Jul 26, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 26th July, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 26th July, 2016   NATIONAL/ECONOMICS   TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth   It never trickles down The 1991 reforms As commonly believed, the reforms were not a retreat of the state in favour of the market, but a change in the nature of the state. It was more of a spontaneous outcome of the introduction of the reforms themselves rather than a conscious decision. Reforms entailed the opening of the economy to freer cross-border flows of goods and capital, including of finance which is highly mobile and whose sudden outflow could induce a financial crisis Thus, the state policy had to be in conformity with the “confidence” of the international financiers under this “reform regime” to ensure that the economy remains intact. Result: As earlier when the state used to promote capitalist development along with protecting traditional small producers, including peasantry and workers against capital exploitation, the 1991 reforms tilted the state’s concern towards the interests of globalised capital. The domestic corporate financial oligarchy also aligned with it.   Withdrawal of state support The traditional petty production, including peasant agriculture suffered crisis due to withdrawal of state support This led to increased agricultural input prices due to reduced government subsidies (Fiscal deficit had to be maintained by not raising taxes on rich to ultimately calm the financial capital flow) The market intervention role of Commodity Boards was brought to an end as the government withdrew price supports for various crops The nationalised banks were allowed to default on providing agricultural credit. This forced the peasant to depend on private moneylenders who charged exorbitant high rates. Public extension services were winded up (Extension is a process of working with rural people in order to improve their livelihoods. This involves helping farmers to improve the productivity of their agriculture and also developing their abilities to direct their own future development.) Insulation to agriculture from world market price fluctuation provided in form of tariff and quantitative restrictions were removed Budgetary cuts in agriculture and irrigation investments Poor state of agricultural research and development in public institutions Agribusiness was given permission to deal with peasants in a direct, unmediated and unregulated way. This increased chances of peasant exploitation The state also slowly retreated away from providing essential services like quality education and health care by allocating less financial aid.   Impact on peasants Adversely affected their income Handicapped profitability of peasant agriculture Reduced its growth Brought acute distress to countryside, economically, physically (health wise), mentally (agri-stress and suicide) and more The same is the case with fishermen, artisans, craftsmen, weavers and others. Income squeeze Taking over of peasant’s land for infrastructure and industrial projects, often at throwaway prices and against their wishes Even when consent is obtained, not all are consulted who are dependent on land With ‘smart city’ as an ambitious government programme, these actions are set to gain momentum This would have been not an issue if jobs were available to peasants who migrated to urban areas. Sadly, the scale of job creation has been little despite high GDP growth. As Karl Marx says- “Primitive accumulation of capital is rampant not only in “flow” terms (income squeeze) but also in “stock” terms (asset dispossession).” Primitive Accumulation of capital= a process by which large swaths of the population are violently divorced from their traditional means of self-sufficiency. A weakened workforce Joblessness has variety of forms which misleads the picture of unemployment scenario. Casual employment Intermittent employment Part-time employment Disguised unemployment (camouflaged often as “petty entrepreneurship”) National Sample Survey The ‘usual status employment grew at 8% per annum during 2004-05 to 2009-10, a period of high GDP growth. This was below the natural rate of growth of the workforce itself, even when the job-seeking displaced peasants are not included. Result Proliferation of risky and insecure employment A burgeoning lumpenproletariat- the unorganized and unpolitical lower orders of society who are not interested in revolutionary advancement. Weakening of bargaining power even of the unionised workers Hence, compression of the per capita real income of the working people as a whole (agricultural labourers, traditional petty producers, and non-white-collar workers.) Statistics supplement the results Rural population- food intake below 2,200 calories per person per day= 58.5% (93-94) and 68% (2011-12) Urban population- food intake below 2,100 calories per person per day= 57% (93-94) and 65% (2011-12) Decoding the results It is often claimed that increase in calorie deprivation does not necessarily mean worsening economic status. It could arise for other reasons such as changing tastes, greater health consciousness, reduced physical work effort, or greater emphasis on children’s education and health care. However it is difficult to explain that- Reduced calorie intake occurred because of other reasons even when real incomes of the working people were rising and also, an increase in calorie intake when real incomes were also rising, such as between 2009-10 (a poor crop year) and 2011-12 (a good crop year). Thus, the reasonable explanation for declining calorie intake is a decline in real income of the working people — that is, income deflated by a price index that takes into account the effect of privatisation of essential services. Middle class gains The reforms thus brought “primitive accumulation of capital” without the creation of adequate employment opportunities to absorb those who are displaced by it. It caused worsening of the conditions of the working people as a whole. The other side of reforms The growth of the financial sector (financialisation) Growth of service sector outsourcing from developed countries owing to the comparatively lower wages prevalent domestically. Increase in relative incomes of middle class Thus, middle class emerged in support of the “development” paradigm of the “reform regime” However, the global financial crisis still persists and its end is a long due in future. This will remove the sheen of high growth benefits from minds of middle class and then support a development strategy which would entail to interests of working class and surpass the ‘neo-liberal’ capitalism. The infamous trickle-down What is it: Trickle-down theory is an idea that tax breaks or other economic benefits provided to businesses and upper income levels will benefit poorer members of society by improving the economy as a whole. However, it has been globally experienced and proven that cutting tax rates of the richest does not lead to economic growth, income growth, wage growth or job creation. Thus, trickle down never happens. Connecting the dots: ‘Targeted approach’ and not ‘Trickle-down theory’ will aid and assist development of underprivileged and exploited population of India. Examine.   Refer: It doesn’t trickle down Punjab: A case study in agricultural and economic mismanagement in India   ECONOMICS   TOPIC: General studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Effects of liberalization and 1991 reforms on the economy, changes in economic policy and their effects on overall growth. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.   Assessment of 1991 reforms: As India celebrates 25th anniversary of the 1991 reforms, there have been a flood of retrospective assessments in the national media. This article deals with some of the key messages and highlighting their implications for the future. Highlights: The record on growth There was a huge criticism and fears that the dismantling of government controls and greater reliance upon the private sector and market forces would be ruinous for the economy. However, results of many assessments shows that India has done quite well after the reforms. 1991 reforms have transformed India from a low-income economy at the start of the reforms to one at the lower end of what the World Bank calls the middle-income range. We are also currently the fastest growing emerging market country at a time when both the industrialized countries and the major emerging market countries have slowed down. If we judge only by gross domestic product (GDP), we can say the reforms succeeded. External vulnerability Another criticism in 1991 was that the opening of the economy to trade and capital flows would make us vulnerable externally, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan would be a precursor to continuous recourse to IMF and extended submission to its intrusive conditionalities. This fear too was ill-founded. After reforms, India went to IMF in 1981, and again in 1991, but we have not needed IMF since then. India did experience external difficulties a few years ago when the current account deficit increased to almost 4% of GDP in 2012-13, actually worse than in 1990-91. The fiscal deficit had also worsened because of the fiscal stimulus. Rupee was depreciated to some extent in the face of market pressure. However, we were able to handle the crisis without having to call in IMF. The situation was brought to normal very quickly due to the credibility provided by the large reserves (thanks to 1991 reforms). The decision in 1992 to open up to foreign institutional investment (FII) was much criticized at the time as making the country vulnerable to hot money flows. The fact is that while there was some outflow of FII money, it was for a brief period only, and was easily managed. Have the reforms helped the poor? The impact of the reforms on the poor is obviously a critical factor in any retrospective assessment. In the pre-reform period the percentage of the population below the poverty line (based on the Lakdawala committee estimates that were then used) increased marginally from 44.5% in 1983 to 45.3% in 1993-94 and the absolute number of the poor increased from 323 million to 404 million. In the immediate post-reform period 1993-94 to 2004-05, the percentage in poverty (using the latest Tendulkar committee estimates) declined, from 45.3% in 1993-94 to 37.2% in 2004-05. However, because population had increased, the absolute numbers increased marginally by 3.5 million. In more recent years, when growth accelerated sharply, the percentage of the population in poverty declined much faster than before from 37.2% in 2004-05 to 21.9% in 2011-12. For the first time ever, the absolute numbers declined by almost 140 million from 407 million in 2004-05 to 269 million in 2011-12. This achievement is now internationally recognized, with the World Bank highlighting it as a major positive development in the fight against poverty globally. Still poverty is a concern However, there is no doubt that the numbers in poverty are still too large. To have 269 million below the poverty line, and a very austere poverty line at that, is not something that should be seen as a victory. Nevertheless, we can say that if we can grow at 8% or so, and the growth is as inclusive as it has been in the recent past, we can expect to see poverty reduced to a truly marginal level in another 20 years. It is a different matter that by then our goalposts will have changed and government will have to meet higher expectations. Access to essential services The real failure is perhaps less in reducing poverty defined in terms of consumption expenditures and more in the failure to deliver basic services such as education, health, clean drinking water and sanitation to the mass of our population. Access to these services is critical for human welfare. It is also critical for growth since they affect the productivity of the labour force and an unhealthy and inadequately educated/skilled workforce cannot sustain high growth. In the case of education, we have achieved near universal enrolment in primary schools, but the quality of education provided is poor. The situation in healthcare is even less impressive because the roll-out of facilities, and especially their staffing, is much less widespread, especially in rural areas. Access to clean drinking water and sanitation, which is closely related to health, is a major problem. Although the percentage of the population said to have access to protected water sources has increased markedly, the quality of water, especially in rural areas, cannot be certified because it is not regularly tested. Open defecation is still practised by almost 50% of the population, much higher than in many other countries with lower per capita incomes.   The way ahead: These shortcomings are all interconnected because poor sanitation and poor quality of drinking water leads to ill health and reduced learning outcomes. Improving performance in these areas should be a priority for governments for the next 10 years. Additional financial resources will be needed, but there is also the problem of the institutional capacity to spend money well. Both Central and State governments have to put combined efforts and should be accountable in regard to institutions for delivery and personnel in these areas. Reforms have failed to provide quality education and health care. For instance, some years ago, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development-sponsored Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) survey, which is conducted in several countries, was conducted in India for the first time on a pilot basis. It showed that the levels achieved by students from two relatively advanced states (Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh) ranked at the very bottom of developing countries! Lant Pritchett, a professor at Harvard University, has pointed out that India’s top 100,000 students compare with the best anywhere, but quality collapses beyond this thin layer. Rapid growth cannot be achieved on the basis of a thin layer of excellence. It has to be based on a much broader level of quality, and our public educational system is very far from getting there. However, unless there is agreement that a problem exists, we cannot expect a solution. A systematic resort to PISA type testing in all states, after allowing for cultural differences which could skew results, is essential to form an independent opinion on the quality of outcomes. There is considerable evidence from other countries that once the problem is identified and accepted, corrective steps do help. The employment problem Perhaps the greatest unhappiness about the reforms is because the growth process they have produced has not yielded a sufficient expansion of job opportunities, and the opportunities created are of poor quality. (Jobless Growth) Rapid growth is certainly necessary for this outcome, but it is not enough. It must be accompanied by growth in more labour-intensive sectors. Small and medium manufacturing units are a part of the solution because they are typically more labour using. However, the objective must be to create an environment in which even large units in labour-intensive sectors can do well, even as smaller units in the same sectors expand in size. Policies that discriminate against organized sector units in favour of unorganized sector production, for example, modern retail formats, need to be reviewed because they discourage the expansion of the organized labour force. The way ahead: Some of what is needed has been on the reform agenda for some time and is uncontroversial, though complex. This includes the provision of good quality infrastructure to all parts of the country, building an efficient banking system and the related set of financial sector reforms, including the new bankruptcy code and its supporting infrastructure, ease of doing business, etc. Some of what is necessary is controversial, notably labour reform. Leaving it to state governments could help, but it is important to be sure that states implement the right kind of reforms. What we need is flexibility of the right kind, available to firms employing many more workers. Corruption A common worry of many people is that the reforms have increased the level of corruption. The fact is that the elimination of industrial licensing and import licensing eliminated corruption and cronyism from areas where it was once widespread. Where scams are alleged today are the areas that were not reformed, notably allocation of spectrum, mining rights and land. Land is a state subject. In the case of mining rights and spectrum a decision was taken in United Progressive Alliance (UPA)-II that all future allocations would be by auction. In these areas there should be no problems in future and very successful spectrum auctions were conducted under UPA-II and this is continuing under the present regime. Conclusions The central message coming out of the anniversary celebrations is that the reforms did well in many fields, but not as well as might have been hoped in some important areas. India has to renew its efforts in what remains undone. Meanwhile, an economy that has moved into middle income status is bound to face new challenges. If the government doesn’t respond, we run the risk of getting stuck in what has been called the “middle income trap”. The lesson is clear: we need more reforms and not less, but as the economy becomes more complex, the reforms have to be much more carefully designed. Connecting the dots: India is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 1991 reforms. Critically analyze their achievements and highlight their implications for the future. In future India may run the risk of getting stuck in what has been called the “middle income trap”. What do you mean by this “middle income trap”? Suggest some suitable reforms to escape from this trap?   MUST READ No substitute to accountability Hindu   Poverty and inequality after reforms Livemint   Sebi, a child of the 1991 reforms, needs reform Livemint   Economic reforms: A retrospective view Livemint   Clear the policy confusion over NPAs Business Line   All you wanted to know about Angel Tax Business Line

Jul 26, 2016 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance: Book Review – Outliers – Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell is a genius story teller with an uncanny knack of weaving stories that are both compelling and real. The richness and depth of psychological understanding he brings to his writings is arguably the best in the world. In Outliers he explores the elusive concept of success in the world. He explores the causes of success, the path, the story and the truth. He makes profound statements about how success is not just about talent and gift but it is more about the circumstances and situations people are put in and how one reacts to those situations. He brings in the story of one of the most successful people in the world, Bill Gates. He explains with a razor’s edge precision the situation and circumstances that led to the enormous success of the software giant. He explains how Bill Gates was lucky to be in a college which had the only computer and how he was able to find a way to pass through the maximum usage hours restrictions to eventually go on using the computer for as long as he wanted. By the time Gates turned 20, he had spent a little more than 10,000 hours working on computer software. This along with a few key situations and circumstances that prevailed during the time led to his enormous success. Outliers is a must read to understand the dynamics and functioning of success. Success has more to do with being at the right time in the right place than about anything else. Read this book to get a completely fresh and new insight on the idea of success. “This Book Review is a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.”

Jul 25, 2016 Important Articles

Very Important: Revise INDIAN CULTURE, Prelims 2016

Hello Friends Last year we had given the short compilation on Indian Culture. Few questions directly came from there. Since it is a static topic and many of you may not be aware about it, we thought to share it again at one place. Do not miss if you have to do last time revision. It covers NCERT's and other important sources. Kindly find the links below Part 1- Click   Part 2- Click   Part 3- Click   Part 4- Click   Part 5- Click   Part 6- Click P.S- We will be posting a new Compilation on Environment and Science & Technology very soon.    

Jul 25, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 25th July, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 25th July, 2016   INTERNATIONAL   TOPIC: General Studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment   The death of World Heritage Sites What are World Heritage sites? A natural or man-made site, area, or structure recognized as being of outstanding international importance due to its cultural or physical significance and therefore deserving a special protection. There are 1,031 World Heritage sites around the world, representing sites of "outstanding universal value" because of their importance in capturing human cultural traditions, creative genius, history or exceptional natural phenomena. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.   UNESCO The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972.   Climate change and World Heritage sites Marine and coastal sites are facing particular challenges due to sea level rise, ocean acidification, and increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Latest victim: Great Barrier Reef’s corals- Australia It is one of the world’s richest and most complex ecosystems. In 2015, almost one-quarter of the coral has died. It is the worst mass coral bleaching in recorded history. Threatening: Even in the far northern reaches of the Reef which is away from human pressures like coastal development, a staggering 50% of the coral has died. Reason: Above-average sea temperatures. Further impact? As the ocean continues to absorb more heat from the atmosphere, large-scale coral bleaching is likely to become even more frequent and devastating throughout the global waters. World Heritage and Tourism in a Changing Climate report Report by: UNEP, UNESCO and Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) It notes: Some 31 natural and cultural World Heritage sites in 29 countries across the world are becoming increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change Documents: Climate impacts including increasing temperatures, melting glaciers, rising seas, intensifying weather events, worsening droughts and longer wildfire seasons. Examples: Venice, Stonehenge, the Galapagos Islands, South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom, the port city of Cartagena-Colombia and Shiretoko National Park in Japan Report Highlights Identifying the World Heritage sites that are most vulnerable to climate change and implement policies and provide resources to increase resilience at those sites Ensuring that the threat of climate impacts is taken into account in the nomination and listing process for new World Heritage sites Engaging the tourism sector in efforts to manage and protect vulnerable sites in the face of climate change and educate visitors about climate threats Increasing global efforts to meet the Paris Agreement climate change pledges in order to preserve World Heritage sites for future generations   Effect on tourism: Climate change could eventually even cause some World Heritage Sites to lose their status. The effects could be a blow to the tourism industry and economies of some of the countries where the World Heritage sites are found, noting that many developing countries are quite reliant on tourism revenue. The report gave a miss to the iconic Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Sundarbans in India and Bangladesh. Fossil fuels are the culprit Existence: The World Heritage Site’s future depends on immediate reduction of climate-change-inducing greenhouse-gas emissions. Government’s inaction and insensitivity: The responsible governments are failing to protect sites within their boundaries, from climate change. They are continuing to pursue polluting energy projects like coal mines and coal-fired power plants. Australia: Inspite of such devastating effect on its corals, it continues to increase its exploitation of dirty fossil fuels. In 2015, the Australian government has approved both the massive Carmichael coalmine and the Abbot Point terminal, located near the Reef, to facilitate the global export of output from the Carmichael mine. Bangladesh: It is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Even then, the government supports a proposal to build two huge coal-fired power plants adjacent to the Sundarbans World Heritage site. India is in support of it. They will emit large quantities of greenhouse gases, devastate the Sundarbans, where the Ganga and other rivers meet the Bay of Bengal in a spectacular delta of mangrove islands that is home to endangered Bengal tigers and river dolphins. The power plants will pollute the waters with toxic coal ash, bring constant coal-barge traffic, and require the dredging of riverbeds. Mercury from the smokestacks will accumulate in the marine life, permanently contaminating the food supply of hundreds of thousands of people and vulnerable wildlife. And therefore, it needs to use renewable energy. It is already a world leader in solar energy and has significant potential of other resources like hydro energy. World Heritage Sites as part of climate change solution Nature based solutions Contribute to global climate stability by storing significant amounts of carbon. Forests found in world heritage sites across the tropical regions store 5.7 billion tons of carbon. Two-thirds of natural sites on the UNESCO world heritage list are crucial sources of water and about half help prevent natural disasters such as floods or landslides. In India and Bangladesh, the Sundarbans’ 2,200km mangrove coastline offers flood protection, which would otherwise require an investment of us$ 300 million in man-made infrastructure.   Wilderness approach The large, intact landscapes play a crucial role in helping species survive climate change events by providing options such as refuge or dispersal. A World Heritage site in Costa Rica, linking coastal areas to mountain ranges, allows plants and animals to move to higher ground in case of sea level rise or rising temperatures. However, more attention need to be accorded to wilderness as currently the World Heritage Convention provides little or no protection to many exceptional wilderness areas. They face increased global threats, particularly from industrial activities and climate change. World Heritage Committee What is WHC? The World Heritage Committee establishes the sites to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In 2004: WHC Invited "the World Heritage Centre, in co-operation with the States Parties, Advisory Bodies, and other international agencies and non-governmental organisations concerned by emergency interventions” To: prepare a risk-preparedness strategy Result: Strategy for Risk Reduction at World Heritage Properties presented and approved by the World Heritage Committee in 2007 Role of World Heritage Committee It needs to step up as governments fail to protect the heritage and to help bring an end to the relentless exploitation of fossil fuels It needs to make recommendations to governments for reducing fossil-fuel-related threats, identify sites that are in particular danger from such threats, and carry out monitoring missions. This would help to educate and empower civil society and also place pressure on financial institutions to withhold the funding required for massive development projects. Annual Meetings are ideal forums for such efforts. (40th World Heritage Committee met in Istanbul) Request Indian, Bangladesh and Australian governments to cancel their environment polluting projects and invest in renewable energy instead. Conclusion World governments, the private sector and tourists all need to coordinate their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and to protect the world’s most treasured cultural and natural resources from the impact of tourism activities as well as other polluting developmental activities. As the threat of climate change grows increasingly menacing, influential institutions like the WHC must take a stand against the toxic and insidious legacy of dependence on coal and other fossil fuels. The committee shouldn’t be silent on this crucial issue so as to prevent World Heritage sites around the world from suffering. Connecting the dots: The World Heritage Sites are not only our pride but our responsibility and climate change is threatening their vital existence. Critically analyse the co-existence of heritage with development.   ENVIRONMENT   TOPIC: General Studies 3 Environment and Ecology, Bio diversity - Conservation, environmental degradation, environmental impact assessment, Environment versus Development Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.   Draft water bills: Address gaps through comprehensive research agenda Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation placed 2 Draft Bills in public domain for comments (before 2 months). Draft National Water Framework Bill 2016 (NWFB) Model Bill for the Conservation, Protection, Regulation and Management of Groundwater 2016 Unfortunately, till now, the Bills have not raised the public debate that they are supposed to evoke, given the fact that there are sufficient elements that deserve to be discussed and debated. The below article briefly analyzes both the bills.   Draft National Water Framework Bill 2016 (NWFB) The NFWB seems to be a follow-up on the action taken on The National Water Policy 2012, that talked about the “..need to evolve a National Framework Law as an umbrella law that governs the general principles and manages water needs”. Under the framework proposed by the NWP 2012, Water needs to be managed as a community resource by states under the public trust doctrine to achieve food security, livelihood, and equitable and sustainable development for all. Existing Acts of various states such as the Indian Easements Act, 1882, the Irrigation Acts, etc. may have to be amended accordingly if they give proprietary rights to a land owner on groundwater under his land rather than treated as a community resource. The NWFB has been placed in public domain at a time when the world is witnessing the emergence of a new paradigm in water management, which is continually enriched by incremental accrual of new knowledge, both disciplinary and interdisciplinary. However, water policy formulation in India has been largely disconnected from the ongoing conceptual changes in water management. Concerns and solutions: There is a clear disconnect between holistic science and fragmented policy making and has resulted in the domination of a reductionist engineering paradigm to manage water without any concern to the ecological concerns. (i.e. provisions in policy is focusing more on water management techniques that do not consider or take care of ecological concerns) Though the policy documents related to water in South Asian nations often allude of terms like “integrated river basin management” (IRBM), “demand management”, etc. they prove to be rather decorative when it comes to concepts and project design. (i.e. provisions in policies talk more and act less) This disconnect is evident even in the two bills mentioned above. First concern emerges from the fact that the two bills are separated, and hardly any linkage has been created between the two. As such, groundwater and surface water are integral components of the global ecohydrological cycle, and need to be seen through an integrated holistic lens of water management and property rights. Separate bills create the impression of fragmented approach to water management, as the interactivity between surface water and groundwater, which is also acknowledged in the water balance equation, seems to have been ignored. Second, the draft NWFB suggests maintaining adherence to certain percentage of water to flow naturally. The draft NWFB suggests for maintaining certain percentage of natural flow of water in rivers (i.e. adherence to the reductionist arithmetic hydrology) adequate to preserve and protect a river basin as a hydrological and ecological system. However, it is highly difficult for the very science to arrive at a measure of “how much water a river needs” It is only in India that there is an over-reliance on a specified quantitative measure on how the environmental water needs of a river. Policy makers have failed to have an ecological scientific thinking; they should understand that no studies can tell exactly what level of natural water flow is required for maintaining certain ecosystem services. Third, despite the reference of the “River Basin Authority” (RBA) in the NWFB, the role of the RBA seems to have been confined to creating master-plans for the basins. As a recommended institutional set-up, there is a need for a basin-level authority which is democratic in nature, with greater powers, and which can initiate actions to prevent degradation of freshwater ecosystems and can initiate actions against all forms of stakeholders including State governments for any form of violation. This implies that the authority should be vested with adequate regulatory powers. Fourth, it needs to be noted that the moot point lies with the promotion of Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM). While today’s best practices in water resources planning entail integration of water quantity and quality management for both groundwater and surface water, there remains a need for comprehensive understanding of how the natural environment and the resident population of a basin are impacted by various levels of interventions in the rivers or by adoption of new policies. This is best done in a highly participative way, involving all the major stakeholder groups, and in a way that achieves a balance between the level of economic development and the consequent impact on the natural resource base of a river basin as agreed by the stakeholders. This participatory and comprehensive approach is what is generally referred to as integrated river basin management (IRBM). At a watershed/basin level, different water users co-exist and therefore any decision towards sustainable resource management will need collective action. The NWFB needs to encourage, facilitate and promote multi-stakeholder interaction and collaboration between diverse stakeholders at the watershed, sub-basin and basin levels. This is another missing dimension from the draft. Fifth, the draft makes very important recommendation regarding “differential” and “full cost pricing”. This pricing instrument should be designed as not merely covering only the O&M costs (operation and maintenance costs). The pricing should reflect the scarcity value of water not merely of its economic use, but also the scarcity value of the ecosystem services. This implies that the users may cover part of the “environmental costs” that their use of water entails. Sixth, the composition and role of the statutory Water Regulatory Authority is not clearly defined. It is not clear how such an authority will operate: Is it under the aegis of the river basin authority? Or should it exist as a separate structure? Conclusion: Therefore, the scope for improvement in this draft remains. While forwarding this IRBM agenda, it is important that the various knowledge gaps are addressed through the creation of a comprehensive research agenda. This will define the overarching principles for managing trade-offs between water for development and water for ecology, and trade-offs arising out of water allocations across competing sectors and sustainable abstraction limits so that the ecosystem integrity is maintained. At an institutional level, there needs to be constant evaluation of the effectiveness of various institutions at various levels, including the river basin master plans. Connecting the dots: Critically comment on the provisions of Draft National Water Framework Bill 2016 (NWFB)   MUST READ How the economy found its feet Hindu Related Articles: In 25 years, India has never really embraced reform   The charge of the cow brigade Hindu   ‘We hope Pakistan will change the narrative’ Hindu   Lifting the ‘trend’ rate of growth Livemint   The state of the Indian federation Livemint Related Articles: Indian federalism needs the Inter-State Council   Reshaping India’s trade policy Business Line   Skilling in the age of robots Business Line

Jul 25, 2016 RSTV Video

The Big Picture - Supreme Court Verdict on Arunachal Pradesh

Archives     Supreme Court Verdict on Arunachal Pradesh   Why in news? In an unprecedented verdict, the Supreme Court squashed the decision of Arunachal Pradesh Governor JP Rajkhowa to advance the state assembly in December 2015. The five judge constitution bench in a unanimous verdict restored the congress government in Arunachal Pradesh. SC called the Governor’s action ‘illegal’ and ‘violative of the constitutional provisions’. The verdict reflects on the actions of centre which had imposed President’s Rule on the state and later withdrew it before a government led by a Congress rebel Kalikho Pul and supported by BJP members was installed. This SC verdict has many important aspects which will have impact in future: politically and constitutionally. Background In December 2015, the rebel MLAs approached Governor with a plea that the Speaker was trying to get them disqualified. The Governor had already scheduled the session of the assembly and issued the notification in that respect. After hearing rebel MLAs’ plea, the Governor went ahead and preponed the session of assembly for an emergency session, without consulting the CM and his council of ministers. In the emergency session, impeachment motion was passed and Pul was ‘elected’ as leader of house by rebels and others Thus, Tuki led Congress government was dismissed in December 2015. Supreme Court Judgment The SC restored the Arunachal Pradesh government citing Governor’s action ‘illegal’. This judgment is considered as an affirmation of the constitutional principles without being influenced by any political discourse. The appointment of Governor is a political appointment by center.  Hence, there is going to be an inkling of the politicisation. However, the court did not bother about if it had any political tones or motives. Court simply took the constitutional provisions as the basis of its judgement. It restores the faith of the people in Supreme Court, particularly restoring the federal fabric of the Constitution. Decisions within constitutional limits The verdict reflects on Presidential proclamation as it was based on the illegal advice of the Governor. The SC has held that Governor’s advice to impose President’s Rule on ground that: Speaker did not heed the Governor’s directive to convene the house on a preponed date the Speaker had disqualified certain MLAs was not the correct basis for the Governor to act and say that the government could not be carried out in accordance with the constitution. SC commented that Governor was more worried about Speaker taking action against the 14 members. The Governor wanted to protect those MLAs from not being disqualified. The SC noted that those MLAs had the opportunity of judicial review and could approach the HC, which they did and HC also stayed their disqualification in the light of constitutional provision. So, it was not the job of Governor to protect those MLAs. Centre’s influence in state politics? Governor might have taken decision solely on his understanding ability or in centre’s influence. Thus, the SC verdict is an indictment not only on Governor but also on centre which sought to misuse its power under 356 to basically replace the government through the process of President’s Rule. In Uttarakhand also, it was observed that central government used defectors to topple the government, impose President’s Rule and thereafter try and form a government with help of the defectors. This is completely against the Anti- Defection Act. Anti-Defection Act’s purpose The Anti-Defection Act says that if the MLAs defect, then they will be disqualified and their votes will not be counted. This was mentioned by HC in Uttarakhand case. In Arunachal Pradesh, SC had said that the Speaker ought not to have disqualified the defectors when the motion for his own removal was pending (the Speaker’s order was anyway stayed by the HC). The future course of action was sought on the lines that the restored government will decide about motion against Speaker or motion of no-confidence against the government. There the party whip will prevail over those MLAs who have defected. If the MLAs vote against the whip, whether motion against removal of Speaker or on confidence motion, they are liable to be disqualified. SC tries to maintain balance The SC has been very conscious and has tried to draw a balance. Governor On one hand the SC has discussed the role of Governor and has very objectively weighed the action of Governor in light of constitutional provision, esp art 163 of Constitution. It came to the conclusion that Governor is bound by the advice of the council of Minister in performing all its function. Therefore, the court had found that the since the action of the Governor was not according to the aid and advice of the Council of Minister, it was not constitutional. Speaker On the other hand, observation was made about the power of Speaker. It pronounced that a Speaker against whom a no-confidence motion is pending should desist from taking any action against the MLA about their disqualification. So, the Supreme Court has tried to draw a balance in this case and has been very objective in analysing the power of the Governor limited to the present case. Review petition possible? Pul said that he may go for a review petition. However, a review petition of judgement is not possible. It could be of some provision of judgement which manifests the error of law. An entire judgment cannot be reviewed. In only rare cases the review is allowed. In this case, it was heard for a long period of time involving and inspecting all the aspects of it and then pronounced an exhaustive 331 page judgment. Thus, a review petition is highly unlikely. Classic case of establishing the supremacy of rule of law: All orders were passed by competent authorities but that is rule by some decree including the proclamation of the President’s rule. But, whenever the constitutional provisions were challenged, the rule of law prevailed above all. That way, the SC has to be applauded for making it very clear that the rule of law surmounts, always. Role of Governor The Arunachal Pradesh Governor chose to act in a matter that he could not have acted independently. It was incumbent on him that if the assembly session had to be preponed, it was required to consult the council of ministers. The Arunachal Pradesh Governor bypassed the Council of Ministers in summoning the assembly. This is against the constitutional provisions. There is a public perception that the Governor has a special power. Art 163:  The Governor has to act under the aid and advice of Council of Ministers. Except under certain conditions, few of them like Government does not have majority in the assembly Government loses confidence of the assembly Art 371 (h): Gives power to Governor of Arunachal Pradesh where it provides clearly that the Governor has a special power in respect of law and order and that too he can exercise his discretion only after consultation with council of ministers. However, he has no powers which is independent of council of ministers in matter of administration and legislature. Thus, discretion to act under article 163 and 371 (h) are different. Mind the limits! The court made clear to the Governor to conduct their actions within the boundaries of the constitution. The court doesn’t deny any discretion to Governor nor does it say it is a puppet of central government. The court mentioned that powers of each constitutional positions are different- Speaker, Governor, MLA. The SC has tried to balance the power amongst all. However, the court has made the observation on lines of the particular case. Hence, it should not be generalised. Other instances In recent past, whether Jharkhand, Goa or Uttarakhand, the role of Governor had become very critical and it was found that their decision was not in accordance with the constitutional provision. The questions about role of Governors, whether S.R.Bomai case, during emergency or Rajiv Gandhi government, have been always under scrutiny. Bomai Judgment: The SC has the power to restore the government which was deposed unconstitutionally. Uttarakhand: The SC through an order asked the CM to take the floor test which eventually went in his favour. But the SC had not given a judgment on the basic issue of the constitutionality or otherwise of the Presidential Proclamation. Though, the Arunachal Pradesh case is also not precisely on Presidential Proclamation but on Governor’s action of advancing the date of assembly without aid and advice of Council of Minister. The Arunachal Pradesh case has been an unprecedented case. So, how the government will be restored and the procedure to be followed had no clarity. Message to political parties The message would be that it is the duty of all political parties to give a stable government to the people. All the citizens of country are entitled to a five year stable government. But most importantly, the government should enjoy the majority. If it does not enjoy it then the government should also not continue. The message of SC is: it is not the job of the Governor to bother the activities in the legislature as he does not take part in the legislative activities. No one can transgress the power of one another. If there was an illegal order being passed or was passed by the Speaker against the MLA, then it is the HC or SC to take care of it, not the Governor. Accountability: The constitutional incumbents have to adhere to constitutional norms. Though the SC judgements may not give directions, certain consequences follow from the judgment. The Governor and the government have to take responsibility. One cannot play with anti-defection law. The SC will not punish the Governor or central government. However, it underlines that the repeated misuse of President’s Rule needs to be overviewed by some independent authority which will decide if there exists any constitutional breakdown in the state or not. For example Election commission or some another constitutional authority. It is the time when there should be consideration about the independence of Governor who has security of tenure and is not subject to removal of whims and fancies of central government. Lessons Congress government had overwhelming majority in the house (47/60). Despite that things got messed up. Thus, political parties need to introspect the mishandling and incompetence of the leadership. Leadership is also about spotting dissention and managing contradictions within own fold apart from making speeches and statements. The judgement is the ringing indictment of the Governor’s attempt to play politics. The judgement clearly says it is not the Governor who will pick and choose CM, arrange assembly session or instruct the Speaker or deputy Speaker accordingly for the political outcome it wants. This was not envisaged by the constitution when the post of the Governor was created. Thus, this verdict has important lessons which are bound to go beyond Arunachal Pradesh. Real question: Whom to make Governor? Ideally, people having integrity, high reputation and independence of mind should be appointed as Governor. Yet, the system of appointment of Governor has been left much to the desire and thus, such consequences follow. Conclusion In an unexpected twist, the Arunachal Pradesh case came to a constitutional close with establishment of rebel MLA Pema Khandu led congress government. With sufficient majority present with the government, the Governor did not conduct any floor test. Pema Khandu, India’s youngest CM, is son of former CM of Arunachal Pradesh. Connecting the dots: Supreme Court of India is guarantor of the Constitution of India. Substantiate. Governor acting independent of center may increase chances of its removal. Do you agree? Refer: Arunachal political crisis: A timeline President’s rule in Arunachal Lessons from Arunachal Pradesh  

Jul 25, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

Completion of Prelims 60 Days Program: Thank You Note & Suggestions!

Hello Friends Its been an awesome journey in the last two months. We at IASbaba want to thank you all for the dedication and commitment with which you participated. Now that Prelims is approaching, we request you to revise every single concept and spend most of your time in consolidating the learning. The best way is to revise, revise and revise! We also want to thank you for the patience and trust that were bestowed upon, at times we were struggling to clarify the doubts or not been able to respond to certain queries. To compensate, we are coming up with the rest of clarifications and compilations very soon :)  With our experience and personal engagement with many of you, it is very clear that many who have followed our initiatives from ILP Tests to 60 days Tests, will surely clear Prelims. ­­ Nothing more than a calm mind would matter to clear this exam; as you cannot afford to lose out on it after a year of hard work and dedication. Yes, you heard it right ! Nothing matters if you lose confidence. Our second mock will be in that direction! Prepping you for Prelims at the same time giving you the required confidence. Promise us, you won't fail to maintain your cool, your confidence, your dedication, your energy, your commitment and will never let your efforts go in vain. IASbaba is deeply connected with all of you. And in no way possible, would we want you to succumb to this pressure and not do well.  But only your promise holds the power to becoming the threshold of your dreams and our efforts- to do the talk. All the very best IASbaba

Jul 24, 2016 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Staying Motivated – Inspirational & Educative Articles

Staying Motivated Human mind is not a watch that keeps on ticking once you wind it and leave. It needs continuous motivation and support to function to the best of its abilities. Motivation is not a one time or a once in a day phenomenon; if you cannot motivate yourself every second and every moment then you are not motivated. This is where a few are separated from the many. Rare are those individuals who can constantly keep motivating themselves in order to move towards a desired goal. Successful people know that the greatest differentiating factor in people is their ability to motivate themselves from any situation. Motivation, as the word itself suggests, is a motive that can keep you going. Motivation is that single most important reason for why you act; it is the fundamental reason for action. Motivation is not just about feeling energetic and enthusiastic about completing a task. Motivation is more than enthusiasm; it is more than desire and passion. Motivation is a commitment to a vision. You have seen something in your mind’s eye and it feels great to be a part of that reality; so you start moving in that direction. Motivation is knowing how to see that vision again and again, till it becomes an inseparable reality. Put it another way, motivation is seeing the vision so clearly that you are automatically compelled to move in that direction. In fact the only test of motivation is when you don’t need any. The desire to move in a certain direction is so strong that you don’t need any motivation. Think about it, how often you have tried to motivate yourself to go to a restaurant, to go to a movie, or to go to sleep! Real motivation doesn’t show, it is more like an underlying current that keeps pushing you along to do certain things. Recognizing your inner drive and getting the necessary clarity on your vision is the only thing that can motivate you. All other forms of motivation are temporary and hence useless. This is the reason why it is almost impossible to motivate a person without first clearly showing the vision of what he is trying to accomplish. So in a way motivation is pretty simple. Every day, every hour and every moment you have to ignite the inner vision of what you want to accomplish and become. The more you do this the more you are motivated. Again, there is no such thing as de-motivation; you are always motivated; the question is are you motivated to accomplish that one single most important goal of yours, or are you motivated to do anything and everything, hence lacking focus. You might have a desire to do a lot of things, but you can be truly motivated about only one thing. That is how you know if you are being distracted by your desires or are you driven by your motivation. See the vision again and again and again, that is all the motivation you will ever need. Become the person you are already meant to be. See it so clearly that you will never have to worry about motivating yourself. “The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.” Read more such articles– Click Here

Jul 23, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 23rd July, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 23rd July, 2016   NATIONAL   TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector or Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Issues relating to poverty and hunger General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.   India needs a nutrition mission What: India’s disappointing performance in combating nutrition issues is visible in The Global Nutrition Report 2016. It includes: Chronic malnutrition Stunting (low weight for age) Wasting (low weight for height) Micronutrient deficiencies over-weight India’s track record in reducing the proportion of undernourished children in past decade has been modest. And it lags in comparison with other countries having comparable socio-economic indicators. Stunting- Rank 114 out of 132 countries. India- 38.7%, Germany- 1.3% and Chile- 1.8%, Bangladesh and Nepal rank marginally higher than India Wasting- Rank 120 out of 130 countries India-15.1%, Australia-0%, Chile- 0.3% and South Sudan- 22.7% (130 rank) Anaemia- women of reproductive age- Rank 170 out of 185 countries India- 48.1%, Senegal- 57.5% (worst), US- 11.9% (best) Stopping the cycle of malnutrition Undernutrition in India remains startlingly high despite noticeable reduction in stunting in last decade. Risk population: adolescent girls, women and children. And among them, Scheduled Castes and Tribes are the worst off. Reflects: deceptive economic and sociocultural deprivation prevalent in India. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report- 50% of women in India are married before they turn 18, which is in violation of the law. 30% children born are low weight because- poor nutritional status of adolescent girls, combined with child marriage and multiple pregnancies even before becoming an adult Result: Approx. 7 million, potentially wasted and stunted, added to Indian population every year! Focus be on- Health, nutrition and social status of children. Of total population, adolescent girls and women should be a priority for India to be healthy and break the inter-generational cycle of malnutrition Undernutrition among nearly 70 per cent of school-going children Protein energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies like iron deficiency anaemia exists It challenges the capacity for physical growth and cognitive development. However, steady build-up of momentum around nutrition in past decade is noticeable with the setting up of SUN (Scaling Up Nutrition) secretariat in the UN World Health Assembly adoption (in 2012) of the 2025 global targets for maternal, infant and young children’s nutrition 2015 Sustainable Development Goals which focus the ending of all forms of malnutrition for all people by 2030 Indian states In 2005, Maharashtra was the first State to launch a nutrition mission Other 5 states followed- Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat and Karnataka Population covered- 300 million Focus of all states: inter-sectoral coordination to improve child nutrition in the first 1000 days.   Nutrition schemes in India Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in 1975 national coverage of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) in 1995 The problem and solution framework are correctly identified. What lacks is targets or financial commitments or concrete and specific programmes and processes to accomplish this goal. Systemic development is a long process to convert intent into action. It requires Continuity Consistency excellence in execution A measurement of process, output and outcome/impact metrics Currently, there exists no structure for multi-sectoral coordination which is essential to address the inter-generational and multifaceted nature of malnutrition. Poor nutrition = Poor economics There is an urgency to address underlying causes of malnutrition in India as Economics is related to nutrition World Bank: India loses 2-3 of its annual GDP due to lower productivity (malnutrition being the underlying cause) Economic Survey 2015-16: “Some of the highest economic returns to public investment in human capital in India lie in maternal and early-life health and nutrition interventions” Copenhagen Consensus: Identified several nutrition interventions as some of the most high-yielding of all possible development assessments Dream of India as global player in manufacturing is dependent on nutrition One out of every three children is born underweight Low level of productivity due to inability to realise full potential for physical growth and cognitive development Thus, India’s population dividend is turning out to be liability. Humanity is related to nutrition Art 47 of Constitution of India “Duty of the state to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health. The state shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties.” Positive factors Programmes like Swachh Bharat, ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, etc. are important nutrition-sensitive factors that address hygiene, sanitation and education. India already has the infrastructure and mechanism for reaching people most at risk in the nutrition-specific areas. Need is to revamp it and make more effective. Three priority structures ICDS For pregnant and nursing mothers and children under the age of six The intent to revamp the ICDS has been recently announced Streamline the work in the 1.34 million anganwadi centres by investing in training the 2.5 million workers and helpers at these centres Standardise the nutrition component of the supplementary food offered Focus on the overall dissemination of information and education to pregnant and nursing mothers on healthy eating habits, hygiene and sanitation, etc. CARE India has recently created a “job aid” which is a piloted mobile application that helps anganwadi workers plan, schedule and better coordinate their work. MDMS Directly feeds approximately 120 million schoolchildren every day A large number of children suffer from both insufficient calories and inadequate micronutrients. Single-minded focus on nutrition in addition to food will make a critical difference. Focus on children is targeted, continued and regular which makes impact of MDMS measurable over period of time. Accomplished by: addition of micronutrients to cooked food or by adding universally liked and accepted products such as milk, biscuits, etc. fortified with micronutrients as a mid-morning or afternoon snack. Global evidence: Large-scale food fortification is one of the best ways to address micronutrient deficiency. The standards of the cooked meal could be changed to using only fortified flour, fortified oil and iodised salt Food fortification is the practice of adding essential vitamins and minerals (e.g. iron, vitamin A, folic acid, iodine) to staple foods to improve their nutritional content. PDS Makes available subsistence rations to above and below poverty line families. These are excellent platforms for public-private partnerships to improve the level and quality of service. CSR intervention in these areas can be effective. What to do next? Immediate steps to be taken should include Creating Nutrition Mission to arrange work both in nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive areas so that the impact from them can be embedded in productive outcomes Creating a Nutrition Secretariat as part of the PMO. Responsibility will be to ensure multi-sectoral alignment on priorities, sequencing and timelines. Making the nodal Ministries accountable for revamping the ICDS, MDM, PDS with clear goals, timelines and resources. Open it for PPP and CSR indulgence Extening large-scale food fortification beyond salt to other staples like flour, oil, dairy, etc. Simplifying nutrition in behavioural terms by investing in information dissemination and education about good nutrition practices, need of a diverse diet, importance of deworming, breastfeeding, hygiene and sanitation, etc. Evidence from other countries has shown that countries which have adopted a multi-sectoral framework, the results are tangible and specific. India needs demographic dividend and not a demographic disaster. Connecting the dots: A country will truly prosper when its economic capital and human capital are at par. Critically examine.   Related Articles India: Epicentre of Global Malnutrition Battle with many corners ENVIRONMENT   TOPIC: General Studies 3 Environment and Ecology, Bio diversity - Conservation, environmental degradation, environmental impact assessment, Environment versus Development Effect of environmental policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests. Important International Environmental Institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate   Average Global Temperatures are rising rapidly: What India has to do? Big concern Studies and estimates shows – The first few months of 2016 were close to 5° Celsius higher than average global temperatures for at least 10,000 years prior to the 19th century. Long-term average global temperatures are expected to cross the 1.5°C threshold (which Paris COP-21 set) in just about 10 to 15 years. This period is considered to be much too soon for countries across the world which are still struggling to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to the impacts of rising temperatures. We know that, at the Paris Conference of Parties (COP-21) last December, world leaders agreed to limit global warming to well below 2°C while still making an effort to keep the average rise to below 1.5°C. However, many scientists and analysts actually consider staying within a long-term rise of 1.5°C to be an impossible goal unless some far-fetched method of sucking carbon out of the air or burying it forever becomes viable. IPCC Assessment Report Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) publishes an integrated review of the science, impacts, mitigation and adaptation assessment. Last such review report was published in 2014 and next round of review was expected to be in 2022. However, considering the rapid rise in average global temperature, IPCC has decided to commission some special reviews now only -- (an outcome of Nairobi meeting, April 2016). These special reviews would examine the effect that 1.5°C would have on land use, ecosystems, oceans and glaciers. The above concerns present a very bleak picture. Therefore, the article deals with – what India has done so far and what India has to do to come out of this bleak setting? What India has done so far? In 2007, the Indian government established the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change, out of which emerged the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). The NAPCC also rolled out a fair number of programmes and strategies under its eight missions.   8 Core Missions are – National Solar Mission National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency National Mission on Sustainable Habitat National Water Mission National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem National Mission for a “Green India” National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change Each of the States then developed State-level climate action plans, which are currently being implemented. The State-level studies and plans have also in effect alerted the States to begin the task of incorporating climate change into their planning. The NAPCC essentially announced to the world that India was willing to act on its global responsibility to limit GHG emissions. This was despite the fact that the country has low per capita emissions (less than 2 tonnes per capita, which is lower than the world average) and has historically often taken the lead in calling for equity in international climate policy and the allocation of a fair carbon budget. At COP-21, India proposed that it would reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP (GHG emissions per unit of GDP) by about a third compared with its 2005 levels, and has committed itself to depending on non-fossil fuel sources for 40 per cent of its generation capacity by 2030. Adaptation was also mentioned in India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) along with several details in different sectors. What India has to do? The Paris Agreement calls for comprehensive reviews, regular “global stocktaking” and ratcheting up of targets periodically. We know that India will experience severe effects of global warming. The recent floods in Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu, and severe drought in many districts, are probably just an indication of the harsh implications for the future. Given these pressures and commitments that have been made, India now needs to Re-imagine and develop a new approach, or national strategy — a set of policies that lay out its action plans for reaching its targets, and not just for reducing emissions. With the close monitoring that is expected of the announced NDC targets, there is a lot that India needs to be prepared with. The country’s overall strategies would have to include a number of different aspects such as an integration of mitigation, adaptation and inclusive low-carbon development. India has to have clarity on implementation, along with an understanding of which programmes would be undertaken by the Central government, which ones by the States, and how these would all add up to fulfilling our commitments. State-based Approach: Each State faces a distinctive set of challenges regarding the impact of warming, but also offers its own set of opportunities for reducing emissions depending on its natural resources. For example, coastal States need to take action to protect their shores from sea level rise, districts that are drier need to prepare for variable monsoon precipitation, Himalayan regions have their own unique challenges, and selected parts of peninsular India and offshore areas offer great opportunities for harnessing wind power. These various aspects need to be considered in fulfilling the Paris Agreement now, but also for developing clear and sustainable goals for the future. Although ratification of the Paris Agreement is already being considered, the deliverables on adaptation are far from clear. In fact, there are no agreed-upon adaptation goals at the global level. It would therefore be interesting and useful for India to formulate adaptation strategies at State levels and demonstrate if and how these could be meaningful for the country as a whole.   The way ahead Countries need to re-think in terms of targets well beyond 2030 for emissions and adaptation. Fundamental decisions on growth and development need to go well beyond the goals for a high GDP and consider surviving extreme events, living in a warmer world, and inclusivity, especially with hundreds of millions who are poor, which is fundamental to countries like India. The linkages among development trajectories, GHG emissions reduction targets and adaptation strategies perhaps need to be made more explicit by researchers and scientists, so that decision makers can understand the medium- and long-term implications of virtually all their choices. With the challenges that India faces and the need to provide human services in a sustainable manner to its vast underserved population, the country requires social and economic transformation at a scale that has not been attempted before. Connecting the dots: Estimates and studies have shown that long-term average global temperatures are expected to cross the 1.5°C threshold set by Paris COP-21 set in just about 10 to 15 years. What strategies should India take to adapt to the impacts of rising temperatures. Scientists and analysts actually consider staying within a long-term rise of 1.5°C, set by Paris COP-21, to be an impossible goal. Do you agree? In your opinion what strategies should India take to adapt to the impacts of rising temperatures both at domestic and international level.   MUST READ Paradox of change Indian Express Related article: Dangerous vigilantism   Why the exchange rate is always subordinate to inflation Livemint Related article: Time for a single world currency   Lifting the ‘trend’ rate of growth Livemint

Jul 23, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

IASbaba ’60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2016 ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY & CURRENT AFFAIRS [DAY 60]

Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Hello Friends Hope you are enjoying Daily questions. The link for Day 59 solution is active now.  Why we asked you to comment? Now go back to check your answers that you posted with honest effort. Edit your answers with marks. Everyday like this you can self monitor your progress for all 60 days. Accountability to self is the only way for success IASbaba '60 Day Plan' - Prelims Test 2016 [Day 60] Q.1) Which of the following are the causes for loss of biodiversity? Destruction of Habitat Invasion by alien species Keeping animals in Zoological parks Over exploitation of natural resources Climate change Select the code from below: 1,2,3 and 4 1,2,4 and 5 1,4 and 5 All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements regarding ‘Pitcher’ Plant: It is a carnivorous plant. It does not make its food through photosynthesis because of lack of nutrients. It is found in the Thar desert of India Which of the above statement(s) are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.3) Consider the following National Park/Wild life Sanctuaries and the animals they are famous for: National Park/ Sanctuary                                              Specie Kaziranga                                                                     One horned Rhinoceros Ranthambor                                                                Tiger Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary                                    Gharial Kutch wildlife Sanctuary                                          Asiatic wild Ass Which of the above are correctly matched? 1 and 2 1,2 and 4 2,3 and 4 All of the above Q.4) Which of the following forests is known as the ‘Lungs of the Planet Earth’? Tundra forest Coniferous forests of Taiga Amazon Rain Forest Corals Q.5) Which of the following groups exhibit more species diversity? Angiosperms Algae Bryophytes Fungi Q.6) Sounds above which decibel level are considered as hazardous noise pollution? Above 80 dB Above 150 dB Above 30 dB Above 120 dB Q.7) Competition for light, nutrients and space is most severe between: Closely related organisms growing in different Niches Closely related organisms growing in same niche Distantly related organisms growing in the same habitat Distantly related organisms growing in different niches Q.8) Consider the following statements: Jet planes are a major contributor to Ozone depletion. Jet planes fly through the stratosphere making holes in ozone layer with immense force. Which of the above statement are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.9) Bhopal Gas tragedy is one the worst chemical tragedies of India. It was caused due to leak of which of the following gas? Methyl isocyanate Uranium 235 Ethyl isocyanate DDT Q.10) Which of the following pyramids are upright in grassland ecosystems? Pyramid of numbers Energy Pyramid Select the code from below: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.11) Homeostasis means: Tendency of biological systems to change with change in environment. The ability to maintain steady state with changing environment. Disturbance of self regulatory system and natural controls. Biotic materials used in Homeopathic medicines. Q.12) Consider the following statements regarding ‘Humus’ Humus is finely divided semi-decomposed organic material. It helps in binding the minerals(positive ions) in the soil and make them available to the roots of the plants. Humus is found in ‘O’ and ‘A’ layer of the soil. Which of the above statements are correct? 1 only 1 and 3 2 and 3 All of the above Q.13) Earlier royalty used to eat in silver wares. Which of the following metal poisoning was sometimes caused due to that? Silver poisoning Lead poisoning Copper poisoning Arsenic poisoning Q.14) Consider the following statements: Texture of soil is determined by the size of the soil particles. Soil texture determines the water holding capacity of the soil. Which of the above statements are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.15) Ultraviolet radiations from sunlight cause a reaction that produces: Fluorides Ozone Nitrogen dioxide Sulphur dioxide Q.16) Which of the below statements about Ganges River Dolphin is/are correct? The Ganges River Dolphinis also known as the "Susu" or “Soons” is an endemic fauna of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna river systems. They are often known as the “Tiger of Indian Rivers”, the river dolphin is an indicator animal and has the same position in a river ecosystem as a tiger in a forest, its presence indicating a sign of a healthy river ecosystem. Select the correct code: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.17) Consider the following statements: Assertion (A): The coral reefs are called as rainforests of the oceans. Reason (R): The coral reefs are more diverse than the tropical rainforests because the coral reefs have about 1,000,000 species Choose the correct answer: Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A A is true but R is false A is false but R is true Q.18) Which among the following statement(s) is/are not true in regard to coral bleaching? Coral bleaching refers to loss of algae from the corals resulting in the white colour of corals which is indicative of death of corals. Siltation has been reported as the major factor of coral bleaching. El Nino phenomenon also contributes to coral bleaching. Select the correct code: 1 only 2 only 3 only None Q.19) Consider the following statements in regard to Compost: Greens have more nitrogen in them. Nitrogen is a critical element in amino acids and proteins, and can be thought of as a protein source for the billions of multiplying microbes. A good mix of browns and greens is the best nutritional balance for the microbes, however browns often need to be moistened before they are put into a compost system. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 2 and 3 only 3 only 2 only All of the above Q.20) Recently, environmentalists and ecologists have given high importance to Social forestry programme and a lot of debates focusing on Eucalyptus. Which among the following is true in regard to it? Social forestry refers to the concept of planting trees and pasture development on village common lands, roadside and along railways, commonly in non-forest areas for the benefit of the society. Eucalyptus is grown extensively under this programme as its cultivation has proved to be an ecological friendly. This is because other plants can grow near Eucalyptus trees and they take up very less ground water and soil nutrients. Select the correct code: 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.21) Helsinki Conference was associated with: Conference on Environment and Cooperation in Europe, was an effort to reduce environmental tensions between the Russia and Western blocs INDCs - Intended Nationally Determined Contributions – UNFCCC To upend current barriers to sharing clinical data and insights on Nature Biotechnology Elimination of CFC that causes ozone depletion Q.22) Consider the following statements in regard to AGMARK and FPO mark. Choose the incorrect answer: AGMARK is a certification mark employed on agricultural products in India, assuring that they conform to a set of standards approved by the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) The AGMARK is legally enforced in India by the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act The FPO mark is a certification mark mandatory on all processed fruit products sold in India, following the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 The agency that develops standards for this purpose and that which issues the FPO mark is the Ministry of Food Processing Industries of the Government of India Q.23) Which among the following is correct about Indian monsoon rainfall? The Indian summer monsoon rainfall is influenced by a system of oscillating sea surface temperatures known as the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) in which the western Indian Ocean becomes alternately warmer and then colder than the eastern part of the ocean. A positive IOD occurs when the sea surface temperatures are greater than normal in the Arabian Sea and less than normal in the tropical eastern Indian Ocean. When the reverse is the case, a negative IOD is said to have developed. A positive IOD leads to greater monsoon rainfall and more active (above normal rainfall) monsoon days while negative IOD leads to less rainfall and more monsoon break days (no rainfall). All of the above Q.24) Choose the incorrect answer: Harike Wildlife Sanctuary - NH 15 Dara wildlife Sanctuary – NH 12 Gautam Budha Wildlife Sanctuary – NH 5 Bandipur National Park - NH-67 and NH-212 Q.25) Consider the following differences between Crocodile and Aligator. Select the incorrect statement. Alligators have wider, U-shaped snouts, while crocodile front ends are more pointed and V-shaped. Alligators tend to live in saltwater habitats, while crocodiles hang out in freshwater marshes and lakes. In alligators, the upper jaw is wider than the lower jaw and completely overlaps it. Therefore, when mouth closed, only the top teeth are visible. In crocodiles, the upper jaw and lower jaw are approximately the same width, and so both the top and bottom teeth are visible when mouth is closed. Q.26) ‘Drachma’ is the currency of— Australia Denmark Greece Netherland Q.27) Consider the following components: Aadhaar penetration Basic bank account penetration Banking Correspondents (BC) density Choose the correct option that forms the indicator of JAM Preparedness Index— 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Q.28) Global Hunger Index Report is published by— FAO IMF International Food Policy Research Institute World Economic Forum Q.29) This ‘navy vessel’ is the first open-ocean voyage of the Navy’s all-woman crew— Vaidehi Mhadei Padmavati Rudramma Q.30) Consider the following schemes: Hamari Dharohar KIRAN USTAAD Nai Manzil Select the correct option that depicts schemes designed for the minority communities of India— 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 1, 2 and 4 1, 3 and 4 Download the Solution- Click here P.S- Attempt these questions within 20 minutes with full honesty and write your results in the comment box. Next day, come back and check your result. You can also discuss the important concepts and issues, in case of doubts (among peers) All the best IASbaba

Jul 22, 2016 Motivational Articles

IASbaba’s Motivational Article: "The battle is not over, cause you have not won Yet- Prelims 2016"

Hello Friends, In the popular TV series- Game of Thrones, one of the episodes from the 6th season stands out. It was the ‘battle of bastards’ as they call it, between Boltons on one side led by the maverick Ramsay Bolton and John Snow and his small force of wildlings on the other. Of course the odds were entirely against John Snow. Yet in the end he comes out victorious with the little luck that came from the surprise attack by the army of Lord Baelish which completely took the Boulton army off guard. But luck could favour John Snow because he kept fighting till the end. When his force was getting slaughtered and smothered by the Boltons with little or no hope of survival, he didn’t stop fighting. Imagine, what if John Snow had given up seconds before the army of Lord Baelish attacked? You see, even luck favors the brave.  Even now, for many of you, the odds might not be looking very promising. How many of you haven’t yet revised the syllabus with so little time left? How many of you performed poorly in the last test that you appeared for? How many of you aren’t confident about Culture, Environment and Science portions? How many of you feel that this attempt is a waste of time for you? How many of you are feeling nervous and scared as 7th Aug approaches fast? How many of you have lost hope? We know that you are somewhere in the flux of these emotions, fear and anxiety. It only proves that you are a human being. If you are scared, it means you are committed to this process called CSE. If you think you are under prepared, it means you have really tried hard and have much higher expectations from yourself. You have stood there braving all the odds and emotional stress. Friends, you already are like John Snow. The only thing you need right now is to stay focused, stay committed, stay hopeful and stay alive. This fight is worth your sweat and blood. Mind this; what we say is not to create an optical illusion of rosy images with harsh and cruel realities in the backdrop! We are uttering the truth only. There are many candidates who are already in some service and still feeling the pressure. They feel that those not in the services hold a better chance in CSP as they have time and desperation both. We know that you must be thinking otherwise! There are many veterans who feel that freshers have a better chance to qualify prelims while the first timers think the otherwise. See, this is how thoughts and perceptions shape up in this process. Half the confidence is gone in comparing yourself with others. The other half is eroded by your own mistakes. Where is the confidence left? Please bear in mind that everyone in the CSE aspirants community is feeling the pressure. Yes everyone! We have many toppers associated with IASbaba. When asked about the stress before CSP, almost all of them responded by saying that even they felt unsure about their preparation. Those who qualify this examination are not Superman. You can relate CSP with a race of school kids. To win the race, a boy or girl just needs to outpace the others. Even if the fastest among them feels that he/ she must possess the speed of Usain Bolt to defeat the competitors, he/she is mistaken. The failure to do so will only keep him stressed and he/she might end up losing the race. So don’t lose your heart if you can’t become Usain Bolt. You have to run a marathon that needs perseverance and commitment. By coming so far, you have already shown those attributes. Gather all your strength for the D-Day and we are sure that you will be through, for John Snow was never the best in wielding the sword but had the character of a winner. All the Best IASbaba Team