Jul 31, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

VERY IMPORTANT: 60 Days Subject Wise Compilations with Clarifications!

Hello Friends, Here is the full compilation along with clarifications of 60 Days Prelims Program. We are posting all the subjects at once since less time is left to revise. Those who have followed it sincerely must have done with the revision. For others, it may prove very productive to revise it in one go. So, extract the best use of it :) Ancient, Medieval and Culture Modern India Science & Technology Environment & Ecology Geography World Geography Economics Polity Current Affairs   P.S- Left out Clarifications on ILP tests- in the process. Login to your profile and check the discussion section. By tomorrow, we will try our best to clarify all possible doubts :) Thank You All the very best  IASbaba

Jul 31, 2016 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Being Here and Now – Inspirational & Educative Articles

Being Here and Now There is so much of constant talk about dreaming, achieving, planning, preparing, learning and doing so many things to attain something in the future; it is very easy to forget that in order to achieve anything in life, you have to first be here and now. If you do not learn the importance of being here and now; if you don’t know how to be in the present moment to handle life’s obstacles and challenges, you will never be able to use the abilities you possess when you need them the most. A mind that is constantly moving around, that has not settled in the present moment can achieve very little. Think about this; can you breathe for yesterday or tomorrow; can you take more breaths today to compensate for not taking enough breaths yesterday. You are in control of only this present moment in which you can take only one breath at a time. That is all there is to achieve anything; one breath at a time. To forget being in the present moment is to forget your true potential and also to forget all your creative abilities. One of the fundamental features of creativity is spontaneity, which comes only by being in the present moment. Only the present moment can lend you the platform needed for your thought and action to come together. All your preparation and effort is in vain if you don’t know how to settle, be relaxed and focus on being here and now. Present is the only cup in which you can mix the knowledge, experience and wisdom of the past with the desires, aspirations and vision of the future. If you don’t know how to be here, you cannot put things together. Everything is changing constantly. Life is more like a jig saw puzzle on water. It is constantly throwing you new challenges which can only be faced in the present moment. If you are not in the present moment, then you are constantly struggling to understand life because you are trying to solve yesterday’s puzzle today! Responding moment to moment to the ever changing colors of life is being creative, is being spontaneous, is being alert, is being aware and is being alive. Take away the moment, and life simply becomes an unending battle with the problems of tomorrow. In the moment unfolds the beauty and magic of life; in the moment is courage and strength; in the moment is clarity and certainty. If you have a choice to be anywhere, be here and now. And don’t forget that only in the present moment you exist. When you are lost in the past and future, you are lost in a dream. Not being here and now is as good as being asleep. You cannot face your challenges while asleep. Waking up is a process of acknowledging the tremendous importance of learning how to be here and now. “The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.” Read more such articles– Click Here

Jul 30, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 30th July, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 30th July, 2016   ENVIRONMENT   TOPIC: General Studies 3 Environment and Ecology, Bio diversity - Conservation, environmental degradation, environmental impact assessment, Environment versus Development Issues relating to renewable energy technology and developing new technology.   175GW of renewable energy by 2022 – Is this goal achievable? India has set ambitious goals to achieve 175GW of renewable energy by 2022. A large share of this goal — 100GW — is expected to come from solar energy A relatively smaller share — 10GW — from bio-energy The below article discusses the difference between Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, Solar thermal technology, biomass-based technologies and importance of hybridisation model. Current status of solar energy in India: Today, the Indian market is dominated by the photovoltaic (PV) technology, which has an installed capacity of almost 7000 MW. Also worth noticing is the fact that the price of solar PV fell from Rs. 17 to Rs. 5 per unit (1 unit = 1 kWh) in the past few years, while the price of solar thermal has remained above Rs. 10/kWh. As solar energy is available only a few hours in a day, it is desirable to store it, to be able to dispatch power when required. However, battery storage is expensive and unviable for long-term use, as batteries need to be replaced at least every five years. Hence, PV with battery storage, using current technologies, looks unviable as a long-term solution for dispatchable and reliable power. Solar Thermal Technology versus Solar PV Technology: Solar thermal, which concentrates sun’s rays to produce heat (steam), is used to drive turbines. This heat energy can be stored and used to generate electricity when there is no sunlight; this makes it cost-effective in comparison with battery storage. Worldwide, most solar thermal power plants have incorporated thermal storage. Solar thermal with storage facility can be used to overcome intermittency and provide steady power to grids; however, the inclusion of thermal storage increases the capital cost further. In India, solar thermal technology had limited success in the initial phase of the National Solar Mission owing to challenges in terms of financial closure, sourcing of critical components of the power plant, etc., and this led to a substantial delay in their commissioning. This also resulted in a reduction of the allotted target in the subsequent phases. Also, the capital cost of solar PV reduced from Rs. 12.5 crore/MW to Rs. 5.8 crore/MW, whereas that of solar thermal remained at Rs. 12 crore/MW. This led to the dominance of PV in the Indian market. Hence, solar thermal has not been able to compete with solar PV. Conclusion: Solar thermal technology is far effective and better for longer term than solar battery or photovoltaic (PV) technology. But Indian government in its National Solar Mission is pushing for solar photovoltaic (PV) technology which will be helpful for just short-term. On the other hand, biomass-based technologies are relatively mature here, with investment and generation costs of about Rs. 6.5 crore/MW and Rs. 4.5/unit, respectively. However, biomass plants are also not able to progress due to various reasons such as availability (lack of a well-established supply chain) and variations in costs of biomass. Mix and make Considering above issues, India must have a mix of both thermal and PV technologies to achieve 100GW. And to bring down the cost of solar thermal, one of the options is to have thermal storage or to hybridise solar thermal power plants with biomass. Biomass is predominantly used by combustion and gasification technologies to generate power. It is estimated that 120-150 million tonne of surplus biomass is available in India annually, which has a potential of generating 18GW. However, the typical capital cost for setting up a biomass-based plant is about Rs. 6.5 crore/MW, while the benchmark cost of biomass-based power is Rs. 4.5/kWh. Hence, biomass-based standalone power plants have not been popular in India.   Both solar thermal and biomass technologies work on the same principle. The heat generated is used to produce steam, which is in turn fed into a turbine to generate electricity. Thus, a hybrid of a solar thermal plant and a biomass plant is a viable option. For example, based on the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission guidelines, the capital cost of a 3MW hybrid plant is about Rs. 30 crore, whereas the cost of a standalone solar thermal plant is about Rs. 45 crore and that of a biomass-based plant of equal capacity would be about Rs. 20 crore. The capital cost of a hybrid plant reduces due to the use of common equipment (turbine generator set, cooling systems, etc.). Biomass versus Hybrid model: Though a biomass plant costs less compared to a hybrid one, the latter scores on operational parameters. Operating costs of a biomass plant increase with the rise in fuel requirements. Biomass prices also fluctuate typically between Rs. 3-6 per kg, or even more. The availability of biomass and supply chain is also a major issue. Hybrid plants also score because they require considerably lower quantity of biomass as it is used in combination with solar radiation. A comparison of the tariffs of the power generated from a standalone solar thermal and a hybrid system shows that the costs range from Rs. 14-16/kWh and Rs. 8/kWh, respectively. These estimates are based on a normal eight-hour operation considering only solar hours. If the plant runs 24 hours, the cost comes down to Rs. 5.4/ kWh. Hybridisation will increase the capacity utilisation factor of a plant threefold, as it will generate electricity from biomass in the absence of sunlight. This will make the plant financially viable. Also, biomass-based power can help overcome the intermittency without adding thermal storage. A standalone biomass-based power plant requires a continuous supply of biomass in large quantities. Hybridisation with solar thermal will reduce the biomass requirement, and in the case of a temporary shortage of biomass, power production will be curtailed but the plant will remain functional throughout the year.   Some hurdles However, the hybridisation model has some issues. Securing a continuous supply of biomass still remains a hurdle because there is no provision for a long-term purchase agreement between biomass suppliers and power producers, which makes the price of biomass unpredictable. Another issue is the configuration of plants (i.e., solar and biomass contribution) that can produce electricity at the lowest cost. Regulatory issues such as monitoring the contribution of each source in power generation remain a point of contention. A 3MW hybrid is being implemented in Bihar as a demonstration project by CSTEP along with Indian and European partners. Currently, there is no regulatory and policy framework in India to address or promote hybridised renewable energy plants. The learnings from the operations of this power plant will lead to a better understanding of the technical challenges associated with hybrid systems, and can lead to better policy frameworks and tariff pricing mechanisms. Connecting the dots: Discuss the features and provisions under National Solar Mission. Highlight the difference between Solar PV technology and Solar Thermal technology. What are the limitations associated with solar and biomass technologies. Do you think hybridization model can help India to achieve its ambitious 175GW of renewable energy by 2022? Critically analyze.   ENVIRONMENT/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 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Disaster and disaster management. Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life   Kovvada Nuclear Plant, Andhra Pradesh Photo credit: http://www.dianuke.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Kovvada-site.jpg What? As part of the Indo-US nuclear deal signed almost a decade ago, India had offered GE and Westinghouse one site each to set up six units of 1000 MWe. Government in 2012 demarcated Kovvada land in Andhra Pradesh for acquisition to build nuclear power plant. This project is transferred from Gujarat. Westinghouse was given to Mithivirdi. But after protests from local people and also environmental objections, it was shifted to Andhra Pradesh Nuclear hub in making The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) plans to install six nuclear reactors, each generating 1,594 megawatts (MW), or 9,564 MW of power overall. This will throw the normal life out of gear of the communities of Kovvada as they will have to shift to other areas. Andhra Pradesh has permitted for the establishment of string of nuclear plants along the coastline- both U.S. and Russian-which will together generate 30,000 MW by 2031. Political angle In 2012, the protestors mainly included cadre of TDP workers, which was then in opposition. The opposition in parliament during the UPA rule also opposed the nuclear power plant project. However, now the centre and the Andhra Pradesh state government are in support of the project. It is not a political issue in the State as all parties have agreed to the project. However, this time it is the CPI (M) which is mobilising the masses to rise against the proposed plant at Kovvada.   Resistance in Kovvada: Four years ago, Kovvada had experienced a small resistance movement. The protestors, including the fisherfolk, anti-nuclear activists and leaders of political parties raised slogans against establishment of the nuclear power plant as it would rob them of their livelihood and expose to high dose of radiation Relay hunger strike: It began in December 2012 where hundreds of people staged protests and raised slogans against the power plant. it lasted for more than 150 days With passage of time and no strong political backing, the movement lost its steam. The fishermen are indulged in knitting long nylon and plastic threads into hammocks because effluents from nearby pharma industries into the water bodies consumed their fishes. Activists cite four reasons for ‘Destination Andhra Pradesh’ for nuclear plants Warm rapport between leadership of central and state government AP’s huge requirement for power as it shifts from agriculture to industrialisation Ready availability of government land Virtually no resistance from people Creating a dumpyard: it is feared by activists that Andhra Pradesh may become a nuclear dumpyard as it is willingly accepting the nuclear power plant project, which is opposed by people in states of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and even Gujarat Ground Realities- A lookout One view People are ready to move out from the plant/nearby plant areas as they have lost their primary livelihood already (fishing), persistent unavailability of drinking water, no MGNREGA facility or any old age pension scheme They await a ‘good package’ of Rs. 25 lakh for each family as a ‘Relief and Rehabilitation’ scheme before they hand over their lands Another view “Vaddu, nuclear plant vaddu, Kovvada maku muddu (No, we don’t want nuclear plant, we love our Kovvada)” is a slogan one hears on the beach. The 560 acres of coconut plantation is expected to be lost if the nuclear plant comes in the vicinity. Some people are doubting the officials who assure them best monetary package, when their real concern is the information they have got about radiation effects that cause serious damages to human, animal and environmental health. Also, government’s promise of employment opportunities is looked at with scepticism. When graduates from their villages did not get job assurance from NPCIL or villagers themselves found that they will be end up as coolies during the construction work and will be out of employment once the plant is constructed, they doubt if the development and prosperity is for them. Land Acquisition Plans to acquire 2000 acres of land- some fallow, some fertile- in Kovvada and abutting areas (Pedda and Chinna Kovvada, Tekkali, Ramachandrapuram and Kotapalem) This is expected to displace 3000 families Government’s rule: the state government has declared ban on land registration In simple terms, no one can buy or sell lands, use it as collaterals to raise loan for health emergencies or marriages. Indirectly, the state government expects the people to leave the place themselves as they cannot live in such areas, with such rules. NPCIL has completed the survey of 1200 acres of government land after the project was proposed four years ago As per government, a big part of land is illegally occupied by the big landowners and landless. This has encouraged government for a speedier process However, there are holes in private land survey done by Revenue Department officials where the farmers have alleged under-measurement of their land to reduce compensation amount. Astonishingly, the state government says that it has no role in deciding anything relating to such projects which come under the aegis of the Central government and NPCIL As per a state government official, the Government of India has just asked the state government to look for nuclear plant sites in Nellore and Prakasam districts US will build nuclear plant at Kovvada, Russia is expected in Nellore/Prakasam.   Where is safety? Vicinity of plant Kovvada and surrounding villages have many families living within the ‘exclusion’ zone, i.e. the immediate vicinity of the nuclear plant upto 1.5km from the project site where no one is expected to live. There are 42 villages in the ‘sterilised’ zone, upto 5 km where no development should take place. In the ‘emergency’ zone which is upto 16km, there are 66 villages Safety from nuclear issue is debatable as Neither India has experience in handling new generation reactors- whether GE-Hitachi’s Economic simplified boiling water reactor or Westinghouse’s AP1000 Nor an independent and strong regulatory mechanism The Atomic Regulatory Board works like an arm of DAE Another issue is of Indian Civil Nuclear Liability law which has a low liability cap The liability for Kovvada is put at Rs. 1600 crore for a plant whereas its cost is whopping Rs. 4 lakh crore!! Report findings A US based institute called- Energy Economics and Financial Analysis revealed that GE-Hitachi and Westinghouse nuclear reactors were neither cost effective nor power efficient along with a huge risk factor. The first units of six nuclear reactors are not expected to produce electricity for the grid before 2031 Indian Institute of Chemical Technology has estimated that tariffs for electricity in Kovvada will be very high First year tariffs will be in range of Rs. 19.8 to Rs. 32.77per KwH Thus, it needs to be understood if it is worth to spend crores on nuclear power whose share is just 0.58% in primary energy demand of India NPCIL When state government is acting in an unfriendly manner with ban on land registration, the NPCIL is making all efforts to encourage people to accept the RR package which it calls ‘the best package ever’. It has deposited the first tranche of Rs.359 crore of the Rs.1,000 crore it has earmarked as relief and rehabilitation (R&R) package with the Srikakulam District Collector. NPCIL officers believe that local people will cooperate once they get the assured monetary reliefs. On safety The new age reactors require less land The reactors have latest Generation-III plus pressurised water type which automatically shuts down in case of an accident or an earthquake above 7.2 magnitude. Once the reactors shut down, they cooling takes place on its own in the fortnight. Human intervention is required after that only. Survey support National Geophysical Research Institute has conducted study which classified Kovvada as low vulnerability of zone 2 Conclusion Too much haste? Former Union Energy Secretary has expressed displeasure over showing such rush in building the nuclear plant in Kovvada There has been no scientific bases on which the site is chosen. Intense seismic activity was recorded by the Department of Atomic Energy’s own agencies Four fault lines run through the region It is also a cyclone affected area Yet, the site has been selected for building the nuclear plant. With such plans, Fukushima disaster can’t be ruled out Exposure to radiations can lead to genetic disorders and cancer. The sufferings can last till generations. And more importantly, though some people knew, most of them were not made aware fully of such critical information Chernobyl disaster: A WHO report mapping the impact of disaster after two decades mentioned Increased incidence of thyroid cancer Doubling of leukaemia Radiation cataract Mental health issues Though Social Impact Assessment has been on the agenda, the environmental clearance for the project is yet to be sought. 20000 people are estimated to be displaced which belong to agriculture and fishing families, affecting a total population of more than 6 lakhs. What remains to be seen is if people will succumb to the temporary monetary bait or fight for their human rights. Connecting the dots: Nuclear reactors are yet to find acceptance in the minds of people, especially after post Fukushima disaster. Is nuclear energy a feasible option for high energy demanding and consuming India?   MUST READ Dengue should be prevented and not merely tackled when the epidemic sets in Indian Express   India and Pakistan must recognise the role of trade in bringing them closer Indian Express   The limits of vengeance Indian Express   A flawed approach to managing water Business Line

Jul 29, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 29th July, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 29th July, 2016   NATIONAL   TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3 Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Basics of cyber security Awareness in the fields of IT   Digitised records and patient rights E-Health initiative A health branch of Digital India project to provide quality health care to the citizens through use of ICT E-health seeks transparency in health care delivery, elimination of structural opacity and bypassing of multiple intermediaries It also aims to connect specialized health professionals with the patients in far flung area, creating e-accessibility of services Need: centralised information databases will allow health and research experts to engage in disease surveillance and better understanding of state of public health of the nation. E-health threats Cyber threat is a real menace of the digitised world. Data theft and hacking has become a routine The threat of electronic data misuse is on the rise with sensitive data having limited or no protection In such scenario, when health care is being encouraged for digitisation, along with its advantage, it is necessary to acknowledge threats and take required precautions. Medical data It is sensitive in nature and contains details such as bodily functions, physical anatomy, sexuality, a history of substance abuse, psychological issues or any other diagnosis or prognosis. Patients expect full anonymity of their medical health from the third parties or even close relatives. The patients may share the ‘chosen’ information for self-benefit and not to reveal entirely External Fallout of leak: social isolation or discrimination Internal Fallout of leak: Patients might not reveal true or complete information, leading to inaccurate medical treatment Observed in the west: Non-physicians improperly viewing e-health data of celebrities without any legitimate reason Health records sold on e-bay. Stealing medical records from computer and laptops Medical info for sale: As per report, medical information has more worth than financial information as they can be misused to buy drugs and medical equipment for resale and also making false insurance claims.   Digitalising health records In last few years, Indian government has taken initiatives to digitise patient records The benefits include Streamlining interaction between doctors and patients More accurate diagnosis and therapy due to complete medical history availability A completer repository of up-to-date health data which will avoid repeated medical investigations and reducing paperwork The government is in process to establish Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) à to ensure the interoperability of health records in any corner of the country To develop IHIP, a National e-Health Authority (NeHA) shall be developed. It will encourage adoption and promotion of e-health standards It will enforce the laws and regulations relating to the privacy and security of patient health information and records. The process has already begun to update infrastructure in district and sub-district hospitals under the National Health Mission In 2013, government had notified the Electronic Health Record Standards (EHRS)à to introduce a uniform system for the maintenance of Electronic Medical Records/Electronic Health Records by healthcare providers in the country. It included standards for interoperability guidelines for hardware networking and connectivity specifications on data ownership of electronic health records data privacy and security. Recently, attempts have been made to introduce new forms technology in EHRS and upgrade it with international best practices. Hence, EHRS is being revised and opened for public comments Changes required in EHRS Drafting of EHRS Unsatisfactory drafting of the standards. Expert opinion, involvment of cyber security experts and suggestions of all other stakeholders should be taken into consideration for a sturdy EHRS. Legal issues need to be addressed pertaining to revised standards in light of prevalent international best practices Consent At present, sensitive information can be collected without any identified purpose or consent of the patient. Only when the data of the person is used for a specific purpose, the patient’s consent is taken. A general consent of the next of relative of the patient is considered sufficient when the data is used in “treatment, payments and other healthcare operations” What is required: a notice and consent requirement before or at time of collection of sensitive data like passwords, financial information, physical, psychological and mental health condition, sexual orientation and biometric information of the patient. Stricter data regulation More stringent standards required against the present status of availability of all recorded health data to health care providers on ‘required on demand’ basis. Revocation of data As per current standards, a patient cannot ask to delete data once recorded. It is recorded for his lifetime and preserved after three years of his death What is required: a provision for revocation of consent where the patient has the right to amend the data on grounds other than correcting errors. Data leak In case of privacy breach, the patient is not informed about it. The health care providers are not accountable for such security lapse which may harm the patient mentally, socially or physically. What is required: A ‘privacy officer’ to notify the patient within a specified time and also provide the course of remedy available. Conclusion Need for a robust EHRS The EHRS is expected to be implemented by the end of 2016. Need is to rectify the loopholes in standards Improving the IT Act EHRS will be prevailed by the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act), and consequently the safeguards it incorporates. However, the IT Act and its relevant rules have been subject to criticism for being vague and unfocussed. The government is expected to mitigate the IT Act flaws by strengthening EHRS Giving teeth to NeHA It is a centralized electronic healthcare record repository which will contain comprehensive health information of all citizens NeHA will deal with issues relating to privacy and confidentiality of patient’s e-health records. For a sustainable, effective and enforceable EHRS, NeHA has to be vested with sufficient power to implement and enforce it. Hence, in light of digitisation security concerns, a nationwide system should be implemented only when adequate safeguards are in place to ensure privacy of patients and data security. Connecting the dots: “Security of medical records is essential to maintain the good health of the country.” Do you agree? Support with your reasons.   NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections Social Issue – Child labour and related issues   A law against children? Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act Parliament has passed the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2016.  The bill was first passed in Rajya Sabha and later in Lok Sabha during Monsoon session of Parliament. It seeks to amend the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 to widen the scope of the law against child labour and stricter punishments for violations. But will it? Currently, children under the age of 14 are banned only from working in hazardous industries. There was no bar on the employment of children between 14 and 18 years. Now, the proposed amendments prohibit all work, hazardous or otherwise, for children under 14, who now also enjoy the constitutional right to free and compulsory education. And for adolescents between 14 and 18 years, whose labour was entirely lawful until now, the law prohibits their employment in work scheduled as hazardous. It makes child labour a cognizable offence attracting a jail term of up to two years and penalty up to fifty thousand rupees. The Bill has a provision of creating Rehabilitation Fund has also been made for the rehabilitation of children. Until here, the amendments made seem good and meant to strengthen legislative framework that prohibits children from employment. However, on closer scrutiny, the reality of what is being offered is the reverse of what appears on paper. Amendments proposed Ban on hazardous adolescent work drastically reduced to three Initially 83 works or activities were identified as hazardous and were banned for children under the age of 14. But now this number has been reduced from 83 to only 3. e. apart from mining and explosives, the law only prohibits processes deemed hazardous under the Factories Act 1948. In other words, the amended law prohibits only that child work which is considered hazardous for adult workers, without recognising the specific vulnerabilities of children. Permits children below 14 years to work in non-hazardous “family enterprises” The amended law permits even children under 14 years to now work in non-hazardous “family enterprises” after school hours and during vacations. The family is defined to include not just the child’s parents and siblings, but also siblings of the child’s parents. And a family enterprise includes any work, profession or business in which any family member works along with other persons. In effect, this proviso accomplishes the very opposite of what it claims to do. Instead of ending child labour, it actually makes lawful once again a large part of child work that was earlier unlawful. It is estimated that around 80 per cent of child labour is in work with family members. This is in farms, forests, home-based work such as bidi rolling, carpet weaving, making of bangles and handicrafts, home-based assembly tasks, domestic work, eateries, roadside garages, and street vending. The amended act legalises the bulk of child labour while claiming to do the opposite.   What the government has missed? Under the garb of family-run enterprises, children will also be allowed to work in industries like zari, bangle and carpet making, beedi making, brick kilns, diamond cutting, even scavenging. The truth is that a number of these industries rely on the small nimble fingers of children and perpetuate a system that thrives on bonded labour, or at best very poor wages. The government argues that these amendments are being made in response to the socio-economic realities of the country and to allow children to learn traditional crafts after school hours. A sobering study points out that while combining school and work is a reality for poor children in India, the likelihood of children who work for over 3hours dropping out of school is estimated to be as high as 70%. In the country where the traffickers passes on as a “Mama” (uncle) or a “Mausi” (aunt), where is the question of state actually being able to monitor the number of hours a child actually works, even if he is actually working in the family enterprise? Once again it will be the girl child who will be the 1st to be pulled out of school and put into the workforce, as will children from economically weaker section and marginalized section of society – the very children most at risk and whom the Act is largely designed to protect. Not only will these amendments not help eliminate child labour, but will also in all likelihood, deny our children their rights under the RTE Act, possibly creating the perfect preconditions for some of them to take to juvenile crime. Conclusion: The argument that has long held sway is that child labour, however unfortunate, is inevitable as long as households remained poor. Only after parents escape poverty will their children be able to enter school. What these claims ignore is that the reverse is far more true. That child labour is indeed a major cause of persisting poverty. That if a child is trapped in labour instead of being able to attend fully to her schooling, she will never be able to escape the poverty of her parents. The child of a sanitation worker, rag-picker, domestic worker or casual labourer is likely to be trapped in the professions of her parents unless she is able to access quality education. We should not be the generation that will preside over a system when the state dropped the ball – and our children and we pay the price for it, under the garb of doing right for them. Economic development, investment, women and child welfare and job creation should be given their rightful place in budgetary allocation. Amidst the furore over the recent juvenile crimes and release we should be able to think of such positive steps so that another child is not turned into a criminal because of avoidable circumstances. Connecting the dots: Critically analyse recent amendments made to India’s child labour law. Do you think the existing legal and institutional support is adequate to end the menace of child labour in India. Critically comment.   MUST READ Setback at The Hague Hindu Related Articles: South China Sea: Impact of Tribunal Verdict   Nothing Private about It Indian Express   Step up to the fiscal challenge Indian Express Related Articles: Time for a “new fiscal framework”   India-US trade: give some, take some Livemint

Jul 29, 2016 Important Articles

Very Important: IASbaba's ENVIRONMENT & CURRENT AFFAIRS Compilation, PRELIMS 2016

  Hello Friends Here we are with all important concepts and issues of 'Environment related Current Affairs' that you need to revise for upcoming Prelims 2016. We have tried our best to give the best possible coverage that will surely enhance your chances to score better in Prelims examination. Do go through it and share your feedback :)  Download here- Click  All the very best IASbaba

Jul 28, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 28th July, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 28th July, 2016   NATIONAL   TOPIC: General Studies 1 Capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society. Social empowerment, regionalism & secularism. General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.   Bridging gap between middle and median class India’s poverty debate and huge increase in billionaires post 1991 economic reforms are well known. However, not much has been known where middle class in this and how it has fared. More than a class between rich and poor, it is more of a socio-economic construct. Middle class and their self-perception   Photo credit:  http://www.livemint.com/r/LiveMint/Period2/2016/07/28/Photos/Processed/g-middleclass(pfcts)1.jpg   As per National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), India’s middle class was expected to be around 5-6% of the total population (2001-02) Estimate based on Market Information Survey of Households Included household with annual income in range of Rs. 2-10 lakh In 2011-12, as per India Human Development Survey (IHDS)- done by NCAER + University of Maryland- the share of middle class was just below 6% of the total population The estimate household annual income was in range of Rs. 2.7-13.4 lakh The price change and decline in average family size were taken into consideration to determine middle class household income range. Wholesale Price Index used to make price adjustments Middle class and median class The NCAER survey fixed 22000 per month as the minimum criteria to be a middle class. (average family of four) See above à the estimated household annual income range starts from Rs. 2.7 lakh In this survey, 49% of the respondents having monthly income of Rs.5000 identified themselves as middle class The NCAER survey gave only three choices to respondents- rich, poor or middle class   Lok survey- 2014 It is a series of surveys to study the changing social and political attitudes in India (done by University of Pennsylvania) Of a sample size more than 62,000, 49% of the respondents identified themselves as middle class It included even those in the lowest of the five designated income groups of the sample The middle class notion More than 60% respondents of Lok Survey identified themselves as middle class as they were optimistic about increasing living standards in future even when at the given point of time, they did not enjoy all material comforts. On the other hand, the relatively rich have identified themselves as poor IHDS 2011-12 survey showed that even within the richest 20% of urban households, ranked by per capita income, more than 8% of them identified themselves as poor. Thus, middle class is more of a socio-economic construct than a statistical category. It is more about self-perception than reflection of material well-being Median is not middle Consumer durables   Photo credit: http://www.livemint.com/r/LiveMint/Period2/2016/07/28/Photos/Processed/g-middleclass(pfcts)2.jpg   Though almost 50% of Indians aspire to be a part of middle class, the reality differs The consumer durables normally associated with the middle class is still a luxury for median class From IHDS data, five consumer goods are chosen that are expected to be owned by the middle class Any motor vehicle, TV, computer or laptop, cooler or AC and refrigerator. At all-India level, rural and urban areas combined, the median household owned only one of the five assets. (2011-12) In 90% of the cases, it is the TV At urban level, the median household owned two of the five assets Most cases were TV and refrigerator A household possessing all the five of the mentioned assets, it is among the 75% of all household in India. Urban India has 7% of such households, hence, more egalitarian Thus, the asset ownership reflects income levels Households having all five consumer goods in urban India is 6 times more likely to be among the top income quartile than being in the median quartile. Employment   Photo credit: NSSO and Livemint   Usual Principal Status is considered for the occupation for the NSSO survey (2011-12) UPS= status of activity on which a person has spent relatively longer time of the preceding 365 days prior to the date of survey. (more than 180 days) Median class is relatively engaged more in manual work than the ‘white-collar’ jobs. White collar job= performed in an office, cubicle, or other administrative setting. Only 31% of the working age men of the urban median class is engaged in white collar jobs like managers, professionals and technicians. Still 47% are engaged in work arenas like “metal, machinery and related trades workers”, machine operators, drivers, labourers in construction or manufacturing, etc. which is exactly not a ‘white-collar’ job From urban median class to urban rich class, the picture changes drastically. 74% working age men are employed in ‘white-collar’ jobs, Only 10% of working age men from rich class are involved in ‘non white-collar’ jobs like plant workers Less than 30% of the median class working age males of the urban areas had any written job contract It included salaried or wage employment, whether regular or casual In contrast to it, 60% rich class working age males of the urban areas had a written job contract The top 1% urban working age males, who were not self-employed had a written job contract in more than 70% cases. Thus, Prima facie, the occupation structure for the three different urban classes suggests that— It is the rich and the super-rich together constituting the top 10% of population, whose occupation structure more closely matches our established notions of what constitutes the middle class, rather than the median 20%. In rural occupation, manual work dominates for all classes, though there are some differences 30% of the median rural class work as either agricultural labourers (excluding farmers who worked on own land) or as construction or industrial labourers. However, only 10% of rich rural class are engaged as agricultural labourers or industrial labourers. New middle class, Old social inequalities The actual middle class is not only economically but socially also skewed. Photo credit: NSSO and Livemint The richest 10% income class who have income levels to be qualified as middle class is almost entirely dominated by upper caste in urban areas. As per NSSO, upper caste (excluding Muslims) constituted 30% of the households in overall urban India But, top 1% class of urban India has 73% households by upper caste Thus, social inequality is present in almost all indicators of economic well-being in India In a recent Oxford University Press blog, two professors from India mentioned that middle class might perpetuate social inequalities than eradicating it. “Even when the rise of middle class transforms the way people think, behave and relate to each other, the process does not do away with inequalities of caste and community. Those trying to move up in the new social and economic order use their available resources and networks, including those of caste and kinship to stabilize and improve their positions in the emerging social order, with a new framework of inequality,” Is there a solution? Yes, EDUCATION Photo credit: NSSO and Livemint The notion of an aspirational and upwardly mobile middle class is not just a chimera. Education is a great unifier. An overwhelming large section of the population has woke up to the importance of education, irrespective of socio-economic equalities In contrast to asset ownership or employment categories, there is little gap in school enrolment levels between various incomes classes However, the quality of public education matters as poorer sections go to government schools Conclusion The younger generation needs to be educated if the India’s median class wants to reach the middle class income levels. Education will clearly determine whether or not India moves up from its current status of a lower middle income nation to a middle income nation. Connecting the dots: The Indian middle class is significantly different from it’s counterparts in other regions of the world. Do you agree? What are those attributes that impart uniqueness to the middle class in India? Discuss (TLP 2015)   Related articles: 1991 is history: Where do we go now? Why caste matters less in urban India NATIONAL/SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY   TOPIC: General Studies 2 Role of ICT - Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications and models General Studies 3 Information and communications technology (ICT) - developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Awareness in the fields of IT, ICT and bridging the digital divide   Bridging the digital divide Importance of ICT Information and communications technology (ICT) has played an increasingly important role in promoting economic and social development, such as enhancing productivity, facilitating trade, creating quality jobs, providing ICT-based services such as e-health and e-learning, and improving governance. We can assess a country’s societal development by considering the extent to which there has been penetration of information and communications technology (ICT) especially through the Internet and mobile phone subscriptions or through the degree of press freedom given to the journalists, news organisations and citizens of a country Access to ICT also gains relevance in the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 of the United Nations, with greater relevance for the least developed countries to be able to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet to its people. Over-performers, underperformers Though ICT has promoted development across various dimensions of society from connecting individuals to spreading across businesses, and governments, there exists a digital divide in its accessibility between the high income and low income countries. Data from World Development Report 2016 shows - High income countries typically have greater penetration of digital technology as compared to less developed countries. While in high income countries such as Finland, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands and Sweden, over 90 per cent of the population is using the Internet, in lower income countries such as Afghanistan, Sub-Saharan African countries such as Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Malawi, less than 10 per cent of the population uses it. Similarly, with regard to the extent of mobile penetration, Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest mobile penetration of 73 per cent, compared to 98 per cent penetration in high income countries From the above stats, we can arrive at a conclusion that – there is a high degree of correlation between the economic progress of a country and its access to ICT. However, this is not true. There are countries which have over-performed relative to their economic peers in providing digital technology. One such country worth mentioning here is Costa Rica, which is the world’s top over-performer, known for its communication technology and also press freedom. Similarly, there are countries which have underperformed among their income peers on access to information and communication. For instance, Cuba, which has the lowest number of mobile phone subscriptions and lowest press freedom index, has been the most underperforming country on access to information and communication. Further, two of the world’s most populated countries — India and China — are also among the few underperformers on access to ICT. India and China are among the underperformers on access to ICT India, which has been appreciated globally for providing IT services, faces a huge digital divide, having a relatively low percentage of population with access to the Internet. In 2014, it had only about 18 people per 100 using the Internet (World Bank Data). China on the other hand has a very weak press freedom index, resulting in its overall low performance on access to ICT. Apart from the digital divide existing between countries, there also exists a gap in adoption of digital technology across different demographic groups within the country. Increasing access to ICT To be able to promote greater social progress in the world, it is imperative to increase access to information and communication technology universally. With the world presently scoring 62.99 on a scale of 100 in access to ICT, higher overall social progress could be achieved by overcoming the digital divides that exist between the countries regardless of their level of economic progress. One of the ways to bring about greater penetration of digital technology in society is to make it more affordable. This could be realised through support from multilateral organisations to the underperforming countries by helping them build their communication infrastructure. Promoting greater market competition in Internet provision Encouraging public-private partnerships in building ICT infrastructure could increase the affordability of digital technology and thereby improve access to it. Further, digital divides could be bridged to an extent by bringing greater awareness among citizens about the use of digital technology which could help in reducing information inequality in society. It is also essential to build up the corresponding human capital necessary for making optimal use of the technology. Conclusion: ICT proves to play a fundamental role in the improvement of education, the battle against climate change and even the progress on gender equality. Therefore, the significant digital divides need to be addressed through strengthened enabling policy environments and international cooperation to improve affordability, access, education, capacity-building, multilingualism, cultural preservation, investment and appropriate financing. Connecting the dots: India is among the underperformers on access to Information and Communications Technology. Highlight the causes for this underperformance and also discuss why there exists a gap in adoption of digital technology across different demographic groups? Why are science, technology and innovation essential for the achievement of the economic and social development of our country? Highlight the importance of Information and Communications Technology to India and also suggest strategies to increase its access to ICT.   MUST READ India still needs to go the distance Hindu   Fooled by smartness Hindu   Bogeys on the Universal Health Coverage train Hindu   Whose forests are these anyway? Indian Express   Institutionalising Federalism Indian Express   Rethinking the role of regulators Livemint   A hybrid route to renewable power Business Line   Natural cover Business Line   Meeting China’s ocean challenge Business Line

Jul 28, 2016 PIB

IASbaba Press Information Bureau (PIB)- 18th July to 24th July, 2016

ARCHIVES GS-1 India's First 'Mixed' Site on UNESCO World Heritage List (Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent) About: Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP), Sikkim has been inscribed as India’s first “Mixed World Heritage Site” on UNESCO World Heritage List Uniqueness: It fulfilled the nomination criteria under both natural and cultural heritage site Where: At the 40th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, Istanbul, Turkey Advisory bodies: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Features of KNP Exhibits one of the widest altitudinal ranges of any protected area worldwide. Has extraordinary vertical sweep of over 7 kilometres within an area of only 178,400 ha Comprises a unique diversity of lowlands, steep-sided valleys and spectacular snow-clad mountains including the world’s third highest peak, Khangchendzonga. Numerous lakes and glaciers, including the 26 km long Zemu Glacier, dot the barren high altitudes. KNP lies within the Himalaya global biodiversity hotspot and displays an unsurpassed range of sub-tropical to alpine ecosystems. The Himalayas are narrowest here, resulting in extremely steep terrain, which magnifies the distinction between the various eco-zones. Covers 25% of the State of Sikkim, acknowledged as one of India’s most significant biodiversity concentrations. Home to a significant number of endemic, rare and threatened plant and animal species and also has a high number of bird species. Has the highest number of plant and mammal species recorded in the Central/High Asian Mountains, except compared to the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, in China Cultural significance Sacred site to world's leading religious traditions: The notion of beyul or hidden sacred land, which extends to all of Sikkim, but has its heart in the territory of Khangchendzonga National Park, is important in Tibetan Buddhism, not only intrinsic to Sikkim, but in the neighbouring countries and beyond. Coexistence and exchange between different religions and people: The multi-layered sacred landscape of Khangchendzonga and the cultural and religious relevance of the hidden land (beyul in Tibetan Buddhism and Mayel Lyang, in Lepcha tradition) is specific to Sikkim and is a unique example of co-existence and exchange between different religious traditions and people; Outstanding traditional knowledge: The indigenous religious and cultural practices of the Lepcha with regard to the ecology and the specific properties of local plants, stand as an outstanding example of traditional knowledge and environmental preservation. Demographic Profile of Minorities (Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India) About: As per Census 2011, the ‘Literacy Rates’ and the ‘Work Participation Ratio’ for the minorities have shown considerable improvements in respect of minorities as compared to Census 2001. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has not conducted any specific socio-economic survey/ assessment of minorities in the country. Result: Literacy rate: 73%- Census 2011 as compared to 64.8%- Census 2001 Highest- Jains (94.9%) and Lowest- Muslim (68.5%) Work Participation Ratio: 39.8%-Census 2011 as compared to 39.1%- Census 2001 (WPR= measure of the active portion of an economy's labour force) Highest- Buddhist (43.1%) and Lowest- Muslim (32.6%)   GS-2 India and Malaysia to proactively engage to combat the menace of ISIS (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) About: The visiting Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister met with Union Home Minister and expressed concern about the danger of enhanced activities of ISIS in democratic countries like India and Malaysia Because: ISIS has started using these countries as recruiting ground and attract our youngsters with their extremist ideology Need to: Address it internally Cooperate with each other through strong intelligence sharing Stop this ideology from poisoning the minds of youngsters Know more about Malaysia’s de-radicalisation programme Proposal of: Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crimes Regular meetings under the ambit of the MoU on Cyber Security Cooperation The two sides also discussed the issues such as Extradition Treaty and Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN).   SWAYAM Prabha-Educational Contents through DTH (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) About: Government has approved a project to launch the ‘SWAYAM Prabha’-a project for operationalising 32 Direct to Home (DTH) Television Channels For: providing high quality educational content to all teachers, students and citizens across the country interested in lifelong learning. Features: Curriculum based course contents covering diverse disciplines such as arts, science, commerce, performing arts, social sciences and humanities subjects, engineering, technology, law, medicine, agriculture etc. Covers all level of education: School education, undergraduate, postgraduate, engineering, out of school children, vocational courses and teacher training. To be released by September 2016 Language: Initially the programmes will be in English but with the passage of time the programmes will be launched in regional languages also   Autonomous status to colleges (Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies) By: UGC To: grant autonomous status to colleges accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) without on-the-spot inspection by an Expert Committee Criteria: A college which is accredited with the highest grade in two consecutive cycles Also secures the highest accreditation grade in the third cycle from NAAC Condition: Obtains no objection certificate from the affiliating university Adheres to UGC’s regulations viz. curbing the menace of ragging in Higher Education Institutions Regulations 2012 UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations 2012 UGC (Grievance Redressal) Regulations 2012 etc. in letter and spirit.   Incubation center at IIFT Delhi (Topics: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) Initiative: KITTES (Knowledge for Innovation in Trade & Technology for Entrepreneurial Start-ups) What: a dynamic business incubation cell dedicated to start-ups in the domain of international business Aim: the aim of KITTES is to provide hand holding support for MSME start-ups (expert advice and technical guidance) right from ideation stage to their internationalization towards taking a final leap into foreign markets. Centre supported by: An advisory body consisting of industrialists, venture capitalists, technical specialists and managers Help through: range of infrastructure, business advisory, mentoring and financial services   Restructuring Of DRDO (Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government) Why: (DRDO) is involved in R&D of Defence Technologies / Systems & is not directly involved in acquiring infrastructure for defence manufacturing in the country DRDO: undertakes joint development with Indian industries as well as transfers technologies to the industries for manufacturing of products & systems in India. Recommendations of Dr. P. Rama Rao Committee on review of DRDO Nomination of Nodal Officers for structured interaction between DRDO and Services. Introduction of Integrated Financial Advice (IFA) Scheme for financial decentralization. Appointment of a dedicated Chief Controller for Human Resources (HR). Creation of Seven Technology Domain based Clusters each headed by one Director General. Restructuring of DRDO HQrs, Creation of Directorate of Systems Analysis and Modelling (SAM) and Directorate of Quality, Reliability and Safety (QR&S). All have been approved by Government   Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-NULM guidelines recast to benefit more urban poor (Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.) About: Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation has made substantial changes in the Guidelines for implementation of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Urban Livelihoods Mission to benefit more and more urban poor by relaxing the norms for implementation of the Mission. Changes operational guidelines Banks to directly accept applications for loans; Nodal bank for each State to increase loan linkages Men in vulnerable vocations made eligible for assistance; Norms for formation of Self-Help Groups relaxed Construction of shelters for urban homeless with corporate donations Convergence with PMKVY, PMJDY, Social security schemes to be ensured   NITI Aayog & Intel India: Kick-off Atal Tinkering Lab Initiative for Young Innovators (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.) About: NITI Aayog has introduced the Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATL) initiative as a part of its flagship programme – the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). Objectives: to build relevant skill sets among youngsters and to provide access to technology that will enable solutions. Target: These laboratories intend to impact 250,000 youth with innovation skills & skills for the future across 500 communities & schools. Intel role: Support NITI Aayog in building capacities of mentors and developing linkages with Maker ecosystem for quality improvement of projects made by youth, facilitating ideation, design thinking and prototyping workshops through industry experts and co-lead an innovation festival NITI Aayog’s CEO: If India needs to grow consistently at 9 to 10 percent over the next three decades, it is absolutely essential that India is able to build innovative solutions to its unique problems.   India—35th member of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) What: India joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) as its 35th member Importance: To ease the access to high technology for India’s space programme. To move up the technology value chain by facilitating tie-ups for Make in India including in the defence sector. India’s entry into the regime would be mutually beneficial in the furtherance of international non-proliferation objectives. Benefits from MTCR for Space Programme Strengthening our international cooperation activities in high technology areas with other space faring nations. Easing the procurements & supplies of export controlled high/ advanced technology items, components, materials, and equipment from other countries, especially MTCR partner states. Enhancing our commercial ventures in terms of export of sub-systems, satellites and commercial launch services etc. India, as a Partner State of MTCR, can take part in the decision making process in ensuring non-proliferation of sensitive space technology related items, which are controlled through a list (called Technical Annex) and reviewed & revised annually through Technical Experts Meetings. Related articles: India to become 35th member of MTCR   Nuclear Suppliers Group Membership (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) About: India submitted an application for the membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) on 12 May 2016 reflecting the progress in its engagement with the NSG that began in 2004. Result: The NSG’s annual Plenary meeting in Seoul (June 23-24, 2016) discussed India’s membership but concluded without a consensus decision on the matter. However, it is understood that while no nation explicitly opposed India’s membership, one country raised procedural objections ostensibly on grounds of India’s non-NPT status. A few other countries raised issues regarding the process for India’s participation in the NSG. Why NSG important: It is important for India to be part of the “rule making” in the NSG rather than be in a position of “rule taking”. Membership of the NSG would enable India to have enhanced and uninterrupted access to nuclear technology, fuel and materials required for its expanding civil nuclear programme. It would create a predictable environment for the large investments required for setting up nuclear power plants in India, inter alia, to meet India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) pledge of 40% of its power capacity coming from non-fossil sources by 2030. Related Articles: The Big Picture – How important is it for India to be part of NSG? Quest for another Holy Grail – Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)   Civil Nuclear Deal with UK (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) About: Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy in 2015 Scope: The supply of nuclear material, non-nuclear material, equipment, components or technology, training of personnel and transfer of technology, for peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The Government is cognizant of the importance of both nuclear energy and renewable energy resources for India's growth strategy fuelled by clean energy. Cooperation between India and UK in the area of renewable energy Setting up a new Virtual Centre on Clean Energy Setting up of India Innovation Lab for Green Finance K.'s support for India's new Global Solar Alliance initiative. Separately, commercial deals worth 3.2 billion pounds were finalized with U.K. in the area of clean energy during the visit.   PM’s 15 Point Programme (Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.) About: The Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for the welfare of minorities is an overarching programme, covering 24 schemes/ initiatives of 11 different Ministries / Departments implemented throughout the country Details of schemes / initiatives covered (a) Schemes considered amenable to earmarking of 15% for minorities: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (Ministry of Human Resources Development); Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme providing services through Anganwadi Centres (Ministry of Women & Child); National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) (erstwhile Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana / Aajeevika) (Ministry of Rural Development); National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) (erstwhile Swarn Jayanti Shahari Rojgar Yojana) (Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation); Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) (Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship); Bank credit under priority sector lending (Department of Financial Services); Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) (Ministry of Rural Development). (b) Schemes for minorities implemented by the M/o Minority Affairs (100% Budget provision meant for minorities): Pre-Matric Scholarship scheme; Post-Matric Scholarship scheme; Merit-cum-Means Scholarship scheme for technical & professional courses; Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students; Loan schemes of National Minority Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) for economic activities; Schemes of Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) for promotion of education Free Coaching and Allied scheme (c) Schemes for which flow of funds to minority concentration areas is quantified: Basic Services for Urban Poor (BSUP) (Ministry of HUPA); Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) (Ministry of Urban Development); Urban Infrastructure and Governance (UIG) (Ministry of Urban Development); and National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) (Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation) (d) Special Initiatives for welfare of minorities: Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madarsa (SPQEM) (Department of School Education & Literacy); Scheme for Infrastructure Development of Minority Institutions (IDMI) (Department of School Education & Literacy ); Greater Resources for Teaching Urdu – Scheme for Appointment of Language Teachers (Deptt. of School Education & Literacy); Recruitment of minorities in Govt. Departments/ Organizations (Deptt. of Personnel & Training); and Guidelines on communal harmony (Ministry of Home Affairs).   Development and Promotion of Textile Sector (Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.) For Development To: achieve sustainable growth, modernization, value addition, an increase in exports and for overall development of the textile sector in the country Schemes: Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS), Schemes for the development of the Power-loom Sector, Schemes for Technical Textiles, Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP), Integrated Skill Development Scheme(ISDS), Integrated Processing Development Scheme (IPDS), National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS), etc. For Promotion To: promote Indian textiles as a brand in international market Annual Marketing Plan MoT has developed a comprehensive and integrated Annual Marketing Plan in association with 11 sector Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) to promote Indian textiles in the world. A common umbrella brand will be created for Indian Textiles. A standard plan for doing pre-fair and post fair activities has been developed to be implemented by Export Promotion Councils. An international media agency will be hired to ensure industry participation during road shows and India Eve. Annual Mega Event “Textiles India” Ministry of Textiles shall be organizing an annual mega event titled “Textiles India” covering the entire value chain, i.e. from fibre to fashion. Three components Technical Conference titled “Advantage India: Sourcing Destination for The World”: bring renowned national and international speakers and delegates on one platform, to establish India’s relevance in global textile sourcing, key issues and way forward to achieve high growth. Mega Exhibition: cover all sub-segments of textiles manufacturing value chain, from fibre to fashion. It is expected that there will be 800 to 1,000 Indian exhibitors participating in the event. About 2,500 international buyers and 1,000 Indian high volume retail buyers are expected to attend this mega event. Allied events: In addition to core exhibition and stakeholder conference, allied events such as Fashion shows, Thematic displays, Cultural programmes and best display and design awards, etc. will also be organized. Support for Global recognition of Indian Brands Ministry of Textiles is promoting global recognition of various certification marks such as Handloom mark and Silk Mark and traditional products such as Baluchari Silk, Jamdani Cotton, Chanderi Saree, Pochhampally Ikat, tie-dye, etc. Welfare Schemes for handloom weavers Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana (MGBBY)— Insurance cover to handloom weavers in case of natural death (Rs. 60,000/-), accidental death (Rs. 1,50,000/-), total disability (Rs. 1,50,000/-) and partial disability (Rs. 75,000/-). Health Insurance Scheme (HIS): In 12th Five Year Plan, the Government approved implementation of Health Insurance Scheme (HIS) on the pattern of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) of Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE).   MoU with Foreign Countries for Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture and Allied Sector (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) About: During last five years, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has signed 12 MoU/Agreements with foreign countries for cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sector. Year Country(s) 2011 Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh 2012 Sri Lanka, Australia, Vietnam 2013 -- 2014 Morocco, Vietnam 2015 Mongolia 2016 (till date) Armenia, Madagascar, Lithuania Areas for cooperation: Cooperation in research and development Increasing productivity Post-harvest management Value addition/food processing Plant protection Animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries Enhancing trade and mutual exchange, Reciprocal visits of scientists, Mutual exchange of technical expertise, Exchange of germ-plasm, Transfer of technology, Setting up of centers of excellence in different fields to demonstrate new technologies etc. Schemes National Food Security Mission (NFSM) on rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals and commercial crops (cotton, jute & sugarcane) Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI) Crop Diversification Programme (CDP). Technologies Protected cultivation Integrated pest and nutrient management Quality planting material production through tissue culture Drip irrigation Cold chain development Canopy management Integrated pack houses Reefer vans ICAR: established a network of 645 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the country for assessment and demonstration of technologies/products and its dissemination through extension programmes including training of farmers to update their knowledge and skills.   Brexit & India (Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.) About: Government has assessed the impact of Brexit on the Indian economy. Thus far, India has not only avoided adverse impacts, it has in fact emerged as a safe haven for investors around the world. For example The rupee depreciated against the US dollar by around 1 per cent for one day post-Brexit referendum, while currencies of other emerging markets depreciated for many days. Sensex fell only on one day by around 2 per cent while the equity index of many other developed and developing countries fell by a higher percentage for many days after Brexit referendum. India and UK As a part of the global economy, India will obviously be affected if there is slowdown in growth in the UK and EU following Brexit. India’s exports in goods to the UK and EU (including UK) have been around 3 per cent and 17 per cent of our total exports. India also exports roughly $10 billion in software to both the UK and EU. Overall though, India’s exports to both UK and Europe have been on a downtrend in the past two years on account of subdued demand led by a frail and scattered recovery in the region Oil effect: However, these potential effects on India’s growth could be offset by the weaker price of oil, which will help maintain macro-stability, and by the likelihood of more policy support in the advanced economies. Why less impact: India’s macroeconomic fundamentals are strong while the Government and the RBI are closely monitoring the situation. The strong forex reserves position can provide a buffer against any temporary episodes of volatility in the domestic foreign exchange market. RBI’s proactive liquidity management could ensure stability and calm in money markets. The Government and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) are keeping a constant vigil. SEBI has laid down various regulations and guidelines for protecting investors’ interest and ensuring orderly functioning of the stock market. Related Articles: BREXIT – Britain’s Exit from EU Multiple articles of various dailies GS-3 Reduction of Greenhouse Gases (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment) About: In a declaration in 2009, India announced a voluntary goal of reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 20–25%, over 2005 levels, by 2020, despite having no binding mitigation obligations as per the Convention. Subsequently: India in its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has announced its intention to reduce emission intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 percent from 2005 levels by 2030 subject to availability of requisite means of implementation. Due to various policy measures undertaken: The emission intensity of GDP has reduced by 12% between 2005 and 2010 The same has been reported in India’s First Biennial Update Report (BUR). The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in its Emission Gap Report (year 2014), has recognized India as one of the countries on track to achieve the voluntary pre-2020 pledge. CBDR-RC It is the underlying theme of the Paris Agreement India had maintained its stand for an ambitious and durable agreement based on the principles of Equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) India affirms that: developed countries should take lead in this regard and the specific needs and special circumstances of the developing country parties, which are vulnerable to the effects of climate change should be recognized India insisted that: developed countries should meet their commitments during the pre-2020 period through ambitious targets and actions.   Death of Elephants on Train Tracks and Electric Fencing (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment) About: Reports of elephant mortalities, due to train accidents and electrocution, are received from States from time to time. Because: No proposal at present with the Government to formulate the policy to prevent elephant deaths due to train accidents and electrocution. Possible steps to prevent elephant mortalities due to train accidents and electrocution: Clearance of vegetation on the sides of railway tracks Underpasses/overpasses/girder bridges across vulnerable stretches of railway tracks to allow safe passage elephants Signage boards at selected points to alert train drivers. Sensitization programmes for Train Drivers/Guards/Station Masters Engagement of elephant trackers and communication with Station Masters keep Railway tracks free from food wastes, that attracts elephants Structural additions A permanent coordination committee has been constituted jointly by the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Environment and Forests to share information and monitor the implementation of the advisory Committees have been constituted between Zonal Railway Offices and State Forest Departments to develop specific strategies and Standard Operating Procedures and for better coordination To regulate the speed of trains in identified vulnerable sections between sunset and sunrise. Financial and technical assistance is provided to elephant range states under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’ for conservation and management of elephants. Project Elephant Twenty nine Elephant Reserves have been notified in 14 States for conservation of elephants Elephant is included under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to provide it highest degree of legal protection. Improvement of elephant habitat, including Elephant Reserves and Corridors is carried out regularly   Estimated Generation of E-Waste (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment) About: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 2005, estimated 1.46 lakh tonnes of e-waste generation in India, which was expected to exceed 8 lakh tonnes by 2012. UN Report: As per “The Global E-Waste Monitor 2014”, 17 lakh tonnes of e-waste generation was reported in the country in 2014. No comprehensive State-wise inventorization of e-waste generation in the country has been done. CPCB steps to enforce E-Waste Rules, 2011 General directions to all State Pollution Control Boards Directions to producers General directions to Ministries in Government of India and Public Sector Undertakings -for compliance of the provisions related to reduction of hazardous substance of the E-Waste Rules, 2011 Scheme Under Ministry of Environment and Forests ‘Creation of Management Structure for Hazardous Substances’ is a Central Sector Scheme Allocation of Rs 5.00 crore (FY 2015-16) and Rs 4.5 crore (FY 2016-17)   Study on Polluted Rivers (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment) About: As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report in February 2015, 302 polluted river stretches have been identified on 275 rivers in the country based on Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels, a key indicator of organic pollution. Pollution abatement of rivers is a continuous and ongoing process Responsibility of the State Governments/ concerned local bodies to set up proper facilities for collection, transportation and treatment of sewage being generated and ensure that untreated sewage does not fall into the rivers Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change supplementing abatement of pollution in identified stretches of various rivers under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) and NGRBA (National Ganga River Basin Authority) programmes. State Governments, apart from their own budgetary allocation, are also accessing financial assistance for creation of sewerage infrastructure, including sewage treatment plants, in various cities/towns under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) programme of Ministry of Urban Development and the Namami Gange programme CPCB has directed SPCBs to set up sewage treatment plants and utilize sewage generated in their respective States. Municipal authorities of metropolitan cities and State capitals for proper treatment and disposal of sewage generated to control pollution in rivers and other water bodies. Specific industries to install online 24x7 effluent and emission monitoring devices. Industrial monitoring To control discharge of industrial effluents CPCB and SPCBs monitor industries with respect to effluents discharge standards If non-compliance, action is taken under Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Steps by CPCB to promote low waste and no waste concept, leading to Zero Liquid Discharge by grossly water polluting industries, particularly those located on the river banks.   India’s Gas Share is 6.5% Country’s Fuel Basket (Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.) About: as per the BP Statistical Review of World Energy, June 2015, the present natural gas share in the country’s fuel basket is 6.5% vis-a-vis the world average of 23.8%. Next step: In order to increase the present level of gas share in the county’s fuel basket to meet the demand of natural gas in the country, the following steps have been taken by the government: Government has approved a new Hydrocarbon and Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP) Government has approved policy for auctioning of 67 discovered small fields of ONGC/OIL through international competitive bidding for early monetization Marketing and Pricing freedom for new gas production from Deepwater, Ultra Deepwater and High Pressure-High Temperature areas subject to certain conditions Policy for grant of extension to the Production Sharing Contracts of 28 small and medium sized discovered blocks New Domestic Natural Gas price Guidelines, 2014: Under these guidelines, gas price has been linked to the market/ important hub prices. Appraisal of about 1.5 million sq. km un-appraised area of the Indian Sedimentary Basins Re-assessment of Hydrocarbon Resources. National Data Repository has been setup. Policy for exploration and exploitation of Shale Gas/Shale Oil resources by NOCs under the Nomination Regime Policy for exploration in the Mining Lease (ML) areas after the expiry of exploration period. Policy on Non–exclusive Multi-client Speculative Survey for assessment of unexplored sedimentary basins has been operationalized   Steps to Tackle Vehicular Pollution (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment) What: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has taken the following steps to tackle the problem of vehicular pollution Introduction of alternate fuels Flex fuel ethanol Bio diesel Bio CNG Retrofitment of Hybrid Electric Vehicles BS-VI fuel emission norms notified in February 2016   National Disaster Plan for Animals (Topic: Disaster and disaster management) About: Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries has prepared and launched Disaster Management Plan (DMP) For: protecting animals and preventing and mitigating loss of livestock resources during various disasters Stakeholders: National Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Response Force, National Institute of Disaster Management, State Governments Knowledge Institutions Three parts of DMP Pre-disaster preparedness Detailed action plan relating to dissemination of early warning, Identification of vulnerability amongst livestock, Animal vaccination, Feed and fodder supply Capacity building of different stake-holders in disaster management etc. Disaster response Strategy/action plan relating to effective and prompt response, Rescue of livestock, Feed & fodder supply, Measures against epidemics and diseases and Maintenance of Sanitation etc Post-Disaster Plan Strategy for treatment of sick animals, Disease surveillance, Disposal of carcass, Restoration and restocking of livestock population.   Drone based Agricultural Technology (Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers) About: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has formulated a collaborative research project entitled “SENSAGRI: SENsor based Smart AGRIculture” Objective: to develop indigenous prototype for drone based crop and soil health monitoring system using hyperspectral remote sensing (HRS) sensors. The technology can also be integrated with satellite-based technologies for large scale applications Funded by: Information Technology Research Academy (ITRA) Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DEITY) Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT), Govt. of India ICAR Use of drone technology: Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has ability for smooth scouting over farm fields Gathering precise information and transmitting the data on real time basis Assessing land and crop health Extent, type and severity of damage Issuing forewarning, post-event management and settlement of compensation under crop insurance schemes   Protection and Conservation of Native Breeds of Cattle (Topic: Economic of animal rearing) About: Government of India complementing and supplementing the efforts made by the States for protection and conservation of indigenous breeds of cattle Rashtriya Gokul Mission A part of National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development Exclusively for development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds including indigenous breeds of cattle. National Dairy Plan-I A World Bank assisted project being implemented in 18 major dairy States Covering 12 indigenous breeds of cattle and buffaloes (i) Gir; (ii) Kankrej; (iii) Tharparkar; (iv) Sahiwal; (v) Rathi; and (vi) Hariana cattle breeds (i) Marrah; (ii) Mehsana; (iii) Pandharpuri; (iv) Jaffarabadi; (v) Banni and (vi) Nili Ravi buffalo breeds. Government established: Central Cattle Breeding Farms (CCBFs) Central Herd Registration Scheme and Central Frozen Semen Production & Training Institute For: development and conservation of indigenous breeds (i) Tharparkar; (ii) Red Sindhi; (iii) Gir; (iv) Kankrej; (v) Ongole; (vi) Hariana and (vii) Rathi breed of cattle (i) Surti; (ii) Murrah; (iii) Meshsana and (iv) Jaffarabadi breeds of buffaloes.   Contain Agriculture Price Rise (Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.) About: During last six months All India Average Retail prices of Tur and Moong in pulses, Mustard, Soya and Sunflower in Edible oil and Onion in Vegetables have declined while there has been increase in the prices of Gram and Urad dal. Reason: factors such as Shortfall in production owing to adverse weather conditions, Increased transportation costs, Supply chain constraints like lack of storage facilities and hoarding and Black marketing Plan Scheme: Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) to regulate price volatility of agricultural commodities Steps taken by the Government to improve the availability and to contain prices of essential food items:   Contract between Income Tax Department and L & T Infotech Ltd (Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment) For: widening of tax-base and data mining to track tax evaders The new technical infrastructure will also be leveraged for implementation of Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act Inter Governmental Agreement (FATCA IGA) and Common Reporting Standard (CRS). Implementation of reporting compliance management system will ensure that the third party reporting by reporting entities is timely and accurate. A streamlined data exchange mechanism will also be set up with other Government Departments and exchange partners. CMPCs A new Compliance Management Centralized Processing Centre (CMCPC) will also be setup as part of the Project for handling preliminary verification, campaign management, generation of bulk letters/notices and follow-up. Enable taxpayers to resolve simple compliance related issues in an online manner without visiting the Income tax office.   Conversion of Sea Water into Potable Water (Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life) About: Desalination of seawater is possible by using Thermal Desalination Technology and/or Membrane Technology like Reverse Osmosis (RO). Medium: Thermal and/or Electrical energy from Atomic Power Station or Nuclear Research Reactor/s can be used for this purpose. Where: A seawater desalination plant setup as part of Nuclear Desalination Demonstration Project (NDDP) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu produces 45 lakh litres of water per day by Thermal Desalination process, drawing nuclear low pressure steam from the operating Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) and 18 lakh litres of water per day using membrane based technology using electrical energy from MAPS grid. The plant is the largest operating hybrid nuclear desalination plant in the world.   Foreign Investment under 'MAKE IN INDIA' Programme (Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment) FDI flow: October 2014 to May 2016, the FDI equity inflow has increased by 46%, i.e. from US$ 42.31 billion to US$ 61.58 billion World Investment Report by UNCTAD: India has been ranked 3rd in the list of top prospective host economies for 2016-18 Who: The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion has advised Ministries and State Governments to simplify and rationalize the regulatory environment through business process reengineering and use of information technology.   Sagar Purvi (Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.) About: Government of India has deployed the Coastal Research Vessel [CRV] Sagar Purvi to study about ocean parameters along the coastal waters of India. CRV Sagar Purvi for: Monitoring of marine pollution levels and conservation and management of coastal resources including Coral reef under Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMAPS) Programme, Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM), Swathe bathymetry survey of the Exclusive Economic Zone of India (EEZ) along the coastal waters of India. Data and samples collected: Useful in understanding the Marine pollution levels, Biological wealth Conservation of coastal resources in the coastal waters of India Seabed morphological features and its geo-morphological implications   Development of Data Satellite by NASA and ISRO (Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.) What: SRO and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)/NASA are jointly working on the development of Dual Frequency (L&S band) Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging Satellite named as— NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR). PL/ NASA will be responsible for design & development of L-band SAR, 12m unfurlable antenna & its deployment elements, GPS system and data recorder ISRO will be responsible for design & development of S-band SAR, Spacecraft Bus, data transmission system, Spacecraft integration & testing, launch using GSLV and on-orbit operations. Uses: Natural resources mapping & monitoring Estimating agricultural biomass over full duration of crop cycle Assessing soil moisture Monitoring of floods and oil slicks Coastal erosion, coastline changes and variation of winds in coastal waters Assessment of mangroves; surface deformation studies etc. ISRO and JPL/ NASA are working towards realisation of this mission by 2021.     Solar Power Tree (Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.) What: The Solar Power Tree harnesses solar energy for producing electricity with an innovative vertical arrangement of solar cells. It thus reduces the requirement of land as compared to conventional Solar Photovoltaic layout, on one hand, while keeping the land character intact on the other. Even the cultivable land can be utilized for solar energy harnessing along with farming at the same time. The innovation finds its viability both in rural and urban areas. Features: It takes only 4 square feet of land for a 5 KW Solar Power tree, whereas in a conventional layout, it requires 400 square feet of land. By holding the photovoltaic panels at a higher height, on an average it gets more sunrays for one hour in a day. As a result, it is possible to harness 10-15% more power in comparison to a conventional layout on ground. It has a battery back-up of 2 hours on full load, hence giving light even after sunset. It is facilitated with water sprinkler at the top for self-cleaning of panels, that increases the efficiency of the solar panels. The estimated cost of the device is around Rs. 5 Lakh for a 5 KW specification.   INS VIRAAT SAILS ON HER OWN STEAM FOR ONE LAST TIME (Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.) About: INS Viraat leaves Naval Dockyard Mumbai, for ‘one last time’ under own power. This is the last sailing under her own propulsion as INS Viraat is slated for decommissioning later this year. Facts: INS Viraat is a Centaur-Class Aircraft Carrier The second aircraft carrier of the country has spent 29 years under the Indian Flag and 27 years with the Royal Navy (United Kingdom). The ship holds the Guinness Record for being the oldest serving warship. She is commonly referred to as the ‘Grand Old Lady’ among the Naval community Active participation in Operation Jupiter in 1989 (Indian Peace Keeping operations in Sri Lanka) and Operation Vijay in the year 1999 (Kargil War). The ship has also participated in various international joint exercises like Malabar (with US Navy), Varuna (with French Navy), Naseem-Al-Bahar (with Oman Navy)

Jul 27, 2016 Important Articles

Very Important: Revise Polity & Schemes Related Issues for Prelims 2016

Hello Friends Every year, there are questions on Constitutional History. It is difficult to retain the info as the content is really dry. The better way is to use mind maps. So we have created a mind map for revision purpose. Along with this, we are again sharing some mind maps for various schemes that will help you revise them easily. Right Click on the images and Save As (Use Window Photo Viewer)  

Jul 27, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 27th July, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 27th July, 2016   NATIONAL   TOPIC: General studies 1 Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country. Working of Indian Democracy towards Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. General studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population   Assessing the workings of Indian Democracy No attention given to the workings of Indian democracy Unlike the Indian economy, which receives periodic attention and reforms (mostly during critical moments defined by food shortages and foreign exchange outages), the workings of Indian democracy have not received a single one. This reflects that there are no desires to expand the horizons of the workings of democracy. The neglect is clearly visible in every angle from which the country has been approached, by the observers located both within and without its society. The rulers of the western world often criticize and rate India’s conditions poorly, especially for its deviance from the apparently superior norms of a free-market architecture. However, India’s nationalist elite in contrast to above arguments traces the causes and effects that India face today to western hegemony (leadership or dominance). But both lose the narrative by refusing to see that its condition is related to the failings of its democracy, which in one dimension has remained more or less unchanged since 1947. “This dimension is that the majority of the population has been left with weak capabilities”. “Capabilities are what enable individuals to pursue the lives that they value”. This, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has suggested, is true freedom and should therefore be the focus of all developmental effort.   People are incapable and unfree after Independence The idea of development should not be narrowed down to economistic or political definitions rather it should expand its horizon to include building capabilities. It is irrelevant to it whether we have more or less of the state or the market or whether we insert ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ into the Constitution so long as large sections of our people are unfree in the sense that they cannot lead lives that they value. Jawaharlal Nehru expressed in his famous speech - "He sees Indian Independence as an opportunity to build a “prosperous, democratic and progressive nation and to create social, economic and political institutions which will ensure justice and fullness of life to every man and woman”. B.R. Ambedkar had defined democracy as a means to bring about a significant change in the living conditions of the depressed without resorting to bloodshed. Concerns: However, Indian democracy has failed to fulfill the vision and expectations of these India’s founding fathers. As a matter of fact, it has done far worse. In the past year it appears to have added heightened violence towards the marginalised to its sedentary character. With recent one being the incident in Gujarat, where 4 Dalits were stripped in full public view, beaten up for skinning dead cow. By assaulting them for undertaking it, not only has their dignity been denied but their livelihood snatched away. In any civilised society the perpetrators of this crime would not just be grasped by the long arm of the law but publicly shamed. Gujarat is of course only one of the sites of violence against Dalits. It is important to recognise that it has been widespread across northern India and not absent from the south either, with Tamil Nadu featuring prominently. It is also important to recognise that acts of violence against Dalits are not of recent origin. Their oppression is systemic and deeply rooted in India. Even the states that are long-ruled by parties with leadership drawn from the middle castes have witnessed violence against the Dalits for some time. When in power, middle caste-based parties have replaced their invective towards the top of the caste pyramid with suppression of those at its bottom. Caste still very much matters to Indian citizens even in the modern world, though one must point out that different groups of citizens have different reasons for maintaining the system of caste. The upper castes want to keep caste alive to oppress the lower castes thereby maintaining their domination. It is very interesting to note that the lower caste groups, who are supposed to hate the caste system, also want to use their caste identity to gain benefits in the corridors of power and politics and, at the same time, they want to put a stop to the caste oppression imposed upon them by the upper castes. It is an ironical and interesting situation of the Indian society in modern India. So what can we do now? The task should be to shape the Indian democracy. Its goal must now be redirected towards human development while ensuring the security of all vulnerable groups. This should be done in harmony with growing a strong economy. In fact, a strong economy, including a vigorous market, is one element in furthering development as the expansion of freedoms. The empowerment of the marginalised in a society can come about only via direct public action to build their capabilities. A genuine commitment to socialism would help here. Reorienting public policy (as explained below) “The roots of democracy lie not in the form of Government, Parliamentary or otherwise. A democracy is more than a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living. The roots of democracy are to be searched in the social relationship, in the terms of associated life between people who form a society”. -- Dr. Ambedkar Reorienting public policy India today hosts the world’s largest number of the poorly educated and prone to poor health, a development disaster in spite of being the world’s third-largest economy in purchasing power terms. Quarter century has been spent focussing on India’s economic architecture in the name of ‘economic reforms’, but still majority of Indians is still below poverty line and think twice to travel in third tier AC on the Indian Railways. It would be profitable if the government now devote the next decade to mounting an assault on human deprivation. The development of the capabilities of India’s women, Dalits and deprived should merit the first draft of attention and resources thus expended. For a democracy to be complete, something more than just focus on the individual is necessary as members of a democracy must engage with one another. India has failed to nurture individual and collective capabilities. There has been far too little effort in public policy to create spaces where citizens interact freely and peacefully. Therefore, public policy should engineer spaces where Indians can meet on the basis of a participatory parity. Widespread public services from schools and hospitals to parks and crematoria are one way to bring individuals together as they struggle from birth to death in this country. Repeated interaction in public spaces would make us realise our common humanity and enable us to see any residual identity for what it really is. Conclusion The need of the hour is that we, Indians, regardless of caste, ethnic religious and regional identities, should aim at creating an egalitarian society for the future of India and develop some universal values upon which the edifice of the idea of India can stand with pride and glory. "A person’s worth is determined by his knowledge and capacity and the inherent qualities which mark his conduct in life.” The four fold division of castes’ says the Creator in the Bhagavad Gita, “was created by me according to the apportionment of qualities and duties”. “Not birth, not sacrament, not learning, makes one dvija (twice-born), but righteous conduct alone causes it.” “Be he a Sudra or a member of any other class, says the Lord in the same epic, “he that serves as a raft on a raftlesscurrent, or helps to ford the unfordable, deserves respect in every way.” “The spirit of democracy is not a mechanical thing to be adjusted by abolition of forms. It requires change of heart.” -- Mahatma Gandhi Connecting the dots: Indian democracy has failed to fulfil the vision and expectations of the India’s founding fathers. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer. Highlight with suitable examples why there is a need for periodic attention and review of the workings of Indian democracy on the lines of Indian economy? The empowerment of the marginalised in a society can come about only via direct public action to build their capabilities. Do you agree? Critically examine the statement. Essay: “The spirit of democracy is not a mechanical thing to be adjusted by abolition of forms. It requires change of heart.” Essay: "A person’s worth is determined by his knowledge and capacity and the inherent qualities which mark his conduct in life.”   ENVIRONMENT   TOPIC: General Studies 3 Environment and Ecology, Bio diversity – Conservation, environmental degradation, environmental impact assessment, Environment versus Development   Looming water crisis (ill)Usage of water Water was seen as a key requirement for agricultural sector until a decade ago The focus was to invest in irrigation infrastructure à to reduce the dependence of farmers on rains + meet rural drinking needs Green Revolution stressed the increased usage as well as secured storage of water for HYV seeds. Not exactly as planned: Marred with inadequate investments and poor planning and maintenance of the irrigation infrastructure, water problems persisted Result: canal irrigation was much less effective than planned. Negative impact: Farmers used groundwater excessively as there was no groundwater extraction regulation. Free or cheap electricity accelerated usage of tubewells and electric pumps to lift underground water. Since 1970, 80% of the addition to net irrigated area has come from groundwater. Cheap water = rampant water waste: Water has not been economically priced in India. Water intensive crops are grown in water scarce areas Punjab- rice, Maharashtra- Sugarcane etc These are further contributing to declining water tables   Urbanisation and water problems Urbanisation is gathering momentum Urban has only one-third of population, yet the share of urban GDP in total is almost two-thirds Projected urban changes: 600 million population and share to GDP 75% by 2031 However, Unplanned urbanisation has highlighted the water problems faced in urban India, in past decade: Declining water tables + water pollution Possible solution Improving agriculture water efficiency and releasing water from it. (Agriculture counts for 80% of total water use in country) Recycling water Recycled water: drinking water, sewerage and wastewater treatment, stormwater drains and solid waste management be planned and managed in an integrated manner. However, recycling has a fragmented approach. Some services are managed in silos, some by ULBs and some by Parastatal institutions (Metro Boards) of state governments Solid waste management is under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and also under AMRUT. Also, it is a part of city development plan in which all activities are attached. State of water delivery It is deficient 62% urban households have access to treated tap water Little over 50% households are directly connected to piped networks two hours per day is water availability to connected household 33% of urban household has piped sewer system 40% dependent on septic tanks 13% still defecate in open Drains Inadequate and ill-maintained stormwater drains Natural drains provide exit to stormwater including flood water. But, either they are encroached or carry sewage. Natural recharge zones not taken into account in urban planning Wastewater treatment has been neglected even when it is important to keep rivers and groundwater clean Sewage treatment capacity Sewage or waste water treatment capacity is only 37% of the total need of the country. Actual treatment is even lesser- 30% It is sometimes redundantly utilised where treated waste water is discharged in drains where it mixes with untreated sewage flowing in natural stormwater drains. The polluted mixture is discharged in river CPCB observation supplements it: Out of total pollution in rivers, 75% is from municipal waste and 25% from industrial effluents. Groundwater survey: high level of microbial contamination from municipal sewage WHO: Effect of polluted and unsafe water and poor sanitation facilities has led to increased water-borne disease in India. This causes serious public health issues.   Water market When water policies fail to deliver their goals, the private players fill in the gap by creating water markets Water tankers become critical source of water availability, which in turn become extremely expensive. Even here, the groundwater is extensively drawn to meet the demand deficit Tanker mafias are known to exist in Delhi! Hence, though it is generally not realised but India’s water crisis is graver than energy crisis. Alternative energy sources: Solar and wind energy Gradually becoming cost effective Alternative water sources: Desalination Very expensive Conclusion Groundwater realities: India is largest user of groundwater in world, surpassing china The groundwater abstraction is at 251 cubic km per year (China has its half) Groundwater use is in excess to what is being recharged Situation is grim in four northern states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi NASA assessment: The decline in water table of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi is at an average rate of 4 cm per annum. 12th Five Year Plan Has called for a paradigm shift Has proposed a comprehensive programme for the mapping of India’s aquifers as a prerequisite and a precursor to a National Ground Water Management Programme Aquifer Mapping and Management Launch of Aquifer Mapping and Management project Objective: to prepare Management Plans in consultation with stakeholders and State Governments and then identify the recharge and other measures to replenish the declining trend of groundwater The mapping would assist in estimating the quantity and quality of groundwater in an aquifer and would help in assessment of sustainable level of groundwater extraction Also help in making the India climate change resilient. An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing rock, from which groundwater can be extracted. Groundwater governance Governed by British common law sanctified by the Indian Easement Act of 1882 In this, landowner has the absolute right to draw any amount of ground water from under the land owned by him. Water being a state subject, the centre’s attempt at legislative reforms has focused mostly on allocation and setting up a public regulatory authority for groundwater regulation and management. Central government is expected to bring out a national water framework bill and a model groundwater bill. The need is to address the challenge of equitable access and aquifer protection and move away from focus on link between land ownership and control over groundwater. Groundwater has to be treated as a common pool resource only for public good. Connecting the dots: Water should be transferred to concurrent list. Critically Analyse   Related articles: World Water Day (March 22nd) – The importance of Water Management Draft water bills: Address gaps through comprehensive research agenda India is the biggest virtual exporter of water   MUST READ The price of peacekeeping Hindu   Reforms are here to stay Hindu   Of curbs to free speech Hindu   Brexit: The return of boundaries Indian Express Related Articles: EU referendum: the big questions for Britain Brexit – Mind Map Brexit & India-UK   Aadhaar: Will it improve your health? Livemint   800 million reasons to work together Livemint   GST and its wrinkles Livemint Related Articles: GST is also about trucks moving freely   Digitised records and patient rights Business Line

Jul 26, 2016 Important Articles

Very Important: Revise SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CURRENT AFFAIRS, Prelims 2016

  Hello Friends As promised, here comes the document on all important issues and coverage for Science and Technology related current affairs for UPSC Prelims 2016.  It covers all important issues in news papers in revision friendly manner. It will surely equip you with all necessary S & T related aspects. Ignore at your own risk :)  Click here to Download   P.S- Do share your feedback :)  All the very best IASbaba