Jul 9, 2016 AIR

All India Radio - Green Highways Project

ARCHIVES   Green Highways Project   Search 2nd July http://newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways and Shipping has launched the initial plantation drive on 1500 km on National Highways at a cost of Rs. 300 crore under the National Greenways Highways Mission (NGHM). This new mission of the government aspires to be a game-changer for agriculture and rural economy. The government is giving lot of emphasis on afforestation and now this new initiative has been taken whereby there will be green cover along the highways. This will have a benefit in employment generation. Greening of one km of highway provides employment to ten people. The initial launch of 1,500 km under the Mission will employ 15,000 people. National Highways are 1 lakh km, State Highways are 1.5 lakh km and other roads are 49 lakh km. Though the project is initially for National Highways, subsequently, it will be implemented across the length and breadth of the country. More than just a greening drive This initiative is much more than afforestation. It involves improving livelihoods and providing a green canopy all through the highways which will criss-cross the entire country. It will be a game changer for agriculture and rural economy through public participation. Although there must be PSUs, NGOs, start ups who would be given the projects to implement, they would in turn get into local populace to implement the project. They would stand to gain because most of these plantation is supposed to be giving returns like fruit bearing trees or other things of economic importance. So the livelihoods will definitely improve and it would have ripple effect in surrounding areas through the country. It will also reduce the impacts of air pollution and dust as trees and shrubs along the Highways act as natural sink for air pollutants and arrest soil erosion at the embankment slopes. Plants along highway median strips and along the edges reduce the glare of oncoming vehicles which sometimes become cause of accidents. The environmental impact of the project is that it will help in sequestering 12 lakh metric tonne carbon annually under green initiatives, complementing the Paris commitments which include reduction in carbon emission upto 35% till 2030 from its 2005 levels and develop additional carbon sink of 2.5 billion tonnes being covered outside forest. The plant species selected will be region specific depending on local conditions such as rainfall, climate type of soil etc. Mindless plantation of one species of a tree across the roads will be of no use. In the past, such things have happened which has been detrimental to the economy and ecology as well. (Planting species unfavourable to soil/rain/weather condition is a sure shot towards hampered growth and pre-mature death, thereby wasting money, time and resources). So, it is going to be specific to different states and diff stretches, there will proper selection of species and people will be involved in the process. Green Funding The investment is very impressive as for every National Highway project undertaken, 1% has to be set aside for the Green Fund. Within 1-2 years, the entire stretch of National Highways is expected to be covered. It will have tremendous impact on environment and economy as a whole. Government plans to spend an estimated Rs. 5000 crore, which is one percent of road construction cost which is 5 trillion, till 2019. It is a significant step as now it is ensured that there will be additional activity along with construction and repair of roads throughout the country. Stock of CAMPA fund is also lying with government to tune of Rs. 40000 crore. The bill needs to be passed to utilise the funds for various green initiatives. There has been encouraging reports of increasing forest cover in India but the target of 33% area is to be achieved by various initiatives. There is no timeline to the project but what is important is that it is doable. Engaging public and private institutions The launch of ‘Adopt a Green Highway’ Program to engage corporates, Public Sector units, Government organizations and other institutions for developing green corridor along National Highways through plantation and allied activity on avenue, median and other available nearby land patches . ‘Kisan Harit Rajmarg Yojana’ was also launched which is a pilot scheme to extend green belt beyond the existing ‘Right of Way’ of highways by engaging farmers and providing alternative livelihood option to the nearby communities. Some CPSUs like IOC, CIL have shown interest which comes under the CSR umbrella very easily. So many more are expected to be drawn in the programme. This will be supplemented by contribution of start ups, NGOs, private citizens who are interested in programme. It will become some kind of civil society movement. The main focus of such programmes is to involve population in the development process. Environment is very important as we have made international commitments in Paris which needs to be complemented by different ministries coming together.   Effective Monitoring Plans There will be a separate implementing and monitoring agency. Usually, everything is put in one basket and ultimately nothing happens. But specific agencies for specific tasks will show the results. The modus operand of selection will be based on specific criteria and the best implementing agencies will be chosen. The government talks about tight monitoring where only serious players will be allowed. It is a huge benefit as satellite technology will be used for monitoring (ISRO’s Bhuvan and GAGAN) and apps (National Green Highways Mission Mobile App) being used so as to monitor all the projects with real time data from the fields. The technology will assist in identifying the bottlenecks quickly and ensure speedy and successful implementations of the projects. Every planted tree will be counted and auditing will be done. The agencies performing well will be awarded. The minister has even gone so far to say that no payment will be made unless the work is actually done on ground. Thus, it’s an apt monitoring plan. Linking with MGNREGA The government has proposed to link it with MGNREGA as the emphasis is now on creation of durable assets. It is not only about providing employment for 100 days in a year, but there will be construction of durable assets which will strengthen livelihood security in the country. It is a good way of tying up different government programmes at the grassroots level. It also has an effect on nutrition for the people in that area (increased employment à more income à increased expenditure on quality products). So, from health point of view, the populace stands to gain by such initiatives. Information dissemination The programme has just been announced so it will take a while to percolate the message. It will surely be a reality as a part of funding shall be dedicated to proper dissemination of information to the intended beneficiaries. Recently, a charter was signed between NGHM and YES BANK to create awareness on greening of highways and explore synergies between NGHM’s objectives and YES BANK’s CoP21 commitment of planting 20 lakh saplings by 2020. Supplementary and innovative alternatives One proposal is to use the solid waste in construction of roads wherein peripheral roads around Delhi will have pilot initiative. It is a significant step contemplated by ministry as solid waste management has been a struggle, especially in urban areas for long time. Such kind of development initiatives create model urban development and also enhance the aesthetic value of the area. Other green initiatives include eco-friendly fuel which will save the environment. Government and Supreme Court have come in together to curb pollution. Unless there are policy initiatives which are initiated by the government itself in this direction, not much can be expected to happen. The pollution level can be seen coming down through policy initiatives only. Auto makers, auto industries will have to fall in line and join hands to curtail pollution. To switch from Bharat Stage IV to Bharat Stage VI emission norms to improve fuel standards. There has been some reluctance on part of auto industry and oil refining sector because it means a lot in terms of investment and technology. It is important to have goals and make sure that everybody else who is participant in the change is on same page. Conclusion The participation of states is equally important with 10 states already on board for green highway initiative. Without participation of states, such initiatives are not successful. For instance, the forest department of Haryana government and Andhra Pradesh PWD have come forward to implement the programme. The impact of the project will take couple of months to be visible, the daily targets have been set but the green canopy across the highways will take 1-2 years. The urban transportation policy has to focus on moving people rather than moving vehicles. Thus, a public transport needs to efficient and then only expect public to switch over from private to public transport. Private transport has become a status symbol and this mentality needs to be changed. There has to be lot of advocacy and public sensitization to make people realise the enormous cost to the environment and to country. Along with greening highways, the people are to be given pleasant driving experience and also development of villages which provide multiple facilities for travellers, truck drivers and others and establishing CNG stations which are difficult to find on highways. The policy when implemented in letter and spirit will result into India being a “Nation with Natural Highways”. It will address the issues that lie in the “road of development” and pave “a journey towards sustainable development”. It is the onus of the communities involved in the path of development that they also participate in the process of protection of nature. The Government can frame policies, provide standards, but success of projects depends on strong monitoring which is not possible without active community participation and community ownership. Key words: National Green Highways Mission: the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification & Maintenance) Policy, 2015 aims to promote greening of Highway corridors with participation of the community, farmers, private sector, NGOs, and government institutions. Vision: to involve the local communities in the plantation work. CAMPA: Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority. Because of developmental or industrial requirements, forests are routinely cut, or, as it is said in official language, “diverted for non-forest purposes”. In such cases, the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 requires that non-forest land, equal to the size of the forest being “diverted”, is afforested. Thus, if any user agency wants to divert forest land for non-forest purposes, it has to deposit money for compensatory afforestation as well as pay the Net Present Value, besides a few other charges. Since forests are being diverted routinely (at the rate of about 20,000-25,000 ha per year according to the Ministry of Environment and Forests) a large sum of money is accruing to the government. Currently, more than Rs 40,000 crore has accumulated from these sources, and the fund is increasing at the rate of about Rs 6,000 crore every year. Right of Way Highways: a right to make a way over a piece of land, usually to and from another piece of land. A right of way is a type of easement granted or reserved over the land for transportation purposes, this can be for a highway, public footpath, rail transport, canal, as well as electrical transmission lines, oil and gas pipelines Refer: Green Highways: An Initiative towards Sustainable Development Launch of initial plantation drive on 1,500 km of National Highways under Green Highways Project Yojana- November 2015  CAMPA

Jul 8, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 8th July, 2016   INTERNATIONAL   TOPIC: General studies 2 India and its International relations, Africa Policy Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.   Africa, a land of opportunity In News: PM Modi will be visiting some of the African countries (especially the four Indian Ocean littoral countries – Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa) The visit will be the first by an Indian PM to Mozambique since 1982 and the first to Kenya since 1981. NDA govt’s Africa policy was manifested in the third India-Africa summit in 2015, which was attended by the leaders of 51 of 54 African nations. Previous summits in 2008 and 2011 had attracted 14-15 heads of state of governments. Purpose of the visit: PM Modi’s visit to the four Indian Ocean littoral countries has three components — the first related to economy and trade, the second to security and the third to the Indian diaspora.   Fig: Four Indian Ocean littoral countries - Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa – which the PM Modi will be visiting India, stresses all-round relations which includes business, investment, education and training. Economy and Trade: India has significant relations with all four countries in terms of trade as well as investment of Indian private and public sector companies. Other areas - oil and gas industry, automobile, textiles, telecommunications, engineering products, pharma and medicine Emerging areas of interest - floriculture and agriculture, commercial farming of sugarcane, palm oil and coffee, because of the agriculture investment-friendly attitude of many of the states Cabinet has also approved of an MoU with Mozambique to double the import of pulses to 2,00,000 tonnes by 2020. Education and IT: Proximity has made India a major destination for African students. Government of India also provides scholarships and training programmes for the nationals of these countries. Possibilities of expanding Indian IT education and medical tourism. India can also unleash massive possibilities in digital penetration in the continent. The Digital India initiative can be useful as Africa steps up its IT spend on e-government solutions, new banking platforms, security to information management.   Security Interests and Diaspora: Indian diaspora is spread across the Indian Ocean islands of Seychelles, Reunion, Mauritius, as well as the littoral states like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. India’s goal is to incorporate the vast region from India to South Africa as part of its security sphere. New Delhi has had old ties with the Indian Ocean states of Seychelles and Mauritius on the security front. India reportedly also maintains a listening post in Madagascar and Oman. In this context, naval exercises, military and peacekeeping operations, outreach to the littoral states is crucial. India has emerged as a maritime security provider in East Africa and has build up a regular naval presence in the strategic Mozambique channel. 2012 agreement provides for anti-piracy patrols by the Indian Navy in the Channel and in Mozambican waters. Security from the grim reality of Islamic State terror will have to be and will be at the core of dialogues. As for security, the region is far more important for India especially because of the diaspora. India is a trusted security partner. What it now needs to do is to step up its economic game. Concerns: Latent racism of large sections of its people Women violence, especially experience of women tourists goes against India’s Atithidevo Bhava (the guest is equivalent to god) concept Attacks on Africans studying, working and domiciled in India What India should learn from Africa? Death penalty In three of the four countries PM is visiting, namely, Mozambique, South Africa and Kenya, the death penalty now belongs to the past, the first two having abolished it by law and the third stopped it de facto. India is behind these three countries and Asia as a whole is behind Africa in regard to Death penalties. India gave its excuse explaining that retaining the death penalty is that it acts as a deterrence against terror. But still the question remains –“Does it really?” By making martyrs of terrorists, it makes role models of them for ‘the cause’. Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (commonly known as the United Nations Convention against Torture) India signed the Convention in October 1997 during the Prime Ministership of Inder Gujral, but it has yet not ratified it. Neither the two NDA governments nor the two UPA governments thought fit to ratify it. Tanzania too has neither signed nor ratified it. Mozambique, Kenya and South Africa have, all three, signed and ratified it. If torture is savage, Africa is civilisationally ahead of Asia and, more specifically, these three countries are ahead of India. Conclusion: Africa is key to India’s economic and maritime interests in the Indian Ocean region. The Prime Minister’s emphasis on the “blue economy initiative” which aims to build on maritime trade links between India and the countries situated along the Indian Ocean is significant. With South Africa, Kenya and Mozambique among these, is important for India to establish deeper links with Africa so as not to get crowded out by other Asian giants. It is obvious the possibilities in relationship building are infinite. All we have to do is to push the boundaries. Connecting the dots: Discuss the opportunities that the African countries (especially the Indian Ocean littoral countries) provide for India. Also discuss the concerns between India and these countries.   MUST READ Why the Chilcot report is vital Hindu Related Articles: Grim lessons from the Iraq invasion   ‘British science can survive Brexit’ Hindu   Fixing the pulses deficit Hindu Related Articles: Protein Plan   The ABC of radicalisation Hindu   Divesting in RBI to recapitalize banks Livemint   A limited right to free speech is not enough Livemint Related Articles: Who decides the fault in our speech?   Banks should perform or be privatised Business Line   The hawala question Business Line

Jul 8, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

IASbaba ’60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2016 SCIENCE & TECH & CURRENT AFFAIRS [DAY 47]

Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Hello Friends Hope you are enjoying Daily questions. The link for Day 46 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 47] Q.1) Identify the goddess who is also referred to as the ‘Menstruating Goddess’ a) Goddess Kaali b) Goddess Durga c) Devi Kamakhya d) Goddess Saraswati Q.2) Identify from the following the ‘cave’ that hosts the famous Kailasa Temple a) Ajanta Caves b) Karan Chaupar Cave c) Junnar Cave d) Ellora Cave Q.3) Choose from among the following the Financial Regulators of India RBI CAG SEBI SIDBI Choose the correct option/s from the following: a) 1, 3 and 4 b) Only 1 c) Both 1 and 3 d) All of the above Q.4) Which is the nodal agency for the National Bamboo Mission? a) Ministry of New & Renewable Energy b) Ministry of Agriculture c) Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change d) Federation of Green Energy Q.5) Identify the Ministry which has launched the programmes HAPIS & CHAMAN: a) Department of Nuclear Supplies b) Integrated watershed development authority c) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change d) Ministry of Agriculture  Q.6) Consider the following statements regarding LIDAR technology: It is the acronym for Laser Image Detection and Ranging. It is a surveying and remote sensing method to measure ranges on earth. The system works on the principle of Radar, but uses light from a Laser. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) All of the above Q.7) Which of the following statements correctly describe the famous Gravitational Lensing Effect given by Einstein? Light coming from one object will bend due the presence of mass between the object and the observer. The effect is observed in space where light is bent under the influence of the mass of galaxies and dark matter. Select the code from the following: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.8) ‘Car- to- Car communication’ is a new technology being developed to reduce car accidents. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Car-to-car communication’: Cars will have small radars to judge the speed of vehicles around them and manoeuvre accordingly. This technique will only work in automatic driving when, driver is not steering the car and car is on auto pilot mode. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.9) Consider the following statements regarding “Nuclear Suppliers Group”: It is a group of countries with nuclear weapons that seek to prevent nuclear proliferation. NSG controls the export of materials, equipment and technology that can be used to manufacture Nuclear Weapons. Recently India has become the member of NSG. Which of the above statements are incorrect? a) 3 only b) 1 and 2 c) 1 and 3 d) None of the above Q.10) In International Space Station, a ball pen doesn’t work because- a) There is no air pressure. b) There is no gravity. c) The above statement is incorrect as ball point pen does work. d) Because of artificial pressure, the ball gets jammed. Q.11) Consider the following Light and Sound Waves are Electromagnetic Waves Both shows the property of Diffraction, Reflection and Refraction While Sound is Transverse waves, light is Longitudinal in nature Select the correct code a) 1, 2and 3 b) 1 and 2 c) Only 2 d) Only 3 Q.12) Consider the following statements: The electric current in conductors is due to the flow of free protons. The direction of electric current is taken as opposite to the direction of flow of the electrons. Which of the above statements is correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.13) During Ice skating, the skater increases his rotation speed by pulling in his arms. The speed increases because of- a) Conservation of angular momentum b) Decrease in resistance from the air c) Shifting of the centre of mass d) Shifting of the centre of gravity Q.14) Centre for Advanced Animal Diagnostics and Services on Animal Health and Diseases (ADSAHD) to prevent cattle from exotic diseases, is being developed in which of the following regions? a) North eastern Region b) Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan c) Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar d) Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Q.15) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the launch of the ‘National Supercomputing Mission’. This is a visionary program to enable India to leapfrog to the league of world class computing power nations. Which of the following statements are correct about ‘National Supercomputing Mission’? The Mission would be implemented and steered jointly by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY). The mission aims at developing the fastest supercomputer of the world in India. The Mission envisages empowering our national academic and R&D institutions spread over the country by installing a vast supercomputing grid. The Mission also includes development of highly professional High Performance Computing (HPC) aware human resource for meeting challenges of development of these applications. Select the code from below: a) 2 only b) 1, 3 and 4 c) 1,2 and 4 d) All of the above Q.16) Consider the following statements: Tuberculosis is caused by virus which is spread from person to person through air. Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccinations are used in many countries to prevent severe forms of TB in children. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB) is caused by an organism that is resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin, the two most potent TB drugs. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) None of the above Q.17) Which of the following is not the property of base? a) They react with acids to give salt and water b) They are soapy to touch c) They are donors of protons d) They are acceptors of protons Q.18) Antibodies are formed by a) T-cells b) Monocytes c) Phagocytes d) B-cells Q.19) Green plants in the sea are useful for the respiration of fish because a) They give out oxygen b) They give out carbon dioxide c) The give out oxygen and carbon dioxide simultaneously d) They take oxygen and give out carbon dioxide Q.20) Which of the following have highest elasticity? a) Steel b) Copper c) Rubber d) Aluminium Q.21) Consider the following statements: The Global Apollo Programme is a call for a major global science and economics research programme to make carbon-free baseload electricity less costly than electricity from coal by the year 2025. Key areas of focus includes Renewable energy, Energy storage, Smart grids and hydrogen vehicles. Which of the above given statement(s) is/are true? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both d) None 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 7, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 7th July, 2016

ArchivesIASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 7th July, 2016 NATIONAL TOPIC:  General Studies 2 Indian Constitution, significant provisions and basic structure – Fundamental Rights (Freedom of Speech) Issues Separation of powers between various organs , dispute redressal mechanisms and institution Structure, organization and functioning of Executive and JudiciaryWho decides the fault in our speech?Issue: Perumal Murugan, award-winning Tamil writer, had become a household name last year when he publicly announced that he was giving up writing after coming under sustained attack from certain local, caste-based groups, who had protested against his novel Mathorubhagan(translated into English as One Part Woman). After widespread protests by local caste-based groups, the police got involved, and “summoned” the parties for a “peace talk”. He was forced to agree to a written “unconditional apology” at a ‘peace committee’ meeting organized by local officials and they orchestrated protests to demand a ban on his novel and his prosecution, as they deemed his writings were prurient and defamatory (i.e. police-mediated settlement had been coercively imposed upon Mr. Murugan)High Court Verdict However, the Madras High Court has now rejected the demand for banning the book or prosecuting him, and declared that it will not allow self-appointed super-censors in society to decide what people read or see. It has upheld the freedom of writers to write and advised those professing to be hurt by a book to just avoid reading it. The Bench also reminded the authorities (police and the local officials) of their duty to secure freedom of expression and not give in to mob demands in the name of preserving law and order thus, handing Mr. Murugan a complete victory.The concept called: “heckler’s veto” As mentioned above, local police and officials imposed an unequal settlement upon Mr. Murugan. The local police cited its duty to maintain “law and order”, and had told him that this was the only way in which the protesters could be appeased. In the language of free speech, this is known as the “heckler’s veto”: by threatening public disorder or disturbance, socially powerful groups can shut down critical or inconvenient speech by simply cowing the writer as well as the police into submission. India has a long and shameful history of caving in to the heckler’s veto. However, the recent verdict is a welcome one as the Court placed itself firmly on the side of the more liberal and progressive Indian free speech tradition, and against a series of regressive judgments that have upheld book bans and censorship on the specious grounds of ‘hurt sentiments’ or ‘offended religious beliefs’ (on the basis of heckler’s veto).Judicial censorship (Very important) Under the Constitution, the judiciary is not granted the power to censor speech. Article 19(2) stipulates that the freedom of speech can be restricted only by a valid “law” — that is (subject to certain exceptions contained in Article 13 of the Constitution), a law enacted by Parliament. Once Parliament passes a law restricting speech, the judiciary may review it to check whether it passes constitutional scrutiny. In the case of banning books, this procedure is contained in Sections 95 and 96 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Section 95 authorizes the government to ban a book if it appears to have violated certain laws. If the government chooses to ban a book, the writer or publisher may then approach the High Court, arguing that the ban is an unconstitutional invasion of their right to free speech. Then the High Courts can — and often have — struck down bans on this basis. This two-step procedure is vitally important in protecting the right to free speech, since it first requires the government to apply its mind to the question of whether a book may legitimately be banned, and then authorizes the court to determine whether the government correctly applied its mind.Troubling straight jacket move Straightaway approaching the court for a ban short-circuits an essential safeguard, and also invites the court to step outside its jurisdiction by passing banning orders not contemplated by the Constitution. Unfortunately, this has become an increasingly common tactic in recent years (i.e. no courts are following the above two steps procedure), and also has far too frequently been entertained by the Supreme Court. The Perumal Murugan case, presented a great chance for the Madras High Court to spell out the limits of the courts’ jurisdiction, and the impermissibility of judicial censorship. But, it failed to do so.Conclusion The most troubling part is – ‘The courts themselves are arriving at the conclusion whether the book (One Part Woman in this case) breaks or do not break any laws’. (just by relying upon arguments by different sides) The verdicts given in many previous cases (even in the Perumal case) also shows how this form of analysis is heavily judge-centric, depending almost entirely on what an individual judge feels about a controversial work. For speech to be truly free, the judiciary must stop relying upon the rigid straitjacket model it is following; it should understand its limitations on judicial censorship and follow the procedures laid down by the Constitution of India (as mentioned above)  NATIONALTOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues ; Governance IssuesExport Oriented Unit (EoU) SchemeLaunch: 1980Objective: To boost exports and increase productionScheme: Indian companies that produce goods solely for export can register as ‘export-oriented units’. In doing so, these producers become exempt from duty payments on a range of resources used in production Time for a relook at the EoU Scheme— Is there really a need— Yes— due to the following reasons Declining exports Rising trade deficit To achieve its target of $900 billion exports by 2020 as envisaged in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) of 2015–20 Gradual reduction in EoUs after the SEZ Act— Inability in fulfilling the net foreign exchange (NFE) obligations Not paying the central sales tax (CST) Exceeding the limit in sales to the domestic tariff area (DTA) Growth and performanceGrowth Trend: Downward; constitutes around 20 per cent of the total registered EoUsReasons: SEZ Act coming in force Government’s inability to utilise properly the uniqueness of the 100-per-cent-EoU SchemePerformance: Fallen drastically as well as turned negative in 2010-12Reason: Withdrawal of the tax benefits under the Income Tax Act, 1961 from 1 April 2011 (EoUs opted out) No internal audit mechanism to check and facilitate the functioning of EoUs in placeGovernance Woes Cases of misrepresentation and non-compliance: Around 48 cases of incorrect/irregular DTA sales were recorded— duty forgone, irregular internal audit system Clearance of products into DTA often exceeds these prescribed limitsOthers— Complexities that arise due to its size Lack of entrepreneurial talent Lack of promotion of the scheme Limited share in manufacturing Inability of the FTP to make the best of the 100-per cent-EoU scheme Steps to improve performance Revise the scheme to suit the changing global environment Initiate policies to stop the downward trend of EoU growth and performance with timelines by utilising the uniqueness of EoUs Implement an internal audit system and ensure that EoUs submit APRs timely containing relevant data related to exports, duty forgone, DTA sales, etc. Fix liability for any non-compliance Modify the provisions for EoU to achieve objectives and ensure proper functioning and monitoring, but without affecting its competitiveness with other related schemes and acts Clear the ambiguities and inconsistencies in role and procedure between policies and departments Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020Target: $900 billion exports by 2020Features: Raise India's share in world exports from 2% to 3.5%. New Schemes: Merchandise Exports from India Scheme & Services Exports from India Scheme Higher level of rewards under MEIS for export items with High domestic content and value addition Chapter-3 incentives extended to units located in SEZs. Export obligation under EPCG scheme reduced to 75% to Promote domestic capital goods manufacturing. FTP to be aligned with Make in India, Digital India and Skills India initiatives. Duty credit scrips made freely transferable and usable for payment of custom duty, excise duty and service tax. Export promotion mission to take on board state Governments Unlike annual reviews, FTP will be reviewed after two-and-Half years. Higher level of support for export of defence, farm Produce and eco-friendly products.MUST READReturn to the Durand Line?HinduFeeling the pulses pinchHinduIslamists and their refracted angerHinduFor friendlier lawsIndian ExpressGlobalization and its discontentsLivemintIndia’s American conundrumLivemintNet neutrality demand lacks Indian contextBusiness LineRelated Articles:TRAI rules in favour of Net neutralityInternet-The Public GoodNothing free or basic about ‘Free Basics’ (Facebook’s initiative)Denial raj?Business Line 

Jul 7, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

IASbaba '60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2016 ECONOMICS & CURRENT AFFAIRS [DAY 46]

Click here to get all the Tests– Archives   Hello Friends Hope you are enjoying Daily questions. The link for Day 45 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 46]   Q.1) Consider the following about Current Account Deficit. A measurement of a country’s trade in which the value of goods and services it imports exceeds the value of goods and services it exports. If a current account deficit is financed through borrowing it is said to be more sustainable and is the globally accepted method. A factor behind the Asian crisis of 1997 was that countries had run up large current account deficits by attracting capital flows (hot money) to finance the deficit. A current account deficit, may imply that you are relying on consumer spending, and are becoming uncompetitive. Select the correct answer a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1, 3 and 4 only d) All of the above Q.2) consider the following about J-curve. A theory stating that a country's trade deficit will worsen initially after the depreciation of its currency because higher prices on foreign imports will be greater than the reduced volume of imports. In private equity funds , the J-curve effect occurs when funds experience negative returns for the first several years. Select the correct answer: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) None of the above Q.3) The balance of payments (BOP) is the method countries use to monitor all international monetary transactions at a specific period of time. Consider the following. All trades conducted by both the private and public sectors are accounted for in the BOP in order to determine how much money is going in and out of a country. If a country has received money, this is known as a debit, and if a country has paid or given money, the transaction is counted as a credit. Theoretically, the BOP should be zero, meaning that assets (credits) and liabilities (debits) should balance, but in practice this is rarely the case. Select the correct answer a) 1 and 2 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 2 and 3only d) All of the above Q.4) Which of following is not under current account of balance of payments (BOP)? a) Goods b) Services c) Loans d) Transfers Q.5) Consider the following. a) India experiences a deficit in income part of current account in BOP. b) India experiences a surplus in services part of current account in BOP. c) India experiences a deficit in transfers part of current account in BOP. d) All the above are correct Q.6) Which of the following will lead to reduction of CAD? Decrease in crude oil consumption. Increase in import duty of gold. Boost to IT sector in India. Promote FDI Select the correct answer a) 1, 2 and 3 only b) 1, 2 and 4 only c) 1, 3 and 4 only d) All of the above Q.7) Consider the following about Arvind Mayaram Committee w.r.t foreign investments. Foreign investment of 10 per cent or more in a listed company will now be treated as foreign direct investment (FDI). It said an investor may be allowed to invest below 10 per cent and “this can be treated as FDI subject to the condition that the FDI stake is raised to 10 per cent or beyond within one year from the date of the first purchase“. The panel has suggested that foreign investment in an unlisted company, irrespective of the threshold limit, may be treated as FPI. Any investment by way of equity shares, compulsorily convertible preference shares/debentures less than 10 per cent should treated as Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI). Select the correct answer a) 1 and 3 only b) 1, 2 and 4 only c) 2, 3 and 4 only d) 1, 2 and 3 only Q.8) Consider the following. RBI and Ministry of Finance monitors the FDI investment. SEBI is the regulator for FPI, FII or RFPI investments. Select the correct answer: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) None of the above Q.9) Consider the following. If BOP is positive then it might lead to rupee appreciation and hence good for the exporters. If BOP is negative then it might lead to rupee depreciation and hence the RBI will absorb the excess rupee in the market. Select the correct answer: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) None of the above Q.10) Consider the following about nominal and real exchange rate. Nominal exchange rate is the price of one currency in terms of number of units of some other currency. It is 'nominal' because it measures only the numerical exchange value, and does not say anything about other aspects such as the purchasing power of that currency. The real exchange rates are nothing but the nominal exchange rates multiplied by the price indices of the two countries. The real exchange rates are nothing but the nominal exchange rates multiplied by the price indices of the two countries. Select the correct answer a) 1, 2 and 3 only b) 1, 2 and 4 only c) 1, 3 and 4 only d) All of the above Q.11) Consider the following statements regarding the Exchange Rate Systems: Under a freely floating exchange rate regime, authorities do not intervene in the market for foreign exchange and there is minimal need for international reserves. RBI does not intervene in Foreign Exchange market, with the objective of maintaining the Real Effective Exchange Rate stable. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.12) Consider the following statements: The price of any currency in international market is decided by the World Bank Demand for goods/services provided by the country concerned Stability of the government of the concerned country Economic potential of the country in question Which of the statements given above are correct? a) All of the above b) 1 and 4 c) 2 and 3 d) 3 and 4 Q.13) The value of the SDR is currently based on a basket of four major currencies: the U.S. dollar, euro, the Japanese yen, and pound sterling. The basket is being expanded to include which of the following currencies? a) Indian Rupee b) Swiss Franc c) Saudi Riyal d) Chinese Renminbi Q.14)   If the foreign-currency equivalent of the home currency falls, then the home currency has devalued. the home currency has revalued. the currency must be in a freely fluctuating exchange-rate system. the currency is less valuable in purchasing power parity. Which of the above statements are incorrect? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) 3 and 4 d) 2,3 and 4 Q.15) Which of the following are the functions of IMF? provide emergency loans to countries facing balance of payments problems. monitor macroeconomic developments continuously in member countries. serve as the world central bank. to provide a line of credit for each member country. Select the code from following : a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1,2 and 4 d) All of the above Q.16) An annual ‘Pitra-paksha’ mela takes place here— a) Bodhgaya b) Varanasi c) Puri d) Gaya Q.17) The Udayagiri-Khandagiri caves are a part of the heritage of which faith? a) Hinduism b) Buddhism c) Jainism d) Sati Cult Q.18) The assigned code name of India’s first nuclear bomb explosion in 1974 is: a) Operation Blue Star b) Operation Shakti c) Smiling Buddha d) Operation Crossroads Q.19) Consider the following statements: He was also known as Bacha Khan. He founded the Khudai Khidmatgar ("Servants of God") movement in 1929. He strongly opposed the All-India Muslim League's demand for the partition of India. Identify the personality from the following options: a) Badruddin Tyabji b) Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan c) Hakim Ajmal Khan d) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Q.20) Where did the Counter-Terrorism Conference-2016 take place? a) New Delhi b) Jaipur c) Mumbai d) Ahmedabad Q.21) Consider the following statements with regard to Central Statistics Office (CSO) under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation: The CSO releases Consumer Price Indices (CPI) for all-India and states/union territories separately for rural, urban, industrial workers and combined (rural plus urban) CSO also disseminates Energy Statistics, Social and Environment Statistics and prepares the National Industrial Classification Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.22) Which among the following statements is/are correct in regard to the Cash based Accounting System and Accrual Accounting System? The Indian Government accounts are prepared on a cash based accounting system, which does not give a realistic account of government’s financial position. The present system does not reflect accrued liabilities arising from the gap between communities and transactions of government on the one hand and payments made. The 12th Finance Commission recommended for the introduction of accrual accounting in Government, which have been accepted in principle. Select the correct one/ones, using the code given below: a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) 1, 2 and 3 Q.23) Select the incorrect one/ones about the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) provisions of the WTO from the given list of statements, using the code given below: In general, MFN means that every time a country lowers a trade barrier or opens up a market, it has to do so for the same goods or services for all its trading partners The MFN clause functions differently for the developed and developing countries Select the appropriate code a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.24) Consider the following statements in regard to the concept known as Labour force participation rate in India: The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), obtained by dividing the number of persons in the labour force by total population, is an important parameter in employment projections and formulation of employment strategies. The National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) defines labour force participation rate (LFPR) as the number of persons/person days in labour force per thousand persons/person days. Select the correct answer using the code given below a) Only 1 b) Only 2 c) 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.25) Consider the following statements in regard to agricultural schemes in India: National Food Security Mission (NFSM) to increase the production of rice, wheat and pulses by 10,8 and 2 million tonnes, respectively by the end of the 12th Plan. The Government of India has approved crop development programme on cotton, jute and sugarcane for enhancing productivity under National Food Security Mission-Commercial Crops (NFSM-CC) from 2014-15. Krishonnati Yojana is a new umbrella scheme and the above two schemes have been included in Krishonnati scheme. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 2 and 3 only b) 1 and 2 only c) 1 and 3 only d) All of the above   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 7, 2016 AIR

All India Radio - Central Model Law for Malls, Movie Halls and Shops

ARCHIVES   Central Model Law for Malls, Movie Halls and Shops   Search 30th june http://newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx The Union Cabinet has cleared a model law that allows all shops and establishments, not covered under the Factories Act, such as malls, cinema halls or an information technology firm to be open 24X7 and to work 365 days in a year. Called ‘The Model Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2016’, it is a bold step towards employment generation. The law will not apply for government offices and the Reserve Bank of India. The bill will bring about uniformity in the legislative provisions making it easier for all the states to adopt it and thereby ensuring uniform working conditions across the country. It will facilitate the ease of doing business and generate employment opportunity. Now the states have to adopt the bill fully or with certain modifications to suit their own needs. This bill will not be enacted by Parliament but by the states. The first impression of this act is the government’s commitment towards ease of doing business. Bill Highlights Cover only establishments employing ten or more workers except manufacturing units. Bill provides for freedom to operate 365 days in a year and opening/closing time of establishment. Women to be permitted during night shift, if the provision of shelter, rest room ladies toilet, adequate protection of their dignity and transportation etc. exists. No discrimination against women in the matter of recruitment, training, transfer or promotions. Online one common Registration through a simplified procedure. Powers of Government to make rules regarding adequate measures to be taken by the employer for the safety and health of workers. Clean and safe drinking water. Lavatory, crèche, first aid and canteen by group of establishments, in case, it is not possible due to constraint in space or otherwise by individual establishment. Five paid festival holidays in addition to national holidays etc. Exemption of highly skilled workers (for example workers employed in IT, Biotechnology and R&D division) from daily working hours of 9 hours and weekly working hours of 48 hours subject to maximum 125 over-time hours in a quarter. Multiple dimensions From business point of view, there were unnecessary restrictions like particular shop or market must open at a particular time and must close at a particular time or must remain closed on a particular day. So, it was a restriction which was certainly not in favour of the business. From the point of view of real estate, if it is allowed to work 24*7, it can be used three times over in a day. Which means, the cost of running the business or turnover can increase three times, the same property can be utilised for three businesses or same business 24*7. From a consumer point of view, when working family members return home at night, the markets are closed by then. So, this is the customer which the shopkeeper is losing and the customer is not getting the shop. Hence, it is essentially postponed to the weekend. Either there is lot of crowd in market or there is no market open on a weekend. Therefore, such a provision for 24*7 markets is very essential. From environmental point of view, it is a breather. The roads are choked during peak hours of day (8-11 am and 6-9pm). If there are flexible working hours, the traffic on the roads will be equally distributed along the day. This will enable smooth flow of traffic reducing air pollution and noise pollution. From the bank point of view, for a businessmen the bank is available during day time. But for office goers, the banks may be operating within their working hours only. In such situation, a bank available after the working hours will be a win-win for both parties. Probable challenges The Confederation of All India Traders have cautioned that it may result in law and order kind of problem and expose trading community to various kinds of threats. This is a valid and credible opinion as when the business is run in the night or 24*7, there are lot more security issues which is responsibility of the establishment or shop and state. This issue has to be addressed and that is why central government has only made a model law and left the detailing to state. There could be areas in such a diverse country where 24 hours working is not possible. The span of law and order machinery may not be available for continuous long working hours. The state could make it applicable to certain areas where law and order problem can be handled or not to certain areas or make it partially applicable and thus it will be dependent on the situation on the ground. Employment opportunities and security of women More employment opportunities for women will be generated. The model law says that women cannot be discriminated against and they have to be allowed to work during night shifts. It clearly states that no discrimination against women shall be done in the matter of recruitment, training, transfer or promotion, and they have to be permitted during night shifts. The only conditions are that there have to be provision of shelter, restroom, ladies toilet, adequate protection of their dignity and transportation etc. It also provides for crèches which makes establishment more attractive to women. So, these are the requirements that the establishment has to offer to women. Yet, the security of the women is a critical issue which needs to be addressed. Safety and security of women will increase their confidence in seeking employment for any time of the day. Why such Bill? Ease of doing business: Facilitate easy business establishment procedure and operations Employability: Due to enhanced working hours, more job opportunities would be created. Uniformity: One of the reason of such bill is that every state has varied norms, rules and regulations for shops and various business establishments. The government wanted to have some kind of uniformity so that businesses can grow much faster. E-governance: There were various arbitrary rules allowing inspectors to check any shop or establishment at any point of time. The registration and renewal process of business was very cumbersome. Now everything is made online which will offer much easier approach options to the business establishment. Conclusion The problem is the implementation of such laws. It is the states which have to bring in similar laws based on model law with certain changes or similar as passed by Union Cabinet. Ever since globalisation in early 1990s, the ease of doing business is a greater concern and this is aimed at offering better environment to business community. But if the states don’t follow the suite or go ahead with this kind of law and are not on the same side with the model law, remarkable changes possible in business environment will suffer. The state government has the authority over the subject as it is a part of State List. Even if there is disagreement between center and state government, the center is in no position to force the state government to implement it.  Thus, it is the state government which is in best position to assess the suitability of the law and implement the values of cooperative federalism. All the assets, the road, electricity, real estate and other public services will be equitably distributed. The allegation remains that this is done to facilitate the bigger businesses. The act says that it is applicable to establishment with 10 or more workers and thus, it is to primarily help out bigger businesses and chains which run malls and stores. However, it will be applicable to smaller businesses also (MSMEs also). Before bringing the bill, government had deliberations and discussions with public through internet and with employees/labour representatives, employers’ associations/federations and State Governments through tripartite consultative process. Hence, there were detailed and wide range of consultations carried out by the government to finalise the bill. The Model Bill is a suggestive piece of legislation and has been finalized keeping in view the spirit of co-operative federalism. This gives liberty to States for fine tuning the Model bill to suit their requirements. This is expected to generate competitive and challenging spirit amongst the States and create an environment which is conducive for large scale employment generation at every level, especially in smaller and medium towns.

Jul 6, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 6th July, 2016   NATIONAL/SECURITY TOPIC: General studies 3: North East Issues - Nagaland Issue Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. Challenges to internal security through communication networks Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.   NAGALAND ISSUE: FULL STORY BACKGROUND: (Before Independence) The British annexed Assam in 1826, and in 1881, the Naga Hills too became part of British India. The first sign of Naga resistance can be seen in the formation of the Naga Club in 1918, which told the Simon Commission in 1929 “to leave them alone to determine for themselves as in ancient times”. In 1946 came the Naga National Council (NNC), which, under the leadership of Angami Zapu Phizo, declared Nagaland an independent state on August 14, 1947. (After Independence) The NNC resolved to establish a “sovereign Naga state” and conducted a “referendum” in 1951, in which “99 per cent” supported an “independent” Nagaland. On March 22, 1952, Phizo formed the underground Naga Federal Government (NFG) and the Naga Federal Army (NFA). The Government of India sent in the Army to crush the insurgency and, in 1958, enacted the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. The Naga Hills, a district of Assam, was upgraded to a state in 1963. In 1964, Jai Prakash Narain, then Assam Chief Minister Bimala Prasad Chaliha and Rev. Michael Scott formed a Peace Mission, and got the government and NNC to sign an agreement to suspend operations. But the NNC/NFG/NFA continued to indulge in violence, and after six rounds of talks, the Peace Mission was abandoned in 1967, and a massive counter-insurgency operation launched. On November 11, 1975, the government got a section of NNC leaders to sign the Shillong Accord, under which this section of NNC and NFG agreed to give up arms. However, a group of about 140 members led by Thuingaleng Muivah, who were at that time in China, refused to accept the Shillong Accord, and formed the National Socialist Council of Nagaland in 1980. Muivah also had Isak Chisi Swu and S S Khaplang with him. In 1988, the NSCN split into NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) after a violent clash. While the NNC began to fade away, and Phizo died in London in 1991, the NSCN (IM) came to be seen as the “mother of all insurgencies” in the region. After NSCN(I-M) and NSCN(K) more factions like NSCN(K-K), NSCN (Reformation), NSCN (Unification), etc. sprang up. The faction, NSCN (K-K), led by Khole Konyak, a Konyak Naga from Mon district and Kitovi Zhimomi, a Sumi Naga of Zunheboto district, merged not long ago into the NSCN(I-M). All these outfits agreed to strengthen reconciliation process to unite Nagas for the purpose of achieving their “historical and political rights.” WHAT DID THE NSCN (IM) WANT? A “Greater Nagalim” comprising “all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas”, along with Nagaland. That included several districts of Assam, Arunachal and Manipur, as also a large tract of Myanmar. The map of “Greater Nagalim” has about 1,20,000 sq km, while the state of Nagaland consists of 16,527 sq km. The claims have always kept Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh wary of a peace settlement that might affect their territories. The Nagaland Assembly has endorsed the ‘Greater Nagalim’ demand — “Integration of all Naga-inhabited contiguous areas under one administrative umbrella” — as many as five times: in December 1964, August 1970, September 1994, December 2003 and as recently as on July 27, 2015.   WHEN DID NSCN (IM) JOIN PEACE TALKS? Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao met Muivah, Swu and other top NSCN (IM) leaders in Paris on June 15, 1995. In November 1995, then MoS (Home) Rajesh Pilot met them in Bangkok. Subsequently, Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda met them in Zurich on February 3, 1997, which was followed by meetings with officers in Geneva and Bangkok. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee met them in Paris on September 30, 1998. The Government of India signed a ceasefire agreement with NSCN (IM) on July 25, 1997, which came into effect on August 1, 1997. Over 80 rounds of talks between the two sides were held subsequently. The peace process entered a crucial phase with the NSCN (Khaplang) faction formally announcing its unilateral cease-fire decision on April 9, 2000 and indicating that it is willing to hold peace talks with the Centre. PEACE AGAIN WAS AT STAKE IN NAGALAND Unfortunately, on Mar 2015, the NSCN-K headed by its Myanmar-based Chairman, S.S. Khaplang, unilaterally decided to retract from the 14-year ceasefire agreement with the Indian government. However, in April 2012, NSCN-K signed a ceasefire with Yangon (Myanmar) NSCN-K, even though on ceasefire agreement (from last 14 years), continued with its militant activities and setting up camps in 3 zones of Myanmar where it enjoys autonomy conferred by Myanmar Govt. NSCN-K inked friendship with other insurgent groups such as CorComm (Cooperation Committee, which is an umbrella organisation of 6 insurgent groups in Manipur) and with ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom-Parmesh Barua) and the NDFB (National Democratic Front of Bodoland - Songbijit Faction) and provides them training and camping in 3 zones of Myanmar. (ENPO)Eastern Naga Peoples' Organisation, civil organisation with representatives from ethnic groups of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar - declared that NSCN-K which is Myanmar based group now is more concerned with new territorial alignments along international border and hence they deal with Myanmar Government. Naga Framework Agreement, 2015 On Aug 3, 2015, latest agreement was signed with NSCN (I-M), and other Naga armed groups such as NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) etc. (however, NSCN (K) was excluded) On August 25, at a People’s Consultative Meeting on the accord, Mr. Muivah spoke about the criticality of getting the other Naga armed actors on board. While explaining the idea of a pan-Naga Hoho (a proposed statutory body as part of the framework agreement) that will enjoy independent executive and budgetary powers to look after the welfare of Naga inhabited areas outside Nagaland, Mr. Muivah again called for mutual understanding and dialogue among the Nagas. However, the biggest breakthrough is that the NSCN (I-M), and other Naga armed groups such as NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) have agreed to give up violence and resolve all issues peacefully (thanks to Isak Chishi Swu). Demise of Isak Chishi Swu The demise of Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman of the Naga rebel outfit, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), and President of the outfit’s ‘government’, the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland (GPRN), is a great loss to the Nagas, particularly to those in Nagaland. Will Swu’s departure complicate the above discussed matter further? Will the rebel outfit with a new chairman be able to unite different rebel factions and command respect and trust of different Naga civil society groups?   The way ahead: As Isak Chishi Swu’s death complicates the Naga question, the Government of India’s approach towards Northeast India would be healthier if it was based on a policy framed for holistic development of the region as a unit as against meek responses to claims or demands of different warring ethnic groups. Looking for solutions to problems on ethnic lines is a sure way to breed problems of greater complexity. A comprehensive plan with flexibility that is prepared on the ground in broad consultation with stakeholders for development of the region is the need of the hour. It is understandable that without significantly developing all the states in the Northeast, realising the vision of the Act East policy from all dimensions remain to be a difficult proposition. There is a need to comprehensively engage India’s Northeast with the strategic community based in New Delhi and to transform the NER as a gateway for trade and commerce with ASEAN countries. Blind pouring of money alone will not integrate the Northeast into the mainstream. The region will remain a boiling pot until the time the Government of India looks seriously, sincerely and with an open mind towards the Northeast to develop it as an integral part of the nation. Therefore, any attempt to find a way out of the present imbroglio would require an impartial stand on the part of the Centre. The Government cannot afford to be seen as favouring one or the other faction. For any meaningful outcome, all factions of the undergrounds even including overgrounds, shall have to be involved, otherwise piecemeal peace/dialogue will not bring a satisfactory political solution. A lasting solution lies in more autonomy to the state, genuine economic development, accelerated infrastructural development, new trade routes, less Central funds and a little bit of pressure on militant groups to accept the peace proposal. Sincerity on the part of political and insurgent leadership alone can bring 'peace to the land of the exhilarating Nagas'.   ECONOMICS 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. General studies 3 Transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers   Dynamics of National Agricultural Market National Agricultural Market (NAM) is designed to serve as a ‘pan-India electronic trading portal which networks the existing APMC mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities’. Highlights: Pilot phase: includes 21 markets in eight States and 11 commodities Integrate 585 mandis by 2018 (8 per cent of the nearly 7,500 regulated markets) while covering a small fraction of the vast range of agricultural commodities marketed and traded, both inside and outside mandis across the country Promote transparent operation Play a key role in doubling Indian farmers’ incomes by 2022 To participate on e-NAM, states have to modify their respective APMC acts to allow a single state-wide trading licence or move towards a regime based on registration rather than licensing. Point of Focus Encourage States: More states need to be encouraged to participate and the compliance can be ensured via Digital initiative and the idea of last-mile delivery via better infrastructure. Large mandis should lead the way: will create a demand-side pull and attract more farmers to the e-NAM Create validation: Success needs to be brought about early for its spill-over effects to take place. Increasingly, the government should aim for better management of perishables. Licensing reform: It is a very significant shift, away from the current system of local mandi-specific licensing and therefore, it requires dealing away with restrictions and rents on licenses to new buyers that often limited the pool of buyers in primary markets, especially for parties located outside the State and its entrenched networks. Standardisation of System: Along the provision of quality assessors to certify the produce, there has to be an institutional attempt for quality standardisation Need much more competitive, integrated and well-appointed local markets, where both local traders and extra-local online buyers can bid on the produce brought by farmers to their mandis Need to standardise the logistics (transportation and shipment charges) aspect as well Ease of movement needs to be secured against the maze of permits, the condition of the road network, the inability of the railways to transport commodities at a scale—transportation accounts for 14 per cent of the supply chain costs The lack of specialised agricultural produce transportation vehicles needs to be done away with the help of the ‘Make In India’ programme More investment in invested in basic facilities like warehouses, cold storages and inventory management systems—proper price discovery and national trading needs to be backed up by massive investment in storage sites and facilities Private players need to be encouraged to spend on research and development on “mobile cold storages” Encouraging large farmers, APMCs or transport operators to buy fit-for-purpose vehicles—geographical boundaries to be diluted There is also a need to address the marketing challenges of many producers still restricted to transacting, under very unfavourable conditions, outside market yards. This can be emphasised upon as an opportunity for both a more comprehensive and contextual approach to market reform—including support to new and promising institutional forms such as producer companies, especially among small and marginal farmers working in rain-fed regions. The opening up of the food-processing sector for foreign direct investment (FDI) should be complemented with the above steps. Do away with the opaqueness of operations There needs to be incorporated an element of transparency w.r.t. clearing (matching buyers and sellers and assigning trades) and settlement (exchange of the traded commodity and money between buyers and sellers). The government needs to spend time and resources in educating potential participants in the market, making features and associated fall-backs of e-NAM Financial Inclusion: The government should find a way to extend the financial inclusion programmes for agricultural credit to bring the bottom of the pyramid population into the financial net Connecting the Dots Is there a need for the Centre to enact a Right to Trade law to create a true national market for agricultural produce? Discuss.   Refer: E-platform for trading farm produce to make agriculture remunerative The need for unifying agricultural markets   MUST READ The stifling steel frame Hindu For Detailed Analysis on  ‘Bureaucracy/Civil Services’, refer the below link http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-12th-september-2015/ http://iasbaba.com/2015/12/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-1st-december-2015/   A new tryst with Africa Hindu   Don’t narrow the field Indian Express Indian Express   Recognizing urban India Livemint   Textile industry gets some much-needed attention Livemint Related Articles: A stitch in time for a rise in India’s Employment numbers TLP – 2016   Digital story of drought and death Livemint   A good monsoon is a mixed blessing Business Line

Jul 6, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

IASbaba '60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2016 ECONOMICS & CURRENT AFFAIRS [DAY 45]

Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Hello Friends Hope you are enjoying Daily questions. The link for Day 44 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 45] Q.1) Which of the following can be the objectives behind setting up Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)? To build a self reliant economy To prevent or reduce concentration of private economic power Establish sound economic infrastructure Assist in ancillarisation and spread the benefits of industrialisation. Select the correct answer a) 1, 2 and 3 only b) 1, 2 and 4 only c) 1, 3 and 4 only d) All of the above Q.2) Which of the following are correct w.r.t. Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)? The government-owned corporations are termed as Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India. In a PSU majority (51% or more) of the paid up share capital is held by central government or by any state government or partly by the central governments and partly by one or more state governments. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) doesn’t audit government companies. In respect of government companies, CAG has the power to appoint the Auditor and to direct the manner in which the Auditor shall audit the company's accounts. Select the correct answer a) 1 and 2 only b) 1, 2 and 4only c) 2, 3 and 4 only d) All of the above Q.3) Which of the following is incorrect about Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB)? a) The Public Enterprises Selection Board [P.E.S.B] is a high powered body constituted by Government of India Resolution. b) The P.E.S.B has been set up with the objective of evolving a sound managerial policy for the Central Public Sector Enterprises and, in particular, to advise Government on appointments to their top management posts. c) To advise the Government on formulation and enforcement of a code of conduct and ethics for managerial personnel applicable to PSEs and all government services. d) To advise the Government on a suitable performance appraisal system for both the PSEs and the managerial personnel in such enterprises Q.4) Consider the following about industrial policy 1991. One of the major objectives was to liberalise the industry from regulatory devices such as licenses and controls. Ensuring PSUs are not exposed to competition and protected from private sector push. Select the correct answer: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) None of the above Q.5) Consider the following about MRTP (Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices)Act. The act came into force from 1st June, 1970 aiming to prevent concentration of economic power, provide for control of monopolies, and protect consumer interest. Currently, the MRTP Act has been renamed as the Competition Act, 2002, with a few changes to it. A Monopolistic Trade Practice is that which represents abuse of market power in production and marketing of goods and services by eliminating potential competitors, charging unreasonably high prices, preventing or reducing competition, limiting technical development, deteriorating product quality, etc. Select the correct answer: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) None of the above Q.6) Which of the following is incorrect about Competition Commission of India (CCI)? a) CCI is a statutory body established under the Competition Act 2002. b) The Act prohibits anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position by enterprises and regulates combinations (acquisition, acquiring of control and M&A), which causes or likely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition within India applicable only for state and centre owned establishments. c) The Commission is also required to give opinion on competition issues on a reference received from a statutory authority established under any law and to undertake competition advocacy, create public awareness and impart training on competition issues. d) To promote and sustain an enabling competition culture through engagement and enforcement that would inspire businesses to be fair, competitive and innovative; enhance consumer welfare; and support economic growth. Q.7) Corporate Governance refers to the way a corporation is governed. Consider the following. Narayan Murthy Committee was set up by SEBI in 2003 w.r.t Corporate governance. Whistle blower policy was a key recommendation of the committee. The committee observed nominee of the Government on public sector companies shall be elected and shall be subject to the same responsibilities and liabilities as other directors. Select the correct answer a) 1 and 2 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 2 and 3only d) All of the above Q.8) Which of the following are Maharatnas? Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited Coal India Limited GAIL (India) Limited Indian Oil Corporation Limited NHPC Limited Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited Steel Authority of India Limited Select the correct answer. a) 1, 2 ,3, 4, 6 and 7 only b) 2 ,3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 only c) 1, 2 ,3, 4, 5 and 7 only d) All of the above Q.9) The Department of Disinvestment has been renamed as Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). Consider the following. It is a department under the ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises. The new department has been mandated to "advise the government in the matters of financial restructuring of central public sector enterprises and for attracting investment through capital markets". The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs(CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister gives its approval for the procedure and mechanism for strategic disinvestment. Select the correct answer a) 1 and 2 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 2 and 3only d) All of the above Q.10) Strategic sale is a part of disinvestment. Consider the following. The NITI Aayog will identify the CPSE for strategic sale. The previous NDA government had between 1999 and 2004 privatised about a dozen state-owned firms and hotels including Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL), Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd (BALCO), CMC Ltd and Hindustan Zinc (HZL). Select the correct answer: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) None of the above Q.11) Consider the following regarding Central Pay Commission: It is a statutory body formed after Pay Commission’s Act 1947. It is constituted in every five years. It is set to review and make recommendations on the work and pay structure of all civil and military divisions of the Government of India. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 2 b) 3 only c) 2 and 3 d) 1 and 3 Q.12) Which of the following dimensions are included in calculating Social Progress Index (SPI)? Basic needs for survival Access to the building blocks to improve living conditions Access to opportunity to pursue goals and ambitions Select the code from below: a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) All of the above Q.13) Consider the following statements regarding the Expenditure Management Commission: The commission was set up by the Government under the Chairmanship of Dr. Bimal Jalan. It objective is to suggest ways of meeting development expenditure needs without compromising on Fiscal Discipline. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.14) The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium enterprises released a draft framework for revival of MSMEs order,2015. Which of the following statements regarding the draft framework are correct? Banks are required to classify MSMEs into three categories, based on overdue principle or interest payments. MSMEs that predict a failure of business or inability to pay debts can voluntarily initiate proceedings under the proposed Framework. Select the code from the following: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.15) The action plan for the Start Up India initiative was released by the Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi in Jan 2016. The initiatives seeks to encourage start-ups in India, with the aim of promoting sustainable economic growth and generating large scale employment. Which of the following statements are correct about Start Up India initiative? Start Ups will be allowed to self certify their compliance with six labour laws. In case of Labour Laws and environmental Laws, inspections will not be conducted for three years, unless a complaint is received. Select the code from below: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.16) Consider the following statements with regard to index of Industrial Production (IIP) IIP conveys the status of production in the industrial sector of an economy in a given period of time, in comparison with a fixed reference point in the past. In the IIP index, the maximum weightage is given to Basic goods, followed by Consumer Goods, followed by Intermediate and Capital Goods. Select the correct code: a) Only 1 is correct b) Only 2 is correct c) Both 1 and 2 is correct d) Neither 1 nor 2 is correct Q.17) Which of the following statements is true about 'P-Notes' in India? These are issued by SEBI in India. They cannot be used within the country. Investors in P-Notes are not required to register with SEBI. Due to the issue of money laundering, P-Notes are banned in India. Select the correct answer using the code given below. a) 1, 2 and 3 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.18) Consider the following statements regarding Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF): It is a statutory fund. It is used to extend basic telephony services to the rural areas. It is maintained as a part of Consolidated Fund of India. Resources for USOF are raised exclusively through Universal Service Levy on revenues of all Telecom Service Providers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2, 3 and 4 only c) 2 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.19) Recently, there has been large contraction in India’s trade surplus in services. It is due to: a) sharp drop in non-software services exports b) global economic slowdown c) drop in software services exports d) All of the above Q.20) Identify the organization that prepared a standardised electronic format for information exchange on Base Erosion and Profit Sharing (BEPS) to help tax authorities a) Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) b) Agency for Cooperation and Research in Development (ACORD) c) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) d) International Monetary Fund (IMF) Q.21) Khankahs are— a) A Sufi convent b) A retreat designed specifically for gatherings of Sufi brotherhood to meet, reside, study, and assemble and pray together as a group in the presence of a Sufi master c) Pillars carved in red sandstone d) A type of pottery practiced during the Neolithic period Q.22) Identify the State hosting Raas, Sankirtana and Thang-ta as its dance-forms— a) Meghalaya b) Assam c) Nagaland d) Manipur Q.23) Consider the following statements: INCOIS is an attached office of the Government of India, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund consists of public contributions and budgetary support in the 60:40 ratios respectively. Choose the correct option/s: a) Only 1 b) Only 2 c) Both 1 and 2 d) None of the above Q.24) Where will the joint operations centre of the Islamic Military Alliance be established? a) Hyderabad b) Islamabad c) Riyadh d) Cairo Q.25) ‘On 15 January 2016, gunmen armed with heavy weapons attacked the Cappuccino restaurant and the Splendid Hotel in the heart of Ouagadougou wherein 28 people were killed and many were injured.’ In which country does Ouagadougou lie? a) Burkina Faso b) Texas c) Florida d) France   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 6, 2016 AIR

All India Radio - Induction of LCA Tejas

ARCHIVES Induction of LCA Tejas   Search 1st July http://newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas was conceived 33 years ago and has been inducted recently. It is a momentous occasion in the history of India as far indigenisation is considered as the fighter jet is made in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is a celebration of the idea of a developing country like India which is sending a signal to the world that it is no more purely only a developing nation. India is in a position to make state-of-the-art Light Combat Aircraft which is world class. Background The HAL-made Marut HF-24 fighter was inducted into service in April 1967, fought in the 1971 war in the Rajasthan sector and was decommissioned from the IAF in 1983. Thus, after a gap of nearly five decades, IAF has got an indigenously developed fighter aircraft. The time period it took is however debateable as actually the funding for the programme came only in 1993 (so, only 23 years). It was flown in 2001 for first time within eight years, which is comparable with any record at anywhere in the world of an aircraft being developed from the funding stage to actual flight stage. Specifications HAL Tejas is single-seat, single-jet engine, multi-role light fighter aircraft Parties involved Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) conceptualised the project and designed it from the drawing board. HAL is the production agency despite western sanctions post Pokhran-II in 1998, no wonder the celebrations are called for. National Flight Testing Center which is not much talked about but it has undertaken 3100 flights accident free on a development aircraft. When compared with unfortunate experience of Sweden, a leading aircraft manufacturer in the world losing two Gripen in flight testing phase. It is a matter of congratulations. Tejas and its variants The present version of Tejas will have 20 aircrafts which will be followed by another 20 planes of updated version and the third version starting in 2019 will be called Tejas MK1A. Newer versions will have better air-to-air missiles, precision, guided ammunition, will also carry a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile. The present Tejas does not have BVR missile. The improvements alone will change the dynamics. Currently, this aircraft has not much utility for Indian Air Force. It does not have the capability to fly in the critical battle spaces of Indian Air Force in the western, northern and eastern sectors where it is confronted with a twin challenge, collusive threat from Pakistan and China. This aircraft has at the moment no role for it. It has a role for local air defence as an interceptor to track down an enemy aircraft in Indian airspace. It was termed earlier as ‘close air support’ but now it is called battlefield airstrike. Though Tejas is designed as a replacement to Mig21s, it cannot easily replace Mig21 at the moment due to its limited capability and production. For future development of this indigenous fighter aircraft, the government and Indian Air Force have in a calibrated manner evolved three matrices for Tejas. 1st Matrice: There will be 20 aircraft of current version which will be under Initial Operational Clearance (IOC). That will have a limited set of weapons and capability. Though it has fired LGB- Laser guided bomb, fired close combat missile and so, weapon fit wise and in terms of capability, it fits the bill. But it lacks the numbers. A squadron must have 16-18 aircrafts. Under IOC, the IAF had ordered 20, but only two have been taken over recently. A trainer, the third aircraft will follow soon. The timeline has been set for 6 more planes till December 2016, another 6 by end of 2017 and squadron will be raised completely by 2018. 2nd Matrice: It includes fleet of 20 upgraded Tejas versions. At the moment, HAL and IAF are more interested in first 20 aircrafts. The next 20 fleet with BVR missile technology will be introduced in 2019 because the production range of HAL is only 8 aircrafts an year. The present plane lacks few missiles which can be upgraded. The upgrade will take time once the newer versions and weapons are added. The upgradation is a challenge as one has to have technological ability, production capacity, design and development, manufacturing and many aerial best practices in place. 3rd Matrice: Tejas 1A will have the advanced radar, the AESA radar as it is called multi-tracked multi-scanned kill capability. It will have in flight refuelling and BVR missile firing technology. All Tejas variants have very huge maintainability that’s why it is kept close to HAL Bengaluru. The squadron stays in Bengaluru for two years and then move to Sulur (TN). So, due to proximity and feedback mechanisms in place, day to day problems arising can be worked out. The plan of 20+20+80 1As which are on order, the entire lot of 120 aircrafts will take next 12-15 years to get. In many ways, the Rafale or near-Rafale equivalents as an important induction are actually meant to meet the huge challenge the IAF faces today due to non-availability of Tejas. Its combat fleet from 40 squadrons that it sustained over nearly 3 decades declined to about 33 today and is rapidly reducing. So, this is where reports suggest that IAF is now trying to rationalise its fighter flying operations which is euphemism for trying to reduce hours so that it can extend the phase out time for the Mig21. Truly Indigenous? The fly-by-wire system in Tejas is developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd. But there are critics who point out that engine is from US and radar at the moment is from Israel. However, the airforce in a way believes that nobody makes all the technology as these are open-source technology which includes radar, Egyptian pilot seats which can be purchased from anywhere. Reinventing the wheel and getting every component and sub component of a combat aircraft indigenously produced is not feasible. The reason is that these are low cost items and to set up a production line for a limited demand is not practical. Also, the requirement for multimode radar is in progress. Tejas uses Elta radar but, there are plans of replacing them in FOC aircraft or MK1A. In terms of weapons in aircraft at the moment is fine except the BVR missile and the MK1A is being fitted with the AESA radar which is top of the shack multimode radar in the airborne mode. Kaveri, the indigenous engine designed for Tejas somehow did not succeed. The alternative of Kaveri is thought of but it will take a while. But, there is no alternative to India actually developing the capability of manufacturing advanced aero engines or very high technology combat aircraft. But it’s a huge challenge. Way forward The Tejas being inducted as the first step towards producing better fighter jets in India. So much has been talked about the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) which is India’s home grown version of fifth-generation fighter aircraft with Russian collaboration, which the IAF calls ‘the future perspective of multirole aircraft’. However, The AMCA is yet to do a project definition and feasibility study. However, this is a phenomenal event for history of aeronautics in India. What needs to be done is the bigger challenge and how to synergise the efforts of all the stakeholders: HAL, ADA, the 200-300 tier-I, Tier-II and Tier-III ancillaries, and all small units supplying small micro elements as spares and components and sub-components for this aircraft which is a genuine capability development at a national level. It is not that one undertaking is a center of excellence and there is nothing else. So, all these have been synergised to make the project successful. HAL needs to increase its production capacity from 8 to 16 aircrafts per year to meet its commitments. There are multiple discussions going on currently between HAL and Ministry of Defence and IAF. It is possible that initial operation clearance aircraft and final operations clearance aircraft both will run concurrently. So, two assembly lines is possible. But, that’s a time consuming process. Best business practices in terms of technological, managerial, human resource development, techniques being evolved in a synergised time frame are needed. It will take time as India is a newcomers in game of producing combat aircraft but it is doable. Also, there were 43 improvements suggested to HAL for Tejas MK1A which includes lot of new issues like weapons, maintainability of aircraft etc. However, these minor improvements pointed out by CAG in 2015 have now reduced to 20. There were issues like flight safety dimension which cannot be compromised. But, the IAF has announced that these are removed.  The 3100 flight tests are the testimony to flying skill of test pilots but also the quality control which has been institutional in aircraft for safety, reliability and very fine levels of maintainability, National Aeronautics Commission And thus, this is the time when the government needs a dynamic Prime Minister and equally dynamic Defence Minister to revisit the idea of National Aeronautics Commission. If space sector in India has shown such great successes, then there should not be any delay in establishing a National Aeronautics Commission which will speed up all the decision making, nimble footwork, monitoring mechanism and decisive actions to apply correctives whenever problems arise. This is a doable proposition for military aviation to increasing IAF combat squadron but also enhancing the capabilities and getting into far higher trajectory in national development in this very highly complex sector. It is well known that aeronautics is the highest end technology a country can master. And now India is knocking at its doors which gives it capability in cross sectoral manner. Whatever benefits arise from this sector, it can go to other sectors of higher technological development. The B K Chaturvedi Committee has strongly put forward in an unpublicised report to Ministry of Defence, the need of a National Aeronautics Commission to straddle civil and military sectors which will propel the country into the global map and help to create a respectable indigenous aviation industry (2012). Key words: Fly-by-wire: a system that replaces the conventional manual flight controls of an aircraft with an electronic interface. The movements of flight controls are converted to electronic signals transmitted by wires (hence the fly-by-wire term), and flight control computers determine how to move the actuators at each control surface to provide the ordered response. The fly-by-wire system also allows automatic signals sent by the aircraft's computers to perform functions without the pilot's input, as in systems that automatically help stabilize the aircraft, or prevent unsafe operation of the aircraft outside of its airspeed and altitude. BVR missile: An air-to-air missile that is capable of engaging at ranges of 37km or beyond. They are conceptually, operationally and technologically, massively complex affair. The future air combat will have missiles launched at targets that are way too far to be identified visually. Astra missile is an example. Refer: http://iasbaba.com/2015/08/synopsis-and-review-think-and-learn-day-39/ http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/light-combat-aircraft-tejas-iaf-rafale-deal-taking-off/

Jul 5, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 5th July, 2016   INTERNATIONAL/SECURITY   TOPIC: General studies 3 Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.  Challenges to internal security through communication networks and social networking sites Linkages between development and spread of extremism. Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.   The growing Islamic State threat: a “Big Concern” Extremists have carried out four massive attacks in three continents since the beginning of Ramzan this year, the holy month in the Islamic calendar. All the attacks were directly or indirectly linked to the Islamic State (IS) terror group. Recent attacks by extremists in Orlando, U.S. Istanbul, Turkey Dhaka , Bangladesh Baghdad, Iraq Out of these, the IS has claimed direct responsibility for the July 3 bombing in Baghdad that killed more than 200 people. In other three attacks, most of the attackers have pledged their allegiance to the IS or not an IS-directed assault but an inspired one. New face of Terrorism Each of the above attacks has its own nuances. The U.S. government says Orlando was not an IS-directed assault but an inspired one. In Turkey, the outfit did not claim responsibility (something unusual when compared to the boastful claims it makes after terror strikes elsewhere) In Bangladesh, the government has rejected the IS’s claims, blaming local militant networks instead. Baghdad could be the only incident in this set where there’s a consensus on the identity of the perpetrator. But these nuances also reflect the new face of terrorism. The IS is expanding its reach through its ideology even as it’s facing organisational setbacks at its core. All attackers in the above discussed four cities may not have got directions from Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi or his core team. There need not be an organisational link between the IS in Iraq and Syria and the terror cells in Dhaka or Jhenaidah. What connects these men is the deadly world view the IS is propagating. For the IS, everyone who doesn’t subscribe to its vision is an enemy and it divides these enemies into different sects — crusaders (largely Christians), apostates (mostly non-Sunni Muslims) and sinners (it could be anyone from gays to rebels). Evolving strategy In the three years of its existence, the IS has adopted several tactical approaches to stay relevant as a global jihadist force.   (Case I) Initial Tactic: Establishment of a Caliphate Its early focus was on the establishment of a Caliphate. The weak sectarian government of PM Nouri al-Maliki in Iraq and the bloody chaotic civil war in Syria let the group capture territories in both countries and declare the Caliphate. In the first year of the Caliphate, the IS kept expanding its territorial reach. The IS blended both asymmetric terrorism and modern warfare tactics to capture and hold on to territories. (This approach was different from the al-Qaeda-type terror organisations which were mainly hit-and-run groups.) Problem with this tactic: Enemies could easily target such groups by attacking the areas they control. The IS started facing the heat when its multiple enemies such as Russia, the U.S., Iran and the Kurds launched separate attacks from all sides of the Caliphate.   (Case II) Tactic: Suicide Bombings When the IS lost most of its territories and when they were repelled by the Kurdish fighters, the IS shifted its strategy by started attacking faraway locations using suicide bombers at the same time. (Especially when it lost Kobane, the Syrian border town which the IS laid siege too briefly.) So, till Kobane, the IS’s focus was largely on Iraq and Syria. But Kobane shattered the myth of invincibility, prompting the group to change tack. Incidents of IS attacks – IS gunmen killed 22 people in Tunisia’s Bardo national museum. They struck Paris, killing 130 people. Brussels attacks Beirut bombing These attacks were largely planned at the core and executed elsewhere — or the al-Qaeda style of suicide attacks. In all these attacks, the jihadists were trained in Syria and sent out to carry out the “missions”. Problems with this tactic: Even this tactic had its limitations. Terror modules could attract the attention of intelligence agencies in countries with functional institutions. There’s a higher chance for them to be busted than attacks being carried out. On the other side, the IS’s core territory kept shrinking. It lost Palmyra in Syria, and Ramadi and Fallujah in Iraq. The group is facing enormous pressure from all sides of the Caliphate — the Iraqis are set to march towards Mosul, while Kurdish forces backed by U.S. aircraft are breathing down on Raqqa.   (Case III) New Tactic: Propagation of IS ideology The IS wanted to strike anywhere outside Iraq and Syria (which is relatively easy for the group) to continue to stay in the business of jihadism. This desperation was apparent in the Ramzan message released by IS spokesperson Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, who called for “a month of calamity everywhere for non-believers”. The group’s propaganda has urged “supporters and soldiers of the Caliphate” to pledge allegiance to the Caliph and then carry out mass murder. IS issued an audio message - “The smallest action you do in the heart of their land is dearer to us than the largest action by us” The new tactic is paying off The recent attacks since the beginning of Ramzan this year – Orlando, Turkey and Dhaka attacks – show that this tactic is paying off. This is a far more dangerous phase. Al-Qaeda usually operates from its hideouts through its networks or autonomous cells. The IS has territory (the Caliphate); it has networks and affiliates (from Afghanistan to Nigeria); autonomous cells (possibly the Istanbul attack was carried out by such a cell and that’s why the IS leadership doesn’t claim the assault); and lone wolves and local groups that have subscribed to its world view (Orlando and Dhaka).   Conclusion: Irrespective of the setbacks it suffered at its core, the IS has transformed its ideology, which at the advent of the group was seen as an isolated, barbaric world view propagated by a few wicked human beings, into that of a globalised force. This means that even if the IS is defeated in Mosul and Raqqa, the threat it poses to the modern world is not going to subside anytime soon. Connecting the dots: The recent attacks by IS either directly or indirectly reflects its new phase or tactic, which the security experts claim, “is a far more dangerous phase”. Do you agree? Discuss your view point. Also discuss, how Islamic State approach differs from the al-Qaeda-type terror organisations? “The recent attacks by IS are not an IS-directed assault but an inspired one”. Give some strategies/suggestions, both from a domestic viewpoint and at global level, how to tackle these kinds of attacks which are carried out by its autonomous cells or lone wolves or local extremist groups that have subscribed to its (IS’s) world view.   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: Science and Technology – developments and their applications and effects in everyday life 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.   Hanging Free Basics—Between Telecom & Internet Services Net neutrality- Net neutrality is the principle that individuals should be free to access all content and applications equally, regardless of the source, without Internet service providers discriminating against specific online services or websites. Without net neutrality rules in place, ISPs can prevent users from visiting some websites, provide slower speeds for services like Netflix, or even redirect users from one website to a competing website. Net neutrality rules prevent this by requiring ISPs to connect users to all lawful content on the internet equally, without giving preferential treatment to certain sites or services. In the absence of net neutrality, companies can buy priority access to ISP customers. Larger, wealthier companies like Google or Facebook can pay ISPs to provide faster, more reliable access to their websites than to potential competitors. This could deter innovative start-up services that are unable to purchase priority access from the ISPs. Also, if ISPs can charge online services to connect to consumers, consumers would ultimately bear these additional costs Facebook’s Free Basics- Facebook (FB) had recently allowed signing an online petition by those who support free basics. As per FB’s online petition, it urged users to send a letter to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) supporting Free Basics. Free basics: Free Basics is part of the Internet.org by Facebook initiative. It is a platform (app) which makes the internet accessible to more people by providing them access to a range of free basic services like news, maternal health, travel, local jobs, sports, communication, and local government information. Against free basics- Data as commodity: When users go online internet data is consumed and personal data is the currency of the Internet economy. Data as commodity is the oil of the 21st century. Facebook and Google’s revenue model is based on monetising our personal data and selling it to advertisers (like what we search more, which age group etc.) Facebook generates estimated revenue of nearly $1 billion from its Indian subscribers, on which it pays no tax (FB is a US based company for which it pays no tax in India). Free basics is not free and violates net neutrality: Free Basics is not free, basic Internet as its name appears to imply. It has a version of Facebook, and only a few other websites and services that are willing to partner Facebook’s proprietary platform. With free basics the concept of net neutrality is violated. The internet service providers (ISP’s) by tying up with FB act as gatekeepers, regulating what content we have to view and what we should not. Basic flaw with the model: Facebook’s ads and advertorials talk about education, health and other services being provided by Free Basics, without telling us how we are going to access doctors and medicines through the Internet; or education. It forgets that while English is spoken by only about 12 per cent of the world’s population, 53 per cent of the Internet’s content is English. If Indians need to access education or health services, they need to access it in their languages, and not in English. And no education can succeed without teachers. The Internet is not a substitute for schools and colleges but only a complement, that too if material exists in the languages that the students understand. Similarly, health demands clinics, hospitals and doctors, not a few websites on a private Facebook platform. Monopolization of internet: Free basics have some limited apps which can be accessed without any cost (zero rating). When more people log onto free basics as it has no data charge, indirectly FB starts monopolising internet. Internet becomes FB and FB becomes internet. Who knows—if after monopolisation FB can charge money or data from people for accessing its services! Thus, TRAI ruled in favour of Net neutrality- The telecom regulator struck down differential pricing for internet services offered by telecom players to mobile users, in a bid to uphold the principles of net neutrality—serving a big blow to Facebook’s Free Basics and other zero-rated platforms such as Airtel Zero for which the social media giant No service provider can offer or charge discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content. Tariff for data services could not vary on the basis of the website/application/ platform/ or type of content being accessed. For example, a consumer could not be charged differently based on whether she was browsing social media site A or B, or on whether she was watching streaming videos or shopping on the Internet, it added No service provider shall enter into any arrangement, agreement or contract, by whatever name called, with any person, natural or legal, that the effect of discriminatory tariffs for data services being offered or charged by the service provider for the purpose of evading the prohibition in this regulation.   A new Consultation paper—Bringing Free Basics back from the grave Differential pricing back in spirit? Differential pricing means charging customers different prices for access to different websites and services. Zero-rating platforms are services developed by telcos in partnership with internet service providers (ISPs)/app makers come give free access to customers for certain applications/websites TRAI, earlier: Price-based differentiation would make certain content more attractive to consumers resulting in altering a consumer’s online behaviour and the knowledge and outlook of those users would be shaped only by the information made available through those select offerings. TRAI, at present: The real problem was that Free Basics had an exclusive agreement with just one telco to do so. It would accordingly be fine if Free Basics entered into a similar agreement with all telcos. Telcos will not be able to benefit from content-based price discrimination. However, they will facilitate ways whereby content providers can pick up the tab for consumers accessing their content (and not other) Or consumers being reimbursed directly by content providers for the access of their content Effects on the consumer: Incentivised access to some content and services over others, undercutting the key equalising feature of the Internet   Internet exceptionalism—A new trend on the block The Internet is considered to be some kind of uniquely regulation-free zone Paves way for a distinction being done by the regulator— between regulating the telcos and regulating “Internet services and apps”   IASbaba’s Views: Universal access to the Internet need not be interpreted as “uniform access” and the build-out of networks should be aligned to the absorptive capacity of a region by making it a demand-driven service. The time is also right to give up the telecom-Internet distinction as communication systems of the society are of special social significance and requires committed regulation and not just be treated as ordinary market goods. An attempt to bring back the Free Basics by making a distinction between telecom and ‘Internet services’ should be done away with and TRAI should make sure that paid prioritisation, blocking and throttling of lawful content and services on the net be excluded (strictly, at that) Connecting the Dots: What do you understand by net neutrality? Is free basics initiative of Facebook a violation of net neutrality? Substantiate Explain the terms differential pricing and zero rating used in telecom sector. ‘The British Empire was based on the control of the seas. Today, whoever controls the data oceans controls the global economy.’ Comment.   MUST READ   Pacific Ocean radiation nears pre-Fukushima level Hindu   How are central bank governors appointed? Livemint   Entry of foreign law firms far from a done deal Livemint   The debate on artificial intelligence Livemint   Where to after 25 years of reforms? Livemint   Environment ministry’s draft amendment on animals law gets the go-ahead Livemint Related Articles Taming bulls, wounding rights   Touched by Brexit Indian Express   Raja-Mandala: Speak frankly with China Indian Express   Toilets under Swachh Bharat Mission Indian Express   Interview: C Rangarajan Indian Express   49 years before Tejas, India had its own fighter — Marut Indian Express