Sep 14, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 14th September, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 14th September, 2016   INTERNATIONAL/NATIONAL   TOPIC: General Studies 2 Important International institutions, agencies and fora Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation   UNICEF Report- “Uprooted: The Growing Crisis for Refugee and Migrant Children”   The UNICEF report presents a sobering picture of the lives and situations of millions of children and families affected by violent conflict and other crises that make it seem safer to risk everything on a perilous journey than remain at home.   Closer at home, India still does not have a statutory law on refugee issues. Is it the time India should have clear guidelines to handle the refugees owing to current global refugee situation? UNICEF Report reveals Children accounted for nearly half of all refugees, with the number of child refugees having doubled in the decade. About one in three children who live outside their country of birth is a refugee. The much smaller ratio of displacement for adults — less than one in 20 according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees — reveals the starkness of the situation. 28 million of the 50 million children who have migrated or been forcibly displaced across borders are said to have fled violence. There were 10 million child refugees and one million child asylum-seekers, whose status had not yet been determined. The remaining 17 million children displaced by conflict remained within their home countries’ borders. 45% of the children refugees came from just two countries: Syria and Afghanistan. Increasingly, these children are traveling alone, with 100,000 unaccompanied minors applying for asylum in 78 countries in 2015, three times the number in 2014. 20 million children are migrants, driven from their homes by poverty and gang violence among other things. This highlights the brutal impact of the war on a segment of society that had little to do with the conflict directly or otherwise and has become the most vulnerable. However, the refugees find no peace even when their motto is to get it when they leave their home which is in conflict zone. Problems faced Refugee and migrant children face a host of risks including drowning during sea crossings, malnourishment, dehydration, kidnapping, rape and murder. Education of such children suffers. Even if the refugee or migrant child gets access to school, they are most likely to encounter discrimination – including unfair treatment and bullying. When they arrive in other countries they often face discriminations and xenophobia. Trafficking in boys and girls, conscription by armed groups in conflict zones and exploitation in the sex trade threatens both immediate and long-term danger to whole generations.   Contrasting worlds: There has been dramatic rise in school enrolment under a global universal primary education drive and halved infant mortality rates under MDGs. This shows the diametrically opposite worlds of children and their development prospects when the world is looking towards achieving SDGs of eliminating poverty and hunger, promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies and access to justice. Way forward   The report points to six specific actions that will protect and help displaced, refugee and migrant children: Protecting child refugees and migrants, particularly unaccompanied children, from exploitation and violence. Ending the detention of children seeking refugee status or migrating by introducing a range of practical alternatives. Keeping families together as the best way to protect children and give children legal status. Keeping all refugee and migrant children learning and giving them access to health and other quality services. Pressing for action on the underlying causes of large-scale movements of refugees and migrants. Promoting measures to combat xenophobia, discrimination and marginalization. The recommendations of the UNICEF report are so comprehensive that anything short of swift and sweeping changes in global policy and practice are unlikely to yield tangible results.   India and its refugee policy status India is not a part to 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention nor its 1967 Protocol. Hence, it is among the few liberal democracies to not have signed, supported or ratified the international convention that governs how nations should treat distressed people who are forced to leave their homes under harrowing conditions. India also does not have any domestic law or regional South Asian framework. Reasons: Borders in South Asia are extremely porous and any conflict can result in a mass movement of people. Any commitment by such law can have: A strain on local infrastructure and resources of developing countries that are poorly equipped to deal with sudden spikes in population. It can upset the demographic balance in South Asia. India is already home to biggest refugee populations in South Asia which caters to their needs when situation arises. Also, it does not take UN money to look after them. Refugee status in India India is home to diverse groups of refugees, ranging from Buddhist Chakmas from the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, to Bhutanese from Nepal, Muslim Rohinygas from Myanmar and small populations from Somalia, Sudan and other sub Saharan African countries. According to the UNHCR, there were 2,04,600 refugees, asylum seekers and “others of concern” in India in 2011. Majority were Tibetans and Sri Lankan Tamils. Refugees come to India due to War (Bangladesh), Domestic conflicts (Tibet, Sri Lanka), Natural disasters (famine) and Environmental displacement and Human trafficking Recently, government is planning to grant citizenship to Hindus and Sikhs who have sought refuge in the country from religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan. Is it the time India has a refugee law? The refugee issue is dealt on a combination of ad hoc executive policies and judicial pronouncements, thus lacking a formal structure. In the absence of a specific law, the Foreigners Act of 1946 deals with the entry and exit of foreigners. However, it does not recognise refugees as a special category deserving of humanitarian protection. The process of deciding who qualifies as a refugee is also unclearà The Indian government determines refugee status for asylum-seekers from neighbouring regions like Tibet and Sri Lanka but asylum-seekers from other regions have to approach the UNHCR office in New Delhi. Such inconsistent approach and lack of uniformity gave basis to Asylum Bill, 2015.   Asylum Bill 2015 The Bill seeks to consolidate the various policies that apply to refugees in India and give India recognition for its long-standing commitment to refugee protection. It codifies the rights and duties of refugees in India. It proposes the establishment by the government of an autonomous National Commission, which will assess and determine claims for asylum in India. The bill if becomes law, it will help government to have a formal structure of asylum management which is crucial in current times. Also, the State authorities and structures will be well prepared to respond to any future refugee crisis coming to India. Europe’s lack of preparedness has shown the degree of undesirable consequences that have cast upon both host country and refugees. The Asylum Bill, 2015 has been introduced as a Private Member’s Bill in Lok Sabha. Connecting the dots: Critically examine if India should have a law for refugees and asylum seekers. Recent UNICEF report presents a grim picture of condition of refugee children. What according to you should be measures taken by countries, irrespective of refugee laws, to protect the refugee children for a better future?   Related articles: Refugees as citizens European Migrant Crisis: The Humanitarian Crisis that has made the world awkward TLP 2015 NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. General Studies 2 Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.   Diverging federal lines There is a huge new divergence in the world economy, with both global and within-country dimensions. The distance between the extremes of the income distribution of the world as a whole has increased. In increased divergencebetween the richest people in the world and the very poorest, despite the broad convergence of average incomes, higher inequality within countries appears to be spawning divergence between top and bottom incomes. In the year 1960, the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of Maharashtra, then India’s richest state, was twice that of Bihar, the poorest. By the year 2014, the gulf between the richest state (now Kerala) and Bihar, still the poorest, had doubled. The basic objective of federalism is unity in diversity, devolution in authority and decentralization in administration. The basic condition of federalism is plurality, its fundamental tendency is harmonization and its regulative principle is solidarity. Inter-state disparities resulting from divergence may set up a struggle between centrifugal and centripetal forces. What factors shows the sharp relief in India’s inter-state income disparity?   Growing Inter-State Disparities The per capita incomes of the 12 largest states of India have been diverging instead of converging, as would be predicted by the neoclassical models of economic growth. India’s experience is at odds with those of states/provinces in the US and China, and the member states of the European Union. The incomes of constituent units in the US, China and EU have either converged or at least have not diverged. In India too, the level of divergence, remained static between 1960 and 1990 and only began to increase after the economic liberalization of 1991. The divergence in income distribution may not always imply greater national inequality. It, however, represent a concentration of income. Whereas, India’s inter-state disparity is not just confined to income levels. The states diverge on several others Economic, Social and Demographic indicators.   1. DEMOGRAPHIC According to World Bank data, the three poorest states, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are also the three with the highest TFR in India (The total fertility rate (TFR)—or the average number of children a woman bears during her entire reproductive period). Hence the evolution of income distribution is absent in these poor states and are unable to participate in the broad convergence. The inter-state disparity based on a potent combination of incomes and fertility rates, however, carries immense economic, social, political and hence policy implications. 2. SOCIAL The most obvious policy implication is on patterns of labour migration. Since the states with higher TFR are also struggling to provide better livelihoods, they will be natural exporters of labour to more prosperous states. This can create a social and political backlash against migrants in the recipient states. 3. ECONOMIC There is an inevitable contestation over distribution of resources. As it is, the goods and services tax (GST) will centralize the setting of indirect tax rates, reducing the room for states to extract resources. Also, the opportunity to use tax policy to attract investment to the state will also reduce. While GST is undoubtedly a net positive for the Indian economy, the interstate disparities may set the stage for some clashes in the GST council. The poorer and more populous states which are simultaneously net consumers will demand lower GST rates while the prosperous and net producing states will vie for higher rates. 4. POLITICAL Then there is the problem of redrawing the boundaries of Lok Sabha constituencies. The delimitation of constituencies has been postponed till the first census after 2026. A major reason behind the postponement was to avoid penalizing the states which do well on family planning effort. But this cannot be postponed till eternity. According to 2011 census figures, one Lok Sabha member from Rajasthan represents, on an average, a million people more than their counterpart in Kerala. The next delimitation will necessarily boost the political capital of Rajasthan at the expense of Kerala. Way Ahead The inter-state disparity in the milieu of increased fiscal devolution post the Fourteenth Finance Commission awards and the centralization of indirect taxation are going to produce a struggle between centrifugal and centripetal forces. To address these problems steps should be taken to reduce disparities. We are now in a period of catch up: differences in productivity are not inherent, people can be trained and made employable or they can become entrepreneurs, health services can be improved and basic infrastructure such as roads and electrification can increase mobility and connectivity that increases access to markets. With increasing female literacy and labour participation. Female literacy is the best antidote to rising TFR and female labour participation an effective way to boost per capita incomes of poorer states. Policies focusing on providing livelihood opportunities in poor states shall be implemented specially to the remotest area.   The potential can only be realized if inter-state cooperation improves both the effectiveness of national macroeconomic policies, and how much it encourages greater balance and equity in the distribution of the fruits of growth.­ Connecting the dots: The inter-state disparity based on a potent combination of incomes and fertility rates, carries immense economic, social, political and hence policy implications. Discuss why there is inter- state disparity and how can it be addressed?   Related Article: How to fast forward the backward states? MUST READ FIR- A first step to wholesome reform Hindu   Involve the States more in higher education Hindu   In trade, three is not a crowd Hindu   Accountability of justice Indian Express   The road ahead for the GST council Livemint   Should the Farakka barrage be removed? Business Line   Totally irrelevant Business Line   Reimagining Indian energy planning Business Line

Sep 14, 2016 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 18]

Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) It is under the Ministry of Science and Technology It is the apex body for approval of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recom­binants It is responsible for ap­proval of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimen­tal field trials Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 All of the above Q.2) The Tea Board of India has sought the Centre’s approval for modifying an insurance scheme meant for workers in small tea gardens. Consider the following statements Tea is a state subject Tea Board of India is under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Tea Board of India is set up under the Tea Act 1953 Select the correct statement(s) 1 and 2 Only 3 2 and 3 1 and 3 Q.3) Consider the below statements in regard to First Information Report (FIR), a written document prepared by police organizations in India and select the incorrect statement: The police can register FIRs only for cognizable offences. It is mandatory for the police to upload all types of FIRs on police or government websites within 48 hours of their registration in police stations. If the police refuse to register an FIR, a written complaint can be sent to the Superintendent of Police. A complaint may also be given directly to the Judicial Magistrate, who can direct the police to investigate the case.  Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to Magnetars It is a type of a neutron star They are differentiated from other neutron stars by having even stronger magnetic fields and rotating comparatively slowly The magnetic field decay powers the emission of X-rays and gamma rays Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? Only 1 1 and 2 2 and 3 All of the above Q.5) Operation 'Calm Down' refers to Returning lorries back to Tamil Nadu in lieu of the recent violent clash in the state of Karnataka Constructing a 'Giant Sea Well' to enhance flood prevention and foster urban development at Jakarta Restoring normalcy in Kashmir The Taj operation during November, 2008 Download the Solution- Click here All the best IASbaba

Sep 14, 2016 AIR

All India Radio - Flood Fury and Disaster Management

ARCHIVES Flood Fury and Disaster Management Search 27th and 30th July 2016 here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx Background Only a couple of months back, India was facing draught situation. More than 282 districts were affected by the draught. But now, many states like Bihar, western UP, WB, Assam, MP and Odisha are facing flood situation because of rains and also water coming from Nepal and Brahmaputra. Continuing floods: The flood situation is grim and will continue as the monsoon is expected to last for a month atleast. In this situation it is important to know what kind of gravity it might turn into. Here the preparedness of the forces and people is required. Based on official data reports, during 1978-2006, there were 2,443 flood events that led to the death of nearly 45,000 people and caused economic losses of $16 billion. Steps taken to provide immediate relief Preparation by flood prone states Most of the states are flood prone states. They are aware of the situation that takes place every year and know how to act in such situations. The flood affected state governments have prepared themselves for situation. They have shown exemplary improvement in terms of disaster management. Coordination National Disaster Response Force is deployed pro-actively where the floods are anticipated. The national force and state forces have enough experience in handling such kind of disasters. The national, state and local government machinery is coordinating with each other to tackle the flood situation. People have been taken to safer places, relief camps have been started in few places, necessary troops and relief personnel have been deployed etc. This is a good example of synchronisation between national, state and local government along with engagement of the local people in terms of addressing the current need of relief management. Decentralised financing The national government has decentralised the financial operation of the relief. 70-75% of the disbursement takes place at the state level. Long term steps India needs to take information at a regular basis from the neighbouring countries- China for Brahmaputra and Nepal for Kosi. They are also flood affected countries and flood at upper catchment is gliding down to lower catchment, i.e. India. GoI has signed an agreement with these countries. India needs to relook such agreements so that flood situations can be avoided. Necessary to revisit the disaster management approach to make drought and flood management more holistic in nature. The districts or states have surplus water but do not have the capacity to absorb and store the water. Sometimes, even the same state, district and talukas are simultaneously affected by flood and drought. Watershed management, rejuvenating the pond etc. are development initiatives which have to be rigorously implemented. Forming a de-siltation plan: The river is one of the important ingredients when it comes to drainage. The de-siltation plan is very expensive but it is needed. Idea is that a holistic plan should engage all the development partners. It should try to address all the issues and modify it as per local needs. Following the scientific approach Managing floods requires a sound understanding of the patterns that rivers such as the Ganga and its tributaries display during the monsoon. Governmental understanding of the problem generally relies more on ground-level surveys and anecdotal reporting than advanced techniques such as mapping based on satellite imagery and Geographic Information Systems. There should be a silt management policy. Challenges At times there are heavy flood and cloudburst situation. The erratic nature of monsoon is also noted now. So, the governments have to adjust accordingly. They have to remould according to the unpredictable nature and the disaster management capacities developed till now. It was predicted that monsoon will be above average. Thus, states were aware of what was coming. The central government had given a road map to the states that the wells ponds and lakes would be revived and building of embankments and other agricultural techniques through which monsoons can be retained but it appears that such measures were not taken in short time. Capacity-building to handle catastrophic weather events is poor, and serious attention is not given to setting up relief camps, creating crisis-proof health infrastructure and stockpiling dry rations and medicines. This results in cascading effect of infections. These challenges require to be met in emergency mode. Save the river to prevent flood and draught The carrying capacity of the rivers is decreasing due to siltation, garbage dumping, and sand mining in the rivers. The flood plains are also getting encroached. Thus, the rivers are not able to absorb the additional rains. In Bihar’s case, the shifting patterns and breaches of the Kosi have added to the complexity of the problem. The Kosi itself poses a danger to vast parts of the State as its embankments are no match for the fury of floodwaters. CM of Bihar has demanded that the Farakka Barrage itself be removed to allow the Ganga to flow freely. It comes in the wake of steady silting of the river and its tributaries, raising the risk of annual flooding. The Bihar CM held Farakka dam responsible for slow discharge of water from Ganga which has become shallow due to heavy siltation. This causes flood water to spread to other areas. Interlinking of rivers One revisited issue during floods and drought is topic of interlinking of rivers. It has been discussed for last 5 decades. Many committees have given reports. Probably people think it is impractical and not feasible and involves huge financial costs which they cannot afford. But the annual plans say that interlinking of river should be seriously considered. In MP, Ken and Betwa rivers have started the process. Gujarat, Rajasthan and MP for the purpose of drinking water have adopted this solution. Interlinking is one of the alternatives and has been deliberated by many scientists. It was found very useful. Social scientist also approved of it. Many studies say it is a merit to do it. Flood management can’t be done by flood management department alone, whether flood is on its own course, or have human dimension to it. That is to be seen. If human dimension is there, like climate change, the river pattern also changes. So, capacity of governance, people, machinery, all these have to be seen with capacity of rivers and its drainage system and then enhance capacity. Urban Management crisis Disturbing trend Big cities like Guwahati, Srinagar and now Bhopal are getting flooded. Thus, drainage capacity of big towns seem to have exhausted their capacities. With population going up and encroaching upon drainage areas and river floodplain areas, somehow water is not getting released out of town. This is slowly becoming an urban management crisis. Solution of the issue Four towns in Gujarat- Anjar, Bhuj, Bhachau and Rapar- were totally devastated in 2001 earthquake. When the recovery took place, the cities were recreated by taking proper care of land use planning. In the same way, it can be replicated in city planning. The existing cities can’t do much except improvising the drainage system. But where new cities are being planned, there is bound to be growth in population, infrastructure pressure and thus there is a need of proper city planning else it will decapitate the city, Hence, there are two options: Either de-congest the city or expand city capacity. We have to see the role of and engagement of scientific institutions and research initiation in the country. These educational institutions have to play a larger role in risk reduction techniques. The world as a unity is now dealing with disasters. Everyone is getting affected by one disaster or another. Thus, the common risk, common vulnerability and common resources is expecting common minds to work together on disaster management. AN OVERVIEW River Systems and Associated Flood Problems The rivers in India can be broadly divided into the following four regions for a study of flood problem: Brahmaputra Region Ganga Region North West Region Central India and Deccan region Statutory Provisions about Flood Management The subject of flood control, unlike irrigation, does not figure as such in any of the three legislative lists. However, Drainage and Embankments, are two of the measures specifically mentioned in entry 17 of List II (State List) Regulation and development of inter-state rivers and river valleys fall under entry 56 of List I (Union List) Thus, flood management falls under states’ purview with schemes for flood control being planned, investigated and implemented by the states. Role of central government is technical, advisory, catalytic and promotional in nature. Existing Flood Management Mechanisms in India Central Water Commission (1945): to achieve the goal of furthering and promoting measures of flood control, conservation and utilization of water resources throughout the country in the areas of beneficial uses, irrigation and hydropower generation, flood management and river conservation. Brahmaputra Board (1980): it includes among others preparation of master plans to control floods, bank erosion and improvement of drainage system for Brahmaputra and Barak basin Ganga Flood Control Commission (1972): Set up for preparation of comprehensive plan of flood control for Ganga Basin and to draw out a phased coordinated programme of implementation of works and monitoring & appraisal of flood management schemes of Ganga basin States Farakka Barrage Project Authority: To carry out anti-erosion and river bank protection works in its jurisdiction National Disaster Management Authority (2005): the Government of India has set up NDMA under Chairmanship of PM of India to prevent and mitigate effects of disasters including flood disasters and for undertaking a holistic, coordinated and prompt response to any disaster situation General Flood Management Measures practiced in India Structural Measures An artificially created reservoir behind a dam across a river. A natural depression suitably improved and regulated. By diversion of a part of the peak flow to another river or basin, where such diversion would not cause appreciable damage. By constructing a parallel channel by-passing a particular town/reach of the river prone to flooding. Embankments which artificially raise the effective river bank and thereby prevent spilling and Channel and drainage improvement works, which artificially reduce the flood water level so as to keep the same, confined within the river banks and thus prevent spilling. Administrative measures Facilitating timely evacuation of the people and shifting of their movable property to safer grounds by having advance warning of incoming flood i.e. flood forecasting, flood warning in case of threatened inundation Discouraging creation of valuable assets/settlement of the people in the areas subject to frequent flooding i.e. enforcing flood plain zoning regulation. Flood proofing: it involves raising a few villages above pre-determined flood levels and connecting them to nearby roads or high lands. Key Words: Flood plain zoning: it is a concept central to flood plain management. It recognises the basic fact that the flood plain of a river is essentially its domain and any intrusion into or developmental activity therein must recognise the river’s ‘right of way’. http://www.india-wris.nrsc.gov.in/wrpinfo/images/a/a3/Flood_Prone_Area_Map.gif Connecting the dots: What is flood management? Enumerate measures to prevent and mitigate floods in India. Refer: Disaster Management, Urbanization Issues and Governance – The Chennai Disaster Smart cities in India: An analysis- (Read about its need) Approval of National Hydrology Project for Flood Forecasts

Sep 13, 2016 IASbaba's Monthly Current Affairs Magazine

IASbaba Current Affairs Monthly Magazine- AUGUST 2016

DOWNLOAD ALL THE MAGAZINES- CLICK HERE Hello Friends                                                                                                             This is the 15th edition of IASbaba’s Current Affairs Monthly Magazine for UPSC Civil Services Examination. This edition covers all important issues that were in news in the month of AUGUST 2016. To Download the Magazine -> Click Here

Sep 13, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 13th September, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 13th September, 2016   NATIONAL   TOPIC: General Studies 2 Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. Inter-State Water Dispute   Cauvery water crisis In News: The Cauvery water dispute has been plaguing Karnataka for a century now and recently, for almost a week, there have been protests against the Supreme Court’s order to Karnataka to release 15,000 cusecs of water for Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery River originates in Karnataka and goes on to flow through Tamil Nadu, before meeting the Bay of Bengal. The 765-km-long river cuts across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. A lot of its basin area is covered by Kerala and Puducherry. The basin is now claimed by three states and a Union territory: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. Picture credit: https://interstatedisputes.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/cauvery_basin.png http://im.rediff.com/news/2007/feb/06cauvery.gif Genesis of the trouble The latest chapter of the dispute over water-sharing between the two states has been going on since the 1970s and has its origin in two agreements signed between the erstwhile Madras Presidency and the Princely State of Mysore in 1892 and 1924, (It was decided to divide the river water between the two states), which lapsed in 1974. Tamil Nadu then asked the Congress-ruled government at the Centre to form a tribunal to look into the diversion of water and ensure that it gets its due share. When Centre did not heed to Tamil Nadu demand, it approached the Supreme Court, which, in May 1990, ordered the creation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal. In 1991, the tribunal passed an interim award ordering Karnataka to release 205 tmc ft (thousand million cubic feet) of water every year to Tamil Nadu. This prompted strong and in some places, violent protests in Karnataka, which delayed the release of water. For the next 14 years, both sides continued to spar over water-sharing and the legal battle continued, until the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal announced its final award in 2007. The order from the tribunal meant that Karnataka would have to release 192 tmc ft of water from its catchment to Tamil Nadu every year. However, the tribunal failed to comprehensively and authoritatively state how the water was to be shared in "distress years", when the flow in the Cauvery was deficient owing to inadequate rainfall.   Current Scenario In its latest petition before the Supreme Court, Tamil Nadu said that it had not received the mandated amount of water from the Cauvery between June and August, resulting in a shortfall of about 50 tmc ft. Owing to the petition, SC ordered Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu. However, this was met with severe protests in Karnataka.   Karnataka woes The Indian Meteorological Department's website seems to bear this out. Hasan and Kodagu, two important catchment districts for the Cauvery in Karnataka, have recorded rainfall deficiency. The state was 18 percent short of normal rainfall. The decision from Supreme Court, therefore, could worsen Karnataka’s drinking water situation in the state in the coming days. Farmer’s representatives argued that their livelihoods are at stake if Karnataka releases more water.   Tamil Nadu woes Farmers in Tamil Nadu have borne the biggest brunt of the crisis and have faced increasing debts and a drastic reduction in their income due to the loss of the summer crop. Around 40% of the population in the delta region is landless labourers. As the productivity comes down, it directly has brought down the days of work for farmers. The soil on the Tamil Nadu side is fit for only paddy cultivation, which it has been producing for thousands of years. Karnataka, on the other hand, is cultivating large-scale water-intense crops such as sugar cane, despite their soil’s dry-land-farming qualities. The tribunal's failure to work out a more expansive formula for distress years has given an excuse to Karnataka to withhold supply repeatedly. Even in a bountiful year, there is resistance from various groups in Karnataka to open its dams.   Way Ahead The lack of resolution on political maneuvering from both states is big concern and cause of worry. To untangle the dispute the resolution should be to manage demand and not supply! Create an additional storage reservoir to store overflows from a healthy monsoon year to a drought year. Transfer of water from the Godavari River and from the west flowing coastal rivers of Karnataka into the Cauvery basin. The states in dispute tailor their agricultural economy i.e. drop one crop season. Reduce cultivation of water guzzling crops like paddy and sugarcane. Sugarcane crops and liquor factories demand water. Growing less sugarcane and more food crops along Karnataka can solve the crisis to a great extent. Let Neerkattis, the traditional water managers find a solution. A Neerkattisis a traditional water expert. With no political authority, he has community-driven administrative power. Water managers still play crucial roles in states like Uttarakhand. Stop managing rivers as per the colonial agreements. Water should be brought in the Concurrent list of legislative subjects from the State list, so that the disputes can be decided upon by the Centre and not just the state governments. Every year, the level of rain deficit is increasing. In changing times, the government must aid and advice farmers in opting for water efficient crops such as millets It is an undeniable fact that both the states need Cauvery for survival. Care should be taken to not let the row affect inter-state relations, because the issue strikes an “emotional note” with the people on both sides. Keeping the interest of farmers on both sides in mind, the governments should initiate a serious dialogue. This is the only way to find a permanent solution. Connecting the dots: Constitutional mechanism to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss with the recent examples.   Related Articles: TLP 2015 Permanently fighting drought in India    NATIONAL/ETHICS   TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Important aspects of governance General Studies 4 Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion. Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.   Nudge unit: a new tool in the policy toolbox   NITI Ayog has tied up with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to set up a 'nudge unit' that will work towards bringing about behavioural changes and recommending policy corrections to help make the programmes more effective. Nudge Unit= It is officially known as Behavioural Insights Team which was first set up in UK to apply nudge theory (behavioural economics and psychology) to try to improve government policy and services while minimising expenditure. What is a Nudge?   At a conceptual level, if policy design is the map and development outcomes as the destination, then nudges are the road signs that guide you towards the best route. Formulating these road signs requires expertise at two levels Understanding why consumers pick less optimum routes (cognitive biases) Designing signs that guide users to better routes (nudges/interventions) ‘Nudging’ refers to altering the decision-making environment in the context of biases and ‘irrational’ behaviour that decision-makers often display.   Why is a nudge unit required in India? Toilets built at great expense are not used. New variants of tuberculosis spread because patients do not complete the course of drugs prescribed by hospitals. Rash driving on roads kills thousands of people every year. Parents do not immunize children even when it does not cost them anything. This shows how behavioural quirks lead to public policy failures. Hence, there is a need of behavioural public policy wherein behavioural research is integrated into public policy. Behavioural interventions can have the potential to increase the efficacy of social spending. Public policy is often focused on the problems of market failure or state failure. Far less attention is paid to the deeper problem of social failures. Thus, the focus and direction of nudges should be influenced by individuals’ ideas and concerns about their own behaviour.   Let us look at some examples to understand the nudging action Nudge to vote The average voter turnout in all elections (General, State and local) have not been encouraging, especially the local level elections in India. Nudging can be done by Providing discounts to voters at retail outlets and restaurants. Phone campaign experiment (of USA) where the registered voters are informed about high voter turnout in their area and they must also follow the lead. Of course, there is little empirical evidence of success of such interventions but perhaps they add value to taking the effort to vote, and can be seen as a reward-based approach to improve voter turnouts.   Nudge to pay taxes-honestly and on time Tax avoidance (by Individuals + companies) is a problem which leads to poor tax compliance data. Government spends excessive resources on monitoring and scrutiny, yet the tax compliance statistics are difficult and time-consuming to come by. Instead, if IT department engages at individual level, a personalised approach has high chances of increased tax compliance than mass media communication.   Nudge people not to litter India generated more than 100,000 tonnes of solid waste per day in 2011-12, which on a per capita basis works out to more than 100 grams of waste per person per day. Common public health and hygiene problems in India relate to open defecation, public urination, and poor civic sense when it comes to littering. Flagship programmes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan will have little success if it is expected that providing money will lead to open defecation free India in 2019! What requires is to have basic societal, community and individual level understanding why toilets are not built/preferred. Innovative experimental Ideas like religious/cultural imagery on public walls to prevent urinating and spitting, wifi garbage bins where free wifi is provided for taking efficient care of rubbish, star ads focussing more on changing the attitude than just promoting building of toilets etc. can be torchbearer in cleanliness campaign.   Other nudges Colour-coded footprints in Delhi’s metro, guiding users to the correct metro line helps the commuter immensely. Immunization rates in some Rajasthan villages climbed after free lentils were given to women who brought their babies to local dispensaries. Using fictionalized photographs of a person getting run over by a train reduced incidences of railway-related deaths significantly at unmanned crossings Hence, this is just a beginning towards a new approach for effective implementation of public policies. The nudge unit is expected to recommend changes in advertising, financial outflow and other softer elements related to the success of the programmes like Swachh Bharat, Jan Dhan Yojana, Digital India and Skill Development through social messaging and new ad campaigns.   Limitations of nudge units A nudge unit can help the government deal with human behaviour and social realities challenges but there are limitations: Behavioural sciences may design better social sector programmes but they are of limited use unless bigger challenges like rapid economic growth, poverty reduction and macroeconomic stability are addressed and solved effectively. It may fall prey to paternalistic view that planners know better than citizens. Behaviour patterns vary in different states. Policy formulation based on one/certain behavioural approach may not go down well with all states.   Conclusion The most well-intentioned social interventions fail because of the ground realities that policymakers often fail to grasp. Understanding cognitive biases correctly and formulating interventions that take into account such biases can have a huge impact on making public-spending more effective. It will compel the ministries to make constant back-end policy corrections. Behavioural scientists have shown that people value loss avoidance more than gain acquisition. Hence, ‘loss norm’ can be followed to induce people to take advantage of public policies crafted for them. (Loss norm= disadvantages due to non-following of public welfare policies) The government already uses choice interventions like subsidies and taxes to shape citizen behaviour. However, more institutional mechanisms are needed to advocate behavioural research to improve public policy design and deliver better outcomes for taxpayer money. Connecting the dots: Nudge units have been recently proposed to be set up for more effective policy implementation. Critically explain the importance of nudge units with examples. Government policies are not only about formulation and implementation but also understanding the public acceptance of such policies. What is the importance of public acceptance of policies and suggest measures to improve the wide acceptability of such policies.   MUST READ NAM meet 2016- The Margarita mirror Hindu   Why healthcare access eludes India Hindu Related article: A case of public health in India   Transit at Gojadanga- Cross-border trafficking at India-Bangladesh border Hindu   New dynamic in the North West Indian Express   Beginning A Conversation Indian Express   The maze of cross-subsidies Livemint   The case for directly elected leaders Livemint   Governance: an area of deficit in pensions Livemint   India need not genuflect at RCEP Business Line Related articles: The new Great Game in Asia: The RCEP Effect on India Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) & India   Which parts of the economy are growing? Business Line

Sep 13, 2016 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 17]

Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Q.1) Consider the following statements concerning Polymetallic Nodules (PMN) They are called as manganese nodules It contains nickel, cobalt and copper beside manganese India has contract for exploration of PMN in Central Indian Ocean Basin with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Which of the following statements is/are correct? Only 3 1 and 3 2 and 3 All of the above Q.2) The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 provides for which of the following? National Reserves Wildlife Reserves Biosphere Reserves Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Consider the following statements: Bangkok Agreement is the oldest preferential trade pact among Asia-Pacific countries India is not a member of Bangkok Agreement Select the incorrect option: Only 1 Only 2 Both None Q.4) This port has become the first in the country to implement logistics data tagging of containers. Identify the correct port from the following options- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Enayam Port Port of Kolkata Haldia Port Q.5) Which of the following pairs is correctly matched? The Mughals – Ajanta paintings The Kusahans – Gandhara school of art The Marathas – Pahari school of painting Harappan civilisation – Painted grey ware Download the Solution- Click here All the best IASbaba

Sep 13, 2016 PIB

IASbaba Press Information Bureau (PIB)- 5th Sep to 11th Sep, 2016

ARCHIVES GS-2 National Conference for awareness of National Academic Depository (Topic: Human Resource and development) National Academic Depository Establishment of a National Academic Depositoryis a step towards the Digital India vision of the PM— Government intends to establish a digital depository of academic awards to be known as National Academic Depository (NAD) on the pattern of securities depository. Union Minister called upon all participants to resolve to target year 2017 to roll out use of National Academic Depository. Securities depositories in the country have already made dematerialization of the financial securities and have been ensuring the safety of the financial wealth of the investors. System can now be replicated for the educational awards- high time the academic awards are verified and authenticated, accessed and retrieved in a digital depository. Union Minister emphasised upon 3 things, change in mindset, absorbing ‘tried, tested and trusted technology’ and thus enhancing transparency and authenticity. Help- NAD would help in validating the authenticity of these awards and ensuring their safe storage and easy retrieval. Maintaining academic awards in a digital depository would provide benefit to educational institutions, students and employers by enabling online access and retrieval Eliminate fraudulent practices such as forging of certificates and mark-sheets and facilitate validation. NAD would be available online 24X7 for quick accesses of the stakeholders.   50th International Literacy Day (Topic: Human Resource and development) About- President of India conferred Saakhar Bharat Awards 2016 on 50th International Literacy Day at the national level function in New Delhi Saakshar Bharat Awards - 2016 Saakshar Bharat Awards were instituted to encourage a healthy competition for better performance among the programme implementing and support agencies. Awards also recognize the achievements and invaluable contributions of functionaries and volunteers in the field of adult education and skill development. Each Award carries a trophy and a certificate. A documentary film, ‘Saakshar Gram - Adarsh Gram’was screened at the event. It highlighted the activities relating to achieving 100 percent literacy in Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana villages covered under Saakshar Bharat districts. What can be done to overcome illiteracy?    Achieving universal literacy is not possible without mass participation. If we follow the principle of ‘Each one, teach one’ success can be achieved in this direction. India continues to have a large population of illiterates- time for us to identify the critical areas that need to be addressed. Joint action by Government and Non- Government organizations is necessary so that we can generate momentum to achieve hundred percent literacy Literacy movement is a continuous cycle as regular follow up is necessary to not only make people literate but also keep them literate. To dream for a mission - ‘Saakshar Bharat, Samarth Bharat’and work with a motto of ‘Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat’. Must consider important sensibilities like financial literacy, legal literacy, and electoral literacy; through this we can achieve empowerment of people. Launch of Global Alliance for Literacy, to mobilize investment and promote innovative initiatives, with a focus on gender and new information and communication technologies.   Mandi and Sindhudurg: Cleanest Districts in India  (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising) About- Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, released the ‘Swachh Survekshan’ for rural India, revealing Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) and Sindhudurg (Maharashtra) as the cleanest districts in India. A total of 22 hill districts and 53 plain areas were assessed under the Gramin Swachh Survekshan launched in May 2016. Mandi was judged as the cleanest district in “Hills” category and Sindhudurg as the cleanest in the “Plains” category, with districts of Sikkim, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), Nadia (West Bengal) and Satara (Maharashtra) featuring at the top of the index. The Ministry had commissioned Quality Council of India (QCI) to carry out the assessment. Each district has been judged on four distinct parameters. Maximum weightage was placed on accessibility to safe toilets and water. Parameters to judge sanitation status include- Households having access to safe toilets and using them (toilet usage, water accessibility, safe disposal of waste) (40%) Households having no litter around (30%) Public places with no litter in the surrounding (10%) Households having no stagnant wastewater around (20%)   Overall Ranking - Swachh Survekshan Gramin Category Rank District State Cleanliness Score Hills 1 Mandi Himachal Pradesh 98.4 Hills 2 West Sikkim Sikkim 96.4 Hills 3 Shimla Himachal Pradesh 94.1 Plains 1 Sindhudurg Maharashtra 96.8 Plains 2 Nadia West Bengal 95.0 Plains 3 Satara Maharashtra 92.9 ‘Job Fair for Divyangjans’ Inaugurated (Topic: Social justice and empowerment)   By: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment was inaugurated by Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Steps taken- A lot of initiatives have been taken by the Government of India for the welfare of Divyangjans and weaker section of society during past two years. Many types of scholarship for Divyangjans have been started since 2014-15. More than 2000 special camp have been organized to distribute tools kits to them. About 30 private sector companies and Industries are participating in this special job fair for Divyangjans. Based on their requirements these companies and industries are making assessments of Divyangjans to give them employment. Apart from this, the Divyangjans will be given information relating to various such employment schemes, trainings and scholarships being offered by the Government of India. Many reputed organizations viz. NHFDC, VRCH, NSIS, Skill Council for Disabled, DSFDC, PNB, IDBI and SBOH etc, have put up their stalls in the fair to enlighten Divyangjans about their programme and schemes. During the job fair, Tools kits will be distributed to them and they will also be provided with the information about wage employment, Self Employment and Skill Development.   Launch of the biggest Leprosy Case Detection Campaign in the country (Topic: Social justice and empowerment) About- In line with the vision of PM of India to eradicate Leprosy from India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the biggest Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC) in the country across 149 districts of 19 states/UTs. Objective of the campaign- Early detection of leprosy in affected persons so that they can be saved from physical disability and deformity by providing them timely treatment and thus, also halting the transmission of disease at the community level. Highlights of campaign- This fortnight-long campaign will cover 1656 blocks/urban areas of these districts and screen a total of 32 crore people for leprosy. For this purpose, 297604 teams comprising of one lady ASHA worker and one male volunteer each would visit every house in their allotted area and screen all the family members for leprosy. The states and UTs covered in this campaign are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Delhi and Lakshadweep. The districts having a prevalence rate of more than one case per 10,000 populations in any of the last three years have been included in this campaign. LCDC- Leprosy Case Detection Campaign is a unique initiative of its kind in the world where each and every member of the targeted population will be examined by the search team constituting of one male and one female volunteer at household level. House to house visits will be done by the search team as per the micro plan prepared for the local area to detect hidden and undetected leprosy cases. First LCDC was launched during March-April 2016 in 50 districts of 7 states namely Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh wherein a population of about 6.8 crores was covered. During this campaign 65427 suspected cases were identified out of which 4120 were later confirmed.   First Ever ‘Incredible India Tourism Investment Summit’ being organized by M/O Tourism (Topic: Promotion for tourism) About- “Incredible India Tourism Investment Summit (IITIS) - 2016” is being organized by the Ministry of Tourism from September 21 to 23, 2016. Initiative of- Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in association with Tourism Finance Corporation of India (TFCI) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). IITIS is a platform for domestic and international investors to meet project owners from across Indian states and the private sector. Highlights of the Incredible India Tourism Investors' Summit (IITIS)- Participation from more than 27 Indian states Around 600 investable projects from across the country and from across various sectors of tourism Participation from 140 investors from 70 companies There will be 21 seminars across the two days with some leading industry leaders and covering states presentations and thematic sessions. B2B-B2G meetings pre-fixed online Event Road Shows done- USA, UAE, Thailand, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Gujrat, Mumbai, Bhopal   GS-3 Visit of Indian Warships—Kenya (Topic: Various security forces and agencies and their mandate) About- In a demonstration of India’s commitment to its ties with Kenya and to promoting maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, Indian Naval Ships Kolkata and Aditya have arrived at Mombasa on a three day visit. The ships are part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet based at Mumbai under the Western Naval Command and are on a two month deployment to the Western Indian Ocean. Aimed at- Enhancing bilateral ties, strengthening the existing bonds of friendship and reinforcing cooperation in maritime security between India and Kenya. During the visit, the warships will interact with the Kenyan Defence Forces on professional issues, aimed at enhancing co-operation and sharing nuances of naval operations including combating threats of maritime terrorism and piracy. In addition to professional interactions, the ships, during their stay in harbour, will undertake a plethora of activities, including official calls and cultural events. The ships would also be open to public for onboard visits during the stay at Mombasa India and Kenya- India and Kenya have historical maritime trading links. The sizeable Indian diaspora settled in Kenya is a testimony of our strong cultural linkages. The signing of the India-Kenya Trade Agreement in 1981, under which both countries accorded Most Favoured Nation status to each other, set the foundation for strong and vibrant trade relations. Bilateral relations between the two countries have since been progressively stepped up through economic, military and diplomatic cooperation. Healthy state of naval cooperation is evident from frequent port visits by Naval ships, hydrographic survey by Indian survey ships and training of Kenyan Naval personnel in India. Current visit seeks to strengthen the existing bonds of friendship between India and Kenya and underscore India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries of the region.   India-Kazakhstan’s Joint Exercise “PRABAL DOSTYK-16” (Topic: Various security forces and agencies and their mandate) About- As a part of India’s continued efforts to strengthen Indo-Kazakhstan relations, troops of Indian & Kazakhstan Army are presently engaging in a joint exercise ‘PRABAL DOSTYK – 16. ‘Prabal Dostyk’ meaning ‘Robust Friendship’ will be a significant step towards fostering military as well as diplomatic ties between both countries. Indian Army is being represented by platoon strength. The Kazakhstan Army contingent comprise of platoon from Special Operating Force’s Unit. A pioneering endeavour with the Kazakhstan Army, the exercise is being conducted in Karaganda region of Kazakhstan   Aim- To enhance interoperability while undertaking Counter Terrorism & Counter Insurgency Operations in rural & semi-urban environment under the umbrella of United Nations. Exercise will be conducted in two stages; first stage will be to familiarize with each other’s tactics, drills, weapons & equipment, whereas in the second stage troops of both the armies will graduate to jointly execute a helicopter borne operation in a simulated environment. Combat battle drills and physical fitness will be the focal point of the exercise.   GRSE hands over fast attack craft “TIHAYU” to Indian Navy (Topic: Various security forces and agencies and their mandate) About- Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (WJFAC), “TIHAYU” built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata was handed over to the Indian Navy. GRSE- GRSE had earlier built and delivered ten (10) WJFACs to the Indian Navy during 2009 to 2011, which are proving well in service. Indian Navy has placed order for four more of these WJFACs as ‘Follow-on’ ships. The first ship of the ‘Follow-on’ Series of WJFACs INS Tarmugli was commissioned into Indian Navy on May 2016. Second FAC TIHAYU has been delivered by GRSE. These ships are a further improved version of Fast Attack Crafts earlier built by GRSE for Indian Navy. The ship has an efficient hull form developed by the in-house Design Centre of GRSE and proved by extensive model testing, to achieve speeds in excess of 35 knots. Named after an island in the Andaman, “Tihayu” is fitted with three water jet propulsion systems powered by marine diesel engines generating 2720 KW of power. It is also fitted with CRN-91 indigenous 30mm Gun, to provide Artillery fire support during attack missions.   Indian warship Trikand visits Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania (Topic: Various security forces and agencies and their mandate) About- In a demonstration of India’s commitment to its ties with Tanzania, Indian Naval Ship Trikand has arrived at Dar Es Salaam on a three day visit, as part of its deployment to the East Coast of Africa and Island nations in the Western Indian Ocean. The ship is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet based at Mumbai under the Western Naval Command and is on a two month long deployment to the Western Indian Ocean. Aim- Enhancing bilateral ties, strengthening the existing bonds of friendship and reinforcing cooperation in maritime security between India and Tanzania. During the stay in harbour, various activities including official calls, cultural events and professional interaction between the two navies are planned. Ship would also be open to public for onboard visits, during its stay at Dar Es Salaam India and Tanzania-                     India and Tanzania have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations, driven by shared ideologies and genuine desire for South-South cooperation. Frequent visits by high level delegations including Heads of State have added much depth to bilateral relations. Growing defence cooperation between the two countries is evident by the increasing frequency of port visits by naval ships, cooperation in the field of hydrography and training support. Last such visit by IN ship to Tanzania was in March 2016 when Indian Naval ship Sutlej visited Dar Es Salaam as part of Survey deployment.   GSLV Successfully Launches India’s Weather Satellite INSAT-3DR (Topic: Science and technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life) About- In its tenth flight (GSLV-F05) conducted, India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, equipped with the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), successfully launched the country's weather satellite INSAT-3DR, into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). INSAT-3D- Like its predecessor INSAT-3D which is providing service from orbit since 2013, INSAT-3DR is an advanced meteorological (weather observation) satellite built by India to provide a variety of inputs essential for accurate weather forecasting. For this, it is equipped with three payloads (instruments), namely, a Multispectral Imager, Sounder and weather Data Relay Transponder. INSAT-3DR also carries a satellite aided Search and Rescue Transponder that picks up and relays alert signals originating from distress beacons of maritime, aviation and land based users. In the coming days, INSAT-3DR's orbit will be raised from its present GTO to the final circular Geostationary Orbit (GSO) by firing the satellite's Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) in stages. Satellite will be commissioned into service after the completion of orbit raising operations and the satellite’s positioning in its designated orbital slot of 74 degree East longitude in the GSO and in-orbit testing of its payloads. Soon after its injection into GTO, the solar array of INSAT-3DR was automatically deployed and the Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka took control of the satellite. In its oval shaped GTO, the INSAT-3DR satellite is now orbiting the Earth with a perigee (nearest point to Earth) of 169.76 km and an apogee (farthest point to Earth) of 36,080.5 km with an orbital inclination of 20.62 deg with respect to the equator. Launch took place from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR), Sriharikota, the spaceport of India. This was the first operational flight of GSLV equipped with CUS and the fourth to carry the indigenous CUS. GSLV flight was the third consecutive success achieved by GSLV carrying indigenous CUS and the 2211 kg INSAT-3DR is the heaviest satellite to be launched from the Indian soil. At 4.8 seconds before the countdown reached zero, the four liquid propellant strap-on stages of GSLV-F05, each carrying 42 tonne of liquid propellants, were ignited. At count zero and after confirming the normal performance of all the four strap-on motors, the 139 tonne solid propellant first stage core motor was ignited and GSLV lifted off. Major phases of the flight included the core motor burn-out, strap on burn-out, ignition of the second stage, separation of the core motor together with strap-ons, payload fairing separation, second stage separation, CUS ignition and its timely shut down after satisfactory performance. About seventeen minutes after lift-off, INSAT-3DR was successfully placed in GTO.   CAG Readies to Meet Big Data Challenges- Centre for Data Analytics (Topic: Information and technology) About- CAG’s Centre for Data Management and Analytics (CDMA) is going to play a catalytic role to synthesise and integrate relevant data into auditing process. Help- To enhance the efficiency and accuracy of evidence in the audit process and will be a game changer in the field of public audit. Aim- To build up capacity in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department in Big Data Analytics to exploit the data rich environment in the Union and State Governments. Initiative focuses development of in-house capacity covering the entire workforce. CDMA Prior to the setting up of the Centre, the CAG brought out a Big Data Management Policy for the Indian Audit and Accounts Department. A Task force was set up to study the policy document and recommend its implementation-the Task Force in May 2016 recommended setting up this Centre. Centre is to be equipped with latest analytic tools and infrastructure to assist and guide the Data Analytic Groups constituted in all audit offices of CAG across the country through setting up the data management protocols and steering the data analytic capacity of the department. Initiative of CAG of India puts it amongst the pioneers in institutionalising data analytics in government audit in the international community. CAG of India is also a member of an international project on ‘Data Analytics’ under the Working Group on IT Audit of International Organisation for Supreme Audit Institutions.   Launch of #Gas4India campaign to promote Natural gas in the country (Topic: Petroleum and Gas) About- Union Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas launched #Gas4India campaign Aim- Promoting the use of gas in the country—Public and private sector companies working in the sector has joined hands to promote the natural gas sector. #Gas4India- It is a unified cross-country, multimedia, multi-event campaign to communicate the national, social, economic and ecological benefits of using natural gas as the fuel of choice to every citizen who uses, or will use in the near future, gas in any way- cook, travel, light their homes, and power their business. Campaign includes social engagement via Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, LinkedIn, and its official blogsite, as well as hyper local, offline events to directly connect with consumers through discussions, workshops and cultural events. Launched the website, Twitter handle, Facebook page and Theme song of the campaign. Steps taken to promote- Country is moving towards the gas-based economy, and it is working to increase the share of gas in the country’s energy basket from the present 6.5%. Government has taken initiatives and policy reforms throughout the Gas chain. Besides the move to enhance gas production, the Government is promoting nationwide gas grid and setting up gas infrastructure. GAIL has already finished the tendering process for gas grid and actual process of laying pipelines will begin soon. Government is going to take steps to harness synthetic gas from Coal Bed Methane, and also promoting Bio-CNG and Bio-PNG. 3 New LNG terminals are also coming up- India has entered into long term contracts and acquired assets abroad to ensure unhindered supply of gas at reasonable prices. Government has given highest priority to PNG. PNG should be taken in mission mode so that environment and health friendly fuel is available to people at the earliest. Issues of road cutting fee, Uniform Tax for PNG, provisioning of PNG infrastructure for upcoming Smart cities were discussed.   Indo-Africa ICT Expo-Nairobi, Kenya (Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth) About- India’s Telecom Export Promotion Council (TEPC), in conjunction with NASSCOM & ICT Authority of Kenya embarked on the 2nd edition of the Indo-Africa ICT Expo at KICC, Nairobi. Aim- Enhancing cooperation between African countries and India in the area of ICT technology. Second edition of the Indo-Africa ICT Expo cum Conference- More than 100 ICT companies are participating from India showcasing their latest products and solutions to explore synergies on ground. Indo-Africa ICT Expo 2016 is the second edition of the annual event, and is being held in Nairobi from 1st September to 3rd September 2016. Sessions in Conference were aligned with theme of the event “Digital Dreams of Nation”. Event was attended by over 2500 visitors and over 300 conference delegates with a world class speaker panel. Expo is designed to be a platform to build synergy among India & African countries to showcase innovative & diversified Products & Services and to bring together thought leaders across the entire ICT value chain to discuss solutions to regulatory and business issues. Telecommunication Equipment & Services Export promotion Council (TEPC), India also organizes Buyer Seller Business Meets in New Delhi also where potential buyers from across the globe are invited to meet the telecom equipment and services suppliers of India to develop long term business relations. Key highlight ICT Ministers Round Table Meeting on ‘Digital Dreams of the Developing Nations’, wherein ICT Ministers/Secretaries leading high level Government & business delegations from India, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda and Malawi participated. Government to Government bilateral talks were also held between Indian Government and official government delegations from Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and South Sudan. Africa is turning into one of the fastest growing regions in the world, offering huge domestic market potential and growing economically at more than 5% per year. Event only reiterates the fact that India and Africa are well on their way to collaborate and become the next global leaders in technology. Africa is turning into one of the fastest growing regions in the world, offering huge domestic market potential and growing economically at more than 5% per year. During the last two years, the focus has been on SME sector engagement and a number of the participating delegate companies have achieved their biggest success in Africa. Organizer of the event, Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC), India has been set up by the Government of India to promote and develop export of Telecom Equipment and Services from the country. TEPC as a Council plays a critical role in furtherance of Telecom exports from India and assists Indian member companies in easy facilitation of their respective exports. Council caters to the complete Telecom Ecosystem including Telecom Hardware Manufacturing, Telecom Service Provision, Telecom Software, and Consultancy. TEPC recognizes the strengths of building a design-led manufacturing ecosystem for telecom products and the Government is committed to further support in the creation of domestic products and enables manufacturing with high domestic value-addition. India is poised for another digital revolution given the massive thrust on “Make in India” initiative & launch of “Digital India”, which creates a large opportunity for ICT sector.

Sep 12, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 12th September, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 12th September, 2016   INTERNATIONAL   TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector or Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.   India to lead global coalition to fight epidemics Being a key member of newly formed Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), India is all set to lead the global fight against epidemics. Background Recent epidemics (Ebola in West Africa and Zika in S. America) have exposed serious flaws in the world’s capacity to prepare for and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Existence of vaccines could have slowed, halted or even prevented an epidemic in each outbreak, thereby saving many lives and prevent profound social and economic disruption in the countries affected. Though Ebola proved that vaccines can be developed quickly but it is not rational to continue to rely on ad-hoc partnerships and the goodwill of a handful of companies. Hence, there was a need of sustainable model for epidemic vaccine development. Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) Mission- to stop future epidemics by developing new vaccines for a safer world. Challenges Vaccine development is not quick enough to start long before an epidemic so that final clinical trials or emergency deployment can begin swiftly in an outbreak. It typically takes more than 10 years to make vaccines that work and are safe. Once a vaccine is created, complex regulations and laws that vary from country to country can delay getting vaccines to the people who desperately need them. CEPI aims to overcome these barriers with a new model for funding vaccine developments against epidemic diseases to contribute to the health security the world needs. (The idea of CEPI was planted in a journal report ‘“Establishing a Global Vaccine-Development Fund” in 2015) CEPI-the institution- It is a new alliance between governments, industry, academia, philanthropy, intergovernmental institutions, such as the World Health Organization, and civil society. Founding partners: Dept of Biotechnology, Ministry of S&T, Government of India, Government of Norway, Wellcome Trust, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and World Economic Forum Governed by- Interim Board chaired by Professor K VijayRaghavan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology. India’s role as a leader The intensity of disease outbreak depends on the mode of transmission which can spread it rapidly to affect people very far from where the outbreak starts. Here, vaccines offer the potential to be deployed rapidly and on scale to prevent both disease and its further transmission of diseases that are known and yet to be known. In such case, India has recognised the preparedness to handle such disease outbreaks which also includes strategies for prevention. Also, India has the scientific talent and capacity to respond to any exigency, as was witnessed in case of H1N1 outbreak. With right incentives and partnerships, India could help countries, regional or international agencies to respond to any pandemic or epidemic in a quick, efficient and affordable manner. India will prepare vaccines for diseases that have the potential for causing outbreaks and not focus only on common diseases like rotavirus. Rotavirus vaccine by Bharat biotech was the last vaccine developed in India which underwent an ‘effectiveness or efficacy’ study. It is currently being used by the MOHFW in four States. Chikungunya vaccine made in India remains to be evaluated for its effectiveness. Thus, India will collaborate with governments and agencies like WHO, the Wellcome Trust and others to develop the strategies for partnerships, technical development, regulatory and ethical approaches and find the resources and commitments needed for the coalition.   Human trials precaution Phase 1- The vaccine is first tested in a small number of healthy people as for testing any new vaccine, safety is paramount. Phase 2- Next slightly larger number of people to figure out what dose is best to produce the best immune response. Phase 3- The larger scale phase 3 efficacy studies to test whether the vaccine can prevent disease in its target populations. While the phase 1 and 2 studies can be done anywhere, phase 3 studies require a population where the disease is reasonably likely to occur/occurring. The new coalition plans to develop vaccines through phase 1 and 2, by applying the highest standards for safety in these studies. Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM)- In more industrialised countries, a unique form of volunteer studies is being introduced where disease is actually induced in people in a tightly controlled setting and the ability of the vaccine to prevent disease is characterised. This puts few people at risk when testing vaccines. However, this requires volunteers who are altruistic and have great understanding of the risks of the experiments. There are currently no plans to do such studies in India. Targeted Diseases The vaccines will be chosen from a list of 11 that WHO put together as part of a report called An R&D Blueprint for Action to Prevent Epidemics. It includes Chikungunya, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and the related severe acute respiratory syndrome, Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever, Nipah virus. However, Ebola vaccine will be a priority. CEPI will prioritise infectious diseases that have: The potential to become global public health emergencies Feasible development approaches for vaccines The coalition will focus on diseases which do not have a large market in global terms. Ethical practices There is a perception that India will be the pharmaceutical hub of the world and also the laboratory for the world. Thus, under this new role, India will have to ensure global leadership, especially in having a say on ethical practices in these sectors. Ethical practices relate to The development of drugs, vaccines and other products which is the domain of academia and regulatory authorities. Manufacturing of drugs and to their marketing and use, where manufacturers have the greatest role. In development and testing, adherence to the highest ethical standards ensuring that participants in studies completely understand the purpose as well as the risks and benefits of their participation. This requires strong credible academic partners and regulations, and the Drugs Controller General of India has already taken the lead in improving the standards of clinical testing in India. Conclusion India is home to one sixth of the world’s people who live and travel everywhere. Thus, India will play a role in working with less resourced countries of Asia and Africa along with industrialised countries. The India-Africa Health Summit, organised by the ICMR is an example of the kind of engagement where India could work with African countries that are likely to be affected by outbreaks and need to build capacity in science, medicine and manufacturing. Connecting the dots: Initiation of Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) gives a hope for epidemic free world. Explain the need of CEPI and role of India in this organisation.   Related articles Government Prioritizes International Health Regulations Zika Virus— Public Health Emergency INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCY OVER ZIKA VIRUS NATIONAL   TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Disaster and disaster management.   Solution to water crisis In News: In Bihar, more than five million people have been affected and 6,50,000 displaced from their homes; in Assam 1.8 million people were affected with 2,40,000 displaced, and in UP 8,70,000 were affected. Floods also occurred in areas that were earlier not considered flood prone, such as the cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and the southern districts of arid Rajasthan. Even in Madhya Pradesh, 300,000 people were affected. There is a growing concern that floods cause large-scale damage to crops, cattle, property and even human lives, and this trend is increasing over time that creates huge loss to exchequer. Flood control is a developmental as well as humanitarian issue. Most of the floods in India occur in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Barak basin as the distance between the world’s highest peaks in the Himalayas and the outlet at the Bay of Bengal is short and the contributing tributaries like Kosi, Gandak, Ghaghara and others disgorge large volumes and devastate the fertile plains of eastern Uttar Pradesh, northern Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. An enduring solution India gets “too much” water (about 75 per cent of annual precipitation) during 120 days of the monsoon season (June to September) and “too little” for the remaining 245 days. This skewed water availability has to be managed and regulated for its consumption throughout the year. Leaders of independent India quickly embarked upon a number of large multi-purpose river valley projects such as Bhakra-Nangal, Hirakud, Nagarjuna Sagar, Rihand etc. to store water for smoothening its supplies throughout the year. Development of such river valley projects further lost interest: Due to changed priorities towards heavy industrialization since 1956. Due to widespread inefficiencies and corruption in large irrigation projects. The issue of resettlement of displaced people became a rallying point for many NGOs to oppose these projects, leading to drying up of funds from the World Bank. As a result, in 2015, India’s per capita water storage capacity through dams was abysmally low at 194 cubic metre (m3). India is way below in storing water when it falls in abundance, resulting in floods during monsoons and deficiency of water later. This also lowers cropping intensity (less than 140), meaning less than 40% of India’s farm land is double cropped. Picture credit: http://d2na0fb6srbte6.cloudfront.net/read/imageapi/clipimage/934435/0910fc3c-c565-4c1e-bb03-ea8eece005d4 Way Ahead Lasting solution lies in a “buffer stocking of water” during the monsoon months and releasing it during lean seasons and can be done over ground through dams, or underground, by recharging aquifers.  Flood control strategies also need to include the use of smart geo-spatial techniques for flood forecasting and construction and strengthening of embankments at critical locations. Inter-linking of rivers can be made at intra-state level, particularly within Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. The time is also ripe to crank up the Ganges Water Machine through Underground Taming of Floods for Irrigation (UTFI), where surplus flood water is directed to aquifers through well-designed structures placed in ponds and other depression areas and evacuated through large-scale pump irrigation during the dry season. There is a need to promote flood-tolerant “scuba rice”, sugarcane, jute and high-value aquatic crops in this region; access to affordable crop, livestock and asset insurance products; and education and preparedness to live with the floods. Cascading check dams, drips and sprinkler irrigation can also help in this direction. What needs to be developed is a holistic approach at basin level, encompassing credible resettlement policy for displaced people, and also supported by pro-active hydro-diplomacy amongst riparian countries can thus render rich dividends. Connecting the dots: India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. The recent floods in different states has affected and displaced many from home. Discuss various factors that can help to curb the situation.   Related Articles: No getting away from water scarcity Looming water crisis Managing India’s Freshwater   MUST READ Labour’s love’s lost Hindu Related articles: Minimum Wage and labour issues Labour Reforms and Challenges involved   An office of loss Hindu   An Unsolicited Response Indian Express   Next Door Nepal: Neighbours and relatives Indian Express   Centre and state togetherness for power to reach all Indian Express   IAS reforms: Cleaning rust from the frame Livemint   Globalization paradoxes, redux Livemint   Geopolitics trumps geoeconomics at Hangzhou Livemint Related article: 11th G-20 Summit-Towards revival of world economy   Why is Dalit politics on the boil? Livemint   A decentralised approach to water disputes Business Line   Losing the pulse Business Line   Tackling the tussle with tuskers Business Line

Sep 12, 2016 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 16]

Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Q.1) Which of the following statements is correct with respect to LIDAR? It works on the principle of radar, but uses light from a laser It uses sound propagation to navigate, communicate with or detect objects on or under the surface of the water It used sound waves to detect any object None of the above Q.2) The city of Aleppo has been in news. The city is located in which of the following countries? Turkey Syria Belgium France Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to Indian Coast Guard (ICG) It is under the Ministry of Defence It works in cooperation with Indian Navy only It protects and provides assistance to fishermen and mariners at sea Which of the following statements is/are correct? Only 1 1 and 2 1 and 3 All of the above Q.4) Below given are the statements about direct and indirect taxes. Which among the following statements is not correct? GST is same as the VAT but with a wider base. GST includes tax on both goods and services whereas VAT includes only tax on goods. Currently, States’ tax only sale of good and not on services Indirect Taxes are considered regressive and Direct Taxes are proportional. GST, by subsuming an array of direct taxes under one rubric - will simplify tax administration, improve compliance, eliminate economic distortions in production, trade and consumption. Q.5) Consider the following principles: Ahimsa Satya Asteya Aparigraaha Brahmacharya Which of the above are followed under Jainism? 1 and 2 1, 2 and 3 1, 3 and 4 All of the above Download the Solution- Click here All the best IASbaba

Sep 11, 2016 RSTV Video

The Big Picture - Judicial Appointments and RTI: Should it be Allowed?

Archives     Judicial Appointments and RTI: Should it be Allowed? Background One of the landmark legislations in India which changed the nature of governance and brought an unprecedented transparency and accountability was the Right to Information Act (RTI) passed in 2005. However, there are certain areas where there is a debate about whether the RTI Act should be applied or not. One such institution is the higher judiciary. In 2010, the Central Information Commission (CIC) had ordered on a petition that, all correspondence between the collegium and government about the appointment of the three SC judges should be disclosed under the RTI Act. This order was challenged by Central Public Information Office of SC after rejecting the request of the petitioner. Ever since, the case has been pending in the apex court. In August 2016, a three-member bench dealing with the case has decided to refer the matter to a constitutional bench. Incidentally, the apex court which had initially resisted to even disclosing the assets and liabilities of the judges, later decided to make voluntary disclosures on the court’s website. Pros of disclosing the details of appointment to higher courts of judiciary Is it for more transparency in process or it will taint the process and create controversies. Rationale of CIC decision The circumstances which made the CIC decide that such appointments should be disclosed is that when the matter came up in front of CIC, it had no option to not issue such an order as the RTI law did not make any exception for judiciary, including the apex court. Art 8(1)(J)- a clause which exempts personal information from RTI. But selection, transfer of judges, complaints against judges are not personal matters. Thus, CIC did not find any of these to be covered under exemptions. Sec 24 of RTI- Exempts certain institutions like Intelligence Bureau, RAW, CRPF, CISF etc. from RTI. There is no mention of judiciary here. So, judiciary like any other public authority in India- SC or HCs- are covered under RTI. So, the appointments to higher judiciary and the transfer of judges which are decided in the meetings of collegium and then communicated to government of India must be disclosed when demanded by a citizen. Why the judiciary resists to come under RTI? Judiciary is very awkwardly positioned as far as it has to defend itself. It is not expected among judges to defend themselves even when allegations are made unlike other institutions. So, in a way, judiciary is uniquely different because they cannot defend themselves as other power holders. And thus, the nature and context of the disclosures has to be determined by the scope of parting with necessary information. For instance, if allegations are made and it is out in public domain and the person gets appointed regardless, the allegations to be made are very easy today and hence, the public reputation of the judge gets compromised just in basis of unverified allegation. Hence, the question is to what extent one can disclose. In the 2010 case, the petitioner had asked for information of 3 judges’ appointment. So, if there are questions or applications related to particular judges, there is no harm in disclosing it in greater interest. There is no question of national interest being affected by it. Unless there are certain situations where certain matters cannot be disclosed, there is no harm in public information public. However, there is a risk involved. Supposed the discussion about a particular judge A is about being lazy, introvert, having a medical condition etc. it falls into personal matter which need not be disclosed. The conclusion must be disclosed and not the method through which they came to the conclusion. If such intricate discussion about judge is made public, the judge may be judged on collegium’s interpretation of his personality. Another concern the judiciary feels- by disclosing under RTI, the independence of judiciary might be hurt and credibility be damaged. Transparency increases efficiency Across the world, with RTI like laws for promoting transparency have shown how institutions are in fact strengthened by transparency laws. The credibility and the public trust in the institutions which is unfortunately waning and there are allegations of corruption against public servants, it would help if the institution comes under RTI and discloses information. If there is a doubt in citizen’s mind, the information in public will help rest those doubts. If the information is public, it would prevent political interference in process of appointment. In the petition of 2010, three judges of Delhi HC were superseded. There was an outcry in the public as public opinion did not match with one of the judge’s supersession. So, the public has the right to know what led to such decision. The paradox Judiciary has played a very significant role in having the RTI Act in India. The judiciary itself wants that other branches of state- legislature and executive- should be completely transparent in their operations, then there is no reason why judiciary be completely closed from it. There is hardly anything one knows about how judiciary functions. If suppose there is complaint against HC judge about his integrity, the public never knows what happened as the police or CBI doesn’t enquire into it and under RTI, judiciary doesn’t discloses it. The public appointments that are undertaken by UPSC, State PSCs, other central and government institutions, such public employment opportunities at higher judiciary are hardly observed. There is a chance that if information is public, honest opinion may not be brought forward. However, this issue is present all across state limbs of judiciary and legislature. If the person is serious in doing his responsibility, then there will be facts to support him. Will judiciary come under RTI? The judiciary wants complete control over appointment of judges or any other judicial matter and they don’t want interference in it. It is more about judiciary’s mindset than the provision of RTI. It is comfortable in opacity and not ready to open up as an institution. As a matter of fact, it however wants all other institutions to open up, but for its own conduct, it doesn’t want anybody else to know. The 2010 case supersession of senior reputed judge made people to demand why such a decision was taken. The judges feel threatened that independence of judiciary might get distorted by transparency in its functioning, but it has to be understood that Indian democracy has become so strong that independence of judiciary will remain, the mindset of judiciary is what needs to be changed. If they open up, it will enhance their credibility as an institution and people will start respecting them more. The judicial pronouncements, in case of CVC- PJ Thomas, when SC struck down his appointment, the court said that there is dire need of transparency in the process of appointment in all institutions. The credibility of institutions depends on how transparent its functioning is. In case of judges’ defence, if information is made available in public domain, it would be its biggest weapon of defence as facts would speak for themselves. The public shall know the reasons behind decisions and transparency would help resolve that problem. In a democracy, the institution of judiciary is very important and hence, issue of public trust is very important. The statements of CJI in public about court vacancies is a method of creating public pressure and awareness about this important issue. Scope of disclosure- where do you start, how much to disclose, at what point to be disclosed are points that have to be taken into consideration. The important part is what information has to be disclosed. If the judges have been superseded, the reason has to be disclosed but not every material used in reasoning. The laws passed by parliament are equally applicable to all citizens of India. The law itself has sufficient safeguard. The safeguards have to be interpreted by the public information officer of the SC as much as it will be done by Rashtapati Bhavan or PMO or other office. For RTI Act, CIC is the highest appellate authority. Its order are not appealable. Only a writ petition can be filed against it. In 2010 case, the writ petition was filed by the SC and it simply stayed the order. It took six years for the SC to form a 3 judge bench. Now, it has referred it to constitution bench. The information that goes to the public is that RTI Act is not that much applicable as SC has power to stay and hence it does so. Also, one of the judges who was superseded for SC judge position in 2010 was given appointment in 2011. This shows that one year the judge is not applicable and other year he is eligible. This gives the public the right to know that what factors were reason for his supersession. The communication between government and collegium also needs to be disclosed. The communication between any two public authorities is completely disclosable subject to provision of exemptions given in RTI Act. Conclusion The foundation of RTI is being true to power. If the purpose is to seek truth in exercise of all power then the question is not about all kinds information has to be put in public domain. Complete information in public domain does not mean good governance. It is also about the mindset and approach towards transparency. Seeking information for the sake of information has been one of the debates right from the beginning. Creating unnecessary problems for governance because of a right is not correct. Today, all public institutions are facing corruption. This is known through word-of-mouth, personal experience or raids and reports. However, such corruption cases against judges are rarely known. No one knowns when the last time a judge was impeached or any complaint was filed against a judge. Does this mean that judiciary does not have corruption or all judges are truly ethical in their conduct? RTI is a tool through which the institutions become accountable to the people of a country.  How the further actions of constitutional bench will take place is a matter of wait and watch. Connecting the dots: Transparency in all pillars of a state will make them accountable to each other as well as to nation as a whole. Evaluate