Aug 9, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 8th August, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 8th August, 2016   ENVIRONMENT   TOPIC: General Studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment   Walking into an ecological wilderness The use of renewable energy has to be balanced with the generation of renewable energy for a sustainable future. Global Footprint Network On a particular day the natural resources earmarked for an entire year are used up before time. Such day is called ‘Earth Overshoot Day’ August 8, 2016 marks the Earth Overshoot day when the world operates to overshoot for the rest of year by exerting excess pressure on Earth for any resources drawn Global Footprint network calculates the overshoot data. Every year, the day come around earlier than the previous year. Earth Overshoot Day has moved from late September in 2000 to August 8 in 2016 Reason: Population growth and increased consumption levels of renewable natural resources. Take note of the gap The world is going to consume resources allotted by nature for 2017 At present, the population demands 64% than what Earth can renew This is visible through overfishing, overharvesting forests and emitting more carbon in atmosphere than what can be absorbed Photo credit: http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/archive/02964/india_carbon_footp_2964226a.JPG Ecological footprint The scale of ecological overshoot is measured by comparing Human ecological footprint= human demand for renewable natural resources Biocapacity= nature’s ability to regenerate renewable resources China, USA and India have highest ecological footprint India has the 25th lowest ecological footprint per person. It would take 6 Indias to support the population demand on nature India follows the global trends wherein India is expanding its ecological footprint by burning excess fossil fuels There has been 100% increase in India’s ecological footprint level from 1961 to 2012 Reason: India consumes fossil fuels which is 53% of the country’s demand for natural resources India has an increasing ecological deficit, the main culprit being the increasing carbon footprint as natural ecosystems within the boundaries fulfil the demands dependent on nature. Earlier: cropland and forest footprints were the largest components of India’s overall ecological footprint Impact of ecological footprint: ecological overspending is noticeable in soil erosion, desertification, reduced cropland productivity, overgrazing, deforestation, rapid species extinction, fisheries collapse and increased carbon concentration in the atmosphere Ray of hope: The greatest success story is that national supply of biological resources has remained constant. The agricultural productivity has increased at par with increasing population Understanding natural resources It is necessary to understand that natural resources are not unlimited Though crisis around the world is frequently framed as ethnic or religious conflicts, the real reason is the erosion of resources needed for surviving. It includes erosion of natural resources security, than economic and social and then political hardship It is required to recognize such patterns and take appropriate actions   Change is possible The Sustainable Development Goals- adopted in September The Paris Climate Agreement- signed in December -are the hope giving frameworks which take all possible measure to save the natural resources and reduce ecological footprint If world adheres to Paris climate goals, which is adopted by 190+ countries, the carbon emissions will fall to zero by 2050 Conclusion- Change is must The Paris Accord highlights the new way of living for the world And fortunately, the current and emerging technologies make the new way possible As per an economic analysis, the benefits of following the new way exceeds the costs involved How: the emerging sectors like renewable energy are simulated and risks and costs associated with stranded assets are reduced The responsibility to protect the nature and thereby ourselves is not the responsibility of only governments Every single person has the opportunity to participate by determining the choices made in everyday lives and actively contribute to the world that will be left for future generations A sustainable world is possible through transforming individual and collective mindsets Connecting the dots: “We can be the saviour or destroyer of ourselves”. Explain in terms of ecological footprint. The world has adopted encouraging frameworks to mitigate and then fully eliminate climate change disasters. Analyse such international initiatives.   ECONOMY TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to mobilization of resources, growth, development 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, transparency and accountability   NPAs: Banks alone are not to blame The non-performing assets (NPAs) in the Indian banking system have become a big concern – posing a threat to the stability of the country’s financial system and the economy as such. The share of NPAs in banks’ total advances is moving close to the double-digit level. The percentage of stressed assets has already crossed 11 per cent. This has created heated discussions in the Parliament, media and the financial markets at home and abroad. Realising the severity of the problem and the ineffectiveness of the Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) or the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, the Centre now proposes to enact a new debt recovery bill. A big worry NPAs, which started as an issue concerning public sector banks (PSBs) alone, has now engulfed the entire industry. It has led to continued high interest rates, poor investments and low credit off take – thus has threatened the entire economy itself. Industries and enterprises, however big or small, have become sick, with exceptions such as consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and utilities such as telecom and transport. Banks alone are not to blame for the mounting NPAs prolonged downturn in the world economy, falling commodity prices, complex workings of the bureaucracy, typical bureaucratic red tape, long delays and gestation periods of several infrastructure projects, delays in land acquisition and politically inspired agitations -have caused distress in the banks’ assets and have played part in the mounting NPAs. However, the failure of the road, bridge, coal and power projects, accounting for a major chunk of the NPAs can’t be blamed on the world economy. The reasons are homegrown and the governments can’t absolve themselves of their responsibility. If on one hand, the inadequate and poor risk assessment of the proposals by the banks began increasing the NPAs, while on the other hand, the policies and procedures pursued by governments and their bureaucracies too played a significant role. Poor Politics Political groups in conflict with each other create hurdles in the smooth implementation of decisions taken. Both, the enactment of legislation and its implementation was never smooth. Policies kept changing with changes in governments. Worse, the governments did not even assume responsibility for the about-turns that crippled many a project. Resistance to toll collection in road and bridge projects became a political weapon forcing some States to stop collections altogether. In such cases, compensation to promoters was neither adequate nor timely. Continuous tinkering with tariffs or collection of user development charges in case of rail and airport projects left both the project promoters and the lenders in a quandary, upsetting the revenue projections.   Poor Bureaucracy The bureaucracy and tax authorities operate in a world of their own, oblivious to the market realities. Their interpretation of law is always aimed at meeting their targets for filling coffers of governments. Violation of law or well-settled decisions or awards of the arbitrators, tribunals and courts, is carried out routinely. Valid precedents are ignored as well. Appeals against adverse awards and judgements are made without proper examination of the merits; nor are they based on sound legal advice. Some cases are taken right up to the Apex Court, leading to accumulation of a large number of cases and taking unduly long time for settling claims/payments. In the face of such unpredictable and uncertain delays, the debt burden only mounts. The promoters fail to service the debt or honour their commitments for repayment of the loans. The ban in mining projects, delay in environmental related permits affecting power, iron and steel sector, volatility in prices of raw material and the shortage in availability of power have all impacted the performance of the corporate sector. This has affected their ability to pay back loans. The way ahead Strict timelines for decisions by various authorities including arbitrators or tribunals should be in place. The simplest approach to cut down NPAs is to recover the bad loans. Government of India has promulgated the following Acts to recover the bank dues and institutions. The Securitization Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002 The Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993 The Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002 The Act empowers Banks / Financial Institutions to recover their non-performing assets without the intervention of the Court, through acquiring and disposing of the secured assets in NPA accounts with outstanding amount of Rs. 1 lakh and above. The banks have to first issue a notice. Then, on the borrower’s failure to repay, they can: Take possession of security and/or Take over the management of the borrowing concern. Appoint a person to manage the concern. Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions (DRT) Act, 1993 The Act provides setting up of Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) and Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRATs) for expeditious and exclusive disposal of suits filed by banks/FIs for recovery of their dues in NPA accounts with outstanding amount of Rs. 10 lac and above. Government has, so far, set up 33 DRTs and 5 DRATs all over the country. Lok Adalats Section 89 of the Civil Procedure Code provides resolution of disputes through ADR methods such as Arbitration, Conciliation, Lok Adalats and Mediation. Lok Adalat mechanism offers expeditious, in-expensive and mutually acceptable way of settlement of disputes. Government has advised the public sector banks to utilize this mechanism to its fullest potential for recovery in Non-performing Assets (NPAs) cases. It is hoped that the policy and legislative initiatives taken by the present government will, to some extent, mitigate the problems. But much depends on the spirit with which bankers, the promoters and the bureaucracy respond to the concerns and bring about the necessary changes in the environment. Connecting the dots: How does NPA affect Indian economy? How can Government, Banks and RBI work in sync in reducing NPA and reduce its effects on economy? Critically examine why NPA has become a major threat to the stability of the country’s financial system and the economy as such and steps needed to address this issue.   MUST READ Not a full-fledged State Hindu   Golden rice isn’t ready yet Hindu   Andhra Pradesh wants Special treatment: Why, and why the Govt isn’t keen Indian Express   TA, a back-up for the Army Indian Express   The Royal Canvas Indian Express   When is a 4% inflation target really 4%? Livemint   India’s next challenge: building state capacity Livemint   GST and caveats for the IT and e-commerce sectors Livemint

Aug 6, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 6th August, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 6th August, 2016   NATIONAL   TOPIC: General Studies 1 Poverty and developmental issues General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources Issues relating to poverty and hunger   The lost tribe of Odisha Malnutrition kills Nineteen Juang tribal children have died in the last three months, May-July 2016 Reason: Acute malnutrition-related diseases Where: inaccessible hamlets atop the Nagada hills, Jajpur district, Odisha Current update: State government has finally taken its notice and started taking action Photo credit: http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/orissa/orissa-district-map.jpg Nagada hills- A history of neglect Odisha has 62 tribes, the highest number among all States and Union Territories in the country It is 85% of the total population (2011 census) 13 tribes have been identified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) The PVTGs have 500 habitations in the state and most of them are located in forested hills. Juang tribe The Juang tribe, one of the PVTGs, belongs to the Munda ethnic group They live in Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Angul and Jajpur districts of Odisha They speak Juang language, which is accepted as a branch of the greater Austroasiatic language family Many who come down the hill can also speak Odia A Juang Development Agency (JDA) was established in 1975 at Gonasika Hills in Keonjhar district. Objective: to bring Juangs into the mainstream After four decades: the agency has not been able to go beyond the Juangs of Keonjhar. It operates in 35 villages in six gram panchayats of Banspal block of Keonjhar. 20 more villages are yet to be covered. Many other Juang-dominated villages in Harichandanpur block of Keonjhar, Kankadahad block of Dhenkanal have remained outside the purview of the JDA all these decades Juang people live in the hamlets atop Nagada hills — Tala Nagada, Majhi Nagada, Upara Nagada, Tumuni, Naliadaba, Guhiasala and Taladiha.   How do they survive? The children and the adults of the Juang tribe at Nagada have very feeble health They live in one room huts with minimal clothing, few kilos of ration rice and some maize that is grown near home. The able men and women of these hamlets climb down the hills and walk down 20 km at least once a month to buy ration rice from the gram panchayat office at Chingudipal or anything from the weekly haat (market) near Kaliapani. Rice and salt is their staple food. As the quantum of rice is not sufficiently available for the entire family, the tribes eat boiled wild tuber collected from forests They are deprived of basic facilities such as drinking water, primary health care, electricity, and primary education available under various Central and State schemes. Main reason is inaccessibility. There is not a single well in these hamlets and they depend on forest streams for water throughout the year. Many residents in these don’t even have voter IDs and job cards under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme None of the families have been given land rights under the Forest Rights Act. Official survey by State Women and Child Development Department 44 children in the age group of six months to five years were suffering from malnutrition in the seven hamlets atop the Nagada hills Nine more such children had been identified in Ashokjhar, another Juang hamlet situated in the foothills 24 of the 53 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and the remaining are suffering from moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) The SAM and MAM children are identified by the measurement of upper arm muscles along with body weight. Only in last November, informal education began in Nagada when Aspire, a non-governmental organisation, started a non-residential bridge course for 100 children, with financial support from Tata Steel Rural Development Society. Astonishingly, the CSR funds from nearby mining are not utilised for tribals in Nagada Instead, they are supporting Aahar outlets run by state government in district headquarters, towns and cities. 2013 tragedy In Lahunipara block of Sundargarh district, 200 km from Nagada, several malnourished Paudi Bhuyan tribal children had allegedly died of diseases caused by acute malnutrition. There is no official record on it, but a food rights activist claims that about 15 deaths were reported from different villages in Lahunipara After the Paudi Bhuyan tribal incident, the State Women and Child Development Department, in consultation with Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, health and family welfare, rural development and panchayati raj departments, prepared a guideline for a convergent health and nutrition plan to address the health and nutritional needs of PVTGs in the State. As per an official survey, as many as 195 children belonging to Paudi Bhuyan tribe were suffering from severe malnutrition in Lahunipara in 2013 The challenge Many deaths due to malnutrition go unreported in such hamlets due to their Death due to malnutrition is not what health officials want to be recorded Also, the exact reason of children’s death is not known as parents quickly bury their little ones. The connectivity Issue From Nagada hills, the nearest hospital is the Tata Steel hospital, 27 km away. The Tata Steel hospital is to cater the needs of its employees at Sukinda chromite mine The government -run public health centre is 36 km away in Kuhika The community health centre at Sukinda is 46 km away The district hospital is 110 km away There exists an Anganwadi at the foothills of Nagada. The incharge supplies packets of nutritional chhatua, a mix of Bengal gram, wheat, peanut and sugar, to the villagers whenever they come down. However, ideally, there has to be an anganwadi at the top of the hills which has the responsibility to supply the essentials as well as weigh the children and administer their food intake The nutrition needs of PVTG along with their road connectivity issues remain unaddressed. Where are the welfare schemes? The Nutrition Operational Plan was drawn up in 2009 to accelerate the pace of underweight reduction in Odisha because 38% of children in Odisha are stunted 46% of the tribal children in Odisha are stunted This raises the question on efficiency of plans and welfare schemes rolled out by government for tribals living in inaccessible areas Also, the PVTGs are not under the ambit of National Food Security Act. Majority of tribal families have ration cards but they don’t have Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cards despite SC ruling that all households which belong to six priority groups including PVTGs, would be entitled to AAY cards. Thus, not only geographical isolation but also exclusion from many government schemes have made children suffer from acute malnourishment.   Administration comes in action Two local newspapers, Samaja and Sambad along with local television reports about 19 deaths of children due to malnourishment made the government realise the grave situation Following the reports, various political parties are making a visit to Nagada A field level task force and a State-level monitoring committee has been formulated by state government to keep a close watch At present, there have been 50 officials posted on rotational basis with temporary arrangements of cots and tents, medicines and food material for a mini-makeshift anganwadi, solar lights, water filters and saplings of nutritious fruits and vegetables. Result: 22 malnourished children under the age of six have been hospitalised in Tata Steel hospital. The children were kept under observation for a week as most of them suffered from malaria, chest congestion and acute malnutrition. All of them survive today. Today, the State administration is working overtime to build roads to Nagada using Integrated Action Plan funds by involving the Forest and Rural Development departments. There are plans to build roads from the Jajpur as well as Dhenkanal sides. Further, an initiative has been taken by government to identify all inaccessible tribal hamlets across the State. This is done by Assimilating information from the district administrations Using remote sensing data from Odisha Space Applications Centre Conclusion Though the Chief Minister has assured of no such critical incidents in future, mere words won’t suffice. The need of the hour to bring all PVTGs living atop forested hills in the State under the welfare programmes The officials have been trying to convince the tribal people to rehabilitate to plains. However, the tribes refuse to so. And hence, the officials should focus more on increasing connectivity than to uproot tribes from their homes. Even in difficult topography and climatic conditions, development projects are successfully established. Then, bringing development in form of education and health and nutrition to these tribes at their footsteps should not be a difficult and impossible task. Connecting the dots: Malnutrition is the critical challenge to India’s economic and social development. Critically analyse   Refer: India: Epicentre of Global Malnutrition Despite bar, private players continue in nutrition scheme India needs a nutrition mission Healthcare Funding Social Progress Index: A work in progress ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General Studies 3 Environment and Ecology, Bio diversity - Conservation, environmental degradation, environmental impact assessment, Environment versus Development   ‘Combat Desertification’ What is Desertification? The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification defines the term desertification as ‘land degradation in arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas resulting from various factors including climatic variations and human activities’. Desertification is a dynamic process that is observed in dry and fragile ecosystems. It affects terrestrial areas (topsoil, earth, groundwater reserves, surface run-off), animal and plant populations, as well as human settlements and their amenities (for instance, terraces and dams). Indian definition: The process of fertile land transforming into desert typically as a result of deforestation, drought or improper agriculture is called desertification. Desertification in India is essentially a result of soil degradation because of various physical, chemical & biological factors. Causes of Desertification in India Desertification in India is caused by complex interactions among physical, biological, political, social, cultural and economic factors. Both natural and anthropogenic causes are responsible for the desertification in India. Natural causes such as climate change, droughts, and soil erosion are enhancing the pace of desertification. Anthropogenic causes include flawed and unsustainable practices of agriculture such as shifting cultivation, excessive use of chemical rertilizers, poor irrigation practices, deforestation and expansion of agriculture areas are main causes of desertification. Industrial waste, which is full of toxic chemicals, is a major dause of land pollution. This ultimately results in desertification. Climate change could be one of the reasons for Desertification in India. Climate change is affecting the Indian monsoon. In that affect, the rainfall pattern in the country is changing and frequency of droughts is increasing.   Desertification in India and its impacts: According to a study by United Nations Convention to Control Desertification (UNCCD) about 25% of India's land area is affected by desertification. In other words, a whopping 25 per cent (82 million hectares) of India’s total land (329 mn ha) is undergoing desertification while 32 per cent (105 mn ha) is facing degradation that has reduced productivity, critically affecting the biodiversity, livelihood and food security of millions across the country. Desertification affects Biodiversity: Biodiversity of India has always been integral to its culture. Globally, nearly 70 per cent of the world’s biodiversity is contained in just 17 countries, and India is one of them. Unfortunately, these assets are under threat due to decline in habitat area and its deterioration due to desertification; drying up and pollution of surface and groundwater sources; conversion of forests and grasslands to agriculture and monoculture plantations; and invasion by exotic species Desertification affects Food Security Land has been rampantly abused and mined by humans, rendering it dry, nutrition deficient and unproductive. Water scarcity can result in low productivity and crop failure, leading to food shortage, price rise and subsequent hunger. Loss of indigenous stress tolerant crop varieties weakens the battle against adequate food production. According to the UN, food output must grow by 60 per cent to feed a population of nine billion or more by 2050. In a world already grappling with addressing the hunger challenge, this will pose a serious threat to food security, since ‘more’ will have to be produced with ‘less’.   Water woes Water plays a dual role in desertification. Its scarcity leads to desertification: Worsening droughts in India are having an impact on the desertification trend. Vegetation dries up and is rarely replaced. In the absence of a good vegetative cover, torrential rains cause substantial loss of soil which is flushed away. Then the land dries a hard crust is formed on the surface leading reducing water infiltration and leading to subsequent water scarcity. At last count, the 2016 drought in India has affected 330 crore people across 10 States. Solutions: With water playing such a critical role in overall natural resource management, grass root practitioners suggest that “we must teach the running water to walk, the walking water to halt and then arrange for this water to find its way into subsoil and underground aquifers”. Coupled with the plantation of local species including trees and practising agriculture suited to the ecology, results are heartening. In Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh, part of the Bundelkhand region, farmers are planting traditional varieties. In Andhra Pradesh, the Deccan Development Society is working with around 5,000 women farmers to cultivate food grains that are suited for the ecology and also maintain local varieties of crops. It is important to promote ecological agriculture. However, one of the main challenges in promoting ecological agriculture is to find the market. Millets and coarse grains were once scoffed at as a poor person’s diet, but they now command a premium price. Similar efforts should be made to popularise benefits of local ecology-friendly agricultural produce. In fact, most watershed programmes are a mix of land and water management practices with many of them proposing vegetation cover and cultivation of native species. Effective prevention of desertification requires management and policy approaches that promote sustainable resource use. Prevention should be preferred to rehabilitation, which is difficult and costly. Major policy interventions and changes in management approaches, both at local and global levels, are needed in order to prevent, stop or reverse desertification. International cooperation and partnership arrangements to combat desertification: June 17, 2016: was earmarked as the World Day to Combat Desertification. The day advocated for ‘the importance of inclusive cooperation to restore and rehabilitate degraded land and contribute towards achieving the overall Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) Goal 15 of the SDGs: is to ‘Protect, restore and promote sustainable terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.’ (This goal is linked with practically all the other goals, be it on poverty alleviation, ending hunger, reducing inequality, gender or employment.) UNCCD: The purpose of the 1994-adopted United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is to combat desertification and mitigate effects of drought through national action programmes that incorporate long-term strategies supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements. The Convention is an agreement between developed and developing countries on the need for a global team effort to address desertification. It includes specific national commitments for concrete action at the local level where the combat against desertification must primarily and vigourously be fought. Conclusion In the true spirit of cooperation and partnerships, in line with Goal 17 of the SDGs (Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development), and the theme for this year’s World Day to Combat Desertification, there is lot that countries can learn from each other. Many organisations are involved in knowledge exchange between developing countries. While India has its share of good pilots to address desertification these need to be up scaled and spread laterally since the problems continue to be serious. The country can also learn from innovations elsewhere. But there is a rider. No matter what the science, technology, or political will, unless the people are involved in the process, results will never commensurate with the investment. US President Franklin D Roosevelt once said, “A nation that destroys its land, destroys itself.” Each one of us should take stock and move forward towards conservation and judicious use. The creation of a “culture of prevention” that promotes alternative livelihoods and conservation strategies can go a long way toward protecting drylands both when desertification is just beginning and when it is ongoing. It requires a change in governments’ and peoples’ attitudes. Building on long-term experience and active innovation, dryland populations can prevent desertification by improving agricultural and grazing practices in a sustainable way. Even once land has been degraded, rehabilitation and restoration measures can help restore lost ecosystem services. The success of rehabilitation practices depends on the availability of human resources, funds, and infrastructures. It requires a combination of policies and technologies and the close involvement of local communities. Efforts to reduce pressures on dryland ecosystems need to go hand in hand with efforts to reduce poverty as both are closely linked. Effectively fighting desertification will help reduce global poverty and will contribute to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. Connecting the dots: Essay: “A nation that destroys its land, destroys itself.” Examine the causes and the extent of ‘desertification’ in India and suggest remedial measures. What is desertification? What are the causes of desertification in India? Suggest some measures to stop the process of desertification in India   MUST READ Retrofitting the Reserve Bank Hindu   Not a full-fledged State Hindu Related Articles: Return of the viceroy   GST: A constitutional adventure Indian Express   Safety Valve For Defectors Indian Express   Fresh monsoon air? There’s no such thing Livemint   A desert storm is engulfing India Business Line

Aug 5, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 5th August, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 5th August, 2016   INTERNATIONAL   TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighbourhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.   Securing the Indus Treaty Indus Water Treaty After independence, Pakistan became the lower riparian country Two important irrigation head works, one at Madhopur on Ravi River and the other at Ferozepur on Sutlej River, on which the irrigation canal supplies in Punjab (Pakistan) had been completely dependent, were left in the Indian Territory. A dispute thus arose between two countries regarding the utilization of irrigation water from existing facilities. Brokered by World Bank, the Indus Water Treaty was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan. Water sharing, transparency and collaboration were the pillars of the treaty. Why in news? Pakistan has shown its intent to take India to an International arbitral tribunal- Again It indicates how water still remains a discord for Pakistan even when there is a water sharing treaty signed. International water sharing treaties In Asia, the vast majority of the 57 transnational river basins have no water-sharing arrangement or any other cooperative mechanism. However, India has water sharing treaties with both the countries located downstream to it, i.e. Pakistan and Bangladesh which governs the subcontinent’s two largest rivers— Indus and Ganga. India’s treaties with two countries are the only pacts which have specific water sharing formulas at cross borders. The 1996 Ganga treaty set up a new standard in guaranteeing delivery of specific water quantities in the critical dry season. In contrast to this, China has multiple rivers flowing to more than dozen countries but it doesn’t have any water sharing treaty with co-riparian states The Indus treaty It is world’s most generous water sharing arrangement in terms of Sharing ratio (80.52 per cent of the aggregate water flows in the Indus system reserved for Pakistan) Total volume of basin waters for the downstream state (Pakistan gets 90 times greater volume of water than Mexico’s share under a 1944 pact with the U.S.) Apart from water sharing, there is partitioning of the river too. The Indus treaty is the first and only treaty to do so. The Indus basin is divided into upper and lower parts. It has limited India’s full sovereignty right to the lower section. Whereas, Pakistan gets the upper rivers of J&K. According to the agreement, India got three ‘eastern rivers’- the Beas, Ravi and Sutlej and Pakistan got the ‘western rivers’- Indus, Chenab and Jhelum. It is the only inter-country water agreement which has the doctrine of restricted sovereignty, where in the upper riparian state has to not interfere in the downstream state. The treaty curbs India’s control over the timing and quantum of Pakistan earmarked rivers’ transboundary flows. J&K sufferings Water is a crucial natural resource which is essential for economic development of J&K The gifting of river waters has generated grievances among the people. In 2011, the J&K government hired an international consultant to assess the state’s cumulative economic losses. The figures are in hundreds of millions of dollars annually. The J&K legislation is encountering persistent demand from the population for revision or abrogation of Indus treaty since a resolution for treaty review was passed in 2003 The central government has tried to handle the situation amidst backlash from underdevelopment and also Pakistan abetted insurrection through modestly sized run of the river hydropower projects to address the chronic electricity shortages Run-of-the-river hydroelectricity (ROR) is a type of hydroelectric generation plant whereby little or no water storage is provided.   Pakistan’s obstructionist tactics The run of the river hydropower projects are permitted under the Indus Treaty Pakistan wants no Indian works on any of the three ‘western rivers’ It seeks international involvement by invoking the treaty’s dispute-settlement provisions. This provision permits a neutral-expert assessment or the constitution of a seven-member arbitral tribunal. This is Pakistan’s strategy to induce more discontent and violence in the Indian state by denying the limited permissible benefits under the treaty. Kishenganga hydropower project Pakistan revealed its strategy when in 2010, it persuaded the international arbitrary tribunal to order India to suspend its construction of 330-megawatt hydropower project on a small Indus tributary, River Kishenganga Though India’s project got suspended, Pakistan with Chinese aid build its own three-times larger hydropower plant on Kishenganga (called Neelum in Pakistan) so as to stake a priority right on river water use. In 2013, the tribunal ruling gave India a setback when it allowed India to resume work on the project but with condition to ensure a minimum flow of 9 cumecs of water for Pakistan. Prescribing such a minimum flow went beyond the treaty’s terms and the laws of nature. Hence, Pakistan’s move to initiate a new arbitrary proceedings over Kishenganga and Ratle projects reminds how India’s unparrallel water generosity has led into unending troubles Lessons yet not learnt In 1960, India aimed at trading water for peace by signing the treaty. Yet, within five years, Pakistan wages a war against India to grab Indian part of J&K in 1965. China’s involvement in POK through construction of dams has created more strains in India and Pakistan relationship. India has been pursuing small sized projects while Pakistan with China’s help is building mega dams like 7,000-megawatt Bunji Dam and the 4,500-megawatt Bhasha Dam. The biggest dam that India has built post-independence is the 2,000-megawatt Tehri project in Uttarakhand. Conclusion Pakistan needs to act rationally China recently thrashed an international tribunal ruling by declaring that it was its internal matter and such a tribunal had no right to pronounce an order which had no legal or historical basis to claim most of the South China Sea. This is not an isolated case though. Major Powers rarely accept the international tribunal awards. If Pakistan wants that India should upheld the Indus water treaty, it has to now stop to wage a constant propaganda battle against India on water issue. Pakistan’s repeatedly invoking dispute resolution provision of the treaty and bringing international intercession is sending a wrong message to India. India will be compelled to understand such actions of Pakistan in a sense that compliance with treaty obligations and arbitration decisions is counterproductive. As there is no enforcement mechanism in the international law, nothing can stop India from emulating the example of the major powers. India has the full right and authority to invoke Article 62 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties if Pakistan continues with its state-sponsored terrorism. Even the International Court of Justice has held that a treaty may be dissolved by reason of a fundamental change of circumstances. India is at the losing end of this treaty. Yet it is honouring the treaty in its capability. If Pakistan also wishes the treaty survives, it has to strike a balance between using the river waters and not causing ‘palpable harm’ to co-riparian state by exporting terror. Connecting the dots: India needs to deal with Pakistan not merely through words but actions also. Whether it is water treaty dispute, state sponsored terrorism or border issues. Critically analyse If you were an expert on India-Pakistan relation, what would have been your views on it and possible future course of action?   ECONOMICS   TOPIC: General Studies 2 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections. Issues relating to poverty and hunger. General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.   Rural to Urban Migration in India Findings from the survey of migrant workers in Ghatkopar, a Mumbai suburb, shows that - Within 4-6 months of migrating, each of the surveyed families had managed to earn enough to lift them out of poverty and even repay their loans. Does migration hold the same promise for the average Indian rural worker? Study conducted in rural Bihar points to increasing outmigration for work, and its importance in livelihood strategies of households in rural Bihar. Bihar has the highest migration rates in the country, as was shown by a National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) report based on 2007-08 data. In this study it was found that – “Deprived social groups are using migration to improve their socio-economic status in the rural economy”. The study concluded that despite different castes and socio-economic backgrounds, migration might be helping those at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder—the most being in Bihar.  Poor land ownership and exploitation Access to land is an important determinant of incomes in rural India, and deprived social groups such as Dalits are often at a disadvantage due to poor land ownership. Traditionally, workers from this social group have been forced to work as wage labourers and making themselves vulnerable to being exploited from the local landlord. This group seems to be resorting to migration to escape the exploitation ridden village economy.   Does migration help in economic terms? The answer is a big yes. Deciding to work outside the village is something that is happening in other parts of the country too.  Young dalit men prefer working outside the village even when they choose to live in the village. “The supply of rural labour to the expanding non-farm urban service sector and the flow of urban aspirations to the rural world have rapidly increased over the years”. Households with migrant members earned approximately over73000 in 2011, as compared to an income of Rs.62,235 in case of households without migrant members. Between migration and welfare schemes such as the MGNREGA, an overwhelming majority opts for the former. Income from casual labour in government programmes including MGNREGA and Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) formed less than 1% of total income across all caste groups in 2011, except for the SC/ STs where it constituted a slightly higher but still paltry 1.9% of income. Deprived social groups are using migration to improve their socio-economic status in the rural economy. Remittances: Remittance had the highest share in incomes of Schedule Caste/Schedule Tribe (SC/ST) and Muslim households. This is because there is at least one migrant in these households. In class terms, agricultural labourer households reported the highest increase in share of households with at least one migrant. Remittances play an essential role in ensuring food for many rural poor households and thus constitute an efficient strategy for facing adversities such as low agricultural productivity and the inherent risks and instability of farming activities. Moreover, remittances may serve as insurance to improve or counter crisis situations, thus limiting negative effects on food security. Evidence shows that the impact of remittances on agriculture is mixed and highly contextual. In some cases, migration and remittances foster household farm investment and agricultural production, while in others, the opposite occurs. No quality living conditions: More people are now migrating for urban informal jobs. Migrant households have to suffer a significant deterioration in quality of their lives when they migrate. Often one associates the cost of migration to be associated with lack of proper dwelling for the worker and his/her family. This need not be true for all migrant workers. In fact, a comparison of average housing amenities in rural India and urban slums shows that the latter might be better off than the former. Houses in slum areas are often poorly located and congested which leads to several diseases. Migrants often do not have access to proper health facilities which leads them to lose their jobs or end up with life-threatening illnesses. Any downturn in labour demand could immensely increase hardships. Therefore, in terms of cash-in-hand, migrants certainly have better situations, but they are faced with new challenges in terms of shelter, water, etc. Conclusion: The story of migration has its own tales of sorrow as several children turn into rag pickers and families have to live in inhuman conditions in urban areas. Many don’t get employment throughout the year and commute between urban and rural areas. However, for the landless and marginal farmers who are in constant debt, migration is the only choice for livelihood. Migration comes as a boon for several people who get getter fresh opportunities and send remittances home. Some analysts advocate internal mobility as a necessity for lifting people out of poverty. Remittances play an essential role in ensuring food for many rural poor households and thus constitute an efficient strategy for facing adversities such as low agricultural productivity and the inherent risks and instability of farming activities. Moreover, remittances may serve as insurance to improve or counter crisis situations, thus limiting negative effects on food security. While migration is definitely helping people seek new opportunities, it cannot be a substitute for a generating quality employment in more stable sectors. Connecting the dots: Critically analyze whether migration is recommended for growth or not. List some of the push and pull factors that are responsible for triggering rural to urban migration. Can public works offering relatively predictable employment opportunities be effective in slowing rural-urban migration. Critically examine.   MUST READ Bihar’s draconian prohibition law Hindu   The incentive to dope Indian Express   Living in a glass house Indian Express   Banks are driving financial inclusion Livemint

Aug 4, 2016 RSTV Video

The Big Picture - Revamping BCCI as per Lodha Committee Report: How viable?

ArchivesRevamping BCCI as per Lodha Committee Report: How viable?BackgroundThe IPL’s 2013 edition saw betting and spot-fixing scandal involving Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings.It brought forward opaqueness of cricket administration in India.The cases of corruption in DDCA, Jammu and Kashmir cricket association, Goa office bearers caught by ED, Hyderabad association dealing with ACB were now and then present in news.With Lodha Committee recommendation to revamp BCCI has shown that cricket administration in India needs a more transparency, accountability, representation and participation.BCCI The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the national governing body for cricket in India. The board was formed in December 1928 as a society, registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act. It is a consortium of state cricket associations and the state associations select their representatives who in turn elect the BCCI officials. Board of Cricket Control in India has been working more like a private body with traditional opacity and corruption in functioning. It is country’s most powerful and richest sports body The 2013 IPL scandal became a catalyst for a judicial effort to curb BCCI’s powers, reform it structurally and operationally and introduce accountability.Understanding cricket in IndiaThere are huge number of politicians flocking BCCI to be a part of cricket administration inspite of neither being a cricket fan nor having enough time for its administrative issues.The reason for politicians wanting to be a part of cricket associations is that they can become a visible face. A former agricultural minister was more known as ICC chairman and BCCI president than his ministerial role.Such politicians when once come to board have used, misused and abused their positions.Once the money started flowing into cricket, the politicians took full advantage of it. As against the current politicians, there was a politician called Mr. Wankhede who built the Wankhede stadium within six months. Others include Mr. Salve, Mr. Madhav Rao Scindia who loved the sport and hence led from the front to develop it.When one state has more than one association, it means that it has more representation in the Board. This leads to critical decisions being taken while considering only few demands and not about the overall need. This leads to underdevelopment of sport uniformly in all parts of the country.Justice Lodha Committee The Lodha committee, comprising Former CJI Lodha and former Supreme Court judges Ashok Bhan and R. Raveendran, was set up by the apex court to clean up BCCI. Justice Lodha’s recommendations are properly in form of BCCI’s constitutional amendments.The recommendations are aimed at making root-and-branch reforms and changing the year old elite formation of BCCI that ruled the Indian cricket at central and state levels.Structural reforms, specific rules to eliminate conflicts of interest and creation of near-permanent tenures and fiefdoms are targeted.Few noteworthy recommendations Barring ministers and serving bureaucrats from holding office Age limit of 70 years Maximum of three 3-year terms with a cooling-off period of three years between each term. Barring individuals from holding office simultaneously at the state and central levels Restructuring of the BCCI’s management committee replacing it with a nine-member apex committee that includes two players’ representatives and a member from the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General The President of BCCI’s power has been curtailed, with voting rights curbed. The number of Vice-Presidents in the board has been reduced from five to one. One state, One vote. Here, States are allowed to have multiple associations, including Maharashtra and Gujarat, to have an annual rotation policy between the in-State associations for the purpose of being considered full members with voting rights. The category of association members has been limited to two: full members and associate members. The non-territorial members of the board to get the status of associate members without voting rights. These include the Kolkata-based National Cricket Club, the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai and the three institutional members—Railway Sports Promotion Board, Services Sports Control Board and All India Universities. The IPL Governing Council too will be revamped, and additional BCCI committees are to be scrapped. A players’ association, paid for by the Board, is to be set up, and could now play a crucial role in helping establish leverage for past and present cricketers, including women cricketers. BCCI will have three special officers: an ombudsman, an electoral officer, and an ethics officer.Role of Supreme Court         It is SC’s judicial intervention role to revamp cricket administration.The 143 page judgement is unprecedented for any sports body in the country. The court has shown a sharp understanding of two broad ills: The concentration of power in the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India The patronage extended by the office to favoured individuals who enjoy the President’s confidence. The SC has asked BCCI to implement reforms in six months The Supreme Court gave Parliament a role in determining whether or not the Board should come within the folds of RTI, whether to legalise sports betting or not It did not curtail the Board’s ability to monetise and earn revenue through advertisements. This measure, more than any other, showcases the Court’s rational approach to the development of sports.SC has never intervened in cricket or corruption in cricket till now. So, this was the first time and hence is a historic judgement. New people and new ideas have to come. Professionalism in administration is required. Transparency and accountability of association is basic right of the people. SC has termed all the associations, federations and BCCI as public servant. They may be private in nature, but they are performing a public functions. So, they are liable for IPC.This may also encourage other sports bodies to look into their working and revamp their organisation if not in conformity with highest standards of administrationHowever, implementation is going to be a tough challenge ahead. The judgment said that the Lodha recommendations are ‘suggestions’ and the board has to implement it. There is no sanction behind anyone it.In context of the same, BCCI has formed a new legal panel as "single point interface for the BCCI to interact with the Justice Lodha Committee". Former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju will head the panel.A society company has to be brought in terms with Supreme Court’s verdict. This will involve complicated changes.Also, there cases going against 70-80% member associations of BCCI. DDCA case, goa case etc. the problem is that whether these cases will be solved within six months or not according to recommendations.The issue of age limit can be implemented across uniformly in all associations only if BCCI’s constitution says so.Board may use proxies to keep its high profile members closer and control behind the scenes.ConclusionCricket is a national sport and the BCCI, irrespective of its legal status, must act in a transparent and accountable manner as a trustee of the game. The need to do so is now even more important given the huge infusion of corporate funding in recent years, which has attracted an assortment of operators and shadowy interests seeking to capitalise on cricket’s popularity.Connecting the dots: Sports in India is an emerging area of development. Critically analyse how the latest SC direction to a leading cricket body to revamp its structure will affect sports development in India.Key words:Spot fixing: the action or practice of dishonestly determining the outcome of a specific part of a match or game before it is played.One state, different associations: states with more than one cricket association, as in the case of Gujarat (Saurashtra, Gujarat and Baroda) and Maharashtra (Mumbai, Maharashtra and Vidarbha), will have voting rights on a “rotational basis”—one at a time. The SC said that while Gujarat and Maharashtra can continue to have three associations, only one of them can vote at a time. State like Bihar has no board even when it is third most populist state. Though it had an association earlier, but after formation of Jharkhand, it was shifted as Jharkhand cricket board because the HQ was in Jamshedpur.No sanction: suppose there is a law which says if you disobey a law, there will be punishment, fine, the way of enforcing etc. In this case, it is not known that if BCCI does not implement it, it will be contempt of court or not.

Aug 4, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 4th August, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 4th August, 2016   NATIONAL   TOPIC: General Studies 2 Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3 Infrastructure: Railways   Don’t merge rail and general Budgets Why in news? The merger of rail and general budget is making a flutter again with news of Railway Minister accepting the Bibek Diberoy committee recommendation of merging two budgets. Knowing the rail budget history The railways were in poor shape in early 1900s. Rail facilities were inadequate The railway line building was very fragmented The state lines built by state The state line built by independent companies Company lines built by companies Railway lines of princely states Railways failed to meet the demand of passengers as well as trade. Goods used to rot on platforms. Waiting line and lists kept on increasing. Overcrowding was a common scene. The main reason was:-unavailability of funds for expansion, development, repair and maintenance. Fund drought The railways were one of the important source of government fund. Yet, they had inadequate allocation of funds. Railway budget was the first casualty in times of bad harvest, lesser trade and revenue. There used to be reduction in staff and suspending the work in progress. When the situation improved, the railways were asked to make speedy development. However, limited time period was not able to make railways effective and efficient. Public demand for the appointment of a committee to enquire into the desirability of adopting direct state management of the Railways and liberating the utility from the finance department of the government was set before the Imperial Legislative Council vide repeated resolutions in 1914, 1915, 1917 and 1918.   The Acworth Committee A ten member (three Indians) committee was appointed with Sir Acworth as its chairman in 1920. The committee was given the task of going into the whole question of railway policy, finances and administration. The committee came to a conclusion that without radically reforming the railway financial administration, it was not possible to modernise, improvise and enlarge the Indian Railways. The committee was of the opinion that the essence of the railway reform was separation of railway budge from general budget. The issue of a separate rail budget was undertaken in 1924 on Acworth Panel’s recommendation in the Legislative Assembly. It stated that a different budget would enable the railways to spend money according to its needs and will not be impacted by the vagaries of general budget allocations. The rail budget was introduced in 1925-26 Support of General Budget continues Though the railways have been responsible for earning and spending their own money, Yet, time and again they have looked for budgetary support from general exchequer as the money earned by them has not been sufficient. The main reason has been the populist approach which has not allowed railways to increase fare and freight in tandem with rising cost of transportation. The passenger fares were subsidised from the goods transport. This in turn led to increase in road transport. This politicisation of railways was visible even after independence when India adopted parliamentary democracy. The rail budget became more of a vote bank building instrument rather than a commercial exercise. Such a practice and continued attitude has affected the finances in such a way that expansion, modernisation, development or replacement of worn-out tracks or rolling stock do not have adequate funds. India’s stand in world Since Indian independence, the railways have achieved landmarks throughout the world China had 22,161 km in 1950. Today it has more than one lakh km rail lines. In India, there were 54,600 km railway lines in 1950. Only 11,000 have been added till now. China has achieved a 300kmph speed with the Beijing-Guangzhou bullet train service. India still has Rajdhanis and Shatabdis running at 130-140 kmph. Even the newly introduced Gatiman Express has attained the maximum speed of 160 kmph. The technology is not the contention, finances are. Indian engineers are equally capable of modernising the Indian railways. However, much of the rail budgets goes into subsidisation and other petty issues, whereas critical development sectors like R&D, expansion etc. face financial crunch. The support from general budget also remains tight. The external borrowings through Indian Railway Finance Corporation is also restricted Thus, separating rail budget from general budget did not actually bore fruits as anticipated as the political flaws took over the development aspect of rail sector.   Conclusion Merging two is not the apt solution If the rail budget comes under general budget, its revenue and expenditure will get tied to general budget If there is a revenue shortfall in general budget, the finance ministry won’t cut out regular expenditure like staff salaries, fuels, stores and equipment. Instead, the axe will be on modernisation and expansion only. The finance minister will face the same constraint as Railway Minister while raising fares The merger will make Railways more like a government department and will lose its commercial identity There is contradictory opinion even by the experts: on one hand they want privatisation in railways and on other hand they suggest merging it into system, thereby subverting its commercial nature which requires separate financing. The need is to maintain a status quo on separate budgets and concentrate more on strengthening, modernising and expanding the railways so as to meet its challenges of increased transportation and passenger travels. Connecting the dots: Merging the railway budget and general budget will change the character of Indian railways. Critically analyse. With plethora of rail reforms taken up by the railway minister, it requires independent finances to plan and implement. Do you agree? Explain.   Refer: Rail Budget 2016: A balance between growth, operation efficiency The Big Picture – Railway Budget: What’s on offer? ECONOMICS   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. Government Budgeting.   An analysis of potential benefits and implementation problems with GST regime GST is an important indirect tax reform that has been on the cards for more than a decade. What is GST? In simple terms, Goods and Services Tax is a unified indirect tax imposed on goods and services across the nation. In broader terms, GST is a comprehensive tax levy on manufacture, sale and consumption of goods and services at a national level. In principle, GST is same as the Value-Added Tax (VAT) – already adopted by all Indian States – but with a wider base. While the VAT was imposed only on goods, the GST will be a VAT imposed on both goods and services. Current Tax Regime (without GST) In the current tax regime, States tax sale of goods but not services. The Centre taxes manufacturing and services but not wholesale/retail trade. The GST is expected to usher in a uniform tax regime across India through an expansion of the base of each into the other's territory. Under current tax regime, without the GST, there are – multiple points of taxation multiple jurisdictions imperfect system of offsetting credits on taxes paid on inputs, leading to higher costs cascading of taxes (tax on tax) inter-state commerce are hampered due to the dead weight burden on Central sales tax and entry taxes, which have no offset All this will go once the GST is in place. Why GST? What are its benefits? GST will create a unified, un-fragmented national market and pushes competitiveness. GST, by subsuming an array of indirect taxes under one rubric, will simplify tax administration, improve compliance, and eliminate economic distortions in production, trade, and consumption. GST will widen the tax base and make it identical for both the Centre and States. (Unlike an excise duty whose base consists of manufacturers, the GST is paid only by the final consumer) By giving credit for taxes paid on inputs at every stage of the supply chain and taxing only the final consumer, it avoids the 'cascading' of taxes, thereby cuts production costs, and makes exports more competitive. GST will create a single market, enhances ease-of-doing business and make our producers more competitive against importers. GST will eliminate inter-state taxes and reduces black money, thus will free up some capital. All this will add to demand and also efficiency. According to the economists, thanks to these efficiencies, the GST will add 2 per cent to the national GDP. (at least GDP growth can go up by one percentage point on a sustained basis)   Co-operative Federalism: The adoption of GST is an iconic example of ‘Cooperative Federalism’ and ‘Nationwide, multiparty consensus-building exercise’ Concerns (Potential implementation problems) with GST GST will not have a positive impact on : States' Fiscal and Political Autonomy; States' freedom On question of what is the right rate? Social dimension – GST, which is an indirect tax, is considered regressive Shift toward indirect taxation Issue of Tax Litigations States' Fiscal and Political Autonomy Only time will tell whether the GST will have a positive impact on the GDP. But there is one thing the GST will not have a positive impact on: the States’ fiscal, and therefore, political autonomy. When we move to a GST regime, India will have not a single federal GST but a dual GST, levied and managed by different administrations. The Centre will administer the central GST (CGST) and the States will administer the SGST. Compliance will be monitored independently at the two levels. All goods and services will be divided into certain categories. The rate will be fixed by category and State cannot shift a commodity from a lower to a higher rate or put it in exempt category. The rates for both CGST and SGST will be fixed by the GST Council (whose Chairman will be Union FM and members will be State Finance Ministers/Revenue Ministers). Once rates are set by GST Council, individual states will lose their right to tax commodities at the rates they want. There will be a steady erosion in the States' freedom to decide on taxes and tax rates. According to Constitution of India, States have complete autonomy over levy of sales taxes, which account for 80% of their revenue. An attempt was made to curtail this autonomy with the introduction of VAT but it did not succeed as VAT had 4 different rates that States could play with. But with the GST, which mandates a uniform rate, even this limited authority will be gone. i.e., with GST virtually no taxing powers to the states. If a State wants to undertake a special spending programme to respond to a State-specific situation, it cannot raise taxes on goods. So, innovative programmes and schemes such as Mid-day meal scheme by TN, NREGA scheme by Maharashtra which was initiated by States by raising their tax would not happen now as States does not have fiscal autonomy. Uniform Tax regime could adversely impact States that are more committed to welfare expenditures and can’t initiate their own development philosophies (as they lose control over tax revenue) Governance within the GST council GST council is a de-facto council of states along with the representatives from Union Finance Ministry. One State will get one vote irrespective of its size, which seems unfair. An economically larger states contributing bigger chunk to GST pie should have greater say. However, this is not the case. Special needs of the smaller states should also be heeded. The GST regime should remain sympathetic to these issues of States’ fiscal and political autonomy. Still we are unsure how it may affect the third tier, i.e. local bodies. What is the right rate? How it is determined? There are issues on question of what is the right uniform GST rate? What factors determine this uniform GST rate? 13th Finance Commission's Task Force, 2010 on GST recommends a rate of 12% (i.e., 7% States GST and 5% Central GST = 12%) But now an empowered committee of finance ministers mooted a concept called “Revenue Neutral Rate” or RNR “Revenue Neutral Rate” or RNR: A panel of State Governments representatives mooted a concept called RNR, where tax will remain same for Centre and States. (e., 12.77 CGST and 13.91 SGST = 27%) In other words, RNR, when applied will leave all states with the same revenues as before. No state loses out signing up GST. In trying to assuage the fears of States, the calculation of RNR has been loaded with every possible tax – entry taxes, octroi tax etc. This has caused RNR to escalate the GST rate to high 27%. However, this is a faulty approach as 27% GST imposes enormous tax burden on wage earning classes. We won’t be able to gauge the buoyancy of the GST. In other words, if RNR is escalated à GST rate will also be escalated à this will burden the earning classes (hurting India’s income inequality) à kills the golden egg-laying goose (purpose of GST) à therefore, RNR is self-defeating. Better approach is to keep GST rate low, but doing so will create revenue loss to States. Therefore, the loss in revenue of the States should be compensated by the Centre at the same time maintain low GST rate. Indirect taxes are considered regressive and direct taxes are proportional GST is an indirect tax and could be regressive, because they affect the poor more than the rich. India’s ratio of indirect to direct tax collection is 65:35, which is exactly the opposite of the norms in most developed countries. India’s ratio of direct tax to GDP is one of the lowest in the world. Only 4% of Indians pay income tax. However, almost all Indians pay indirect taxes. Shift toward indirect taxation Recently, indirect taxes are increasing whereas direct taxes are decreasing. To meet their fiscal needs, it is always tempting for governments to tweak indirect taxes higher, since the work of expanding the direct tax net is very much harder. For example, Service Tax was 5% during 1990s, now it is 15% New indirect taxes such as Swatcch Bharat Cess, Education Cess are being added Excise duty on petrol and diesel have increased steadily However, same progress or steady increase has not happened in direct taxes. Therefore, the temptation of governments to increase indirect taxes can be curbed with a rate cap. Unless a rate cap is adopted, GST rate could also easily drift higher hurting India’s income inequality. Tax Litigations: Approx. Rs 1.5 lakh crore is struck in litigation related to Central excise and service taxes. Disputes and cases involving on Central taxes go through appeals and tribunal processes and can drag on years. On the other hand the State-level VAT is administered in a way that empowers tax officials to dispose of cases quickly. Therefore, GST should deploy same approach as the State-level model which is more efficient. Conclusion: The GST is obviously not a silver bullet for all ills of India’s economy. It is nevertheless a revolutionary and long-pending reform. It promises economic growth and jobs, better efficiency and ease of doing business and higher tax collection. However, its imperfections and potential pitfalls should be sorted out as the government rolls it out. Connecting the dots: Discuss the potential benefits and implementation problems with adoption of GST. Why GST is seen as one of the biggest taxation reforms often called as big bang reform. How will it help in economic growth? Explain. Do you think that GST broadens the tax base, sharpen the competitive edge of Indian exports by several tax distortions and create a unified national market by removing inter-state barriers to trade? “The GST can be a big boon if it has right kind of rate and legislation.” Explain.   MUST READ GST related articles in national dailies The age of GST dawns Hindu   Good sense triumphs on the GST Hindu   Now, iron out the wrinkles Hindu   ‘GST is one of the boldest reforms in post-Independence India’ Indian Express   GST: The road ahead for industry Livemint   Reforms and the disabled Hindu   Betrayal In The House Indian Express   India’s damaging inflation debate Livemint   Tax terrorism: collecting taxes and then some more Livemint

Aug 3, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 3rd August, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 3rd August, 2016   NATIONAL   TOPIC: General Studies 1 Women related issues Social empowerment General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.   A tricky debate on abortion Why in news? A case was presented before SC where a woman successfully obtained direction for termination of her 24 week old pregnancy. Her plea was that she was raped by her boyfriend on pretext of marrying her. In another Delhi HC case, the court directed for a medical examination of 16-year old girl on her fitness for abortion after she informed the court that she was kidnapped by unknown persons, sexually abused for two years and finally let off. In both the cases, the abortion was to be carried out beyond the permissible period in Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act. The case of ‘abortion’ IPC The abortion is treated as a criminal offence liable for punishment under IPC According to it, the offence falls under ‘Offences Affecting the Human Body’ It provides that causing a miscarriage with or without consent for a purpose other than saving the life of the woman is punishable. However, then came MRTP Act which made quantum difference in approach MRTP, 1971 It legitimises abortion as a health and family planning measure It decriminalised abortion without bringing an amendment to the IPC or abrogating the penal provisions. It set some limitation to the circumstances where abortion is possible the persons who are competent to perform the procedure the place where it could be performed Outside the boundary of MRTP, the IPC still operates Understanding abortion in India It is permissible within 12 weeks at the option of the pregnant woman within an extended period of 20 weeks with the permission of a Medical Board consisting of not less than two persons in both cases, freedom of choice of women is limited to continuance of the pregnancy would involve a risk to the life of the pregnant woman, or of grave injury to physical or mental health that includes rape; a substantial risk that if the child were born, it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped The limitation of the second case is that even in a qualified and registered medical practitioner’s opinion, which is formed in a good faith to immediately carry out abortion to save life of women, is not applicable. Most foetal abnormalities are by far detected around 20 weeks. Thus, the law applicable in second case gets limited to 20 weeks   Legal angle An act of abortion or medical termination of pregnancy is killing a human being. However, the question is: what makes killing a human being wrong? Explanation in a religious tone says that all humans are made in the image of God or that all humans have an immortal soul. In a 1973 case in USA, the US Supreme Court decided by a 7-2 majority that an implied constitutional right to privacy encompassed a woman’s right to terminate her pregnancy. But, it also gave state to declare the outer limit to carry out the procedure. Abortion= avoiding disability? When a child in womb is diagnosed with some mental or physical disability, it is critical decision for a mother to decide the termination of pregnancy. The question asked now is not, ‘Do we want this child?’ but rather, ‘Do we want this particular child?’ This situation completely reframes the nature of parenting, where the parents establish their relationship with child which meets certain criteria. The issue hence goes from health concerns to avoiding disability. If crudely understood, then genetic technology does not promote community health but functions as a mechanism of social control for the incoming difference in society. The modern woman The health and avoidance of disability point of view is known Apart from it, the modern woman believes that only she has the right and no one else to decide what she wishes to do with her foetus. In today’s society, the woman doesn’t consider herself a mother unless the child is born Late term abortion is justified by stating that she refuses to be in involuntary servitude. When the partial birth abortion is carried out on foetus with chromosomal abnormalities in guise of reducing suffering, the best interest of mother and child seem to be threatened   Two cases Suchita Srivastava v. Chandigarh Administration (2009) A mentally retarded rape victim’s pregnancy case who was an inmate of a state-run protection home. The state had approached the court to abort the foetus stating the mental condition of the rape victim The Supreme Court declined the state’s request while delivering the order that “Empirical studies have conclusively disproved the eugenics theory that mental defects are likely to be passed on to the next generation.” Eugenics: the science of improving a population by controlled breeding to increase the occurrence of desirable heritable characteristics. V. Krishnan v. G. Rajan alias Madipu Rajan and The Inspector of Police (Law and Order (1993) A minor girl married an adult man without family’s consent and got pregnant Her father approached court for permission to abort stating that she was a minor. It implicitly meant that the girl was raped. However, the Madras High Court ruled in girl’s favour citing that the girl was known of the consequences of preganancy and she was willing to conceive a child. A forced abortion may negatively affect her mental and physical state. Thus, the court asserted her fundamental right to have a child by becoming pregnant Conclusion Finding the middle path The right of the woman over her foetus should be balanced with the right of the foetus to survive. Sadly, the foetus does not have the ability to exercise the option while the woman has. It is true that a rape victim has all the right to choose to abort the child The question is, why she has to wait when the foetus is starting to develop human form? Why should the abortion take place at such belated stage where there is chance of harm to mother and child’s health? The rape victim who is capable to make her decisions has sufficient time to consider the option of abortion. For parents who are informed of the foetus’s deformities, can adhere to perinatal hospice. Perinatal hospice: is an innovative and compassionate model of support for parents who find out during pregnancy that their baby has a life-limiting condition and who choose to continue their pregnancies. It recognises the value of upbringing infants by treating them as beings conceived with a tangible future. It is a preferable alternative because of presence of post-termination psychological distress as well as emphasizing the dignity and worth of each foetus. Creating an inclusive society A child born with disability should not be eliminated. The child has to be nurtured in an inclusive society with a n approach of dignity to even a child with disabilities International example In Germany, the law permits abortion after mandatory counselling and a three-day waiting period. There is no criminalisation of abortion. The law focuses on counselling, employment security, social welfare, and financial support to persuade pregnant women to give birth to their children. Thus, the law gives the foetus a degree of protection to survive by taking voluntary recognition of personal responsibility and respect for the personhood of the unborn. There is a need to ask few questions Is there a need for a change in law for easy availability of option to abort without frequent court intervention? Does a woman have a right to seek abortion any time she wishes? Should state have a say in personal matter of a woman’s body and her desires? The need is of counselling rather than rushing to amend laws now and then. Connecting the dots: A woman has the right to decide the fate of her pregnancy. But it is the foetus’s right also to survive. Critically analyse.   Related articles: India’s Inverted Abortion Politics Districts without Uteruses—The malpractice named Hysterectomies ECONOMICS   TOPIC: General Studies 2 Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector or Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.   Vocational Education and Training (VET) India has one of the largest technical manpower in the world. However, compared to its population it is not significant and there is a tremendous scope of improvement in this area. In India, the emphasis has been on general education, with vocational education at the receiving end. This has resulted in large number of educated people remaining unemployed. This phenomenon has now been recognised by the planners and hence there is a greater thrust on vocationalisation of education. There are four places where VET is imparted in India: In secondary/higher secondary schools and polytechnics; In industrial training institutes (ITIs, both public and private); In private vocational training providers publicly financed and incubated by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC); and In in-firm, enterprise training (either of government-funded apprentices or large firms conducting training for their own new recruits). Major concern with VET is its ‘funding’ Financing technical vocational education and training (TVET) is costlier than general education due to its technical nature. Reasons: Installation of equipments for pre-service training Trained instructors to train youth A lot of TVET is pre-employment, and funded by the government (kind of paid internship) All this raises the cost of TVET and remains a factor preventing pre-service training from expanding more rapidly. How TVET is financed? There are four ways in which technical vocational education and training (TVET) is financed in India at the above listed four locations: General tax revenues, used to fund public and private vocational training providers; In-firm financing and provision of training by and for a firm conducting such training; Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) requirements by the government, mandating a certain proportion of CSR funds to be spent on vocational training; and Levy on firms by the government, held in a special fund, resources from which are earmarked for vocational training. The last two financing mechanisms (3 and 4) are proposed, but is currently not the practice in India. In India, only the first two forms of financing have been used. Below article discusses each funding mechanism and concerns associated with it. General tax revenues Government ITIs, polytechnics and secondary schools (classes IX-XII) offers VET and these are funded with general tax revenues. Even the NSDC is funded with general tax revenues. The NSDC also finances (in the form of equity and debt) training by private for-profit vocational training providers. However, its scale is too small, training too short, and it is being expanded too rapidly at the cost of quality/employability of trainees. This variant of financing VET from general tax revenues provides for tax deduction of the expenses incurred on skills projects. Problems with this form of financing: Since, funding VET through General tax revenues provides for tax deduction, there are following concerns - India’s (Union and States combined) tax revenue-to-GDP ratio has hardly improved since the economic reforms in 1991 and remains below 17.5 per cent, the level achieved in the peak year of 2007-08. Giving a tax deduction for VET further reduces tax revenues rather than increasing it. The Income Tax Act, especially corporate taxes, is regularly criticised for already being too accommodative by providing too many exemptions, reducing the effective corporate tax rate to 23 per cent. Hence, financing from General tax revenues is not an appropriate method of financing VET, and has not shown much promise. In-firm financing This form of financing was confined to merely 16 per cent of all Indian firms in 2009, and still only 39 per cent of firms in 2014, and that too only the very large ones. In contrast to Indian firms, 85 per cent of Chinese firms provide in-firm financing to conduct in-house training. In India, even the smaller of large firms, and certainly the medium and small enterprises, don’t conduct much in-house training. Hence, the problem of shortage of trained personnel continues. Problems with this form of financing: In India, there is a rising need for skilled personnel but there is limited financing available for skill development. Since, in-firm or enterprise funding is limited, there is shortage of skilled personnel and as a result the wages and salaries of skilled and highly skilled staff have been rising sharply in the past decade. Firms (especially large firms) which are spending on in-firm or in-house trainings are facing rising input costs on account of human resources. This tends to raise recurrent costs for the firm. Therefore, large firms decide to invest in machinery, substituting capital for labour, thus reducing the potential for increasing jobs. Thus, the current situation is neither efficient from a micro- nor from a macro-economic perspective. CSR funds for skill development A third form of financing for skill development has been under discussion: CSR. The policy for CSR in India is governed by Clause 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, which is applicable to companies with an annual turnover of Rs.1,000 crore or more. The Act encourages companies to spend at least 2 per cent of their average net profit in the previous three years on CSR, and a minimum of 6,000 companies will be required to undertake CSR projects to comply with the Act. Problems with this form of financing: The provision in the Act is ‘indicative’, not mandatory. There is nothing that will ensure companies undertake such activities. Besides, putting skill development in the category of CSR activity assumes that it is not directly beneficial to the company in its core business. Many large companies are already undertaking skill development activities as they require skilled staff that no else can provide. In other words, putting skill development in the category of CSR may enable such companies to transfer the costs of normal skill development activities the firm is running in any case as CSR activities now, substituting for other equally worthwhile activities eligible for such initiatives. Moreover, the Rs.1,000-crore threshold of the Act absolves even medium-sized companies, let alone smaller ones, of conducting training. Finally, skill development is often undertaken by a company for meeting its own requirements for skilled HR, and the training hence may be overly specialised and may leave the trainee not particularly employable if he or she were to move jobs. In sum, while CSR could be used as a means of enhancing financing for skill development, the Government of India has to be careful that it does not end up subsidising activities by the firm that it might have undertaken in any case. Earmarked tax to finance training Given the above concerns related to the first three forms of financing for skill development, 62 countries of the world have adopted an option that seems to have served them well. A tax is levied on companies that goes into an earmarked fund meant exclusively for TVET purposes. Firms can be reimbursed the costs of training from such a fund. A second objective such a fund would serve is to provide a stipend to students who receive TVET, given that the demand for TVET is lower than for general academic education. Levies can provide a steady and protected source of funding for training, particularly in the context of unstable public budgets. Early training funds (e.g. Brazil) tended to be single purpose aimed at financing pre-employment training. Others focused on expanding the volume of in-service training within the enterprises. There are 17 countries in Latin America, 17 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (including South Africa), 14 in Europe, seven in West Asia and North Africa, and seven in Asia that have such funds. Conclusion: Skills and knowledge are the engines of economic growth and social development of any country. Countries with higher and better levels of knowledge and skills respond more effectively and promptly to challenges and opportunities of globalisation. India is in transition to a knowledge based economy and its competitive edge will be determined by the abilities of its people to create, share and use  knowledge more effectively. This transition will require India to develop workers into knowledge workers who will be more flexible, analytical, adaptable and multi skilled. To achieve this goals, India needs flexible education and training system that will provide the foundation for learning, secondary and tertiary education and to develop required competencies as means of achieving lifelong learning. Keeping in mind that the education system should cater to the needs of the manpower requirement for the economic development of the country. Government of India has accorded high importance to vocational education and training. Besides, it is also being ensured that the marginalised sections of the society, including women, get adequate representation in these courses. It can thus be hoped that TVET will play a major role in improving the lives of the people of India. A levy on firms, resources from which are earmarked for vocational training, is what could help the country bridge the skill gap in its workforce. Connecting the dots: What are the major concerns associated with providing vocational education and training (VET)? Can India take advantage of its demographic window by providing in the next couple of decades and benefit from it? Government of India has accorded high importance to vocational education and training (VET) to convert its quantitative demographic dividend into a qualitative one. Discuss the initiatives taken by the government in this regard?   MUST READ Pawns in the great forest game Hindu   The Brexit generation Indian Express Related Articles: EU referendum: the big questions for Britain Brexit – Mind Map Brexit & India-UK BREXIT – Britain’s Exit from EU   The case of Ms X Indian Express   Effective monetary policy offsets inflation volatility Livemint   A fundamental flaw in GST Business Line Related Articles: Goods and Service Tax (GST) Logjam: GST by another name GST legislation & Issues GST Bill: Why is it Still Not Passed?

Aug 3, 2016 PIB

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

ARCHIVES GS1 Gangotri Glacier (Topic: geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes) What: According to National Institute of Hydrology, retreat of Gangotri glacier will not have drastic influence on the flow of river Ganga. The latter is not totally dependent on glaciers for its water even in the head-waters region. The percentage of snow and glacier-fed contribution progressively reduces as one moves downstream. Rainwater and sub-surface flows contribute more than 70% of the flow of river Ganga at Haridwar. Collaboration Between Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and lndian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Carried out mapping of Himalayan glaciers using lndian satellite data during 2004 to 2007. study shows that there are 34,919 glaciers spread over 75,779 sq. km. in Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra basins covering Himalaya and Trans-Himalaya including Karakoram region. ISRO has monitored the glacier advance and retreat of 2018 glaciers, across the Himalayan region using satellite data of 2000-01 to 2010-11. The study shows that 87% of glaciers showed no change, 12% glaciers retreated and 1% glaciers have advanced. Himalayan glaciers are being further monitored as part of a new project entitled “Integrated Studies of Himalayan Cryosphere using Space based inputs and Impact Assessment due to Climate Change” funded by the Department of Space.   National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) It is under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) encompasses conservation measures for sustaining and safeguarding the Himalayan glaciers and mountain ecosystems through establishment of monitoring network, promotion of community based management, human resource development strengthening regional cooperation   Inclusion of languages in Eighth Schedule (Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.) What: At present there are demands for inclusion of 38 more languages including Tulu and Rajasthani in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution Many of these languages are spoken in several States, and their use is not restricted by State boundaries. How to fix the criteria? As the evolution of dialects and languages is dynamic, influenced by socio-eco-political developments, it is difficult to fix any criterion for languages, It is difficult to also distinguish them from dialects, or for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India. Thus, both attempts, through the Pahwa (1996) and Sitakant Mohapatra (2003) Committees to evolve such fixed criteria have not borne fruit.   Study on Conditions of Muslim Population in the Country (Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.) What: the Government has already undertaken various schemes/initiatives for the welfare of six notified minorities, including Muslims Pursuant to the receipt of Sachar Committee Report and under the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme Objective to enhance opportunities for education Ensure an equitable share for minorities in economic activities and employment, Enhanced credit support for self-employment, Recruitment to State and Central Government jobs, Skill development of minorities, Measure for special development initiatives, Protection and management of Waqf Properties. How: All these schemes/initiatives are being implemented by various Ministries/ Departments of the Central Government either exclusively or by earmarking of 15% of overall physical/financial target (under the scheme) or by monitoring the flow of funds in the minority concentration areas for the welfare of minorities throughout the country. Kundu Committee The Ministry of Minority Affairs constituted a committee on 05.08.2013 under the Chairmanship of Prof. Amitabh Kundu in 2013 Evaluate the process of implementation of decisions taken by Government of India on the recommendations of Sachar Committee Report assess the schemes/programmes implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs assess the efficacy of the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme, etc. Submitted the report in 2014 Result: The report of the committee was examined in the Ministry of Minority Affairs and decided that since the recommendations of the committee are overarching, covering the policies and programmes of other Ministries/Departments also, the views of the concerned Ministries/Departments are required. The concerned ministries/departments have been requested to do so. Details of schemes / initiatives for the welfare of minorities are as under Enhancing opportunities for education Pre-Matric Scholarship Post-Matric Scholarship Merit-cum-Means  Scholarship Maulana Azad National Fellowship Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme for providing services through Anganwadi Centres Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and opening of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas ‘Padho Pardesh'- Interest subsidy on educational loans for overseas studies ‘Nai Udaan'- Support for students clearing Prelims conducted by UPSC, SSC, State Public Service Commissions, etc. Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madarsas (SPQEM) Scheme for Infrastructure Development of Minority Institutions (IDMI) Greater Resources for Teaching Urdu Free Coaching and Allied Scheme Schemes of Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) for promotion of education. Mid Day Meal Scheme Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) Sakshar Bharat/ Maulana Azad Taleem-e-Balighan Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Block Institutes of Teachers Education Women’s Hostel. Ensuring an equitable share for minorities in economic activities Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (renamed as Aajeevika/ National Rural Livelihood Mission) Swarn Jayanti Shahari Rojgar Yojana (SJSRY) (renamed as National Urban Livelihood Mission) 'Seekho Aur Kamao' – Skill Development Initiatives Upgrading Skill and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development (USTTAD) Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) Restructuring of NMDFC and Loan schemes of National Minority Development & Finance Commission (NMDFC) Bank credit under Priority Sector Lending Issue of guidelines for giving special consideration for recruitment of minorities. Opening of new Bank Branches/ awareness campaigns. Nai Manzil - An integrated Education and Livelihood Initiative for the Minority Communities Improving the conditions of living of minorities Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) Basic Services for Urban Poor (BSUP) Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) Urban Infrastructure and Governance (UIG) Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) Waqf matters Strengthening of State Waqf Boards Computerisation of records of States Waqf Boards. Prevention and control of communal disharmony and violence Issue of guidelines on communal harmony Others 'Nai Roshni'- Leadership development of minority women ‘Jiyo Parsi’- Scheme for containing population decline of small minority community Hamari Dharohar Representation of minorities in Urban & Rural local bodies Exemption of Waqf properties from State Rent control Act Appropriate training modules to be prepared for sensitization of Government functionaries Multi-media campaign for wide publicity of Government schemes/programmes Annual Meeting between CWC and ASI and protection of Waqf monuments Setting up of Assessment & Monitoring Authority (AMA) Setting up of National Data Bank (NDB) Review of Delimitation Act Dissemination of information in vernacular languages. Percentage of Muslims in Government Jobs The recruitment of minorities in Government, Public Sector Banks, Public Sector Undertakings was 8.57% in 2014-15.   Survey of Sand Areas Rich in Thorium (Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent) What: Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has surveyed and identified resources of the mineral monazite in beach and inland sand areas of the country. Monazite: an ore mineral of thorium rare earth elements and phosphate S.No. State Monazite resources (in million tonnes) 1 ODISHA 2.41 2 ANDHRA PRADESH (Highest) 3.72 3 TAMIL NADU 2.46 4 KERALA 1.90 5 MAHARASHTRA (Least)   0.002 6 GUJARAT   0.003 7 WEST BENGAL 1.22 8 BIHAR 0.22 TOTAL 11.93 President of India condoles the passing away of Smt. Mahasweta Devi Mahasweta Devi enriched Bengali literature through her prolific writing and unique style. She was a powerful voice against all forms of oppression and injustice. Her writings reflected the life of downtrodden and her voice was seen as the collective conscience of society reflecting its yearning for justice and equality. Mahasweta Devi did not rest content with mere writing about issues. She actively engaged in social work and spent years researching and campaigning for the welfare of the tribals of Bengal. She was honoured by a grateful nation with a large number of awards during her lifetime including the Sahitya Akademi Award, Padma Shri, Jnanpith Award and Padma Vibhushan.   GS2 Subsidy for Maintaining Price Stability to Tea (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) About: The Price Stabilization Fund Scheme was implemented by the Central Government from the year 2003 to 2013 Aim: to protect the farmers of plantation crops including tea from losses on account of price fluctuations. Now: The Scheme was reviewed and in light of the experience gained from implementing the Scheme, a market-linked Revenue Insurance Scheme for Plantation Crops (RISPC) has been proposed for protecting the farmers of plantation crops, including tea plantations, against losses arising from both fluctuations in yield as well as prices. Various Acts To ensure social and economic security, the tea garden workers in the country including the States of Assam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are provided basic welfare services and amenities such as housing, medical and primary education, water supply, sanitation etc. Plantation Labour Act, 1951 The workers of the tea industry are covered by various industrial and social security legislations such as Workmen’s Compensation Act, Payment of Gratuity act, Provident Fund, Payment of Bonus Act, Maternity Benefit Act, Payment of Wages Act. Besides, the Government implements through the Tea Board welfare activities for tea plantation workers and their dependents in tea estates under the Human Resource Development (HRD) Scheme.   Quality of Education in Universities (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.) About: The Central Government and the University Grants Commission (UGC) are constantly endeavouring to improve quality of higher education in the country. Central government: launched several initiatives viz. National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)- Educational Institutions are ranked by an independent ranking Agency on the basis of objective criteria. Impacting Research, Innovation & Technology (IMPRINT)- Government has taken the initiative to address major engineering challenges through the collaborative efforts of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Uchchtar Avishkar Yojna (UAY)- to promote innovation in IITs addressing issues of manufacturing industries; to spur innovative mindset; to co-ordinate action between academia & industry and to strengthen labs & research facilities. Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN)- for facilitating partnership between Higher Educational Institutions of the country and other countries. The scheme is aimed at tapping international talent pool of scientists and entrepreneurs. Role of UGC Maintenance of standards in teaching and research and quality assurance in Universities, Deemed to be Universities and Colleges through the following mechanisms, namely: Framing regulations and schemes and; disbursing grants to the eligible institutions. In order to encourage research and development in the country, UGC has laid out schemes, awards, fellowships, chairs and programmes Under such programmes, financial assistance is provided to institutions of higher education as well as faculty members working therein to undertake quality research covering areas of knowledge across disciplines including revival & promotion of indigenous languages.   Workforce in Organised/ Unorganised Sector (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) About: As per the result of labour force survey on employment and unemployment conducted in 2011-12 by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Result: The number of estimated employed persons in 2011-12 on usual status basis were 47.41 crore, of which 82.7% of workforce (39.14 crore persons) was in unorganized sector. Workers get benefits under various legislations like Employees State Insurance Act, 1948, Employees Compensation Act, 1923, Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 and Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996. The coverage of establishments under The Employees’ Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provisions (EPF&MP) Act 1952 has been enlarged to include construction workers. Labour welfares by Ministry minimum pension of Rs. 1000/- per month to the pensioners under Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995, portability of provident fund account, National Career Service Portal, Employees State Insurance Corporation 2.0, Revision in eligibility and calculation ceiling under the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 etc. Workforce Participation rate Rural- Highest- Sikkim (53.4%) and lowest- Bihar (27.5%) Urban- Highest- Sikkim (45.2%) and lowest- Bihar (25.3%) All India Rural- 39.9% and Urban- 35.5%   Welfare of Labourers (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) About: The Government has enacted the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 To: provide for registration of unorganised workers and issuance of portable smart card by District Administration and for formulation of suitable welfare schemes for unorganised workers on matters such as life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits, old age protection and Any other benefit as may be determined by the Central Government through the National Social Security Board. Various Schemes, formulated by the Government to provide social security cover to the unorganized workers Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (Ministry of Rural Development) National Family Benefit Scheme (Ministry of Rural Development) Janani Suraksha Yojana (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme (Ministry of Textiles) Handicraft Artisans’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme (Ministry of Textiles) Pension to Master Craft Persons. (Ministry of Textiles) National Scheme for Welfare of Fishermen and Training and Extension (Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries) Aam Admi Bima Yojana. (Department of Financial Services) Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)   India - Japan Social Security Agreement (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) About: The Agreement on Social Security between India and Japan shall come into force with effect from 1st October 2016 Ministries included: Ministry of External Affairs, along with Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) - the competent authority for negotiating and concluding SSAs have completed the formalities for the Agreement Signed in: Tokyo on November 16, 2012. Bilateral Social Security Agreements (SSA): made with other countries to protect the interests of Indian professionals, skilled workers working abroad. Till now: The Government of India till date has signed SSA with 19 countries. The SSAs have been in operation with 15 countries so far. SSA An SSA generally provides for “Detachment”, While under Detachment provisions, International Workers are exempted from making contribution in the host country “Totalisation” the Totalisation allows aggregating residency periods of social security contribution made by the Indian worker / professional in India and the foreign country to qualify for retirement benefits. “Portability” of Social Security benefits between agreeing nations. The Portability further allows one to avail benefits in either country BRICS Employment Working Group Forum is being planned to impress the BRICS group to adopt a resolution to take the necessary steps to ensure that Social Security Agreements are entered into between the member countries of BRICS. BRICS nations have individually signed SSAs with other nations. Trade relations between BRICS nations have been increasing over the years and major Industries and Enterprises from respective nations are making investments. The companies often make dual contributions in the absence of detachments provisions that affect the competitiveness.   Consumer Empowering Initiatives (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has launched various consumer empowering initiatives, like Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) Government has approved Rs. 8000 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for release of 5 crore deposit free new LPG connections to Women of BPL families over three years The scheme will provide an initial cost of Rs. 1600/- for providing LPG connection to poor households in the name of woman of the household. MyLPG.in Provides online information of sales and distribution of LPG cylinder delivery data to LPG Consumers on a near real time basis. Various features such as LPG usage, LPG booking status, LPG refill history, request for surrender of connection, subsidy availed and transferred, rating of distributors by cylinder delivery time, rating the distributor on the five perceived parameters and Aadhaar Linking Status have been provided. Rating of Distributors Based on Delivery Performance Each distributor is now being rated from 5 stars to 1 star based on his delivery performance. Aim is to measure, increase and improve the delivery performance of each distributor. Rating of distributor helps a consumer in deciding the change of distributor. It also motivates distributors to improve delivery times so as to retain consumers SMS/IVRS A customer oriented initiative, launched to facilitate a genuine customer for making a refill booking round the clock, seven days a week (24 X 7), and also circumvents the problems sometimes earlier faced by customers of finding Distributor’s telephone lines busy In this system, a Consumer can book gas not only from his/her personal registered telephone/mobile numbers, but also from an un-registered telephone number. E-SV (Sahaj) ‘e-SV’ is the electronic subscription voucher emailed to the customer upon release of LPG connection online. Subscription Voucher indicates the number of cylinders and pressure regulators loaned to the customer against the security deposit. The facility enables the customers to register, make payment online for availing LPG connection at his/her doorstep without visiting the LPG distributorship. Emergency Helpline No. `1906’ Facility is available 24*7 operations with 2 shifts 12 hours each for attending emergency LPG leakage complaints. LPG Emergency multilingual Helpline Online Payment As part of Digital India Initiatives, OMCs have launched the facility for Online New connections (SAHAJ), in which customer is also having an option for making the online payments through Net banking & credit/debit card for release of new LPG connections. Online Portal to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) customers An interactive online portal to PNG customers for making online bill payments, new customer registration and suitable grievance redressal mechanism.   Development of Chabahar Port (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) What: Following the Chabahar port development agreement with Iran, India will get access to Eastern transit Corridor to: Eastern part of Iran Afghanistan, which is a landlocked country CIS countries like Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan etc Alternative to North South Corridor (Access to Russia and North Baltic countries) The following amounts are likely to be provided by India for development of the Port: Making credit of USD 150 million available for development of phase 1 of the port, within 4 months of receiving their application through Central Bank of Iran. Equipping the both terminals with equipment worth USD 85 million within 18 months above funding. Overall it is expected that it will take 18 to 24 months for Commercial Operations to commence at Chabahar Port. India - US to collaborate for first time in R&D in traditional systems of medicine (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) What: The Ministry of AYUSH is mandated to promote and propagate AYUSH systems of medicine across the globe. How: Ministry of AYUSH signs Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for ‘Country to Country’ cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicines; Sets up AYUSH Academic Chairs in foreign Universities/ Educational Institutes; Establishes AYUSH Information Cells in the premises of the Indian Missions abroad or Indian Cultural Centres for dissemination of authentic information about AYUSH Systems of medicine Enters into MoUs with foreign institutes for undertaking collaborative research. India-US engagement For the first time India has successfully engaged USA in the field of Traditional Medicine An India-US workshop on Traditional Medicine with special focus on cancer was organized on 3-4 March, 2016 at New Delhi.   Subsidies to Farmers under Various Schemes (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) What: The Government is providing subsidies to farmers under various schemes for improving the infrastructure, marketing facilities and promotional services. Schemes: Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) Sub-scheme of Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM) Subsidy is being provided @ 25% to 33.33% to eligible beneficiaries for creation of storage infrastructure. Currently the scheme is temporarily stopped w.e.f. 05.08.2014 for general category promoters due to exhaustion of funds. However, the scheme is open for SC/ST promoters and for promoters in North-Eastern Region. Rashtriya Krishi Viskas Yojana (RKVY) Funds are released to the State Governments as 100% grant No subsidy is provided by the Government of India directly to the individuals/farmers under the scheme. Subsidy under RKVY scheme is provided to farmers by the States as per norms of other existing Government of India schemes. National Horticulture Mission (NHM) For development of Horticulture, assistance is being provided for development of Post-Harvest Management (PHM) and Marketing infrastructure. For rural primary markets, credit linked back ended subsidy @ 40% in general areas and @ 55% in hilly and tribal areas of the maximum project cost of Rs. 25.00 lakh is available. For wholesale markets, credit linked back ended subsidy @ 25% in general areas and @ 33.33% in hilly and tribal areas of the maximum project cost of 100.00 crore/project is available. For terminal market complex, under PPP mode, assistance @ 25% to 40% (limited to Rs. 50.00 crore) of project cost of 150.00 crore/project, which includes 25% as floor subsidy plus 15% as subsidy on bidding is available. National Food Security Mission (NFSM) Financial assistance is being provided to the farmers for farm machineries for improving the infrastructure. Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India scheme (BGREI) Assistance is being provided 50% of the project cost for individual beneficiary and 100% for community assets for activities that help in enhanced procurement, creation of storage facilities, marketing and value addition   Special Polio Immunisation Drive (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.) What: WHO has been carrying out Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance where all suspected cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis are examined to rule out polio. Relevance: The suspected case in Uttar Pradesh investigated by WHO and result of the two stool samples pertaining to this case, tested in the laboratory reported that there is no poliovirus. Hence, the case is classified as Non Polio Acute Flaccid Paralysis case and the child is under treatment of district hospital Constant vigilance Continues to maintain highly sensitive surveillance system for Polio Maintains quality parameter checks for surveillance like non polio AFP rate, adequate stool collection rate etc. Surveillance reviews are conducted from time to time to ensure quality of surveillance. Also started environmental surveillance in selected sites in the country to detect polio virus in sewage samples. Government of India has already introduced inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in the country over and above existing doses of oral polio vaccine (OPV) to provide additional protection to children of the country against polio. MoU between Railways and CII (Topic: Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.) To: evaluate the Green Initiatives and rate the performance of Industrial Units of Indian Railways which are pursuing environmentally sustainable practices Railways and environment Railways is an environment friendly transport, multi pronged green initiatives are being taken by Indian Railways. Includes the share of renewables in energy consumed, better Water Management including Water Audit, Solid Waste Management including Waste to Energy plants etc. The association with CII will enable Railways to weigh their green initiatives against the global standards. The provision of bio toilets in a large scale to avoid open discharge from the coaches is a major step towards sustainable growth Recently, the Manmadurai – Rameshwaram section of Southern Railway was declared as a first green railway section. Indian Railways have so far provided more than 40,000 bio toilets. MoU has two programmes that will be taken up Green Rating for Railway Industrial units In the first phase - Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW)/Varanasi Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennaiand Carriage & Wagon Workshop, Perambur /Chennai, Southern Railway, have been selected for this important initiative. All the Green initiatives of these units will be rated on a common Platform applicable to all the industries. Energy Efficiency studies at 6 Production Units and 4 major workshops over Indian Railways This will include Capacity Building, Knowledge sharing and exchange of best practices on Energy efficiency between Railways and other industrial sectors.   Abolition of Separate Guidelines for establishing Joint Venture Companies by Defence PSUs (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) What: Cabinet has approved abolition of existing Guidelines which were notified in February, 2012 So Now?: The Guidelines issued by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and Ministry of Finance (MoF) from time to time, which are uniformly applicable to all Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) will be applicable for the DPSUs to set up JV companies now. Benefit: Meet the goal of indigenization / self-reliance in this sector Provide a level playing field between dpsus and the private sector. Allow DPSUs to forge partnerships in an innovative manner enhancing self-reliance in defence and provide for enhanced accountability / autonomy of DPSUs Why such decision? The decision comes in the backdrop of the issues which emerged in the operationalisation of JV guidelines of DPSUs. The Department of Defence Production came to the conclusion that with the increasing participation of the private industry in defence sector and the transformation taking place in the defence acquisition eco system thereon, the requirement of having separate JV guidelines for DPSUs is no longer considered necessary In the emerging scenario with primacy being accorded to indigenous manufacturing / Make in India, it is felt that having multiple set of guidelines may lead to ambiguity and incongruity in the environment.   10th Anniversary of Ministry of Earth Sciences (2006-2016) & Foundation Day (Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.) What: Ministry of Earth Sciences was established in the year 2006 by bringing agencies of meteorology, ocean development and operational seismology activities under one umbrella. Purpose: to address holistically various aspects relating to earth system processes for improving forecast of the weather, climate and various natural hazards. Responsible: for development of technology towards the exploration and exploitation of marine resources in a sustainable way for the socio-economic benefits of the society. Mission: to provide services for weather, natural hazards, climate, ocean and coastal state, seismology, and exploring marine living and non-living resources and the Polar Regions. Improvement: the quality of weather, climate, ocean and seismological services have improved due to systematic efforts in augmenting atmospheric, coastal and ocean observations and survey, geophysical observations, polar research, developing adequate modelling strategy, conducting cutting edge research and investing in human resources development. Scope: for further accelerating these initiatives to enable the country to become a world leader in providing high quality services, and contribute to economic and societal benefits. Automotive Mission Plan, 2016-26 (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) What: The Automotive Mission Plan [AMP 2026] envisages creation of 65 million jobs. Features: The Indian Automotive industry to be a top job creator – 65 million additional jobs. The Indian Automotive industry to be the prime mover of Manufacturing sector and “Make in India” Programme. The Indian Automotive industry to aim at increasing exports of vehicles by 5 times and components by 7.5 times. For success of AMP 2026, there is a need of coordinated and stable policy regime for the automotive sector. Specific interventions are envisaged to sustain and improve manufacturing competitiveness and to address challenges of environment and safety.   Cases registered by CBI (Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.) What: CBI has arrested 34 Gazetted Officers, 45 Non-Gazetted Officers of various Government Offices and others in 112 corruption cases during the period from 01.01.2016 to 15.07.2016. State-wise data is not maintained by CBI centrally. Steps taken by the Central Government for speedy disposal of current and pending cases of CBI and upgradation of CBI organization in the country are as under Central Government as well as CBI takes various steps to fill up vacant posts expeditiously. 92 Additional Special CBI Courts has been set up and 87 out of them have become operational in different States of India for speedy disposal of the cases. CBI imparts training to its officers/employees in order to enhance their skills at its training centers. Recently a scheme namely Advanced Certified Course for CBI officers has been started to enhance their investigation skills, forensic data collection, collection of evidence, skills etc by providing them training from National Law School of India University (NLSIU) Bangalore and Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore. Funds allocated: For upgradation of CBI which inter-alia include modernization, improvement in training, infrastructure, housing & improved condition of work, a plan outlay of Rs. 309.52 crore has been allocated for implementation of various schemes viz Modernization of training Centres in CBI, CBI e-governance, Comprehensive modernization of CBI branches/offices, Construction of CBI office building at Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai Comprehensive modernization and purchase of land/construction office/Residence building for CBI etc.  over 12th Five Year Plan period.   Promotion of Medical Tourism in the Country (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) What: Ministry of Tourism publishes the data of Nationality-wise Foreign Tourist Arrivals by Visa Type in India in which one of the visa categories is Medical Visa including Medical Attendant Visa. By?: The development and promotion of tourism is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. Role of MoT: The Ministry of Tourism as part of its ongoing promotional activities releases campaigns in the international and domestic markets and also undertakes other promotional activities including promotion of Medical Tourism. National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board To provide a dedicated institutional framework to take forward the cause of promotion of Medical Tourism, Wellness Tourism and Yoga, Ayurveda Tourism and any other format of Indian system of medicine covered by Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH). Works as an umbrella organization that governs and promotes this segment of tourism in an organized manner. Has representatives from AYUSH, Quality Council of India, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH). For promoting quality in the healthcare sector, the NABH provides accreditation to hospitals and wellness centres for adhering to quality standards.   PM asks NITI Aayog to create a vision for transformational change (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) About: Role of NITI Aayog to create a vision document that would, chart a roadmap for India’s development for the next fifteen years, and also lay the foundation for the country’s growth over the next decades of the 21st century. Excerpts from PM’s address (Relevant to UPSC) The time for incremental change, that was the norm across the world for quite some time, is now over The current age is one that requires transformational change The importance of technology as an emerging driver of change over the last three decades Judicious and intelligent application of India’s natural resources and human resources, would be at the heart of this change. Use of available land, the country’s mineral wealth, and vast untapped solar energy potential and also its vast coastline. Skill development is vital, as India has the potential to fulfil the global requirement of human resources in the future. Stressed on the need to develop India’s tourism potential. Partnership with states for promoting development and boosting exports is not just an element of cooperative federalism, but also the need of the hour. Focus cannot be on increasing agricultural productivity alone, but should be on the overall development of a vibrant rural economy. The importance of the food processing sector, warehouse development, and technology inputs, in this sector.   Marine Habitat Research (Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government) What: set up the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) under the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change at Chennai during 2011-2012. To: Undertake various research studies with respect marine environment, ecology and habitat of entire Indian coast including the islands. Provides knowledge support on policy and scientific matters related to integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and conservation of coastal resources along Indian coast including the islands. Particular study? Although there is no systematic research to study for long-term decadal scale changes due to tides, tsunami, hurricane, floods which are episodic in nature, a few studies were conducted to address the effects of pollution in the coastal areas of India. Result: These studies indicate that a marginal increase in microbial activity in some coastal areas of the country due to discharge of domestic sewage. NCSCM has mapped the boundaries of coastal ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) (CRZ I areas) areas which include mangroves, coral reefs, salt marshes, seagrass beds, turtle nesting grounds, etc, for the entire country as per the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2011 notification, issued under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. NCSCM has undertaken studies on the impact of tropical cyclone (Lehar) on the seagrass ecosystems in Ross and Smith Islands in Andaman, wherein about 2 ha of seagrass beds have been destroyed. Studies on the coral reefs in Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar show that about 25% of the reefs have bleached during April-May, 2016 due to elevated sea surface temperature and further studies on their recovery are underway. Urban Vidyut Abhiyantas (UVAs) (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) What: Ministry of Power has taken up this innovative experiment of placement of young professionals called UVA’s Why: Ministry of Power has taken up this innovative experiment of placement of young professionals called UVA’s Who: UVAs are the missionaries of technology. These UVA’s having an experience of 3 to 15 years in Project Management/ Distribution Franchisee/ Infrastructure Sector shall be positioned in every Discom. Role of UVAs:             supporting the Discoms towards urban distribution strengthening and IT enablement initiatives leading to enhanced Consumer Connect Just like Grameen Vidyut Abhiyantas (GVA’s) who expedited rural electrification across the country Background What: Ministry of Power had launched its urban flagship program called IPDS with a total outlay of Rs 65,424 crore About: Under the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS), the State Governments with the support of the Central Government are working towards ensuring 24x7 power for all. Eligibility: All Discoms (Distribution Companies), including the Private Sector Discoms as well as the State Power Departments, are eligible for financial assistance under the scheme   ‘Disha’ for timely implementation of Central Schemes (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) What: Centre today announced the formation of District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DDCMC) to be named “Disha” To: Effective development coordination of almost all the programmes of Central Government, whether it is for infrastructure development or Social and human resource development. Purpose: To coordinate with Central and State and local Panchayat Governments, for successful and timely implementation of the schemes. To ensure the participation of people’s representative at all levels in it and successful implementation of flagship programme of central government. How: DDCMC supersedes the District Vigilance & Monitoring Committee currently mandated by Ministry of Rural Development and the new committee will be known as “Disha”. Programmes to be covered under includes Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) Deen Dayal Antordaya Yojna - NRLM Deen Dayal Upadhyay – Gramin Kaushalya Yojna (DDU-GKY) Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojna (PMAY-G) Swachh Bharat Mission – Gramin (SBM- G) National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna (PMKSY) – Intregrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme (NLRMP) Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission - National Rurban Mission (NRuM) Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojna (DDUGJY) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Housing for All - Urban) Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) Smart City Mission Ujjwal DISCOM Assurance Yojna (UDAY) Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) National Heath Mission (NHM) Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) Intregrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) Mid-Day Meal Scheme Pradhan Mantri UJJWALA Yojana (PMUY) - LPG Connection to BPL families Jal Marg Vikash Project Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna Digital India – Public Internet Access Programme – providing Common Service Centre in each Gram Panchayat Infrastructure related programme like Telecom, railways, highways, waterways, mines, etc.   Steps to Increase Farmers' Income (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme by which the farmers can know the major and minor nutrients available in their soils which will ensure judicious use of fertiliser application and thus save money of farmers. Neem Coated Urea is also being promoted to regulate urea use, enhance its availability to the crop and reduce cost of fertilizer application. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is being implemented with a view to promoting organic farming in the country. This will improve soil health and organic matter content and increase net income of the farmer so as to realise premium prices. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) is being implemented to expand cultivated area with assured irrigation, reduce wastage of water and improve water use efficiency. Schemes to cover nature related risks: A new crop Insurance scheme namely Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to replace National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified NAIS (MNAIS) from Kharif 2016 season. Farmers will get full insurance cover as there will be no capping of sum insured and consequently the claim amount will not be cut or reduced. Provide insurance cover for all stages of the crop cycle including post-harvest risks in specified instances. Scheme to transfer remunerative prices to farmers: A Market Intervention Scheme, namely e-NAM Releases of grants under the scheme are made on the basis of completion of 3 reform pre-requisites i.e. Single Trading License, Single License Fee and Creation of e-Platform for Trading. The scheme was launched on 14.04.2016 in 8 States viz. Gujarat, Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand covering 21 markets. As of now 23 markets integrated. Scheme to increase productivity: National Food Security Mission (NFSM) pulses: Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH); National Mission on Oilseeds & Oilpalm (NMOOP); National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA); National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET); Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). Government undertakes procurement of wheat and paddy under its ‘MSP operations’. Government implements Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for procurement of agricultural and horticultural commodities not covered under the Minimum Price Support Scheme on the request of State/UT Government. MIS is implemented in order to protect the growers of these commodities from making distress sale in the event of bumper crop when the prices tend to fall below the economic level/cost of production.   Beneficiaries of Supplementary Nutrition Programme under ICDS increase by nearly 8% over the last four years (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) What: number of beneficiaries [children (6 months to 6 years) and pregnant & lactating mothers] for supplementary nutrition under ICDS scheme of Ministry of Women and Child Development have increased Stats: from 956.12 lakh to 1030.14 lakh Number of beneficiaries [children (3-6 years) for pre-school education increased from 353.29 lakh to 354.05 lakh Anganwadi Centres have also increased from 1338732 to 1349091 SDG: Development Agenda for 2016-2030 of United Nations, articulating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was adopted and signed by Government of India in September, 2015 SDGs comprise of 17 goals and 169 targets Goals 2 and 3 relate to improvement in nutrition and ensuring healthy lives & promoting well-being for all at all ages respectively. Who implements: Food and Nutrition Board of WCD Ministry, through its regional field units. Engaged in conducting training programmes in nutrition, Advocacy towards generating awareness through nutrition education programmes on the importance of healthy balanced diets Through the use of locally available foods, mass awareness campaigns and use of electronic and print media. ICDS A centrally sponsored Scheme being implemented by the State Governments/UT Administrations. Aims at holistic development of children below 6 years of age, pregnant women and lactating mothers Package of six services Supplementary nutrition; Immunization; Health check-up; Referral services; Pre-school non-formal education Nutrition & health education Three of the six services namely Immunisation, Health Check-up and Referral Services are delivered through Public Health Infrastructure under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Government of India approved the Restructuring and Strengthening of ICDS Scheme while continuing under ICDS scheme to prevent and reduce young child under nutrition by 10 % points in 0-3 years and enhance early development and learning outcomes in all children below six years of age improved care and nutrition of girls and women and to reduce anaemia prevalence in young children, girls and women by 1/5th achieve time bound goals and outcomes with results based monitoring of indicators at different levels. The existing package of services under the Scheme were reformatted Care & Nutrition counselling Infant & Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Promotion and Counselling, Maternal Care and Counselling, Care, Nutrition, Health & Hygiene Education Community based care and management of underweight children Health Services Immunization and micronutrient supplementation Health Check-up Referral Services for children in the age group of 0-6 years and Pregnant and Lactating mothers GS3 Import of GM Food Products (Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life) What: The import policy of Genetically Modified Food, Feed, Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) and Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) has been notified by Directorate General of Foreign Trade Under: General Notes regarding Import Policy in ITC (HS) 2012, Schedule-1 (Import Policy). As per policy: import of GM food requires prior approval of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) constituted by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change. Customs Act 1962 It is the basic statue which governs /regulates entry/exit of different categories of goods into or outside the country. It is the responsibility of the Customs to ensure that all the imported/ exported goods fulfil the prescribed legal and procedural requirements laid down under Customs act, 1962 and allied laws including payment of the duties leviable, if any. FSSAI Import of food products is regulated under (FSSAI), 2006. Indian Customs can clear food products including Genetically Modified (GM) food products only after necessary approval/No Objection Certificate (NOC) by FSSAI. FSSAI has informed that no genetically modified food has been cleared for import through the FSSAI locations.   Startup India Programme (Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.) About: Startup India is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India on 16th January, 2016 Aim: To build a strong eco-system for nurturing innovation and startups in the country which will drive economic growth and generate large scale employment opportunities. To empower startups to grow through innovation and design. Salient features Simplification and Handholding Simple Compliance Regime for startups based on Self-certification Launch of Mobile app and Portal for compliance and information exchange Startup India Hub to handhold startups during various phases of their development Legal support and fast-tracking patent examination at reduced costs Relaxed norms of public procurement for startups Faster exit for startups Funding support and Incentives Providing funding support through a Fund of Funds with a corpus of Rupees 10,000 crore Credit guarantee fund for startups Tax exemption on capital gains invested in Fund of Funds Tax exemption to startups for 3 years Industry-Academia Partnership and Incubation Organizing Startup Fests to showcase innovations and providing collaboration platforms Launch of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) with Self –Employment and Talent Utilization (SETU) Program of NITI Aayog Harnessing private sector expertise for setting up incubators Setting up of 7 new research parks modelled on the Research Park at IIT Madras Launching of innovation focused programs for students. Annual Incubator Grand Challenge to promote good practices among incubators. Credit Guarantee Fund The initiative provides for creating a credit guarantee fund for startups through Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) with a Corpus of Rs.500 crore per year for the next four years. With this Action Plan the Government intends to accelerate spreading of the startup movement: From digital/technology sector to a wide array of sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, social sector, healthcare, education, etc.; and From existing tier 1 cities to tier 2 and tier 3 cities including semi-urban and rural areas. Startup India Action plan Startup India Portal and Mobile App launched as online platform for providing updates, information, recognition and eligibility certificates to Startups and other stakeholders Startup India Hub To resolve queries and provide handholding support to Startups. Fund of Funds: A 'fund of funds' of INR 10,000 crores to support innovation driven Startups has been established which shall be managed by SIDBI. The fund will invest in SEBI registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) which, in turn, will invest in Startups. It will act as an enabler to attract private capital in the form of equity, quasi-equity, soft loans and other risk capital for Startups. Rs. 500 crore has been released to SIDBI in FY2015-16 and Rs. 600 crore in FY2016-17. Tax Incentives: The Finance Act, 2016 Section 80- IAC has provision for Startups (Companies and LLPs) to get income tax exemption for 3 years in a block of 5 years, if they are incorporated between 1st April 2016 and 31st March 2019. Self-Certification: CPCB has exempted industries in “white” category from all the applicable self-certifications under the 3 environment related Acts (The water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Cess (Amendment) Act, 2003 and The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981) listed in the Startup India Action Plan. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) Guidelines for harnessing private sector expertise to set up incubators, organizing annual grand challenge for innovative solutions to problems faced by industry and those posed by ministries as well as a grand challenge for incubators and establishment of tinkering labs have been formulated and published on NITI Aayog’s and Startup India websites Relaxed Norms for Public Procurement: Relaxed norms for public procurement for micro and small enterprises have been provisioned in the Procurement Policy of Ministry of MSME. IPR benefits A panel of facilitators has been constituted for assistance in filing Intellectual Property (IP) applications. DIPP would bear the facilitation cost on behalf of Startups and also provide rebate in the statutory fee for filing application   Web and App Services for Farmers (Topic: e-technology in the aid of farmers, Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.) What: Government has launched number of web and mobile based applications for dissemination of information on agricultural related activities, free of cost, for the benefit of farmers and other stakeholders. Some major mobile applications Kisan Suvidha: This app has a simple interface and provides information on five critical parameters- weather, input dealers, market price, plant protection and expert advisories. Pusha Krishi: This app provides information on latest technologies to farmers. Crop Insurance: - Famer can learn of insurance premium, notified area etc. on the mobile. Agri Market: - Farmer can learn of the prices of various crops in the mandis near him. India Weather:- This app provides current weather and 4 days weather forecast across the country for more than 300 cities. Major Web portals developed Farmers’Portal: Farmers’ Portal is a one stop shop for farmers where a farmer can get information on a range of topics including seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, credit, good practices, dealer network, and availability of inputs, beneficiary list and Agromet advisories. mKisan Portal: This is a unified platform from where officials and scientists can send targeted text and voice based advisories to the farmers on a host of issues related to agriculture and allied sectors. Crop Insurance Portal: To provide complete information related to Crop Insurance scheme being implemented in the country. Participatory Guarantee System of India (PGS) Portal. This is a portal for encouraging participatory approach to certification of organic farming in the country.   Linkage Between Farmers and Industry (Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security) About: To successfully deal with a range of challenges that confront farmers today, especially the constraints imposed by the small size of holdings of small and marginal farmers, member based Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) offer a proven pathway in overcoming these problems. How: FPO members are able to leverage collective strength and bargaining power To access financial and non-financial inputs and services and appropriate technologies, Reduce transaction costs, Tap high value markets Enter into partnerships with private entities on more equitable terms. In order to integrate the food processing industries with farmers, the Government has requested the States/Union Territories (UTs) to amend their marketing regulations to promote direct purchase of agricultural produce from farmers by processors at their farm gate. Cold Chain Scheme Under Central Sector Scheme of Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure, the Government is providing financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid of maximum Rs. 10 Crore per project To set up of integrated cold chain and preservation infrastructure facilities without any break from the farm gate to the consumer. The integrated cold chain and preservation infrastructure can be set up by individuals, group of entrepreneurs, cooperative societies, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), NGOs, Central/State PSUs, etc Mega Food Parks The scheme of Mega Food Park aims to create modern infrastructure for food processing and to provide a mechanism to bring together farmers, processors and retailers To link agricultural production to the market so as to ensure maximizing value addition, minimizing wastages, increasing farmers’ income creating employment opportunities especially in rural areas. Government has sanctioned 42 Mega Food Parks for setting up in the Country. Other schemes The Government is providing funds to State Governments under several Central Sector Schemes like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) National Food Security Mission (NFSM) with provision for promotion of FPOs. PSF The Government has created a Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) with an initial corpus of Rs. 500 crore during year 2015-16 and Rs. 900 crore for year 2016-17 To support market interventions for price control of important agri-commodities like onion, potatoes and pulses. The intervention is expected to regulate price volatility through procurement by State Govt. and Central agencies of selected produce, buffer stock, import and regulated release into the market. Agricultural Education Stats: At present there are 73 Agricultural Universities (AUs) including 05 Deemed-to-be universities, 02 Central Agricultural Universities, 04 Central Universities with agriculture faculty. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is conducting All India Entrance Examination every year for filling up of 15% and 25% seats respectively for undergraduate and post-graduate degree programmes every year. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Has initiated number of steps for quality assurance, i.e., accreditation of all Agricultural Universities, ranking of all Agricultural Universities as per standard of education, enhancing number of scholarships fellowships for students and enhancing competency of faculty, etc. Implementing a Plan scheme, ‘Strengthening and Development of Higher Agricultural Education in India’ with an approved outlay of Rs.2900 crores during the XII plan. The scheme strives to plan, undertake, aid, promote and coordinate agricultural education in the country with an aim to enhance the quality and relevance of higher agricultural education Provides stipend and Fellowship/assistance under various programmes at UG and PG level Rural Awareness Work Experience (RAWE) and National Talent Scholarships (NTS) for the UG students Senior Research Fellowships (SRF) and Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) for PG and UG students respectively Revised syllabus of undergraduate education of Agriculture and its allied sub-sectors including Horticulture, Dairy Technology, Food Technology, Fisheries, Biotechnology, Engineering, Forestry, Home Science Sericulture GoI scheme Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centre (AC&ABC) in 2002 to attract education youth in agriculture sector for creation of self employment opportunities ‘Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture’ (ARYA) during the XII plan. Objectives to attract and empower the youth in Rural areas to take up various Agriculture, allied and service sector enterprises for sustainable income and gainful employment in selected districts to enable the Farm Youth to establish network groups to take up resource and capital intensive activities like processing, value addition and marketing to demonstrate functional linkage with different institutions and stakeholders for convergence of opportunities available under various schemes/programme for sustainable development of Youth. Steps for technological upgradation of PDS Depot Online System has been launched and is operational at 377 depots (including 30 Pilot Depots). User Credentials for 494 depots have been created by the System Integrator (SI) and have been shared with the concerned Depots and District offices along with the link for accessing the application for login in. Training for the implementation of the application at depots other than Pre-Pilot & Pilot Depot have been conducted by SI, at 164 FCI District Offices, 25 FCI Regional Offices and 5 FCI Zonal Offices have been completed. Hardware has been delivered at 494 Depots and 117 District Offices. E-mail gateway has been provided by NIC and SI has integrated the same with the application. Digitization of Beneficiary Database for PDS- Enable correct identification of beneficiaries; removal of bogus cards and better targeting of food subsidies. Computerisation of Supply Chain Management - Timely availability of foodgrains to intended beneficiaries at FPS; check leakages/diversion. Redressal Mechanism and Transparency Portal - Introduce transparency & public accountability in the implementation of TPDS. This information was given by the Minister of State Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri C.R.Chaudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.   Upgradation of Barak Missile System (Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life) What: Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LR-SAM) and Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MR-SAM), upgraded version of Barak Missile System, are being jointly developed / produced by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and IAI, Israel. LR-SAM It has a range of 70 Km. Two Operational Flight Trials (OFT) have been conducted successfully from INS Kolkata on 29th December 2015. MR-SAM Built-to-specification (BTS) has been finalized. Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews of the system have been completed. DRDO has recently flight tested 3 MR-SAM systems successfully at ITR, Chandipur LR-SAM / MR-SAM: can detect incoming enemy aerial targets i.e. aircraft or anti-ship missile over 100 km away and destroy them at range out to 70 km and thus provide the air defence capability to the assets of Indian Armed Forces. Defence Projects Through Private Sector (Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.) What: Defence capital acquisitions are carried out as per Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) wherein emphasis has been given to boost domestic defence industry Higher preference to ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’, ‘Buy (Indian)’ and ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ categories of capital acquisition over ‘Buy (Global)’ category. Some of the major policy initiatives taken by the Government to assist the domestic private sector towards acquisition of indigenous technology or from other countries are as follows: Indian companies are allowed for tie-ups with a foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for Transfer of Technology (ToT) under ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ category. Under ‘Buy & Make’ Category of Capital Acquisition, the foreign vendor is required to transfer the Technology to Indian Production agency for indigenous production of the items. Provisions have also been made to allow Foreign OEM to select Indian Production agency of its choice for transfer of technology. Defence Offset Guidelines provides for Transfer of Technology to Indian Companies as one of the eligible avenues for discharge of offsets. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has issued Guidelines for Transfer of Technology which provides for an institutional mechanism for transfer of technology developed by DRDO to public and private sector industry.   Awareness on Environmental Degradation (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment) What: Government has initiated steps for educating and creating awareness on protection and conservation of environment among general public. ‘Environmental Education, Awareness and Training (EEAT)’ scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change was launched in the FY 1983-84 with the basic objective to: Promote environmental awareness among all sections of the society and to mobilize people’s participation for conservation of environment. Achieved through National Green Corps, National Environment Awareness Campaign, Seminars/Workshops National Nature Camping Programme Research Carrying out research in the field of environment conservation is an ongoing activity of the institutions of the central and state governments as well as in the private sector. An amount of Rs. 13 crore has been released since 2014-15 for this purpose. Research proposals are received in the Ministry from time to time for taking up various issues on environmental concerns. Objectives: To generate information and knowledge required for developing strategies, techniques and methodologies for better environmental management, To find practical solutions to the problems of environment protection and management To build indigenous capacities and strengthen scientific manpower in multidisciplinary and emerging areas of environmental sciences. Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 Notified by MOEFCC under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 which deals with the process to grant Environmental Clearances. Under it, Construction of new projects or activities The expansion or modernization of existing projects or activities listed in the schedule to the said notification entailing capacity addition with change in process and or technology Shall be under taken in any part of India only after the prior environmental clearance from the Central Government or as the case may be, from the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority   Climate Change & Agriculture Sector (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment) What: Human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) including those from the agriculture sector are considered to be the drivers of observed climate change. While annual total GHG emissions from agriculture in 2010 are estimated to be of the order of 10-12% of global anthropogenic emission, the research conducted by the government indicates that agriculture in India contributed to 18% of the total emissions of India in 2010. The gases emitted from this sector are mainly methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O). How to mitigate As agriculture sector is the main source of food, reducing food loss and waste leads to avoidance of unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions and helps in mitigating climate change through Better management of food utilisation, distribution & sustainable lifestyle. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture launched in 2010 under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) addresses both mitigation and adaptation to climate change through programmes such as System of Rice Intensification (SRI) against conventional rice cultivation coverage of milch animals under Ration Balancing Programme National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture has also been launched in 2011 to address both adaptation and mitigation in agriculture sector. National Food Security Act, 2013 Aimed at ensuring, inter alia, timely and efficient procurement and distribution of food grains, Building up and maintenance of food stocks, Efficient storage, movement and delivery of food stocks to the distributing agencies Monitoring of production, stock and price levels of food grains.   Increase in Exports (Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.) What: The merchandise exports from the country have registered an increase of 1.27 percent in Dollar terms (6.72 percent in Rupee terms) in June 2016 compared to the same month of the previous year. Key efforts made by Government for increasing exports are The New Foreign Trade Policy (2015‐20) announced on 1st April 2015 with a focus on supporting both manufacturing and services exports and improving the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ In the light of the major challenges being faced by Indian exporters in the backdrop of the global economic slowdown, the envisaged revenue outgo under MEIS was increased from Rs. 18000 Crore to Rs. 21000 Crore in October 2015 The Government is implementing the Niryat Bandhu Scheme with an objective to reach out to the new and potential exporters including exporters from Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and mentor them through- Orientation programmes, counselling sessions, individual facilitation, etc., on various aspects of foreign trade for being able to get into international trade and boost exports from India. By way of trade facilitation and enhancing the ease of doing business, Government reduced the number of mandatory documents required for exports and imports to three each, which is comparable with international benchmarks. Government continues to provide the facility of access to duty free raw materials and capital goods for exports through schemes like Advance Authorisation, Duty Free Import Authorization (DFIA), Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) and drawback / refund of duties.   R & D Units of the Ministry of Railways (Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.) What: Research, Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO), situated at Lucknow, is the sole Research and Development (R&D) organisation of Indian Railways and functions as the technical advisor to Railway Board and Zonal Railways. Objectives: Development of new and improved designs of systems and equipments Development, adoption and absorption of new technology for use on Indian Railways Development of overall system standards Development of specifications for equipment, components & materials Testing and Recommending authority for Statutory clearances (including Metro system) Assistance in technical investigations Quality Assurance of delegated items Some of the important work done by RDSO, during the past three years Advance Warning System (Radio Based) to pre-warn road user about approaching trains at unmanned level crossing gate Crashworthy design of coach Fog PASS (Pilot Assistance System for Safety) with enhanced features Development of indigenous Advanced Auxiliary Warning System (AAWS) Development of satellite based accident site communication system Development of double decker coach design High capacity milk tank van Upgradation of existing wagons to 25t Development of energy efficient HOG (Head on Generation) train power system for Indian Railways in electric locos Development of WDG5 locomotive for increasing throughput Development of 9000 HHP locomotive for DFCCIL Western Corridor Development of Crew Voice and Video Recording System(CVVRS) Operation of Gatimaan Express Design & development of new wagon for salt loading Design & development of auto car wagon Development of world-class Interiors in ICF type coaches Differently-abled passenger coaches Broadband internet on running trains through two-way satellite communication Development of Integrated passenger information system (PIS) for mainline and EMU coaches Environment friendly coach toilet discharge system Introduction of biodiesel over IR Introduction of natural gas operated trains over IR The total budget allocated to RDSO is 313.10 crores Anil Kakodkar Committee Report on Railway Safety (Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.) What: High Level Safety Review Committee was constituted by the Ministry of Railways in 2011. It submitted report in 2012 Few Recommendations General Safety Matters, Organizational Structure, Empowerment at Working Level, Safety Related Works and Issues, Filling up of vacancies in critical safety categories and Manpower Planning Issues, Plugging the shortage of critical Safety Spares, External Interferences – Removal of Encroachment and Sabotage, Upgradation of Signaling, Telecommunication and Train Protection System, Upgradation of Rolling Stock, Track, Bridges, Elimination of Level Crossings, Human Resource Development with emphasis on Education and Training Institutes on Indian Railways, Eco-system and Safety Architectures on Indian Railways. Result: Of the 106 recommendations, 68 recommendations have been fully accepted, 19 partially accepted 19 not accepted by the Ministry of Railways. So far, 22 recommendations of the Committee have been implemented. 20 recommendations are in final stages of implementation.   Make in India Initiatives of Indian Railways (Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.) What: to give boost to the “Make in India” scheme and to generate more jobs in India Following projects have been sanctioned Setting up of a traction alternator manufacturing factory for high horse power Diesel Locomotives at Vidisha. Augmentation of production capacity from 200 to 250 high horse power locos per year including facilities for fabrication of crank case for high horse power diesel locomotives at Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi. Setting up of a Forged wheel factory at Raebareli by Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited. Ministry of Railways has already planned to manufacture two rakes for Kolkata metro & EMU rakes for Mumbai area with indigenously developed IGBT based 3 – phase propulsion system under ‘Make in India’ scheme. Trial of Talgo Train (Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.) What: The trials with Talgo Coaches started with effect from 24.05.2016. The trials on main line track have been completed. The trials on Rajdhani track are under progress. Features: Natural tilting leading to higher speed on curves. Independent Axle-less wheels. Lightweight Aluminium body coaches. Disc brake system. Articulated wheels to keep wheel parallel to track. Integrated suspension. Enhanced passenger comfort. Designed for operational speed of 200 kmph. Presently there is no proposal to purchase Talgo coaches. Industrial Development in North-Eastern Region (Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.) What: Industrial Development in North-Eastern Region How: Policies and Programmes are directed towards development of infrastructure, entrepreneurship skills, markets and providing flow of credits to the entrepreneurs. The Ministry has, through the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi), undertaken techno-economic studies and resources mapping for the development of industries in the North Eastern Region. Focus on: Cluster-based approach to industry, Industries based on local resources within the Region encouraging the industries in the medium and small-scale sectors. Several projects for improvement in road, rail, air, communication, waterways and telecom network in the region have been taken up. National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) in 2014, which is now fast tracking road building activity. now better connected with broad gauging of the major rail networks in the entire region, the last being from Silchar to Agartala. Heavy investment has been made in power transmission with two projects covering all the 8 states Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan has enabled better mobile connectivity with new nodes at district, block and gram panchayat levels. Internet services got a boost with the recent launch of international internet gateway from Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh to Agartala, making it the third in the country after Mumbai and Chennai. Thrust has been given for promotion of Handlooms & Handicrafts The DoNER Ministry organised a mega-event “Destination North East-2016” to showcase the inherent economic, social and cultural strength, potential and opportunities in the North East Region.   Initiatives Taken for Improvement in Quality of Low Grade Coal (Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.) What: in order to produce better quality coal, CIL has adopted the several measures like Selective mining by Surface Miner in opencast mine Continuous Miner in underground mine for elimination of bands Wherever necessary /feasible, appropriate positioning of OB and coal benches to avoid contamination Scrapping/cleaning of coal benches before blasting Installation of metal detectors / magnetic separators over running conveyors before coal loading Crushing arrangement are also provided for supply of sized coal for better consumer satisfaction Participation of consumer representative in Joint Sampling/ Third Party Sampling and analysis of coal with consumers To increase the availability of coal in the country, CIL has taken major steps viz., expansion of existing mines, opening new mines, speedy evacuation of coal by undertaking three major Railway infrastructure projects to be executed by JV companies Encouraging Crop Diversification (Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage) What: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) advocates crop diversification with low water consuming crops in place of high water consuming crops like rice, sugarcane and banana for rain dependent areas and areas having lack of assured irrigation. How: Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare is promoting Cultivation of pulses and coarse cereals undernational Food Security Mission (NFSM) Oilseeds under National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) in the country Water conservation techniques Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), System of Rice Intensification (SRI), alternate wetting & drying method, laser land levelling, adoption of short duration drought tolerant varieties Enhance water use efficiency in water intensive crops through Promotion of water saving tools/technologies like sprinkler and drip irrigation, Creation of farm ponds, Efficient delivery and distribution systems Adoption of agronomic practices like alternate row/furrow irrigation, mulching, etc.

Aug 2, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 2nd August, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 2nd August, 2016   NATIONAL   TOPIC: General Studies 1 Population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies; Social empowerment General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Issues relating to poverty and hunger.   The dynamic nature of poverty The concept of poverty today, is different from what it was thirty years ago. The left and right of politics is not necessarily always in conformity with the lived experiences of ordinary Indians Left: They want to expand social welfare programmes for the poor by highlighting the growing inequalities between rich and poor. Right: they want to alleviate the growing burden of welfare policies and introduce economic growth to improve the lives of poor. Thus, it is needed that poverty be understood and tackled with tailor made approaches to align with the transition happening in society. Complicated data The anti-poverty policies are based on identifying poor through Below Poverty Line (BPL) Census. These censuses conducted every 10 years In 1993-94, more than 50% of the population fell in BPL category. Their identification was simply based on Rural landless households in underdeveloped districts like Dangs and Bastar They often belonged to SCs and STs Even if the above identification strategies failed, there was 50% chance of being right in identifying poor. However, in 21st century, when one in four rural Indians and one in six urban Indians are poor, there are more chances of identifying the poor wrongly. IHDS survey Same household, different points of time. 2004-05 and 2011-12 If BPL cards handed out on basis of 2004-05 household’s average consumption expenditure, 25 out of 38 Indians would have been out of BPL list in 2011-12 If 62 Indians were not eligible for BPL cards in 2004-05, 9 became newly poor in 2011-12 Thus, In 2011-12, 66% of BPL card holders would have moved out of poverty line while 40% of poor would not have held a BPL card.   Understanding poverty Poverty is very dynamic in nature The fundamental assumptions need to be revisited as poor household may move out of poverty and non-poor may become poor over a period of time. Poverty is not only because of birth in a poor family. But other factors of life also determine the existence of poverty. It includes occurrence of disease, disability and unemployment. Approach to poverty The goal has been to cover maximum through welfare programmes. This has diluted the concentrated efforts needed to help poor overcome the poverty Strange paradox: despite decline in poverty, there is a sharp increase in proportion of population receiving welfare benefits IHDS data: Between 2004-05 and 2011-12, the proportion of population deemed to be poor fell from 38% to 22% But, there was an increase from 13% in 2004-05 to 33% in 2011-12 in the proportion of households which receive benefits from various welfare schemes like old age pension, widow pension, Janani Suraksha Yojana or scholarships etc. There was an increase from 27% to 52% from 2004-05 to 2011-12 in households buying cereals from PDS, which intends to provide subsidized food grains to poor. In MGNREGA, it provided employment to 17% of the households considering the past in which there was negligible participation in public works programme of government. In toto, the proportion of household covered by all these schemes increased from 35% to 68% from 2004-05 to 2011-12 Despite expansion in coverage areas of welfare schemes, the incomes and subsidies from such welfare programmes account for relatively small proportion of overall household budget. In 2004-05, the transfers and subsidies from the welfare schemes was of Rs. 3,129 per recipient household per year In 2011-12, at constant terms, it increased to Rs. 6,017 Overall, this is Rs. 100 per person per month in 2011-12 However, the incomes also grew between 2004-05 and 2011-12. The average proportion of the household income accruing from benefits grew only marginally from 11 per cent to 14 per cent for all the recipients. Thus, the burden of welfare programmes on the exchequer may be huge, but the impact on household has been relatively less. Welfare schemes The welfare programmes have proliferated exponentially In 2012, 131 schemes were in operation in one study district! And more astonishingly, most of the beneficiaries were not aware of these schemes meant for them!! Less than 2% of the household had registered their daughters in girl child protection schemes. Assessment: more the schemes, much more the inefficiency and leakages. Many schemes succumb to lack of funds as they would have been either politically motivated or not successful in garnering wide public acceptance. Consequences The policy decision related to welfare schemes are not well thought with multiple outcomes and consequences. RSBY covers hospital costs but not outpatient service. Not all are admitted to hospitals frequently. However, patients delay their treatment until sever condition where hospitalisation is the last resort. They are reimbursed their hospitalisation expenses but at the cost of their health. PDS covers only cereals People consume only cereals and reduce their dietary diversity which is extremely essential for a healthy body Need is: for the welfare schemes to address these concerns while genuinely taking care of what people require. The restructuring of social safety net faces three challenges. However, these challenges have to addressed pragmatically and not bending towards any ideology. Identifying the true beneficiary who needs assistance in context of rapid economic changes Delivering the assistance efficiently without unintended consequences creeping in to distort the intended benefits Meaningful assistance to cure the situation permanently and not merely a bandage on wound for temporary relief Conclusion What can be done? Simple and limited goals. They provide the opportunity to concentrate on a focused area and thereby achieving the realistically measured goals than superficial and larger-than-life expectations To divide social safety policies into 3 categories Access to appropriate work: provision of back-up manual work at below market wages to those who are able to work Access to insurance: provision of insurance against catastrophic events such as health-care emergencies or crop failure that push people into poverty Access to financial support: provision of cash support, say in the form of old age pension, to people who are no longer able to work. Understanding the transforming society MGNREGA is excellent model for employment programmes in rural areas. It should be equally be well implemented in urban areas for promised 100days Better framework for increasing number of crop and health insurance programme to prevent cost escalation Better benefits and easier access to old age pension and disability schemes. The need is to recognise the evolving and changing dynamics of the traditional policies in the growing economy so that poor have a requisite opportunity to bring themselves out of poverty and not consider it as part of life due to birth in such family. Connecting the dots: Poverty needs to be re-defined. Examine   Related articles: Poverty in India: Methodology, Issues, Causes and Impact Poverty estimation in India INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2 India and its International relations, Foreign Policy Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. What India has to do to become a ‘great power’   Can India become a “great power”? India has the prerequisites of size, location, demography, economic potential and political standing to become a “great power”. What India has to do is – ‘Build its capacity’ to forge these attributes (size, location, demography, economic potential and political standing) into demonstrable national strength. Secure desired outcomes in multilateral forums and expand its international influence. For this India has to first do the following: Increase its diplomatic influence in multilateral negotiations to achieve desired outcomes Strengthen its geopolitical games, bilateral equations and domestic politics Use positive and negative tactics It should know to concede somewhere to get something elsewhere Learn from China lessons Cooperation or compromise and not confrontation Enabling domestic politics India, under NDA government, has done quite well in this direction which is evident from its foreign policy initiatives with our near and extended neighbourhood, with major powers, in campaigns for UN Security Council and Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) membership   Let us deal with above conditions one by one: Diplomatic Influence: India’s diplomatic influence in multilateral negotiations should increase, to achieve its below given desired outcomes – 30-year-old effort to secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council similar effort to seek admission to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) quest to seek membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) The geopolitical games The outcome in international negotiations is really determined by geopolitical games, bilateral equations and domestic politics, more than the “merits” of a case. The strength of bilateral relationships underpins such negotiations. Every country, big or small, matters. Therefore, India should focus more on mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation, which enhances the stake of both countries in the relationship. This influences their attitude in multilateral forums on subjects of interest to each other. As in interpersonal relations, so in diplomacy: make a friend before you need him. Use of positive and negative tactics Another diplomatic tool is projecting to countries the advantages of a positive stance and the “costs” of a negative position. A current example is the Saudi Arabian threat to sell $750 billion of U.S. assets if the latter enacts a law enabling victims of 9/11 to sue the Saudi government for its alleged involvement in the terrorist act. The U.S. Congress may pass the bill, but the President will probably veto it. Awarding or withholding major contracts and facilitating or impeding investments are recognised negotiating tactics. Countries leverage strategic import decisions — civilian and defence — to extract benefits from the exporting country. For example, in the 1990s, when Boeing dominated its market, China placed a large order with Airbus — apparently reacting to U.S. criticism of its human rights record. Airbus thereafter consolidated its position in China. Today, China is exploiting the Airbus-Boeing competition to extract technological know-how for designing and manufacturing its own civilian aircraft. Therefore, India should enhance the internal flexibility to use such tactics. Concede somewhere to get something elsewhere For example, India’s Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) membership was vetoed by Italy in 2015. When this veto was lifted this year, some attributed it to a deal on the Italian marines awaiting trial in India for the killing of two fishermen off the Kerala coast in 2012. Even if true, the national interest justifies such deals. Similarly, every time our government signs a multilateral agreement, it faces charges of a “sell-out”. Therefore, India should understand the truth that you must concede somewhere to get something elsewhere is as valid in international negotiations as in daily life. Learn from the China lessons Influence in multilateral forums is enhanced by bilateral and plurilateral alliances promoting shared strategic, security or economic interests, which is evident in China’s policy. India should learn to use certain specific negotiations: strategic alliances, tactical alignments, bilateral trade-offs and pressure at sensitive points combine to achieve the objective. No country, however powerful, likes isolation in an international forum. Same goes with China. China has a number of interests which need international support. Especially in expanding the footprint of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, developing its ambitious One Belt One Road project and a range of trade and investment issues are just some of them. Therefore, India’s interest which intersects or runs parallel with those of China – such as in West Asia and Africa – can be achieved through international support. Cooperation or compromise and not confrontation India has to find the right trade-offs, ensuring that what we gain is commensurate with what we concede. India should deal with cooperation or compromise and only in extreme provocation should use confrontation. Enabling domestic politics These stratagems for achieving external objectives are not original — they are simply Chanakya’s approaches of Sama, Dana, Bheda, Danda (alliances, compensation, divide and rule, and armaments). However, they need an enabling domestic environment. We need effective nationwide public diplomacy to explain our foreign policy perspectives to government, legislative, corporate, media and civil society circles, so that major initiatives do not become hostage to party politics or narrow local interests. Intra-governmental coordination has to ensure that domestic measures are synchronised with foreign policy objectives (and vice versa). A mechanism to oversee implementation of inter-governmental agreements should include resolving inter-ministerial turf battles and conflicts of perspectives.   Conclusion: In the ultimate analysis, external ambitions can be achieved only if they fit into a coherent national strategy. India requires a major restructuring of mindsets and overhaul of practices to become a great power. The political spirit seems willing, but the bureaucratic flesh remains uncertain. Connecting the dots: Discuss what stratagems India should adopt to achieve its external objectives and finally become a great power? Can India become a ‘great power’? Critically analyze.   MUST READ The cause is AFSPA Hindu   Child labour by other means Hindu Related Articles: From Child Slavery to Freedom A crumbling idea of progress—Child Labour   The Gurgaon syndrome in Indian urbanization Livemint Related Articles: TLP – 2016 Urbanization: Cities at crossroads- Why cities matter?   Well begun, but is it half done? Business Line   When banks return to retail lending Business Line

Aug 1, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 1st August, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 1st August, 2016   ECONOMY/ENVIRONMENT   TOPIC: General Studies 3: Green Bonds and issues related to it Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment (especially in Environment and Renewable energy sector). Environment and Ecology, Bio diversity - Conservation, environmental degradation, environmental impact assessment, Environment versus Development Issues relating to renewable energy technology and developing new technology.   Green Bonds can give a fillip to India’s renewable energy goals What is Green Bond? A bond is a debt instrument with which an entity raises money from investors. The bond issuer gets capital while the investors receive fixed income in the form of interest. When the bond matures, the money is repaid. A green bond is very similar. The only difference is that the issuer of a green bond publicly states that capital is being raised to fund ‘green’ projects, which typically include those relating to renewable energy, emission reductions and so on. Therefore, a green bond is a fixed income instrument for the purpose of raising debt capital through markets. It certifies that the proceeds will be used exclusively for specific “green” purposes.   What are its benefits? Green bonds enhances an issuer's reputation, as it helps in showcasing their commitment towards sustainable development. It also provides issuers access to specific set of global investors who invest only in green ventures. With an increasing focus of foreign investors towards green investments, it could also help in reducing the cost of capital.   What are the avenues where these funds can be invested? SEBI's indicative list includes renewable and sustainable energy such as wind and solar, clean transportation, sustainable water management, climate change adaptation, energy efficiency, sustainable waste management and land use and biodiversity conservation.   Why are green bonds important for India? India has embarked on an ambitious target of building 175 gigawatt of renewable energy capacity by 2022, from just over 30 gigawatt now. 100GW — is expected to come from solar energy 60GW — from wind energy sources 10GW — from bio-energy Unfortunately, renewable energy is more capital-intensive than coal, and financing this push will require $160 billion of capital, $120 billion as debt, and $40billion as equity. In simple words, this requires a massive $200 billion in funding. This isn’t easy. Currently, most renewable projects are financed by bank commercial loans at 11-12 per cent interest per annum. However, the Indian banking sector is currently going through a balance sheet adjustment; banks are unlikely to be able to expand their balance sheets to be able to finance the additional requirements of the renewable sector. As reports suggest, higher interest rates and unattractive terms under which debt is available in India raise the cost of renewable energy by 24-32 per cent compared to the U.S. and Europe. “India has big goals in terms of renewable energy installations, but a big hurdle has been financing and the cost of financing” Green bonds may be able to fill this gap. Still, why are green bonds an attractive option? Green bonds typically carry a lower interest rate than the loans offered by the commercial banks. Hence, when compared to other forms of debt, green bonds offer better returns for an independent power producers. As these bonds are meant for specific investors looking to invest in renewable energy projects, pricing could be attractive. Green bonds can provide a long-term source of debt capital for renewable infrastructure projects. Why should an investor get excited with lower interest? Because, it inherently carries lower risk than other bonds. In case of a green bond, “proceeds are raised for specific green projects, but repayment is tied to the issuer, not the success of the projects.” This means the risk of the project not performing stays with the issuer rather than investor.   What are the risks and challenges? Certifying a green bond: The Green Bond Principles are voluntary guidelines issued by the International Capital Market Association which states the procedure for certifying a green bond. These encompass the use of proceeds, the evaluation procedure, the management of proceeds, and financial reporting. Globally, there have been serious debates about whether the projects targeted by green bond issuers are green enough. There have been controversies too. For instance, Reuters a few months back reported how activists were claiming that the proceeds of the French utility GDF Suez’s $3.4 billion green bond issue were being used to fund a dam project that hurts the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. Therefore, these guidelines issued by the International Capital Market Association are lacking in specifics, leading to a lack of consensus on what classifies as a green bond. There could also be a currency risk: From an Indian perspective, a challenge of making investors subscribe could be the tenor and rating of green bonds. The downside is that green bonds in India have a shorter tenor period of about 10 years in India whereas a typical loan would be for minimum 13 years. This is less when compared to many international issuances. Many target buyers of Indian green bonds may not invest in any bonds that are rated lower than the AAA-.   The way ahead: Developing a green bond market Green bonds have been around for a decade but regulation and investment in them is still minuscule compared to the total market for debt mainly on account of lack of green bond standards, low credit rating of potential issuers, and higher cost of issuance. Fossil fuels have always enjoyed huge subsidies throughout their history (namely, subsidised diesel, kerosene and gas) and have contributed to environmental degradation and global warming, it is now apt that clean energy initiatives get equitable treatment. The government essentially needs to increase the funds available for investment in green projects, by providing for specific tax incentives and development of long-term finance markets in general. Some of the key actionable steps would be changing Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority norms for size of investment for insurance companies, creating mandates for provident funds to invest in infrastructure and environmentally sustainable projects, increasing the priority sector lending limit for bank loans under solar energy from a meagre Rs.15 crore, standardising the definition of green to be able to target government efforts in the direction, and mobilising retail savings by way of tax exemption on the lines of Section 80CCF. Conclusion: For the green bond market to have long-term credibility, investors and governments would need evidence that the projects funded have in fact delivered the intended environmental benefits. The Indian government can lead the global push towards green by taking three steps to reduce our races’ carbon footprint: standardise “green” bonds as a way to finance environmentally sustainable projects, provide incentives to investing in projects funded by a carbon tax on polluting sources of energy and, finally, increase funds channelled towards investing in environmentally sustainable projects. Connecting the dots: What are green bonds? Examine how Green Bonds can give a fillip to India’s renewable energy goals.   NATIONAL   TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General studies 3 Security challenges; Science and Technology – developments and their applications and effects in everyday life   Too cagey about sharing geospatial data What: The draft of the Geospatial Information Regulation Bill 2016 was released recently It makes mandatory to take permission from a government authority before acquiring, disseminating and publishing or distributing any geospatial information of India. Geospatial information is data referenced to a place—a set of geographic coordinates—which can often be gathered, manipulated, and displayed in real time. It includes geospatial imagery or data acquired through space or aerial platforms such as satellite, aircrafts, airships, balloons, unmanned aerial vehicles, digital or graphic data depicting natural or man-made physical features, phenomenon or boundaries of the earth. Why: The objectives were aimed to protect the sovereignty, integrity and security of India. However, its provisions are extremely wide in their scope and ambit. Practice till now: The Survey of India (SoI) and the National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (Natmo) under the department of science and technology are the two government mapping agencies. In the 20th century, the SoI topographical maps were the only source of geospatial information for those conducting research in both geography, geomorphology and other spatial and earth sciences. Even now, they are very important to all the academic fraternity concerned with the earth, bio and social sciences and are included in the curricula of the plustwo level, colleges and universities. The Natmo mainly produces thematic maps used by ordinary, non-specialised people and usually have a lesser degree of accuracy Implications: A general oversight It infringes upon Constitutional rights, harms innovation, undermines the national initiatives of Digital India and Startup India, is completely impractical and unworkable There are already laws in place that prevent the use of geospatial information which undermine national security. For instance, the Official Secrets Act, 1923 (“OSA”) already contains provisions which prevent a person from creating maps that undermine national security and would penalise their doing so. The National Mapping Policy, 2005, already puts in place restrictions on wrongful depictions of India’s international boundaries The development aspect seems to be missing and more focus in on penalisation and obstructing genuine growth. The draft bill mandates that any person submitting an application for geospatial information to be vetted must pay a fee. This will impose an immense burden on all users of digital devices in and outside of India. The draft conflicts with the Information Technology Act, 2000, because both deal with not just physical but also digital data.   Government loses The government’s ability to make informed decisions and also partner with public and other organisations during times of crisis has not been thought of. Non Resident Indians lose Contribution of Indian students in US is huge, especially those who work get PhDs and work as scientists. They won’t be able to get access to high quality data as the bill restricts the use of geospatial data in any form The Bill says, “no person shall disseminate or allow visualisation of any geospatial information of India either through internet platforms or online services, or publish or distribute any geospatial information of India in any electronic or physical form” Even Indians living abroad shall face the restrictions “Use of Geospatial Information of India outside India... no person shall, in any manner, make use of, disseminate, publish or distribute any geospatial information of India, outside India, without prior permission from the Security Vetting.” Virtual creation of Licence Raj It creates a licensing raj under which even harmless acts such as taking photographs from an aeroplane would be criminalised, as well as the possibility that the use of maps by the media would become punishable. Under this law, Google Maps will be illegal without a licence. It means that all mobile or e-commerce applications working on Google Maps will also become illegal. The licence will also only be applicable to the concerned person. So if a taxi aggregator like Ola or Uber will have to get a separate licence over and above what Google Map has. Doom for industry The current draft has erupted a string of controversies and discussions around its impact on big companies such as Google and Apple, businesses such as Ola and Uber, and for consumers using certain apps. The bill negatively impacts the growth of e-commerce and m-commerce in India which require to gather location information to deliver their services. It would push up the costs of acquiring such basic information and also make media liable for heavy fines and imprisonment in case of even an oversight. The draft also does not mention any relaxations or exemptions for media or other groups from mandatory licensing, or the provision of free-to-use templates by the government, like court judgments, which the media can easily access without fearing grave repercussions.   Access to Geospatial information is valuable Let’s take example of health The implementation of this Bill implies that any scientist based outside India, implementing health intervention in Bihar and UP, will not be able to publish a map in journal. WHY? It would give the international readers a context of the study location! The Geospatial information can be extremely useful in disease surveillance, detecting existing and forming patterns, and predicting outbreaks of certain types. This will enable in making informed and precise decisions. Track by hospitals The public and private hospitals can run a surveillance system on their patients. It can identify where they come from and also the population that might be at risk in that location Mobil health can be encouraged as it can use the location information to track health indicators such as breast cancer screening or cervical cancer screening, number of antenatal care visits made by women, and patient outcomes. International practices Use of geospatial information Several international governments have taken the Open Government Data initiative under which several governments have made all datasets in the public domain available on a single portal. They are available across several sectors like health, education, transportation and energy etc. The formats used can be helpful in analysing the geospatial and non-geospatial information. The aim is: consumers, policy makers, researchers can use the data to formulate their study and plans and make use of the information for day-to-day working Separate datasets The geospatial and non-geospatial datasets on the Open Data portal are parted. US: large data like precipitation data, health facilities locations, parks, earthquakes, elections are used for making data-driven decisions. Kenya: it has large number of open portals which displays their health distribution facilities and related infrastructure. It can be downloaded for making geospatial analysis too Singapore: its open data portals display the dengue clusters and related maps to identify the risk population and areas of risk during monsoons It also shows locations of blood banks, parks and clinics with community health assistants.   Humanitarian Open Data Exchange portal Launched in 2014 Aim: to increase the availability of data to be used for analysis Facts: has over 4,000 datasets from different countries. More than 300 are in geospatial format The geospatial data range from administrative boundaries of different tiers for countries, roads, railways, population settlements, rivers, health facilities, and food aid and related maps, among others. A geospatial format is a standard of encoding geographical information into a computer file. Helpful in crisis Humanitarian Open Street Network (HOTOSM) work to create free and up-to-date maps for relief organisations in times of disaster or crisis. For example, during Nepal earthquake in 2015 or Ecuador earthquake in 2016 or Sri Lanka floods, HOTOSM works with a huge network of volunteers that devotes time to create digital maps to help relief organisations and governments direct resources. A novel partnership: a public-public partnership — under which governments and public agencies work together to respond to crises. Conclusion Looking closer A survey in Bangladesh revealed that there were several barriers to limit the use of geospatial information, even for public health decision-making The barriers are Lack of inter-institutional collaboration among different government entities, Lack of availability of skilled personnel Lack of awareness on the use of geographic information systems India- has to be a developer and not an obstructer It is a resource constrained nation The enormous population lacks access to basic government services If the use of geospatial information is limited in making policy decisions, India would suffer due to its ill-informed and irrational policies. India will have to strike a balance between the protection of its national interest and ensuring that the data gets used for the propagation of e-commerce and m-commerce Bhuvan, the software application developed by ISRO that provides access to users to 2D and 3D representations of the surface of Earth has to be made popular with students, scholars and teachers. In today’s geopolitics based on security and territorial concerns, these are issues to be resolved only at the international, transnational level, not via any Bill. Connecting the dots The proposed draft of the geospatial bill is regressive in nature when India wants to implement ‘Digital India’. Critically analyse Related articles: Geospatial Information Regulation Bill, 2016 Geospatial Information Regulation Bill: How can Pakistan object? 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Aug 1, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

IASbaba’s FREE PRELIMS MOCK TEST- 2 LIVE: COMPETE WITH ALL INDIA RANKING!!

Dear Friends,   We are here again with Final mock for prelims 2016 as promised!  Use this mock the right way to be at your best on AUG 7.   We have few suggestions: Take the test as if you are sitting in a real exam - in one sitting with no breaks and deviations. People tend to google, watch movies , whataspp et al in between.   All the above activities won't help and screw up your thought process, thus damaging the experience.   Your ability to concentrate for at least 90 minutes with least of deviations can take you steps ahead than what you are now! The first mock had overwhelming response. You competed with more than 6500 aspirants in the FIRST MOCK    But it was on a tougher side and purposeful.   The reason : It acts as a wake up call and you can wake up in the final few days and double your effort, to put you out of your comfort zone and see how you perform.   We are very sure that the first mock came as a shock to many people who had thought they had prepared 100%. We know that you will be thanking us after Aug 7! :)   The second mock is relatively easier. We have shown the paper to our best students before publishing it. Any score in excess of 80 in this paper is excellent. But be alert not to mess it with overthinking and overconfidence. We always want you to learn other aspects when you take Mocks or Tests on IASbaba.  Other aspects include Art of ” leaving “, my friends can help you in art of “living”.  This examination is totally different than others in a sense that you need to know “What not to do than what to do” You have to qualify this examination & not to take on your ego to solve all the questions. For this one need to to work on few things and among them are- Patience, Confidence, Temptation and Maintaining cool.  Final note to aspirants: There will be people whom purposefully commenting on 1-2 questions. They did do last time too on obvious questions in most derogatory manner. Neglect them! Their intentions are different.   Ours and Yours is to crack Aug 7!   FREE NEW REGISTRATION  Others who have not registered before can register using the link: Click Here Once you register, check email where a link will be sent to activate your account and click on the link to activate it. students can attend the test by logging in using their username and password.   All the best IASbaba