upheld the right of voters to reject all candidates contesting the elections, saying it would go a long way in cleansing the political system of the country. In a major electoral reform, the apex court directed the Election Commission to have an option of 'None Of The Above' (NOTA) on the electronic voting machines (EVMs) and ballot papers in the People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India judgment. Thus, India became the 14th country to institute negative voting. But, NOTA is not ‘right to reject’. Here, the candidate with the maximum votes wins the election irrespective of the number of NOTA votes polled. This NOTA option is at the end of the candidates’ list. Earlier, in order to cast a negative ballot, a voter had to inform the presiding officer at the polling booth. A NOTA vote doesn't require the involvement of the presiding officer. The alternative before Before the NOTA option came in existence, people casting negative votes were required to enter their names in a register and cast their vote on a separate paper ballot. Under Sec 49(O), of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, a voter could enter his electoral serial number in Form 17A and cast a negative vote. The presiding officer would then put a remark in the form and get it signed by the voter. This was done to prevent fraud or misuse of votes. However, this provision was deemed constitutional by SC as it did not protect the identity of the voter. NOTA in use The statistical figures for NOTA use are still small. On average, the maximum NOTA vote has been 2.02% of the total votes polled in any election cycle. Hence this proves that the perceived distrust of Indian voters against the political class seems exaggerated. However, it is worthwhile to look at patterns of NOTA voting to know how people have used their option of negative voting. In 2013, NOTA button debuted in four States — Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and the former Union Territory, Delhi where it constituted 1.85% of the total votes polled. In 2014, the average NOTA vote share dropped to 0.95% in the Assembly elections in eight States — Haryana, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Maharashtra. In 2015, the share of NOTA increased to 2.02% in Assembly elections held in Delhi and Bihar with Delhi polling 0.40% NOTA whereas Bihar polling 2.49% NOTA votes. There was some active canvassing for NOTA seen in 2016 Assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu to express dissent against all the contestants. For instance, Kerala saw a group of women activists urging eople not to elect any candidate if no woman was present in the fray. In Tamil Nadu, a youth group campaigned for NOTA as a protest vote against corruption. However, NOTA vote share dropped again to 1.6%. In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, NOTA constituted 1.1% of the total votes. Thus, across the elections, the number of NOTA votes polled was larger than the winning margin in 261 Assembly constituencies since 2013 and 24 constituencies in Lok Sabha elections. NOTA in BMC First time NOTA was used in the BMC elections and 1.91% of votes went its way. It means that on average, 386 voters selected NOTA in each of the 227 wards of Greater Mumbai. It can be inferred that in the above constituencies, NOTA votes did make a difference to the election results assuming that in the absence of this option a majority of NOTA voters would have preferred one or the other candidate in the fray. Even if the maximum number of votes cast is for NOTA, the candidate getting the most of the remaining votes would be declared winner. Thus, NOTA option would not impact the results of the elections as NOTA option on EVMs has no electoral value. This would encourage negative voting and candidates can be rejected in that constituency. As per a former CJI, if the right to vote is a statutory right, then the right to reject a candidate is a fundamental right of speech and expression under the Constitution. What does NOTA votes have to say? The reserved constituencies have seen a relatively larger number of NOTA votes. This points to the fact of continued social prejudice against political reservation for SC/STs. Constituencies affected by left-wing extremism have also recorded higher NOTA performance. Here it can be served as an instrument of protest against the State itself. For example, constituencies like Gadchiroli, Jhargram, Kalyan Rural, Bastar, the Nilgiris and Nabarangpur have seen highest NOTA polled. Given the disaffection among the people in these areas against the Indian state, these numbers are expected. But at the same time, important to note that these voters have used the democratic means of NOTA to express their resentment rather than boycotting the polls outright. NOTA figures are comparatively higher in those constituencies which have seen a direct contest between two mainstream national political parties. This may also indicate people’s disenchantment with these two political parties and yearning for alternatives. Conclusion The Indian voters seem to be using NOTA not just to show their disapproval of the candidates in the election but to express their protest against many things they perceive wrong in the political system. For now, a small number of of Indian voters have come to see NOTA as an instrument of protest. Now is the time to explore these early trends of NOTA with more statistical and ethnographic analysis. NOTA as an option will become a meaningful means of negative voting only if it becomes a ‘right to reject’ rather than being a symbolic instrument to express resentment as it is now. A PIL has been filed in Madras HC seeking the full ‘right to reject’ in place of NOTA. Connecting the dots: What is NOTA? Examine the significance of NOTA in India’s electoral reforms and compare with other similar measures around the world. MUST READ Seeing the light Hindu   Fruits of patience Indian Express   The transcendental economist Indian Express   Demands of a political solution Indian Express   The prospects of UK-India economic ties Livemint   The return of the local Livemint   Beware of the bridge to nowhere Livemint   For climate-smart farming Business Line   Viewing the Budget in black and white Business Line   Knowing ARPU Business Line   Below the Line: GST blues Business Line  

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 27th February, 2017

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 27th February 2017 Archives WOMEN AND HEALTH TOPIC: General Studies 1 Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues Effects of globalization on Indian society, Social empowerment General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act Introduction Health being a major issue of concern in India has areas like abortion and medical termination where lack of clarity and societal discourses that has resulted in many divergences. Especially abortions being a sensitive issue, pro-choice versus pro-life remain at the centre of an often acrimonious ethical, legal, theological and political debate across the world. Issue: Pro-choice: are proponents who support choice of child bearer and hence support the cause of abortion at will. Pro-life: are proponents who support life in consideration i.e. the foetus which is considered life from the women’s womb itself. In India, pro-life versus pro-choice debates are confined primarily to academia, as the abortion narrative has been determined by the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. Pro-Choice: This pro-choice endowment was a need based public health strategy aimed at the alarming increase in the population growth before the 1970s. It was also targeted towards preventing maternal deaths from illegal abortions, carried out by back-alley abortionists. India was the first country to launch a family planning programme in 1952. The idea of this programme was to promote the use of contraceptives to delay or space out a pregnancy. Whatever the family planning programme has tried over the years through different marketing strategies has only made a small dent. Sterilisation remains the permanent method of contraception, after she or the family has decided on the desired number of children. Unfortunately, legalised abortion has become a convenient standby, as a woman can cite contraceptive failure to abort an unwanted pregnancy. Beyond the actual cases of true contraceptive failure, the easy access to abortion services has perhaps promoted a certain amount of irresponsibility, with women’s rights often over-riding discussions on the rights of the unborn child. Misuse of Pro-choice: The next saga in India’s abortion narrative was the mis-utilisation of the pro-choice endowment provided by the MTP Act. Son-preference saw voiceless women being coerced to determine the sex of the baby. The upsurge of selective abortion of female foetuses was accompanied by an explosion of imaging technology. Indian towns without life-saving healthcare services invariably have at least one ultrasound clinic. The profusion of ultrasound clinics and sex-selective abortion hastened the decline of the sex-ratio. So alarming was the decline that the Pre-Conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PCPNDT) had to be legislated. Pre-Conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PCPNDT) The PCPNDT denunciated the use of ultrasound scans, and placed regulations that often superseded the medical utility of ultrasound during pregnancy. For millions of women, the ultrasound revolution contributed to providing her one of the treasured moments during her pregnancy. It provided an opportunity to see her growing baby. Nowhere were guidelines prepared for pre-test counselling, to prepare her for an adverse report when the ultrasound detected an abnormality in the baby. Public Health Strategy: In the evolution of the down-to-earth public health strategy on abortion in India, the rights of the unborn child emerge in the ethically disturbing and medically unresolved issue that a pregnancy cannot be terminated after 20 weeks. The 20-week line is drawn on the understanding that there is a possibility of the foetus to survive and be viable outside the womb after this period. The line is from Western data, and might be absolutely irrelevant to a woman in a remote area in India. But this line places women in trouble, as it is not widely publicised. Few women and families are aware that a pregnancy cannot be terminated after this period, unless it is likely to threaten the life of the mother. As a significant number of Indian women register late for ante-natal care, there is no option to terminate a pregnancy if something wrong is detected. In the same way, several birth defects are detected after 20 weeks. Women are left unprepared for the consequences, frequently carrying a pregnancy to term, with the distressing knowledge that something could be wrong with the baby. Remedials: The benefits of the MTP Act to women in India are precious, but they have to be backed up with an appropriate socio-cultural and regulatory environment. There is a need for aggressive education on planned parenthood, and on the risk that women undergo when they use abortion as a means of contraception. Sonologists have to get together to ensure that counselling is provided to a mother before she undergoes a scan. Conclusion: In the debate between choice and life it is important to emerge at a middle ground. Underlying all these initiatives has to be the primary message, that each pregnancy is a potential human being. Even as the provisions of the MTP Act have to be treasured by Indian women, it has to be used with responsibility and respect towards the unborn life. Connecting the dots: MTP act has been a prominent legislation w.r.t. women rights. But it has been plagued by its misuse. Critically analyse the need for a revision in the contemporary context.   NATIONAL  TOPIC: General Studies 1 Effects of globalization on Indian society Social empowerment General Studies 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests General Studies 3 Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Protecting the Tribal Rights RKIA an Emirati investor, recently initiated an investment treaty arbitration (ITA) claim against India under the India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). It sought compensation of $44.71 million after claim arose after a MoU between Andhra Pradesh and RAKIA to supply bauxite to Anrak Aluminum Limited, in which RAKIA has 13% shareholding, was cancelled. It is alleged that the concerns of the tribal population in those areas led to cancellation of the MoU. Similarly, in 2014, Bear Creek Mining Corporation initiated an ITA against Peru under the investment chapter of the Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement, claiming violation of the investment obligations due to the withdrawal of mining concessions, allegedly as a result of the protests by indigenous peoples. These cases present an opportunity to evaluate the impact of the obligations of the host states under BITs on the rights of the tribal people. BIT A bilateral investment treaty (BIT) is an agreement establishing the terms and conditions for private investment by nationals and companies of one state in another state. These types of investments are called FDIs. BITs are established through trade pacts. Most BITs grant investments made by an investor of one Contracting State in the territory of the other a number of guarantees, which typically include fair and equitable treatment, protection from expropriation, free transfer of means and full protection and security. Criticism- NGOs have spoken against the use of BITs, stating that they are mostly designed to protect the foreign investors and do not take into account obligations and standards to protect the environment, labour rights, social provisions or natural resources. Tribal protection under law The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), 2007 recognises indigenous peoples’ rights to self-determination, autonomy and their right against forcible displacement and relocation from their lands or territories without free, prior and informed consent, among other things. India has voted for in favour of this Declaration. Also, there is International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, 1989. It is based on the “respect for the cultures and ways of life of indigenous peoples” and recognises their “right to land and natural resources and to define their own priorities for development.” India is not a party to this convention but is a party to the ILO Convention concerning the Protection and Integration of Indigenous and Other Tribal and Semi-Tribal Populations in Independent Countries, 1957. Incidentally, this convention is outdated and closed for ratification. In India, the Constitution provides autonomy to tribal areas in matters of governance under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules. It was further fortified by the Samatha v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors (1997) judgment where the Supreme Court declared that the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining was null and void under the Fifth Schedule. The framework for protection of the rights of tribal and indigenous people is further strengthened by the Recognition of Forest Rights Act, 2006. It protects the individual and community rights of tribal people in forest areas and their right to free and prior informed consent in event of their displacement and resettlement. Business and investment promotion Xaxa committee report 2014 has highlighted that though the protection of the rights of tribal people are in place, they are regularly flouted. The state becomes more concerned about fulfilling contractual obligations towards the private investor instead of ensuring that tribals are not ousted from the land to which they are historically and culturally connected. Hence, the state has been clearly flouting the constitutional and legal principles. The evidence is in the fact that there have been increase in number of MoUs being signed by natural resources-endowed states with investors for facilitation of developmental projects. For instance, till 2014, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have reportedly entered into 121 and 74 such MoUs, respectively, with various private players. Thus, these kind of stands and actions alter the role of the state vis-à-vis the tribal people as the state prefers economic expediency at the cost of the rights of tribal people. Economic Development The states invite investments from domestic investors as well as foreign players whose interests are not only protected under domestic laws but also under the BITs. The purpose of BITs is to give protection to foreign investors while imposing certain obligations on the host state. For example, if a development project involving a foreign investor in tribal areas leading to acquisition of tribal land is met with protest, there may be two possible scenarios. The State government due to socio-legal and political pressures may yield to the demand of the tribal people to the detriment of the foreign investor, which is what has happened in the case of RAKIA. Or, assuming that the government continues with the project, the judiciary may order the cancellation of permits given to the foreign investor, which is what happened in the case of Vedanta in 2013. In both the cases, foreign investors may drag India to ITA claiming violation of obligations under the BIT, such as fair and equitable treatment or indirect expropriation. This perceived threat of ITA against the state may compel the latter to refrain from implementing tribal rights in the development project area. A recent report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognises three main reasons for serious impact that foreign investments have on the rights of indigenous people: Failure to adequately address human rights issues of tribal people in BITs The perceived threat of ITA for enforcement of investor protection Exclusion of indigenous people from the policymaking process. Possible solutions? Economic development and protection of tribal rights have to happen together as both have equal importance in country’s development which is aimed at being inclusive. Some suggestions that can be looked forward to are: Including the tribal angle None of the 80-plus BITs signed by India contains even a single provision on the rights of tribals. Even the 2015 model Indian BIT does not contain any such provision. Thus, to avoid ITA cases by foreign investors, the government’s approach should be to include provisions relating to the protection of indigenous people in BITs. Examples from world: Canada has several exceptions to protect the rights of indigenous people in many of its BITs. The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement incorporates the rights of the Maoris from New Zealand also. Since India is going to renegotiate its existing BITs, it should create a special exception for taking regulatory measures for protecting the rights of tribal people, in which case it should have a textual basis in the BITs to derogate from investment protection obligations under BITs. Maintaining balance The strengthening of BITs must go hand in hand with the implementation of domestic legislations for the protection of the rights of tribals, where the state does not consider tribals as impediments in the development process. Involvement in policy making Tribal people should be given representation even in investment policymaking. This will help the state to bring in their concerns as well as development possibilities. Connecting the dots: Protecting tribal rights and driving investments for economic development require a balanced approach. Critically evaluate. MUST READ Ways of sharing Hindu   What exactly is a money bill? 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Daily Prelims CA Quiz

IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 126]

IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 126] Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements about ‘Sariska National Park’ It is a part of the Aravalli Range It was given the status of a tiger reserve making it a part of India's Project Tiger in 1978. It is the first tiger reserve in the world to have successfully relocated tigers Select the correct statements 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Seemai karuvelam’ trees It is native to Mexico, South America and the Caribbean It is an invasive species It produces less oxygen and more carbon dioxide Select the correct statements Only 2 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 1 and 2 Q.3) Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Tamil Nadu Kerala Maharashtra Andaman and Nicobar Islands  Q.4) McGurk effect is concerned with Youngs modulus and Hooke’s Law Anomalous behaviour of pendulums or gravimeters Filling of an inner-shell vacancy of an atom is accompanied by the emission of an electron from the same atom None of the above Q.5) Which of the following statements is/are correct? Methyl bromide is an ozone depleting substance that is controlled under the Montreal Protocol. According to The Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003 has all agricultural cargo coming into India needs to be fumigated with methyl bromide. Both (a) and (b) Neither (a) nor (b) Download the Solution- Click here All the best IASbaba

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